Pub could be forced to change its historic name because it's so offensive

Owner Greene King announced in February it would change the name of the The Black Bitch Tavern in Linlithgow, West Lothian, to The Willow Tree after a public consultation.

The term ‘Black Bitch’ has been associated with the town for more than 700 years, according to West Lothian History and Amenity Society, and it carries the name of a legendary black greyhound.

There's even a statue in the town to honour this historic name and the town's rich history.

Former SNP first minister Alex Salmond had been against Greene King's plan before the announcement was made on the name change in February.

Speaking last year, Salmond, the town native said: "Whoever they consulted on this silliness certainly wasn’t local where the name Black Bitch is borne with pride as showing awareness and respect for Lithgae’s rich history."

Greene King have reportedly gone to the government for full approval on the proposed name change after the local council deferred planning permission.

A statement on behalf of the brewery said it is not for West Lothian Council to control the name of the pub: "It was made clear to the council’s Development Management committee both within the officer report and verbally at committee that it is not for the council to control the name of the premises and that there are no planning grounds for either advertisement consent or listed building consent being refused on this basis.

"It was also made clear that Historic Environment Scotland had been consulted and have raised no objection."

In a statement to LADbible, a West Lothian Council spokesperson said: "At a meeting of the Development Management Committee in July, the committee voted to continue the two applications and requested that officers sought further information from Historic Environment Scotland regarding the listing of the building.

"The applications were due to reported back to the committee in September, but the applicant has now appealed against the non-determination of the applications to the DPEA (Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division).

"The decisions on the applications will now be made by a reporter appointed by the Scottish Government."

The Linlithgow Civic Trust has argued in a statement that there is 'nothing racist' about The Black Bitch and the name should not be changed.

It read: "It accurately describes a female canine with a black coat.

"We note that Greene appear to have no plans to change the names of their public houses called The Black Horse or The Black Bull."

Greene King is no stranger to implementing change as it has already changed the name of some of its pubs which were deemed as too offensive, including The Black Boy in Suffolk and The Black's Head in Derbyshire.