A 17th century pub called 'The Black Bitch' is set to change its name after Greene King said it the title had links to racism and it was not 'welcoming and inclusive'.
The 350-year-old boozer in Linlithgow, West Lothian in Scotland, operates under the popular British brewer but is set to be rebranded over fears the name could offend customers.
It will now be called 'The Black Hound' after Greene King bosses said they had decided to make the change 'as part of our commitment to being an anti-racist organisation.'
But furious punters have been left stunned by the move, with many questioning the decision to part with a deeply entrenched symbol of the town's history.
The Black Bitch dates back to the 17th century and was named after a black, female greyhound that forms part of the town's crest. According to local legend, the brave pet saved her owner from starvation while they were imprisoned on Linlithgow Loch, and is referred to within the community as a reminder of her bravery.
A statue commemorating the local legend still stands to this day in the centre of the historic Scottish town, while its coat of arms features the black dog chained to an oak tree.
The pub will reportedly be named The Black Hound after a lengthy consultation, and discussions with a local race and equality forum.
Greene King's CEO Nick Mackenzie said the company feels 'strongly' that they have made the right decision after spending 'many months reviewing and discussing' the change. He said they understood it will 'attract a range of views' but they wanted to make pub names 'welcoming and inclusive' and wanted to make 'a positive change for the better.'
A 17th century pub called 'The Black Bitch' is set to change its name after its owners opted for an 'anti-racist' rebrand amid fears its title was not 'welcoming and inclusive'
According to local lore, 'The Black Bitch' dates back to the 17th century and was named after a black, female greyhound (pictured above) that forms part of the town's crest
A planning application is set to be submitted to West Lothian Council to alter the name written on the pub sign since the 17th century.
After the news was announced, furious locals took to social media to slam the decision.
Catherine Williams wrote: 'It's ridiculous, it is a black female dog, part of the history of the town and a symbol of loyalty!'
Bruce Gardner added: 'This is a complete joke, it’s named after a black female dog.
'How many of the people consulted that said they wouldn’t consider going into it would actually live close enough to go if the name was changed. This has gone too far now and needs to be stopped.'
Laura Anderson quipped: 'Is it April Fools Day already? This is a joke. This is part of Linlithgow's history.'
Meanwhile, Morag Nelson asked: 'Where does it stop? The White House? It has never been a racial slur. It’s an historic honour to have this title.'
In making its decision Greene King spoke with people both internally and with local groups, including the West Lothian Community Race Forum, reports the Linlithgow Gazette.
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