After Greene King, a 17-century pub known as ‘The Black Bitch’ decided to rebrand it with an “anti-racist” name amid concerns that its name wasn’t ‘welcoming or inclusive”, a pub now called ‘The Black Bitch. 

Linlithgow’s 350-year old boozer, West Lothian, Scotland is under the British brand. The chain was afraid that any racism would cause offence to customers and will undergo a dramatic transformation. 

The move has left Punters stunned, and many are questioning whether it was the right decision to give up a symbol that is so integral to the history of the community. 

Local legend says that ‘The Black Bitch,’ which dates back to 17th century, was named for a female black greyhound, and forms part of the town’s emblem.

The statue, which commemorates the legend of the Scottish village is still standing in its centre, bears the coat of arms of the black dog that was chained to the oak tree. 

After extensive consultations with internal and externe groups as well as a forum on race equality and local races, the pub is expected to be called The Black Hound. 

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'

After its owners, who were concerned about its title not being ‘welcoming’ and inclusive of its 17th-century pub, ‘The Black Bitch’ decided to rebrand it as an ‘antiracist’ brand.

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

According to local legend, “The Black Bitch” dates back the 17th Century and is named after a black female greyhound that formed part of the town crest.

This pooch symbolizes a local legend about a hunting dog that saved the life of its owner on Linlithgow Loch.

Greene King plans to change the name of the historic public building in keeping with company policies. 

West Lothian Council is expected to submit a plan application in order to amend the name of the pub sign, which was created in the 17th Century.

Local furiousness erupted after the announcement was made. 

Catherine Williams stated: “It’s absurd, it is black female dog. It’s part of the history and 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 is unacceptable and must be stopped.

Laura Anderson quipped: ‘Is it April Fools Day already? This is absurd. Linlithgow is proud of it.

Morag Nelson questioned: “Where does it end?” It’s the White House. It is not a racial insult. 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.  

Punters have been left stunned by Greene King's decision, with many questioning the decision to part with a deeply entrenched symbol of the town's history

Greene King’s decision has shocked punters, and many are questioning whether it was wise to give up a symbol that is so integral to the history of the community.

Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie commented on the decision, saying: “This is an important choice to make but we believe it’s the right one. 

“We know the history of the pub and the origins of its name. We are now choosing a name that reflects this history. The pub will keep the sign’s coat of arms as well as the images and the coat of arms.

“We’ve spent several months reviewing the matter and discussed its implications. We know it will be controversial, and we’re committed to anti-racist organizations. But we also want pub names that are welcoming and inclusive. This means we’ll take positive action when we feel there’s a need.

The chain has made similar moves in the past, having operated more than 3000 pubs throughout the UK. 

In spite of the town's rich local history, Greene King announced plans to rebrand the historic public house to fall in line with the company's 'anti-racist' policies

Greene King revealed plans to change the name of the historic public building to reflect the company’s ‘anti-racist’ policies, in spite the town’s rich historical history.

The pub will reportedly now be named The Black Hound after a lengthy consultation with external groups, including West Lothian Community Race Forum

After extensive consultations with other groups including the West Lothian Community Race Forum, The Black Hound will be the new name of this pub

Greene King announced that three pubs, all in Suffolk and Berkshire called The Black Boy, would be given new names by 2021.

There are 25 pubs in England and Wales called The Black Boy or something similar.

Despite protests from the Black Lives Matter UK movement, anti-racist campaigners have criticized the name.

Greene King was last year criticised for having links to slavery. Its owners pledged to donate to the ‘benefit of the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities’. 

Benjamin Greene, who founded the pub chain in 1799, was among 47,000 who received compensation for slave owners after Britain abolished slavery.

He received the equivalent of £500,000 in today’s money after giving up his claim to three West Indies plantations.  

Benjamin Greene, 19th Century Brewer Who Held 231 Slaves

Greene King links its slavery connections to Benjamin Greene, its founder who is recorded as having held at least 231 Caribbean islands.  

Born in Northamptonshire in 1780, Greene later moved to Bury St Edmonds in Suffolk where he established what would be the UK’s most important brewery in 1806. 

He inherited plantations in the West Indies from Sir Patrick Blake, 2nd Baronet, upon his death.

1828 was a crucial year for the abolishment of slavery. He purchased the Bury and Suffolk Herald.

Greene was a newspaper proprietor and used the broadsheet’s pages to fiercely oppose the abolition of slavery.

His Oxford biography says that he actively supported the rights of West Indian slave owners at crucial junctures in their lives.

His opposition to abolition saw him become a figure of controversy in Suffolk, and in 1837 he moved to London where he founded Benjamin Greene & Son – West Indian ship merchants – with his son in Russell Square.

Greene protested, but MPs approved the Slavery Abolition Bill 1833 on condition that slave owners were paid for their freedom.

Records archived by UCL show Greene claimed the modern equivalent of £500,000 for 231 slaves in the West Indies.

Greene has received these claim forms.  

January 23, 1836 – £2,672 for 156 slaves on St Kitts

February 27, 1836 – £1,262 for 69 slaves on St Kitts 

February 29, 1836 – £98 for six slaves on Monsterrat