Linlithgow campaigners fight against renaming of Black Bitch pub

Owners of 17th-century Scottish tavern to meet those who don't want its name changed to the Black Hound

No visitor to Linlithgow can miss the prominent lettering across the gable end of the 17th-century tavern at the top of the high street: Black Bitch.

There will be people who are offended and they have a right to their opinion," said Alistair Old. He is leading an energetic campaign to retain the pub's name after its owner, Greene King, announced last month it would be rebranded as the Black Hound in line with its diversity policy. But the people of Linlithgow wouldn't have tolerated it if the name had racist connotations," Old added.