Linlithgow pub action committee chairman disgusted after name changed to the Willow Tree

The historic Black Bitch pub in Lintlithgow has been forced to change its name after owner Greene King deemed it to be offensive.

On the day of the pub being renamed, GB News spoke to the people of Linlithgow to get their thoughts on the name change.

Alistair Old, chairman of the action committee to retain the Black Bitch name, told GB News: "I am utterly disgusted to find myself talking to the national press again saying I am racist, the town of Linlithgow is racist, all because we want the name of our pub which is celebrating a dog."

The Willow Tree name references a nearby statue of drover Katie Wearie and Katie Wearie’s willow tree.

He added: "We've shown Greene King there's huge support to keep the name in the town.

"More than 12,000 people have signed a petition to keep it and Greene King have come back and said they've got a couple of complaints.

"If that's the case then we're complaining about the name Greene King, Benjamin Greene, we are offended by seeing his name."

He also said: "This is an attack on a royal and ancient borough in Scotland, and we are deeply offended. What they're trying to do here sticks in our throat, changing the name of our famous pub.

Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie said: “There’s been plenty of publicity around those who don’t agree with our decision, but we’ve also had letters of support from people in Linlithgow.

“This is a difficult balance and throughout this we have continued to highlight our respect for the history of Linlithgow.

"Our decision is not meant to diminish or denigrate the heritage of the town but at the same time we recognise that language has changed and the name can be extremely offensive to people.”