Locals are not happy with the name change which they say is a traditional part of the town’s history (Picture: Google)

Plans to rename a pub called The Black Bitch have been given the go ahead over fears the name is now seen as racist.

Following a public consultation, owners Greene King will rename the West Lothian pub The Willow Tree.

More than 11,000 people had signed a petition to prevent the name change and some 500 objections were submitted.

The name references a local legend – a black female greyhound which features on the town’s heraldic crest – after it brought food to its starving owner who was imprisoned on an island on Linlithgow Loch.

A statue commemorating the legend still stands in the town centre.

Greene King were forced to seek help from the government after a decision to rename the pub was previously deferred by West Lothian Council.

There are no grounds to refuse plans to change the historic name.

The chain claimed councillors hoped to encourage heritage bosses to include the pub name in a protected listing to avoid the name change.

A statue commemorating the legend still stands in the town centre (Picture: Geograph)

Owners Greene King eventually had to bypass West Lothian Council who previously deferred a decision on the name change (Picture: Geograph)

Approving plans for listed building and advertising consent, reporter Elspeth Cook, said: ‘I have carefully considered the submissions from members of the public and local community groups regarding the story of the black bitch (depicted as a species of hound) and its importance to the history and identity of Linlithgow.

‘While the story is undoubtedly of historic and cultural importance to Linlithgow it is evident that the listed buildings were erected after the event took place.

‘Consequently they have no direct connection to the event. Since the middle of the 20th century the public house name has commemorated the event but this is not the original business name.

‘It had two names prior to that: the “Western Tavern” and “Robert Braes Wine and Spirits”. As a result I do not consider the name of the business is an integral element of the historic interest of these buildings.’

‘The strong support for the retention of the existing public house name due to the importance of the historic event it commemorates is evident within the representations submitted by the local community,’ she said.

‘Nevertheless, the motivations behind the proposed name change, the history of the Greene King business organisation and its actions when carrying out alterations to other properties in Linlithgow are not relevant matters in this appeal.’

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But the decision has faced a backlash from people and groups in the town.

The West Lothian History and Amenity Society said: ‘The term “Black Bitch” has been associated with the town for over 700 years, natives of Linlithgow are proud to be known as “Black Bitches”; it is a term of affection with no negative connotations.

‘The term describes a female canine, rightly called a bitch which is black in colour – nothing offensive, no misogyny involved. Greene King have jumped to the wrong conclusions and read something into the name which does not exist.’

Linlithgow Civic Trust added: ‘According to the their managing director, Greene King is on a journey to become a truly anti-racist organisation and has already changed the names of a few of their public houses in England on the grounds that the names have racist connotations.

‘However, there is nothing racist about the name The Black Bitch. 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 and West Lothian Council has been approached for comment by Metro.co.uk.

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The decision has sparked a backlash from people and groups in the town.