THE ongoing row over the proposed name change of a historic Linlithgow pub could be the subject of a Westminster debate after an SNP MP tabled a motion on the issue.
SNP MP Martyn Day, who represents Linlithgow in the Parliament, has tabled an early day motion rejecting pub chain Greene King’s effort to update The Black Bitch’s name to The Black Hound.
The name refers to local folklore, in which a dog with a black coat repeatedly swam across a loch delivering items to her owner who was imprisoned there. Local residents feel the phrase now represents loyalty, and say it has an important meaning within the community.
But bosses at the major chain want the pub to have a more “inclusive” title and are concerned about the original name’s “racist and offensive connotations”.
The company says it has carried out research and consultation with local groups, including the West Lothian Community Race forum who say the move is “the right thing to do” in modern Scotland.
Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie described the change as an “important decision”.
“We are well-aware of the pub’s history and where the name originates and so we are choosing a new name that still reflects the pub’s history and will look to retain the coat of arms and images on the pub’s sign,” he said.
More than 6000 people have signed a petition calling on the name change to be abandoned, while Alba party leader and former first minister Alex Salmond has called on Greene King to stop the “silliness”.
On Monday Day lodged the bid to have the row debated in the UK Parliament. In the text, he calls on Greene King to “abandon plans to change the name of the tavern in a misguided attempt at virtue signalling, and instead recognise the nation’s history and culture”.
The MP adds that the Black Bitch is “recognised far and wide as a well-run and friendly hostelry”, and the House of Commons should “support the rich traditions, local customs and heritage found throughout these islands and beyond”.
Greene King operations manager Paul Wishart has defended the chain against criticism, saying: "We are aware of pub's history. We're aware of where the name originates.
"The proposal to change the name to The Black Hound will still reflect that history."
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