The Linlithgow Marches made a triumphant return this week after the pandemic - and the creators of 1 float took the chance to get the boot in to Black Bitch pub homeowners, Greene King.
The parade featured a powerful float that confirmed the Black Bitch canine biting a personality climbing the Provost's lamp.
And it obtained a fantastic response from the group!
It follows the controversial determination by the Suffolk-based brewing large and pub chain to alter the identify of the city's historic Black Bitch pub.
The pub is now generally known as The Willow Tree after Greene King mentioned the identify had racist connotations they usually needed to make it extra "welcoming and inclusive".
Locals had been appalled and the choice went forward regardless of vocal protests and a petition with greater than 12,000 signatures.
Townsfolk have been generally known as 'black bitches' for hundreds of years and the canine even options on Linlithgow's coat of arms, whereas the Black Bitch Tavern served thirsty travellers for the reason that seventeenth century.
The identify comes from the legend of a law-breaker who was chained as much as an oak tree outdoors the city and left to starve, just for his loyal black greyhound to deliver him meals. The canine was finally caught and chained alongside its grasp, though the story grew to become a byword for loyalty and bravado.
The float was organised by Alastair Previous, one of many leaders of the marketing campaign.
The pub's new identify is a nod to the close by statue of drover Katie Wearie and Katie Wearie’s willow tree, which was planted initially in 1832 to mark the Reform Act in Scotland.
Nonetheless, Alastair has described the choice as “ironic” because of the truth Greene King’s founder, Benjamin Greene, was in opposition to the act.
He advised the Courier earlier this 12 months : “They mockingly choosing the identify the Willow Tree. The tree was certainly planted in 1832 to commemorate the Reform invoice being handed in Parliament.
“Benjamin Greene, their founding slave proprietor, was a fanatical opponent of the reform invoice and fought in opposition to the need of the folks to enhance democracy.
“Linlithgow celebrated the ability of democracy in 1832. Greene King proceed to rejoice their slave proprietor by conserving his identify of their company branding and persevering with his behaviour by ignoring the views and opinions of individuals after they go in opposition to them.”
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