diff --git a/terminatorlib/notebook.py b/terminatorlib/notebook.py
index 43c2b9b2..a803f3ce 100755
--- a/terminatorlib/notebook.py
+++ b/terminatorlib/notebook.py
@@ -405,12 +405,14 @@ class TabLabel(gtk.HBox):
         """Update the angle of a label"""
         position = self.notebook.get_tab_pos()
         if position == gtk.POS_LEFT:
-            self.set_orientation(gtk.ORIENTATION_VERTICAL)
+            if hasattr(self, 'set_orientation'):
+                self.set_orientation(gtk.ORIENTATION_VERTICAL)
             self.label.set_angle(90)
         elif position == gtk.POS_RIGHT:
             self.label.set_angle(270)
         else:
-            self.set_orientation(gtk.ORIENTATION_HORIZONTAL)
+            if hasattr(self, 'set_orientation'):
+                self.set_orientation(gtk.ORIENTATION_HORIZONTAL)
             self.label.set_angle(0)
 
     def on_close(self, _widget):