Dunbar

Dunbar is a town in southeast Scotland, 30 miles east of Edinburgh.

Dunbar is popular for its Castle by the Harbour, Leisure Pool, John Muir Birthplace Museum, Townhouse Museum, Dunbar Beach 1 mile north, East Links Family Park 1 mile north, and Foxlake water sports 2 miles north.

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The image top is of the Artillery at Bayswell Park by the Harbour. Guns have been used around Dunbar for protection against ships since the 1700s.

The second image is of the old Outdoor Pool. This was extremely popular, making Dunbar a top tourist destination from the 1880s. The pool was demolished in 1984 after inexpensive holidays to the Mediterranean led to the decline in tourism to Dunbar.

The New Leisure Pool is by the Old Pool and Harbour with a large fitness centre and water slides.

Dunbar Castle ruins are by the Harbour where there is a scenic leisure area at the Harbour entrance.

The Town Hall is by the Leisure Pool, and also looks onto the High Street.

On the High Street is the John Muir Birthplace Museum, a local who became famous as a best selling writer, explorer, and environmental campaigner.

Also on the High Street is the Town House Museum that hosts art exhibitions and gives information on local history.

Dunbar Parish Church is a short distance south of the High Street. There have been churches on this site since the 1100s. The present Church was completed in 1821.

Dunbar Golf Club is on the South side of the town, and Winterfield Golf Club on the north side of the town.

Belhaven Bay caravan park that caters for tourers and camping is on the north side of the town.

Dunbar History

The name Dunbar is thought to have evolved from the Gaelic name Dun Barra, meaning, Summit Fort.

There are remains of an Iron Age Fort to the north of the High Street at Castle Park, with the people known to the Romans as Votadini.

500s - Dunbar was part of the Kingdom of Northumbria, with the earliest parts of Dunbar Castle built around that time.

800s - King Kenneth MacAlpin of Scotland attacked and burned much of Dunbar, as he set about expanding Scotland land south.

1018 - King Malcolm II of Scotland took control of the area after the Battle of Carham, with Dunbar then being part of Scotland.

1100s - the first church was built at Dunbar.

1134 - the title Earl of Dunbar was awarded to Gospatric II, head of a powerful family in the area, so he could control the area for the Scottish Kings.

1296 - the Battle of Dunbar took place during the First War of Scottish Independence, with the English capturing Dunbar Castle.

1328 - the First War of Scottish Independence was over with the Scots winning back control.

1370 - Dunbar became a Royal Burgh, leading to the town expanding.

1567 - Dunbar Castle was ruined by order of the Scottish Parliament after the Battle of Carberry Hill where Mary Queen of Scots was forced to abdicate. Her husband, the Earl of Bothwell, escaped the battle to Dunbar Castle, leading to the destruction of the Castle.

1650 - the second Battle of Dunbar was fought during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms between the Scottish Covenanters backing the Stuart Kings, and English Parliamentarians led by Oliver Cromwell. This was a major battle with the Scots defeated, leading to the occupation of Scotland and Parliament ruling the countries.

1660 - the Stuart Kings were restored to the throne of Scotland, England, and Ireland.

1821 - the new Dunbar Parish Church was built.

1855 - the completion of Castle Park Barracks led to a permanent military presence in the town.

1856 - Dunbar Golf Club was founded on the south side of Dunbar.

1880s - Dunbar became popular as a a seaside holiday town and golf resort.

1935 - Winterfield Golf Club was founded on the north side of Dunbar.

1983 - Dunbar began hosting an outdoor Pipe Band competition that has now became extremely popular on the second Saturday in May.

1987 - a fire destroyed much of the Parish Church interior, including a monument to the Earl of Dunbar. The church was rebuilt with a modern interior.

Today, Dunbar is expanding with many new homes built for commuters to Edinburgh.