Dunbar Harbour

Dunbar Harbour

Image of Dunbar Harbour

Introduction

Dunbar Harbour sits at the centre of the town of Dunbar (pop 8500). The harbour is home to a busy fishing industry and the remains of an ancient castle.

Dunbar sits on the coast of East Lothian, thirty miles east of Edinburgh.

Ruins of Dunbar Castle

Information on Dunbar Harbour

The name Dunbar is of Brittonic/Welsh origin. It evolved from dyn barr meaning ‘fort on the height (or point)’.

The original fortification may date back to the 7th century but the first stone castle was built in 1070. In it’s day this castle was one of the most important in Scotland and played a major role in the country’s history.

The castle was:

  • Burned in 1214.
  •  Defended against English attack by Black Agnes (1312-1369), Countess of Dunbar in 1338. (The nomenclature ‘black’ refers to colour of the Countess’s skin.)
  • Visited by Mary, Queen of Scots during the 1560s with first husband, Lord Darnley and then second husband, Earl of Bothwell.
  • Demolished on order of the Scottish Parliament in 1567.    

Dunbar Harbour with castle ruins in background.

American connection

Then harbour over which the castle stands guard is used by commercial boats and is well maintained. For the benefit of visitors important timelines are are embedded in stone plaques. One of the plaques records the building of a battery (cannon emplacement) to defend against “American sea raiders” in 1781.

Timeline plaque at Dunbar Harbour

Plaque recording construction of gun emplacement to protect against American raiders.

The reference to sea raiders may relate to the actions of John Paul Jones (1747-1792), founder of the U.S. Navy. Jones was born about 120 miles S.W. of Dunbar, on Scotland’s west coast. He undertook numerous engagements against the British following American independence.

Cannon at Dunbar Harbour

Small cannon position on wall overlooking Dunbar harbour.

Visiting Dunbar

Dunbar is accessible by road, rail and bus. Bear in mind that parking close to the castle/harbour is restricted.

More information.

For more information on Scottish castles, history and sightseeing please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland.The ISBN is: 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.

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