Towns & Villages - Dunbar

Population: 6,354

Dunbar is the easternmost of the burghs of East Lothian and lies on the coast at the mouth of the firth of Forth beside the fine arable lands of the Lothian plains. Thirty miles east of Edinburgh on the A1, Dunbar is renowned for its high sunshine record, rugged coastline and attractive countryside. It is easy to reach by road, rail and air. Dunbar is only half a mile from the main A1 trunk road; the InterCityrail line between Edinburgh and London passes through the town. The International airport at Edinburgh is just an hours drive away.

David II made Dunbar a Royal Burgh in 1370 by Royal Charter. It is steeped in history and was one of the most important Scottish Fortresses in the middle ages. Its ruined castle, which stands guard over the town's twinned harbours, once sheltered Mary Queen of Scots when she fled Edinburgh after the murder of Rizzio.

Dunbar was invaded by the English and razed to the ground twice in the 16th century and played a key role in Scotland's defences. The town was also occupied for a time by Oliver Cromwell's army in 1650, the year of the Battle of Dunbar. It is also an area rich in history with archaeological and geological sites. Various bronze age burials have been uncovered and excavations disclosed a large Celtic fort. Dunbar Underground Museum offers a 'hands on' introduction to archaeology and artefacts excavated in Dunbar in recent years.

John Muir Country Park and the Lammermuir Hills offer scenic tranquil landscapes rich in natural history. John Muir Country Park opened in 1976 and was the first of its kind in Scotland. It was named after John Muir who was born at 126-128 High Street Dunbar in 1838 and who emigrated to America with his family when he was eleven. Throughout his life, John Muir was immersed in the world of nature. He was at the forefront of the establishment of the Yosemite, Sequoia and General Grant National Parks. An interptretation centre which details the life and achievements of this remarkable man, the John Muir Birthplace, opened in Dunbar in 2003.
Dunbar is also home to a new leisure pool. It is one of the most attractive in the country, with its wave machine, beach area, flume and other exciting water features. It also has a health suite with sauna, solarium and steam room, and a fully equipped gym.

A fishing port and once thriving holiday centre, Dunbar's economic fortunes have recently been boosted by the Dunbar Initiative - a mutli million pound regeneration project.