Dunbar Harbour: A Hub of Trade and History

Dunbar Harbour has been a significant hub of trade and history for centuries. Located on the east coast of Scotland, it has played a crucial role in the country's maritime past.

The harbour's strategic position made it an attractive spot for merchants and traders, who would bring goods such as whisky, coal, and fish to be sold on the open market.

Dunbar Harbour has a rich history of trade, dating back to the 19th century. A regular trade was carried on by sailing-vessels transporting potatoes to London, which were renowned for their fine quality.

The harbour was a major port of trade, with a weekly steamer running between Dunbar and London in 1886, carrying about 10,000 tons in the season. This significant trade helped establish Dunbar as a major hub.

The port's shipping trade consisted of inward cargoes of coal, grain, esparto grass, timber, oil cake, china, glass, and wood pulps.

Lamerhaven was a port at Dunbar, first mentioned in a 1555 charter. It was located on the east side of the castle of Dunbar.

The natural anchorage was sheltered to the north by Lamer Island, which is linked to the mainland by a causeway forming the south-east walls of the Victoria Harbour.

Dunbar's trade history is a fascinating story of growth and development. By 1888, the town had ceased to be a port of registry, marking a significant shift in its commercial activities.

Sailing vessels played a crucial role in Dunbar's trade, with a regular trade carried on for many years transporting potatoes to London. The district around Dunbar was renowned for its high-quality potatoes, which commanded the highest price in the market.

A weekly steamer ran between Dunbar and London in 1886, carrying around 10,000 tons of cargo during the season. This indicates the significant volume of trade that was taking place at the time.

The remainder of Dunbar's shipping trade consisted mainly of inward cargoes of coal, grain, esparto grass, timber, oil cake, china, glass, and wood pulps. This diversity of trade suggests that the town was an important hub for commerce in the region.

In 1886, a total of 68 vessels frequented the port, excluding fishing craft. This number gives an idea of the bustling activity that was taking place at the port.

Dunbar Harbour has a rich history, and its connection to the north-east of England is quite interesting. The use and public display of barometers in fishing ports was actually promulgated in this region by Algernon Percy, 4th Duke of Northumberland from 1859 onwards.

The approximate position of Belhaven harbour, which is near Dunbar, is 55°59′52″N2°32′36″W.

There's some debate about the funding for the Old Harbour, with some sources suggesting a grant of £300 from Cromwell. However, Angus Graham notes that there's little to support this statement, based on Francis Hindes Groome's 1894 Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland.

Dunbar's harbour has received assistance from Scottish Royal Burghs over the years, which reflects its important role as a place of importation and exportation, as well as a port of refuge and supplier of herring.

Dunbar Harbour has a rich history, and one of the ways we can learn about it is by looking at old records.

The site plan of the old harbour, Dunbar, is documented in a drawing with the reference number DP 273738.

This drawing is part of the Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinburgh.

Dunbar Harbour is a picturesque fishing village located in East Lothian, Scotland. It's a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months.

The harbour has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, with the first recorded fishing industry in 1329. The harbour has been in operation for nearly 700 years.

The harbour is home to a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Visitors can often spot these creatures while walking along the harbour walls.

The harbour's fishing industry is still thriving today, with many local fishermen bringing in their daily catches. Fresh seafood is a staple in many local restaurants and shops.

Dunbar Harbour is also a popular spot for sailing and boat trips, with several charter companies operating from the harbour. Visitors can take a leisurely cruise around the Firth of Forth.