You will only have to drive about 30 miles from Edinburgh to reach Dunbar, a town in East Lothian on the southeast coast of Scotland. This town has a long history dating back to prehistoric times. The archaeological excavations that have been carried out here reveal that people have been living in this region for thousands of years. In 680, it is believed that Dunbar was the prison of Bishop Wilfrid as well as the villa of the king.
Dunbar has had a turbulent history. It was the home of the Picts who laid claim to Lothian. Kenneth McAlpin burned the castle here in the 9
th century, but the lands were granted to the Earl of Gospatrick in 1071, who started the Dunbar family. Dunbar was made a burgh in 1370 and a Royal Burgh in 1445. There were major battles fought here such as the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 resulted in the routing of the Scots by Oliver Cromwell's forces and the occupation of Scotland began.
After Scotland became part of the United Kingdom, the castle was deliberately ruined. The area steadily developed as a centre of agriculture and a fishing port. However, it rapidly gained a reputation of being a popular seaside holiday resort and during the 19
th century a golf course was established here. Dunbar has the perfect weather for a vacation as it has less rain and more sunshine that any other place in the United Kingdom, which has earned it the nickname of "Sunny Dunny".
Dunbar is the birthplace of the explorer and conservationist, John Muir. You can visit the museum in the house where he lived and there is a large area that has been set aside as the John Muir Country Park. You will also see a statue dedicated to him outside the Town House on High Street.
If you want to engage in or watch sports while in Dunbar, drop into the Hallhill Healthy Living Centre. Here you will find two rugby pitches, a floodlit all–weather training pitch, as well as a running track and tennis courts. East Links Family Park is the perfect place for a day out with the family. Here the children will enjoy the go–kart rides, the toboggan run, milk shake run and a giant maze. The tearoom here offers delightful snacks and sandwiches.
Visit the ruins of Hailes Castle, which dates back to the 13
th century. Preston Mill is only 7 miles from Dunbar and the present building dates back to the 19
th century, even though there has been a mill in this location for about 500 years. There is a cone shaped roof on the kiln and the red painted buildings make a very picturesque setting for photographers and artists. Feed the ducks in the millpond and stroll around the landscaped grounds. There is also an exhibition here on milling and on the daily life of a miller.
Visit Doonhill Homestead, which is an excavation site that shows that this area was the home of a British chief in the 6
th century. Tantallon Castle is about 12 miles from Dunbar and is a formidable sight as it is set atop the cliffs along the Firth of Forth. This castle was the seat of the Douglas Earls of Angus, one of the most powerful clans in Scotland at one time. There is so much for you to see and do in Dunbar that you will probably have to make another visit just to get to see everything that the area has to offer.
