Dunbar Castle

The storm battered remains of Dunbar Castle are located overlooking the lovely harbour at Dunbar. Although coastal erosion has removed much of this truly important castle, fragmentary remains still survive and it is definitely worthy of a visit.

The castle was built some time during the 13th century to replace an earlier wooden fort and Dark Age setllement, which was located on the headland where the Dunbar leisure pool is now sited. The castle protected the town and controlled the road between Scotland and England. Consequently, the castle has seen a turbulent history and was besieged many times, most famously in 1338 when Black Agnus defended it for 19 weeks. Dunbar Castle has been associated with many important historical figures and it was where Mary Queen of Scots was held after Bothwell kidnapped her and later married her.

The castle has seen numerous modifications and rebuilds over the centuries. During the 16th century a blockhouse was added and until 1993-1994, a covered walkway linked the castle and the blockhouse.