29/05/2026
This is an exciting year for the Scottish team qualifying for the World Cup finals in America. At John Muir’s Birthplace, we thought we would look a bit closer to home and see what has been happening football-wise in Dunbar.
⚽️ Did you know that there has been a football team here since 1880, when the team played against Aberlady?
⚽️ Before Dunbar United was formed in 1924 a number of clubs existed including “Dunbar Thistles” and “Dunbar Comrades.”
⚽️ The Comrades apparently used to meet up in the building opposite John Muir’s Birthplace (now King’s Palace). (David Anderson)
First image: Dunbar Comrades, photo provided by Dunbar and District History Society, 2026.
Dunbar United formed as a junior club and were elected into Berwickshire Junior league and then Midlothian league.
Second image: Group photo of Dunbar United Football Club with trophy. Dunbar United won the Scottish Junior Cup in 1961, IC/AM/D/9/1, courtesy of East Lothian Council Archive Service, 2026 at the John Gray Centre.
In 1961 they beat Cambuslang Rangers in the Scottish Junior Cup Final. Do look in Victorias Hair Salon in West Port, Dunbar – they have a wonderful display celebrating this win! (See images 3 and 4).
East Lothian Council Museums Service are also creating a “Memory Sports Bag.” Please share your football memories with us - thank you!
For more information about Dunbar United please see their website at: https://www.dunbarunitedfc.com.
Post by Sue Healy. Read the blog post on our website here: https://www.jmbt.org.uk/2026/05/29/dunbar-united-stories/
