Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery Bringing the history of Dunbar and the surrounding area to life. There are unusual and interesting things to see on every floor.

The Town House is one of Dunbar's oldest buildings and the perfect place to begin a visit to the town. With its distinctive witch's hat tower and its bell, clock and sun dials the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century. Our friendly staff are always on hand to tell you about the town, the surrounding area and bring the history of the building to life. Portraits of every

town provost all the way back to 1833 chart a fascinating history of changing fashions, facial hair, photography and portraiture. Historic heraldic panels and a set of ceremonial robes evoke a grander era of local government. On the top floor you will find Scotland's oldest functioning council chamber. For over 400 years councillors and magistrates presided over the affairs of the burgh from this room including the infamous East Lothian witch trials. Below the chamber is a grimly atmospheric jail with its original massive iron door which has become popular ghost hunting venue. In the neighbouring debtor's cell the fireplace has been preserved complete with prisoners' graffiti. The building is also home to a museum and gallery with changing historical and art exhibitions. Volunteers from Dunbar and District History Society maintain a local history display and are often available to provide further information from the comprehensive local history archive and chat about local history. The Town House also provides a tourist information service. The building is fully accessible on all levels with toilets on the ground floor.

29/05/2026
27/05/2026
27/05/2026

📣LOCAL HISTORY EVENT REMINDER📣:
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⭐️THE HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE TRANENT-COCKENZIE WAGGONWAY
Date: 1st June 2026 (Monday)
Time: 5.30 to 6.30pm
Venue: Star Room, John Gray Centre
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✨THERE ARE STILL PLACES AVAILABLE - HURRY AND MAKE YOUR BOOKING!
Email: [email protected] OR telephone: 01620 820680
Join us for this enlightening community event!

15/05/2026

🌊 Walk The Geology of Dunbar 💥

To celebrate 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, East Lothian Council Countryside Rangers are leading a guided walk to explore Dunbar’s ancient, and sometimes explosive, past. Join them to discover how earthquakes, volcanoes and ice have shaped our landscape.

✨ Tuesday June 2nd
✨ 10.00-12.00
✨ Free, but booking is required: email [email protected]
✨ Meeting place will be passed on at booking
✨ Adults aged 16+

Image credit: Jennifer Petrie

30/04/2026

Special Event Reminder: AN EVENING WITH PROF. SIR TOM DEVINE🎉
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✨East Lothian Library Service Local History Centre, in collaboration with The Brunton, are delighted to be hosting this SPECIAL EVENT as part of the Local History Centre's 50th Anniversary!
Date: 11th MAY 2026 (MONDAY)
Time: 6.30PM
Venue: HADDINGTON CORN EXCHANGE
Tickets: £10 (£6 for students)
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Professor Sir Tom Devine will enlighten us on his career, publications, as well as his wisdom on Scottish and local history, and answer questions from the audience.
Sir Tom's books will also be on sale by Kesley's Bookshop and he will happily sign autographs.
You can also buy drinks at the bar and take it to your table!
THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF TICKETS AT: https://www.thebrunton.co.uk/.../an-evening-with.../
Or you can telephone Brunton Box Office at 0131 653 5245.
DON'T MISS THIS AMAZING COMMUNITY EVENT.
The Brunton East Lothian Library Services East Lothian Council

28/04/2026

Address

High Street
Dunbar
EH421ER

Opening Hours

Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
Thursday 1pm - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm
Saturday 1pm - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+441620820699

Website

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