What is recorded here

Dunbar Castle stands as a ruined medieval fortress in East Lothian, Scotland, where the Votadini first defended the point and later kings built successive strongholds. Its red walls rise from a perpendicular rock, enclosing an octagonal citadel with narrow arrow-holes that still cut the air like hungry mouths. A dark cavern near the sea may have held prisoners such as Gavin Douglas, while a hidden postern allowed Sir Alexander Ramsay to bring provisions during a siege. Mary, Queen of Scots, is said to have occupied a small, nearly inaccessible chamber in the north-west corner before the castle was slighted in 1567.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Dunbar Castle as Castle (medieval). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 1m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Dunbar Castle was built by the de Vesci family in the late 12th or early 13th century and later held by the Scottish crown. It is important as a key coastal stronghold in the defense of the East Lothian coast and played a role in conflicts between Scotland and England.

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