Bob Clunas, much-loved mariner, is flitting north to live in Helmdale. Bob was harbourmaster in Dunbar, living here for 16 years. He latterly restored Marean his beautiful 'fifie', a herring-drifter built in 1959. Bob found her derelict in Amble in 2012 and then restored her. She is a boat with history, having been sucked through Corryvrecken whirlpool and later damaged by ice on the Forth-Clyde Canal. Marean has adorned Cromwell Harbour for 6 years now.

Originally Bob came from Orkney and he travelled a lot, even as far as South Georgia, where he would have felt at home as the local town is called Stromness! 

Work started this week to carry out essential repairs to the harbour's North Wall, overseen by Robin Hamilton using the recently-acquired Marine Scotland grant.

Photos show the North Wall undermining repairs being carried out this week; the sweĺl conditions made it difficult but AG Thomson did a really good job . Particularly the guys working at the bottom of the wall, on the outside face.

Soon proposed repairs to the sheared blocks on the outer face of the North Wall and various other critical areas will be carried out.

With licences now in place, the RNLI hope to make best use of the low spring tides at the end of February and March, having taken careful note of Craning-In Day and the North Wall Repair project.

The contractor’s compound should be near the bridge approach and an additional area in front of the RNLI station.

The bridge-lift will be coordinated with the harbour master and care will be taken that no temporary works should be placed which would prevent boats going under the bridge near high tide.

Click READ MORE button to see the survey team measuring during last year's planning.

The Rowing Club has completed a renovation of skiff Black Agnes, resplendent in cream and black, with her hull newly-finished. Soon she will be competing in various regattas and expeditions throughout 2019.

The Rowing Club never rests during the winter, as shown in this dawn photo by Christine Mincher. It's always warm on the water when rowing; sometimes too hot, even in 'deepest mid-winter'.

photo by Christine Mincher

After reports of a lone paddle boarder in difficulty near Thorntonloch, UK Coastguard paged for the inshore (ILB) and all-weather (ALB) lifeboats at 3.55pm after a member of public raised the alarm and reached the scene around 4.15pm.  The crews spotted a person on rocks near Thorntonloch Beach and, with assistance from UK Coastguard teams from Dunbar and North Berwick and members of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, established this was the casualty, who had managed to make their own way to the shore. The paddle boarder, who had got into difficulties after being blown away from shore, did not require medical treatment.

A RNLI spokesman added: “If you see someone in danger or something of concern on the water, cliffs or shoreline call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Photos: Ross McMullen

Would you like to help raise funds to buy new equipment for our Sparkling Dunbar Harbour Music & Craft Festival - a free annual event for the community.

Why don’t you join us at our Ballet Rally? A sponsored fitness session with 5 x 30 minute sessions, including Metafit, Circuits, Body Attack, Body Combat and Zumba.

Don’t delay, numbers are limited to 30!

Why is it called a Ballet Rally? Because you will doing these sessions dressed in a ballet costume of your choice - we will allow trainers on your feet .

When: Sunday 24th March, Time: 1-4pm at Dunbar Leisure Centre

Register here: https://sparklingdunbarwufoo.com/forms/z2n2rey05xs1xx      Fitness Sessions by: Laura Ross, Fit Form UK.

photo by bing.com/images

Please confirm with harbourmaster Quentin that your moorings are allocated (and paid for!).

He's been busy arranging some moorings.

Click the READ MORE button for details about our new School for the Indoctrination of Aspiring Young Mariners.

photos by Kenny Maule

Join 'Big Blue Ocean Cleanup' for a big coastal cleanup in Dunbar. (no, not the pizza Big Blue, you fool)

Bags and gloves will be provided for all volunteers.

Date: Sunday 7th of April, Time: 1000 - 1200. Meeting: Dunbar Harbour, Castlegate.

Plastic in the oceans is being turned into an even greater threat to small sea creatures than previously thought, scientists have discovered. They also worry that the clumping could divert the natural flow of food from the ocean surface to the seafloor, leading to deep sea creatures being starved. Glue-like substances secreted by bacteria are sticking tiny bits of plastic to form larger clusters that marine animals could mistake for food, experts fear.

https://www.facebook.com/events/370946720387986/

Recently the Dunbar Sea Cadets were privileged to go afloat with the Dunbar RNLI Lifeboat Crew on an exciting night exercise.

As part of the Sea Cadet experience our senior cadets are encouraged to learn about the different opportunities that are available to them at sea.

The cadets were able to steer the Offshore Lifeboat (OLB) and learn about flares that are used for illuminating search areas.

Click READ MORE button to see a charming photo

photos from the Sea Cadets office

Pirate walk --- join us!

May 26th 2019; Timing: starting at 9:30, estimated time 5-6 hours, it’s around 18 miles.

Meet-up at Seabird Centre, North Berwick. More details on how to register coming soon.

Pirates of the East Coast, a sponsored walk from North Berwick to Dunbar Battery along the John Muir Way.

Email yvonnewemyss@outlook.com

Events coming soon: https://dunbarbattery.org.uk/topics/events/

We’re looking for community groups, bands and individuals to use Dunbar Battery. If you are interested, please get in touch via https://dunbarbattery.org.uk/contact-us/

April 16, 2019 Keep our harbour tidy (KOHT). An event for all the family: Harbour History Tour, Educational Stalls and upcycling activities for kids

May 26th 2019; 9.30am --5:00 pm. estimated time 5-6 hours, distance 18 miles approx.Pirates of the East Coast, a sponsored walk from North Berwick to Dunbar Battery along the John Muir Way. Meet-up at Seabird Centre, North Berwick. More details on how to register coming soon.

June 17th 2019; 11-- 2:00 pm. Fourth annual gathering of the East Lothian Archaeological, History and Genealogy Group. Site visit and tour of the Dunbar Battery.

June 23, 2019 Bands at the Battery

June 23, 2019 LITTORAL ART PROJECT  

June 29 to June 30, 2019 BATTERY THEATRE COMPANY - "MARY, IT BEGAN WITH A LASS..."

July 6 to July 7th, 2019 BATTERY THEATRE COMPANY - "MARY, IT BEGAN WITH A LASS..."

August 17th 2019; 2-- 6:00 pm. Sparkling Dunbar: Saturday Live Music and stalls down in Victoria Harbour and the Dunbar Battery. Fun for all the family.