Update following the fire at McArthur’s store on Monday 27th October 2025.
This past week, the Trust and its supporters have been working closely with local fishermen, emergency services, Scottish Water, Scottish Power, ELC, insurers, and contractors. Initial inspections and safety measures are underway. We’ve also engaged local and national politicians and media to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the fishermen and our community.
We’re deeply grateful for the support and offers of help received so far. Following discussions with the fishermen, our immediate priority is to set up temporary storage and working spaces.
How You Can Help?
– Containers: We’re seeking 20ft x 8ft containers (donation, loan, rent, or purchase) deliverable to the harbour.
– Storage/Workspaces: Temporary local spaces available for fishermen’s use would be greatly appreciated.
– Power Support: If containers are secured, we’ll need electrical connections or generators. Offers of equipment, materials, or labour are welcome.
If you can help, please send us a Facebook message and we’ll follow up directly. Updates and further requests will follow in the coming weeks.
Fundraising
A dedicated JustGiving page will launch soon with all donations from this page going directly to support our local fishermen.
Thank you to everyone for your continued generosity and encouragement. Together, we’ll restore McArthur’s Store as a vital home for our fishermen and a proud part of the Dunbar community.
Fire at McArthur’s Store – Monday 27 October 2025
On Monday 27 October, at approximately 12:55 pm, a fire was reported at McArthur’s Store by a local fisherman. We are still gathering the full details, but it is clear that the building has suffered significant damage.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, and all those who responded swiftly to contain the fire, secure the area, and protect nearby vessels and properties. We are deeply relieved that no one was injured, for which we are truly grateful.
McArthur’s Store is one of Dunbar’s most historic harbour buildings, dating back to the 18th century. Originally built for grain storage and later used by the town’s fishing community, it has long stood as a landmark symbolising Dunbar’s maritime heritage. Over the years, it has been carefully restored and maintained by Dunbar Harbour Trust as a working base for local fishermen and a shared part of our community’s history.
Our immediate priority is to support the members of the fishing community affected by this incident and to minimise disruption for those whose livelihoods depend on harbour operations. We are also committed to assessing the full extent of the damage and developing a restoration plan to ensure McArthur’s Store continues to stand at the heart of Dunbar’s fishing life for generations to come.
We thank the community for its patience, understanding, and support during this difficult time. Dunbar Harbour Trust is a registered charity, and any future fundraising efforts will be organised through official channels. We kindly ask that donations be made only to campaigns we endorse, to ensure your generous contributions go directly toward the restoration of McArthur’s Store and the fishing community. We will keep everyone updated as plans progress and how best to support us.
Dunbar Harbour Trust