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Welcome to Dunbar Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme Feb 15th 2023

Figure 5 Motor Cycle Club at Abbeylands (John Gray Centre)

Expressions of interest from property owners for potential repair projects are now invited. The deadline for applications for the first round of funding is Friday 24th February 2023. Future rounds of funding will be advertised in due course.

A free Dunbar CARS introduction event will take place on Wednesday 15th February in the Community Room of Dunbar Townhouse from 5.30pm. Anyone interested in the scheme is invited to come along to hear more about the grants on offer and the complimentary activity that will be taking place. Places are limited therefore advance booking is advisable via eventbrite or by contacting the CARS team by email at regeneration@eastlothian.gov.uk.

The aim of the scheme is to work with the local community to secure the historic built fabric for the future, undertake community engagement and education activities and deliver high quality professional training and upskilling opportunities – all of which will contribute to sustainable economic and community development within the Conservation Area and Dunbar as a whole.

For further information on Dunbar CARS or to enquire about property repair grant funding through the scheme please contact regeneration@eastlothian.gov.uk

The scheme will offer grant aid towards repair works to traditional buildings in private ownership as well as supporting complementary initiatives, such as traditional skills training community heritage projects, to increase awareness and understanding of the town’s rich heritage and the care and maintenance of its traditional buildings.

This event is aimed at homeowners interested in the grant scheme, or anyone with a general interest in Dunbar’s heritage and traditional buildings.

Register on Eventbrite
The early 20th century view of 21 prior to rendering and renewal shows 12 pane sash windows. The building at 21 High Street Dunbar today is unrecognisable.
By the 1970s #21 has been rendered and the 12 pane sashes replaced by the heavier 4 pane. The original stone window highlights survive and the access to Bamburgh Castle via the pend is well-defined. The 1920s shop front survives in part as the windows and position of the door have changed. The long tiled roof shows only 3 small lights.
In 2008 the brash green branding of the co-op lets down the building. But at least the windows are properly defined.
In 2015, the Co-op spend just under £250k renewing the shop internals, but make only basic repairs to the external shopfront (the door was held open with string). The signage is protruding and altogether intrusive given the chosen colour scheme.
By 2016 the Co-op lacks the imagination to create a sympathetic sign. The addition of CCTV and an unnecessarily visible alarm, which previously were not deemed necessary, adds further to the Dunbar clutter.
New dormers have been added to number 21, the tiles replaced with thin Spanish slate, with possibly new accommodation or an extension to the flatted property above. The definition of the fenestration is lost – compare with the neighbouring social housing tenement next door, a modern building.
Arguably the white finish of the most recent convenience store operator is more in tune that the old co-op, but the definition of the close is almost entirely lost and the illuminated signage just detracts from the streetscape. The ruinous changes are complete by 2018. Business maybe good, but rarely for the Conservation Area.

By dunbarheritage

an eye on built and natural heritage in and around dunbar