Day 33 - Dunbar & Arthur's Seat

Dunbar Methodist Church

We set off today to find Scotland's oldest Methodist Church at Dunbar. Built in 1764 it was a favourite of John and Charles Wesley who were both trustees, although the society originally had Moravian roots. John preached at Dunbar 22 times. Unfortunately we couldn't see inside, but the chapel is set close to the working harbour, it's pulpit originally was in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh as was the stained glass windows both date to Victorian times.. 

We enjoyed sitting on the green overlooking the harbour and Dunbar Castle whilst eating our lunch, and watching the fishermen unloading their catch, along with a Seal who was swimming in the harbour. In 1567 the castle was deliberately destroyed by Act of Parliament and in 1842 the whole north end was removed for harbour works. During Victorian times it became a popular seaside town.

Dunbar Castle and Harbour

After lunch and following a quick walk around the harbour and fort walls we made our way to the Parish Church. 

Seal in the habour

In 1987 a fire destroyed much of the town's historic parish church. The original church was opened in 1821 and contained a monument to the Earl of Dunbar (1611) which was said to be unequalled throughout Scotland for its Italian craftsmanship in marble. Though the fire practically destroyed the monument and left only the outer walls remaining, the church has since been rebuilt and is impressive in its red sandstone. 

We were interest not so much in the building but the graveyard, which contained a memorial to a 31 year old Wesleyan Minister, Rev Holdsworth who drowned while bathing in 1892. The people of the town erected a monument in his memory with the following inscription, "Who was at all times their friend".

Driving back to Edinburgh we stop by Arthur's Seat and climb up to Salisbury Crags to take in the view across the city.

A sunny evening so a B-B-Q is the order of the day, as you can see it requires a high level of concentration!

Dinner back at the campsite