The Dunbar Trades Association was established in 1948 after the second world war to support the local business community. 78 years later, the DTA continues working with the business community with a strong membership and led by a volunteer committee.
The aim of the DTA is to provide a collective organisation for local businesses to enable co-working, to foster support for each other and develop ideas and initiatives to further the town’s economic prosperity.
Any local business can become a member and can participate in regular meetings or volunteer to help with events, activities or on the committee. Membership is £65 per year and all of the subscriptions fund activities to support local businesses and promote the town.
We work closely with other local organisations including the Dunbar Community Council and the Dunbar and East Linton Area Partnership.
If you are interested in membership or becoming more involved please email: hello@ourdunbar.com
Most of our activities take place under the following categories with recent activities highlighted:
Promotion
Creation of a new promotional logo and new website www.ourdunbar.com, to generate awareness and promote local businesses and town attractions to residents, visitors and tourists.
Production and printing of new maps for the town centre and local area, a new map has been produced for 2026 / 27. In 2025 the DTA organised a new Dunbar & East Linton magazine, the printing costs were paid for through local business advertising (thanks to the Dunbar Community Council for covering delivery costs)
The DTA committee undertakes marketing and promotional activities to encourage footfall in the town centre. The winter Shop Local - Win Local campaign has been successful in highlighting what is available from local businesses as well as rewarding those who shop local with a chance to win prizes in December each year. In the summer months, July and August, the DTA runs the Spot The Malarky competition where unusual items are on display in shop windows and the challenge is to spot them all.
With valued support from Visitscotland, the DTA created a new digital brochure to promote adventure activities in the area, this was widely promoted through a digital marketing campaign.
The DTA works closely with Visit East Lothian to promote the town and its attractions.
Events
The DTA encourages local businesses to support events in the town and promotes a great variety of events and activities through the What's On listings on www.ourdunbar.com.
In January 2023 the Association organised a 75th Anniversary celebration event which brought together local businesses, organisations, volunteers and event organisers. The Association also organises training events, talks and social events for members.
Many member businesses participate and sponsor events including the annual Stone Stacking (Land Art) Festival, Music Festival, Harbour Festival, Art Route and Christmas Lights. Other events include window display competitions.
The Association attends and supports local events including the annual Civic Week (now the Heart of Dunbar Festival).
The DTA works closely with Dunbar in Bloom to enhance the area during summer months.
Policy and Campaigning
Campaign and lobby on behalf of members where required in order to develop and support local businesses and the town’s economic success.
The DTA actively campaigns on behalf of its members with the most recent work reflecting strong objections to the proposed parking charges by East Lothian Council for Dunbar and other East Lothian towns. The Dunbar Trades' Association met with its counterparts in Haddington, Musselburgh and North Berwick to produce a joint statement in response to the proposals to firstly introduce charging in North Berwick. We continue to actively work alongside relevant business associations and community councils across the county to oppose these charges and helped run a comprehensive business survey in 2026 that was completed by 250 businesses across five East Lothian towns and reflected strong opposition to the charges.
The DTA has regular meetings and engagement with Dunbar Community Council, Dunbar and East Linton Area Partnership, other town Trades and Business Associations and representatives of East Lothian Council. We worked closely with these partners and Sustaining Dunbar in 2024 / 25 to produce a Local Place Plan for the town.
Support
Free access to all local businesses in the town to list and promote themselves on the ourdunbar website.
Regular newsletters that update members regards news, policy & campaign work, events and promotions. As a business community this information also includes B2B support and sharing of information.
The DTA and individual members support local events and fundraising activities with donations and provision of services and venues.
