Sustaining Dunbar is the community development trust for the Dunbar and East Linton ward. Along with the towns of Dunbar and East Linton, the area includes the villages of Tyninghame, West Barns, Stenton, Spott, Innerwick and Oldhamstocks.
This beautiful, easternmost part of East Lothian has the John Muir Country Park to the north, the Lammermuir Hills to the south, Traprain Law to the west, and Thornton Loch to the east.
At Sustaining Dunbar we believe the area should be home to thriving people, where nature flourishes on the land and in the sea, where we live, work and play in ways that respect the wellbeing of all people, and the health of the whole planet.
Working together…
With a get-it-done approach, the area’s strong communities have always adapted and developed as Scotland and the world have changed over the centuries. Sustaining Dunbar continues this tradition, working with local people, community groups and allies in statutory organisations so that the area can thrive despite challenges from the COVID pandemic to the climate crisis.
Individuals & families
We and our partners organise a variety of events and activities with opportunities to learn, connect with others, get involved in new and existing projects. Check out the partners pages to find opportunities to get involved. View partners…
Local groups & organisations
We convene the ‘What If?’ partners network of local groups, organisations and businesses working together to make a difference. Join us if your organisation shares our broad aim of working for thriving people in a flourishing place. Read more…
Statutory bodies & national groups
We work with the Area Partnership, the Community Councils, East Lothian Council and other organisations. We collaborate on shared objectives and seek to influence policy and practice – locally and nationally.
If you share our passion, become a member (it’s free) and we’ll keep you in the loop with news and events…
Projects & collaborations…
What Next Action Plan
We want to learn from the experience of the pandemic, prepare for future challenges, and play our part in tackling the environment crisis. We are working with our partners in the What If? network to facilitate a community-led resilience plan. Read more…
Belhaven Community Garden
We have transformed land at Belhaven Hospital into gardens where local residents, community groups, staff and patients can grow and learn together in a therapeutic and biodiverse space. Read more…
Climate Action East Linton
A friendly, informal group of people living in the East Linton area who care deeply about the climate and biodiversity crises. Visit site…
Fixing for a Future Tool Library
East Linton Tool Library, including skills workshops in bicycle, textile and furniture repair.Visit site…
Local Good Food Alliance
Local Good Food Alliance works across Dunbar, East Linton and surrounding villages to help shape a food system that is better for the planet, better for people and better for producers. Visit site…
Local Community Halls Network
A support and knowledge exchange network of groups and individuals who are custodians of the village and church halls in Dunbar, East Linton and the area. Visit site…
Legacy & past projects…
Since our launch in 2008, we have run, nurtured, supported and partnered with a whole variety of projects and initiatives in the Dunbar, East Linton and surrounding area which have community, cooperation and resilience at their heart. Many are still going strong as independent organisations. Check out our timeline…
News & events…
- Vacancy – Project Development Manager
We require a Development Manager to take forward the second stage of the Insulate Innerwick project. Location and status: Innerwick, Dunbar, East… - Climate Cafe
Second Wed of the month 12.30-14.00 – St Anne’s Church Next Café, December 11th 2024 An open, inclusive, café space for people… - Free infra-red heat surveys
COMING SOON! We are just preparing to launch this project. We are currently recruiting extra volunteers to join our team. Volunteers will…
Who we are
Sustaining Dunbar is headed up by a team of volunteers, who live in and love this place, and is run with support from other volunteers and staff employed on a project to project basis.
We draw on the huge range of expertise of our members, partner organisations and staff to turn ideas into activities that make a difference right now and help shape the future we, and the world, needs.