Locals hoping to rebuild B-listed Dunbar harbour warehouse after 'devastating' fire

Locals say they hope to rebuild a 17th-century warehouse at Dunbar harbour after it was significantly damaged by a major blaze.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the blaze at McArthur’s Store on Monday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the B-listed building on Victoria Street at around 1.15pm.

Thick black smoke and flames could be seen across the East Lothian coastline, and coming from the building, one of the oldest surviving warehouses on the harbour.

Several nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution, and residents were advised to keep their windows closed.

Four fire engines and specialist crews managed to contain the blaze, which caused significant damage to the building.

Drone footage shows extensive damage to the roof, with the majority of the fishing gear inside lost to fire and water damage.

Eric Robertson is Chair of the Dunbar Harbour Trust. STV News

Eric Robertson, chair of the Dunbar Harbour Trust, which is based in the storeroom, said he saw the fire while on his lunch break.

“I was coming home for my lunch and saw the smoke and met one of the fishermen who had just come out of the building”, he told STV News. “At that point, we were only seeing smoke.

“The fire brigade was here really fast and were very brave. They did lots of good stuff, but eventually flames started coming through.”

The former warehouse is a B-listed building.

The building was built in the 17th century. STV News

Built in the 17th century, it had undergone repair and conservation efforts in 2007, bringing it back into use.

Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the blaze, something the locals are thankful for.

The fire remains a “devastating” blow for the local fishermen who use the store and the harbour trust.

Those involved hope they can rebuild again.

“The floor still exists”, Eric added.

“No doubt the wood will be charred, but the flooring structure is there, and the fire brigade was on it last night, so at least we still have the walls and still have some of the flooring.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 12.58pm on Monday, October 27, to reports of a well-developed fire within a commercial property on Victoria Street, Dunbar.

“Operations Control mobilised four appliances and a height vehicle to the scene, where firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.

“There are no reported casualties, and we left the area at 7.35am on Tuesday, October 28, after ensuring the area was safe.”