MODERN technology has enabled Dunbar and District History Society to take a look into the past.

The group was due to hold its annual general meeting last month. The meeting, which was postponed, is usually preceded by short talks by committee members and instead took place as a virtual gathering.

Dr Jim Herring, who looks after the society’s website, put together a presentation entitled The 1899 Map of Dunbar: An Illustrated Talk.

The video was then posted to the group’s website and on YouTube.

The talk begins with an explanation of the names of the rocks which can be seen off Winterfield Promenade – the West Promenade on the map – and Dunbar Harbour, such as Wallace’s Head, Scart Rock, The Yetts and The Gripes.

Dr Herring said: “I had no idea what the names meant, so got help from two experts on Scottish place names and found out the most likely explanations.”

The talk then looked at some new buildings in Dunbar which were not included in an 1893 map, including The Old Ship Inn, The Hotel Bellevue and the Roxburghe Hotel, originally known as The Roxburghe Marine Hotel.

Dr Herring added: “I found some really interesting information. For example, the Bellevue Hotel was designed around the calendar, with four floors, 12 public rooms, 52 bedrooms, etc.”

The virtual talk, is available via the History Society website at dunbarhistory.org.uk