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Is Dunbar the sunniest place in Scotland?

Cromwell went on to take Edinburgh which led to Scotland becoming part of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland in 1653. Dunbar is the sunniest place in Scotland and today a popular visitor destination with its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside.



Yes, Dunbar is statistically recognized as one of the sunniest and driest places in Scotland. This reputation is largely due to its geographic position; the town is sheltered by the Lammermuir Hills, which cause moisture-laden south-westerly winds to lose their rain before reaching the coast. This "rain shadow" effect allows clouds to disperse over Dunbar, resulting in an average of over 1,500 hours of sunshine per year and significantly lower rainfall compared to the west coast. While other coastal towns like Arbroath often compete for the title, Dunbar consistently holds its own in meteorological records, earning it the local nickname "Sunny Dunny." In 2026, the town remains a popular visitor destination for its rugged coastline and clear skies. However, it is also known for its "bracing" sea breezes and occasional "haar" (sea mist) in the spring, which can bring a sudden chill despite the sunshine that travelers should be prepared for when visiting.

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Dunbar is a pleasant town on the North Sea coast of East Lothian, about 30 miles east of Edinburgh.

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To recap, the seven best places to live in Scotland are:
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In general, the western coastal areas of Scotland are warmer than the east and inland areas, due to the influence of the Atlantic currents, and the colder surface temperatures of the North Sea. The highest official temperature recorded was 34.8 °C (94.6 °F) in Charterhall, Scottish Borders on 19 July 2022.

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