Clan Dunbar: Earls, Warriors, and Guardians of Scotland’s Eastern Marches
Clan Dunbar is one of the most ancient, noble, and historically influential families in Scotland. Rooted in the rugged coastlands of East Lothian and the strategic borders of the Eastern March, the Dunbars rose to immense prominence as Earls of Dunbar and March, military commanders, statesmen, and royal supporters—sometimes rivals—over a span of nearly a thousand years.
Their motto, “In Promptu” — “In Readiness” — reflects a lineage shaped by constant vigilance, military command, and loyalty to the Scottish Crown.
Origins and Early History
1. Early Celtic-Britonic Foundations
The Dunbars trace their lineage to:
Gospatric, Earl of Northumbria (11th century)
a noble of ancient royal descent who fled to Scotland after conflict with William the Conqueror.
King Malcolm III granted Gospatric vast lands in:
East Lothian
The Merse (Berwickshire)
The Borders
His descendants adopted the territorial name “de Dunbar”, after the coastal stronghold of Dunbar.
2. Rise of the Earls of Dunbar and March
The Dunbars quickly emerged as one of the most powerful houses in medieval Scotland, holding titles such as:
Earl of Dunbar
Earl of March
Warden of the Eastern March
Their authority extended from Edinburgh to the English border, making them guardians of Scotland’s eastern gateway.
Territories and Clan Seats
1. Dunbar Castle
The clan’s ancient coastal fortress—once one of the strongest castles in Scotland.
It played key roles in:
Wars of Independence
Anglo-Scottish conflicts
Royal politics
Now a historic ruin overlooking the North Sea.
2. Winterfield, Biel, and Spott
Estates controlled by cadet branches of the family.
3. Fast Castle
A dramatic cliffside fortress held at various times by Dunbars and their allies.
4. Westfield (Moray)
Seat of the Dunbars of Westfield, hereditary sheriffs of Moray.
The clan eventually split into several powerful branches across Scotland.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A horse’s head bridled, symbolising:
Nobility
Readiness for battle
Control and discipline
Motto:
“In Promptu”
“In Readiness.”
A perfect motto for border wardens who constantly faced English incursions.
Badge:
The Dunbar plant badge is the fleur-de-lys, an emblem of:
Purity
Nobility
Ancient European connections
Arms:
Typically:
Gold shield
Red lion
Royal influences
Heraldic borders and bars
Dunbar Tartans
Although historically a Lowland noble house, Clan Dunbar has several registered tartans:
Dunbar (Modern)
Deep blues, greens, and red overchecks.
Dunbar (Ancient)
Lighter, natural tones reflecting plant-based dyes.
Dunbar Hunting
Greens and blues suited to Highland-style wear.
These tartans honour the clan’s long-standing martial tradition.
Alliances and Associated Families
The Dunbars forged alliances with major Scottish families, including:
Stewart
Douglas
Hepburn
Sinclair
Home
Gordon
They also intermarried with:
The royal House of Dunkeld
The Stewart monarchy
Powerful nobles across Scotland
Feuds and Rivalries
1. Dunbar vs the Douglases
The two great houses often competed for influence in southeast Scotland.
2. Dunbar vs the Hepburns
After the forfeiture of the Earldom in 1435, the Hepburn Earls of Bothwell inherited much of the Dunbar influence, leading to tensions.
3. Anglo-Scottish Conflicts
As Wardens of the Eastern March, Dunbars frequently clashed with:
English border lords
The Percy family
English raiding armies
The clan’s history is steeped in border warfare.
Dunbars in Scottish and European Warfare
1. Wars of Scottish Independence
Dunbars fought on both sides due to shifting political realities.
Some supported Edward I
Others supported Robert the Bruce and later Scottish kings
2. Battle of Bannockburn (1314)
A Dunbar contingent supported Bruce, contributing to the victory.
3. Hundred Years’ War
Dunbars served as:
Knights
Mercenaries
Royal envoys
4. Border Wars
As wardens, they led:
Cavalry raids
Castle sieges
Defensive operations
Their military readiness became legendary.
5. Civil Wars & Jacobite Era
Dunbars were divided in the 17th and 18th centuries, serving:
Covenanting causes
Royalist commands
Hanoverian armies
Their loyal service to the Crown remained constant across branches.
Notable Dunbars in History
Black Agnes of Dunbar (Agnes Randolph)
One of Scotland’s greatest heroines.
Defended Dunbar Castle against English siege in 1338 with unmatched courage and genius.
George Dunbar, 10th Earl of March
A key figure in border politics and diplomacy.
Sir George Dunbar of Westfield
Hereditary Sheriff of Moray.
William Dunbar (c. 1460–1520)
One of Scotland’s greatest poets, associated with the royal court of James IV.
Gavin Dunbar (Archbishop of Glasgow)
Influential religious and political leader in the 16th century.
Colonial and Military Dunbars
Notable in:
British Army
Exploration
American and Canadian settlement
Literature and the arts
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Current Chief:
Clan Dunbar is armigerous, meaning:
There is no officially recognised chief
Multiple noble lines continue the family name and arms
Clan Societies:
Active organisations in:
Scotland
USA
Canada
Australia
Global Presence:
Dunbars are numerous in:
Scotland
USA
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Due to border region migration and later global expansion.
Dunbar Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: Dunbar
Region: East Lothian, Borders, Moray
Historic Seats: Dunbar Castle, Westfield
Chief: None (armigerous)
Crest: Horse’s head bridled
Motto: In Promptu
Badge: Fleur-de-lys
Tartans: Dunbar Modern, Ancient, Hunting
Allies: Stewart, Douglas, Home
Feuds: Hepburn, Douglas, English border lords
Notable Figures: Black Agnes, William Dunbar the poet
Status: Ancient noble Lowland family
Conclusion
Clan Dunbar is a family of exceptional antiquity and prestige—border wardens, poets, statesmen, and some of the fiercest defenders of Scotland’s eastern frontier. Their history is one of readiness, courage, and noble service. From the legendary Black Agnes to the statesmen and jurists of later centuries, the Dunbars shaped Scotland in peace and war.
Their motto, “In Promptu”, remains a proud reminder of a family always ready to defend their country, their lands, and their legacy.