McArthur Store, Dunbar

McArthur’s Store has been standing on Dunbar’s Cromwell Harbour since the early 17th century, its robust timbers and stonework bearing witness to centuries of fishing and maritime life. Originally a granary and later a working store for generations of fishermen, it is one of Scotland’s rare surviving coastal warehouses and a landmark of resilience and community identity.

The fire of October 2025 inflicted severe damage, breaking the familiar silhouette and deeply affecting the harbour community both financially and emotionally. This event demonstrates the critical importance of systematic recording and documentation in safeguarding heritage assets.

Our team created an AU 3D Digital Model of the Store just prior to the fire and repeated the exercise shortly after. These high-resolution records provide a definitive record of the building’s condition, offering precise evidence to inform conservation planning and restoration rather than relying on recollection.