Dunbar has lost one of its longstanding local historians following the death of Gordon Easingwood, who was DDHS chairman for 23 years. During that time, Gordon represented the Society at meetings and events in East Lothian. He worked for East Lothian Museums Service in the Town House for many years, answering queries about Dunbar’s history and conducting tours of the building. Much of Gordon’s work was unseen by members as he assiduously worked with Secretary Pauline Smeed in organising and recording donations to the Society – books, pamphlets, slides, photographs and films/video. Gordon was involved with a number of history research projects including managing the Vaults project, by Dunbar Harbour, where a group of volunteers and archaeologists investigated the chambers by Dunbar Castle over several years. At the same time, he helped to manage a graveyard survey of Dunbar Parish Churchyard. This lasted for six years and is still one of our most useful resources for our visitors to Dunbar Town House. Tours of Dunbar Harbour were given to Dunbar Primary School classes, the Dunbar Clan who visit Dunbar every four years, and to other groups of visitors to the town on request. He had a close relationship with the RNLI and contributed to their historyHe also shared his extensive knowledge of the town’s history in outreach activities, including giving talks to Dunbar Day Centre and the Intergenerational Group at Dunbar Grammar School, of which he was a former pupil. For many years at the Society’s Members’ Night in the Town House, Gordon put together a quiz in which members eagerly participated. He will also be remembered for organising the annual bus trip to various historical venues in Scotland. His invaluable contribution to DDHS and Dunbar’s history in general will be sorely missed by all.
This tribute comes from the DDHS Committee.