A SERIES of stones depicting local historic events have been unveiled throughout Lochend Woods.

Artist James Winnett has created a trail through the woods to the south of Dunbar with the seven stones.

Each stone carries a carving that draws on an historical event that took place nearby.

The artist, from Glasgow, has been working on the project since before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

The 40-year-old said: “It has been really enjoyable to get to know the Dunbar Community Woodland Group.

“It has been enjoyable and you can see their commitment and work they do in managing the woods and developing the woods.”

Lochend Woods was once part of the Barony of Lochend, a large estate that surrounded Lochend House.

Part of the ruins of the original 17th-century house can still be seen in the woods to the north of Kellie Road.

This house was replaced by a 19th-century mansion, which was destroyed by fire in 1859 and of which there is no trace today.

Local historical events are engraved into the stones

When researching the history of the area, artist James was struck by the stark contrast between the peaceful nature of the woodland today and the often-tumultuous events that had played out across the surrounding landscape – with two battles, a five-month siege and disastrous fires all occurring in this part of East Lothian.

He said: “I had not known much about Lochend Woods but I got to know Dunbar through workshops.

“I worked in Haddington on a stone there a few years ago, called the Free Gardeners Stone. That was part of a housing development.”

The project, which was funded by Persimmon Homes through East Lothian Council’s Percent for Art scheme, was developed in conjunction with Dunbar Community Woodland Group, which manages the woods.

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The Lochend Stones draw on a motto which, until relatively recently, could be found carved into a stone lying next to the ruins of the 17th-century Lochend House.

A survey from 1962 described it as follows: “On a panel lying beside the gateway is carved an heraldic achievement. Beneath a heavy crest and mantling is a shield charged with nine stars (the Baillie arms) and below is the legend SEDES DENT FATA QUIETAS (‘May) the fates give a quiet seat’) and the initials 1 B.”

The limestone blocks were sourced from Dunbar Quarry, which lies just two miles away to the east, with the stones donated by Tarmac from Dunbar Cement Plant.

By gradually polishing the surface of the stones, intricate details of fossil corals from over 320 million years ago were revealed, foregrounding a sense of deep time.

Mr Winnett said: “Like the carvings, these fossils have their own story to tell – one of warm, crystal-clear tropical seas when the land we now call Scotland was located to the south of the equator.

“Known as ‘Dunbar Marble’, this particular type of limestone was once quarried for use in decorative fireplaces.

“The designs for the artworks were developed through a research and community engagement programme involving several stone-carving workshops that took place in the woods.

“Workshops were also held at Dunbar Primary and Belhaven Hill schools.”