There is a long history of brewing in Dunbar and its surrounding area. What we know now as Belhaven Brewery began on a small site next to John Johnston’s market garden in 18th century Belhaven.
Throughout its history the brewery expanded when different owners purchased new plots of land, including the ‘Miln Quarter’, Belhaven Mill and Monkscroft (or Belhaven Park). The brewery remained on the site because of the good supply of water from nearby Belhaven Dam for malting and cooling beer. On the site itself there were wells, which supplied excellent brewing water.
This plan, (adapted from one drawn by by Rev JS McMartin) shows how and when the different parts of the Brewery came together.
- John Johnstone's garden before 1751
- Miln Quarter (right) and Waste Ground (left), 1751
- Monk's Croft, 1799
- Belhaven Mill, 1837
The brewery suffered two major fires in the 19th century. After the fires large parts of the buildings were rebuilt, the surviving parts being retained each time. With the addition of new machinery and technology the brewery continued to develop and grow during the 20th century. Despite the bustling activity of a modern business, John Johnston’s garden still provides an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the complex.
Looking east / west along the north side of the maltings. A doorway in this wall records three dates in the lintel, 1719, 1814 and 1887. The latter two dates recording rebuilding after two disastrous fires.
Images courtesy of Belhaven Brewery Company Limited & the Scottish Brewing Archive
