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Brief History of Clan Hunter

The Hunter Clan Motto is ‘Cursum Perficio’ (I accomplish my course).

Clan Hunter has a unique claim to fame, with one member believed to have contributed to the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry, a significant historical document which chronicles William the Conqueror’s path to the English throne. The connection comes through the wife of a Hunter who was a Lady in Waiting to William’s Queen, Matilda. It was she who commissioned the tapestry to honour her husband.

The Hunters’ association with the Norman kings likely began around 896, when Viking Rollo sacked the city of Paris. They served as huntsmen for Rollo’s descendants, later Dukes of Normandy. This role continued as they travelled to Britain. In England, they held hereditary positions as royal forest keepers, a role they carried over to Scotland in the 12th century. This was likely at the invitation of David I, who was raised in the Norman court of England.

The Hunter clan boast having the best landlords in the world. A 1374 charter from Robert II granted lands to William Hunter for his loyal service, in exchange for a silver penny which was payable to the Crown at Hunterston on Pentecost.

John, the fourteenth Laird, died alongside his fellow noblemen at the Battle of Flodden. His son Robert, a frail boy, was excused from military service by James V, under the condition that he enlisted his eldest son and tenant. Robert’s son succeeded him in 1546 but was killed the next year at the Battle of Pinkie.

The Hunter tartan features a bold pattern of deep greens and blues, accented by striking red and black stripes. Variations of this tartan include ancient and modern designs.