Scottish Clans
Hunter Tartans & Clan
In the 12th century King David I of Scotland invited a group of people from Northern France to Scotland and gifted the lands of Hunterston to them.
Who Wears Hunter Tartan? - Associated Names
First of all to explain why there are so many tartans, way over 2000 in fact. There are an awful lot of Scottish clans to start with and on top of this each clan can have many different tartans and names associated with it.
- Huntar
- Huntian
- Hunta
- Huntris
Hunter Tartans
2 variationsEach tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress
About tartan variations
- Ancient
- Modern
- Weathered
- Hunting
- One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if
Ancient Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans, mossy greens and sky blues, a more orangey red and some would say showing off the pattern to much greater effect as as the contrasts are much brighter than the Modern tartans. The pattern or sett remains the same across all variations of a single tartan, and only the shades or tones vary.
Helpful Advice
Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Modern Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans. Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Helpful Advice
The Modern tartans are often the more subtle combinations such as the classic Black Watch Modern
Weathered Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer, more earthy colours typical of the Weathered tartans, reminiscent of bolder colours subjected to wind, rain and sunshine producing beautiful faded tones, olive greens and browns, and very light blues with reds that are more pink than red.
Helpful Advice
Some mills refer to the Weathered tartans as Muted.
Hunting Tartan
The Hunting Tartans are the camouflage tartans and some clans don't have these variations because they are already predominantly green or brown and don't need amendment to blend in with nature's colours. The Black Watch or Gunn tartans are examples of these, whereas a tartan such as the Fraser is predominantly red and would not provide much cover for men out hunting.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if Tartan
The Dress Tartans were designed as the name suggests for celebrations and highland dance. The sett or pattern of the tartan remains the same and the main colour is changed to white, or extra white is added to the pattern to give it a brighter, more "fancy" appearance. The Scots do like to bend the rules and occasionally instead of white thread, yellow is used and this is where the rather wild MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came from.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
From the start
Hunter Clan Origins & History
Explore the history of Clan Hunter
How it all started
Territories
Today, Clan Hunter is seated in North Ayrshire, south west of Glasgow. The Hunters have actually been tied to this area since the beginning part of the 12th century. It is no surprise that this family were known to have been excellent hunters and field workers. Previously of Norman descent, the Lords of the family are said to have been invited to Scotland by King David I. Other prominent Hunter territories throughout history include Arran, Bute, and Cumbraes.
Clan Chief
The current chief is Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston. Upon becoming the 30th Chief, she devoted her life to the society. Her time is spent furthering the society's mission to help Hunter's around the world form a connection and support those making volunteer efforts for the clan. Madam Pauline is a steward of preservation and works tirelessly to protect Hunterston Castle and the surrounding lands. As Chief, Madam Pauline created the Order of the Royal Huntsman, which honors members who have made significant contributions to the clan.
You will most certainly spot Madam Pauline at various events including Highland Games, Burns Suppers, Hogmanay, and other Scottish festivals around the world.
Where does the name Hunter come from?
A William Hunter of 1116 is the first record of the surname Hunter in the Ayrshire area. The documented name is Willielmo Venator, which translates from Latin to Willian the Hunter. William was an expert hunter who was appointed the Royal Huntsman by King David I of Scotland. From then on, members of the family were traditionally honored with the title and the surname Hunter was adopted as their official clan name. The original Gaelic is Clann an t-Sealgair.
Hunterston Castle
Hunterston Castle has been the seat of Clan Hunter for over 900 years and the first construction of the Castle was conducted in the 15th Century, although it is believed by some historians that there was possibly an even earlier construction on the grounds but it is hard to tell when this is from. Extensions have been added to the Castle over the years, the first being in the 17th Century when the family occupying the residence felt they needed more accomodation and again in the 19th Century when Hunterston House was built on the grounds for the same reason. The Hunter family have owned the lands since the 12th Century and have occupied the grounds ever since.
Clan Battles
During the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Hunter’s fought on the side of Wallace and Bruce. This is a clan that showed constant loyalty to Scottish royalty, even at their own expense. During the 1500’s, Clan Hunter fought for Scotland against England at the battles of Flodden and Pinkie Cleugh. Both were significant battles in Scottish history, with Flodden being the largest battle fought between Scotland and England, and Pinkie being the last pitched battle prior to the Union of Crowns. For Clan Hunter, these battles were even more significant as they lost Clan Chiefs at both.
The Hunter’s of Long Calderwood
There were two notable 18th century Hunter's of Long Calderwood in South Lanarkshire - Dr. John Hunter, a distinguished scientist and surgeon, and his brother William Hunter, a prominent physician and anatomist. The legacy of the latter inspired the founding of the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, which is the oldest public museum in Scotland, having opened in 1807.
Hunter Clan Crest
The Hunter crest features a greyhound sejant in a crown. The greyhound is a hunting dog, which of course symbolizes the origin of the Hunter name. The motto translates to “I will complete the course.”
Clan Hunter's Royal Charter
At Hunterston in Ayrshire is carefully preserved on a frail parchment a charter signed by Robert II on 2 May 1374, confirming the grant of land to William Hunter ‘for his faithful service rendered and to be rendered to us in return for a silver penny payable to the Sovereign at Hunterston on the Feast of Pentecost’. To this day the Laird of Hunterston keeps silver pennies, minted in the reigns of Robert II and George V, in case of a royal visit to the district on the day appointed for the payment of his rent.
War Cry
The Hunter war cry is Haud at Hunds o Hunterston.
Plant Badge
Armeria maritima is the plant badge of this clan. It’s other names include Seapink, Thrift, and Bees Ruby. The British Threepence coin, which was issued from 1937 to 1952, included an image of this plant on its reverse side.
Discover Clan Hunter
Join Kalyn and Monja as they explore the interesting history of Clan Hunter. This Clan is well known for their incredible hunting abilities, as well as their constant loyalty to Scottish royalty. From the Clan origins to its tartans, seats and societies, we'll explore it all as part of our Clan of the Month celebration.
Clan Hunter
Tartan Poll
There are 2 plaid variants available for the Hunter Clan, with gorgeous greens and blues, this Clan is truly spoilt for choice. But which is your favourite Hunter Clan Plaid? Vote now!
Hunter Famous Faces
William Hunter
William Hunter of the 18th century was an anatomist and the physician to Queen Charlotte. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Professor of Anatomy to the Royal Academy, which makes him one of the most impressive Hunter's of not only his time, but of all time. Learn more about the other famous faces of Clan Hunter on the Tartan Blog.
Clan Hunter
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Hunter? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Hunter Clan Knowledge now!
Hunter Castles
Hunterston Castle
The original Hunterston Castle was built in the Middle Ages and has experienced several updates over the centuries. What's so incredible about this castle is that 900 years later it is still the Clan's seat! Discover more about Hunterston Castle on the blog.
Clan Hunter
Clan Hunter societies can be found in many different countries, with Clan Chief Madam Pauline Hunter at the head. The societies seek to promote the cultural heritage of the clan and offer membership to all Hunter’s and those who support the mission and values of the clan.
Though each national branch has their own website and social media pages, you can visit the Clan Hunter Scotland site for more information on membership, clan gatherings, and the Clan Hunter Genealogy project.
An Interview with Chief of Clan Hunter
As we celebrated Clan Hunter as our Clan of the Month we were lucky enough to interview 30th Chief of the Clan, Pauline Hunter! Pauline is the 5th female Chief of the Clan and one of only 6 female Chiefs in Scotland. Anna speaks to Pauline all about her important role and what excitement she has planned for the clan, including their upcoming 2022 gathering.
Clan Hunter
Explore Clan Hunter in a minute... learn how to spot a member of the clan and all about their history and their land claim.
Clan Motto: Cursum perficio (I have completed the course)
