An Interview with the Chief of Clan Gunn

The original Loyal and Benevolent Society of Clan Gunn was formed in Thurso in 1821 and the present Clan Gunn Society was re-established in 1960 to promote a spirit of kinship amongst members of the clan throughout the world.

How did you become involved in the Clan Gunn Society?

I was involved in the founding of the Society with George Gunn, the Headmaster of a Glasgow School, President at the time of the Glasgow Caithness Society. George went on to become the first President of the Society. While a student at Edinburgh University I had become interested in the Clan's history and started recording the Births, Marriages and Deaths of Gunns in New Register House in Edinburgh. As there had been no recognised Chief of the Clan since 1785 my Uncle, Dr William Gunn of Banniskirk was appointed Commander of the Clan by Lord Lyon Innes of Learney in 1962. Following his death in 1968 I, as heir to the Arms of Gunn of Banniskirk, was appointed Commander of the Clan by the Lord Lyon in 1972. In July 2015 at a Family Convention convened by Lord Lyon Murrell, a petition from leading members of the Clan seeking my recognition as Chief of Clan Gunn was considered. As a result, the Lord Lyon recognised me as Iain Gunn of Gunn and Chief of Clan Gunn.

How does it feel to be the first recognised Chief of Clan Gunn since 1785?

I am very honoured to have been recognised as Chief and glad that the chiefly line has been re-established as the Chiefship will descend to my son John Gunn Younger of Gunn and thereafter to my granddaughter Charlotte.

What does your position as Clan Chief include?

My duties are similar to those that I carried out as Commander over the past 43 years representing the Clan in the UK and abroad, encouraging an interest in the Clan, promoting the spirit of Clan kinship worldwide and welcoming the Clan to its homeland.

Your greatest achievement as Chief of Clan Gunn?

I consider that my main achievement has been in being party to reviving interest in Clan Gunn and its Clan fellowship. We now have thriving Clan Societies in the UK, North America and New Zealand and active groups in France, and the Netherlands. We also have and one of the best Clan Heritage Centres in Scotland at Latheron in Caithness which provides a history of the Clan from our Norse forefathers to the present day and our extensive family archive.

The most rewarding aspect of your position as Clan Chief?

The most rewarding aspect of my leadership of the Clan has been meeting so many of the Clan and the mass of friendships that my wife, Bunty. and I have made over the past sixty years.

What makes Clan Gunn so special when compared to other Scottish clans?

Clan Gunn which is one of the oldest in Scotland descending from the Norse Earls of Orkney has had a considerable influence in the north of Scotland at times friends and foes of neighbouring Clans Sinclair, Mackay and Sutherland.

Do you have any interesting stories about the clan or society that you would like to share with us?

Sir James Gun, an early Chief of the Clan, is reputed to have accompanied Henry Sinclair, Earl of Orkney on his expedition to the New World in 1398 over 90 years before Columbus is said to have discovered America. An effigy of a medieval knight in armour claimed to be of Sir James, is engraved on a rock face at Westford, Massachusetts.

A special thank you to the Chief of Clan Gunn, Iain of Gunn, for taking the time to discuss the great work of the society and his role as clan chief with us. If you're a Gunn yourself, or belong to one of its septs, why not consider joining the Clan Gunn Society? It could be a great way to meet the members of your clan and find out more about your heritage. Be sure to join us again next week where we will be taking a look at our favourite styles in Gunn tartan.