Hunter

'Cursum Perficio (I accomplish the hunt)'

Hunter Tartan
©2011 Gazetteer for Scotland

The oldest branch of the Hunter family in Scotland has a traditional history based in Normandy (France) that extends back to 896. Arriving in England after the Norman Conquest, the family are first recorded in Scotland c.1100 and were given lands in North Ayrshire by David I (c.1080 - 1153). These lands became known as Hunter's Toune or modern-day Hunterston.

In the 15th century the Hunters took up the position of Keepers of the Royal Forests, in Arran and Little Cumbrae, a role that the family had carried out earlier in both England and Normandy.

The 16th century saw the Hunters involved in military service with John Hunter, the 14th Laird, fighting and dying with James IV (1473 - 1513) at the Battle of Flodden. His grandson, Mungo fell at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547.

William Hunter (1718 - 1783) and his brother John (1728 - 1793) were renowned for their contributions to the medical profession. William left a great collection which established the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.

Robert Hunter, a grandson of the 20th Laird became Governor of Virginia in the USA and later Governor of New York.

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