03/08/2026
A Historic Day for Clan Hunter
On Friday, 24 July, Clan Hunter had the privilege of hosting a ceremony at Hunterston Castle that will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant chapter in our clan's history.
Led by the stirring music of the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band , a procession of chiefs, banner bearers, honoured guests and members of our clan made its way through the castle grounds before gathering for an afternoon celebrating our heritage, our traditions and our future.
The ceremony opened with the formal presentation of the Hunterston Bearing Sword as the official ceremonial bearing sword of Clan Hunter. For at least a century, this remarkable sword had hung silently on the walls of Hunterston Castle, admired as part of the family's history but no longer fulfilling the purpose for which it was made.
Bearing swords were created not for battle, but to be carried proudly at the head of ceremonial processions as symbols of honour, dignity and authority. Today, only a handful survive in Scotland, making the Hunterston Bearing Sword a rare and important part of our nation's heritage.
Following its meticulous restoration by Paul Macdonald, Master-at-Arms, the sword once again took its rightful place at the forefront of a clan procession. More than the restoration of a remarkable artefact, this marked the revival of a tradition that had lain dormant for generations. From this day forward, the Hunterston Bearing Sword will once again lead Clan Hunter at ceremonial occasions, linking our future with centuries of our past.
The ceremony continued with the inauguration of Martin Beer as the first Depute Macer Venatorus of Clan Hunter, a newly established ceremonial office dedicated to supporting the Chief and preserving the traditions and dignity of the clan.
We then witnessed another landmark moment as Louise Hunter was inaugurated as the first Chieftain of Clan Hunter. With Madam Pauline Hunter serving as Chief, this marks the first time in Scottish clan history that a recognised clan has been led simultaneously by a female Chief and a female Chieftain. In her address, Louise spoke of service, belonging and ensuring that every Hunter, wherever they may live in the world, has a place within the clan family.
The afternoon concluded with the signing of the Hunterston Declaration, establishing a formal Bond of Friendship between Clan Hunter, CLAN GRANT, Clan MacEwen, Clan Carruthers and Clan Irving of Bonshaw. The declaration, drafted and presented by Mr Ross M. McEwen of Clan MacEwen, was signed by Madam Pauline Hunter, The Rt Hon. The Lord Strathspey, Chief of Grant, Sir John McEwen, Dr Peter Carruthers of Holmains and Rupert Irving of Bonshaw, publicly affirming their shared commitment to cooperation, mutual support and the preservation of Scotland's living clan heritage.
We were deeply honoured that the ceremony was overseen by Philip Tibbetts, March Pursuivant Extraordinary to The Court of the Lord Lyon, and that Matt Smith, Deputy Lieutenant for Ayrshire and Arran, attended on behalf of His Majesty The King.
We were also privileged to welcome Provost Anthea Dickson, Mr Stuart McMillan MSP, Michael Buchanan of that Ilk and Arnprior, Professor David Hannay, of Kirkdale and of that Ilk, John MacArthur of that Ilk, Chief of Clan Arthur, Mr Tim Atkinson, President Clan Grant Society UK, Michael Carruthers and many other and representatives from across the Scottish clan community, together with many other guests and visitors from across Scotland and around the world.
Throughout the afternoon, every part of the ceremony reflected a common theme: honouring the traditions entrusted to us by previous generations while ensuring they continue to have meaning for generations yet to come.
Clan Hunter has always been proud of its history. On Friday, together with our friends from across the clan community, we were privileged not only to celebrate that history, but to add another chapter to it.
International Clan MacFarlane Society The Stewart Society Clan Hannay Forum Clan MacDougall Association Clan Logan Society International Clan Buchanan Society International The Society of John De Graeme Largs Viking Festival Kilwinning Heritage
