The Hunter Clan Chief

Madam Pauline Hunter

30th Chief of the Clan Hunter

Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston has been Chief since 1994. She is the 30th Chief of Clan Hunter and the fifth female to be Chief since 1616. Madam Pauline is the current Patron of the Largs Viking Festival.

Having spent her career in farming, the National Health Service and film production, she is focused of developing Clan Hunter and the preservation of Hunterston Castle.

Clan Hunter is now a worldwide organisation with members in most of the world’s continents. Madam Pauline has ensured it is a modern outward looking Clan whose values encompass the Stewardship of Hunterston Castle, encouraging and promoting the Connection of those with Hunter ancestry to each other and Hunterston, the Inclusion of all those with Hunter Connections, including West Indian and African American members and to leave a lasting Legacy in the preservation of our Clan Seat and Hunter heritage.

The role of the Clan Chief

Our current Clan Chief explains the significance of her role, and what it means to be leader of the Hunter Clan.

“Many people have asked me what my role as Clan Chief involves, so in here I hope to give you an understanding of how I see my role at the head of Clan Hunter.

My main aim is to make sure that Hunterston Castle is preserved for all Hunters now and in the future, because we are so fortunate in having our Clan Seat, Hunterston Castle in such excellent condition and held by the same family that built it.

My second aim is to promote Clan Hunter to as wide an audience as possible. Throughout the year I maintain links with my Clan Officers and Clan President and send them my newsletter to be shared with our members.

The St. Andrew’s Day Parade, Washington DC

In recognition of the support and commitment of the Clan members I have instigated the creation of an Order to recognize the highly valued volunteer work undertaken by individual Clan Hunter members. This award is called The Order of the Royal Huntsman. Each year I ask my Clan Officers and Clan President for recommendations for the Order.

Wendy Hunter Johnson receiving the Order of the Royal Huntsman from Madam Pauline Hunter

Madam Pauline Hunter

Representing Clan Hunter

In my role as Clan Chief, I oversee Clan Hunter’s participation in Scottish national events that celebrate the Clans and Families of Scotland and our rich heritage. I have had the privilege of attending many such occasions, including the 2009 international Homecoming Scotland. During this event, we hosted a dedicated Clan tent within the grounds of Holyrood Palace and were honoured to march the full length of the Royal Mile, from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle.

In 2013, a large group of Clan members—including our Standard, Standard Bearer, myself, and the Macer Venatorus—took part in commemorations marking the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden. This included a deeply moving service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, held in remembrance of the many Scots who lost their lives. The following year, I attended celebrations marking the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, an occasion also strongly supported by Clan members.

More recently, I have been honoured to serve as Patron of the Largs Viking Festival. Held annually over ten days in the Ayrshire town of Largs, this event is widely regarded as one of the finest of its kind in Europe. It features an authentic 15th-century Viking village, where skilled craftspeople demonstrate traditional techniques and trades.

In addition, I represent Clan Hunter at the Walking of the Stirling Marches—an ancient tradition dating back at least 900 years, making it as old as Clan Hunter itself. Originating in a time before maps, the marches were walked annually to confirm burgh boundaries and prevent encroachment. Today, this custom has evolved into a vibrant and inclusive celebration of community and heritage.

Clan Hunter at The Royal Edinburgh Tattoo

In 2017 Clan Hunter was privileged to attend the opening ceremony of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Clan Hunter members attended in force and I was very proud to be able to lead the Clan onto the Parade ground of Edinburgh Castle and the stage for the Military Tattoo. At the ceremony I was given a quaich of very fine malt whiskey by General Miley who then presented me with his Challenge Medallion.

Clan Hunter was the first Clan with a female Clan Chief to attend this ceremony. The medallion will become one of our Clan’s most prized possessions, and will be displayed in our new Clan centre when it is created.

Clan Hunter International Gathering

Madam Pauline with Tom Hunter and Dale Hill, outgoing and incoming Presidents of Clan Hunter Canada

Madam Pauline Hunter with the Castle Tour guides

You can keep up to date with our Clan, happenings and events on our Facebook page,  or follow our fascinating blog written by Lucy Massaar-Hunter-Weston, my cousin. We compile and send out two or three newsletters a year with a round up of news from Hunterston, events attended and share news from my Clan Associations in the different countries.