Discover Our Clan History
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Clan History of the Hunters
Hunterston Castle Interior
To find out more about coats of arms and how they originate go to www.courtofthelordlyon.scot.
Hunterston Brooch
The first Laird, William Venator (Hunter) was granted the lands named “Hunter’s Toune” by King David I. His Clan was appointed Royal Huntsmen to the Scottish Royal Court. They were tasked with providing meat and game for the Royal Table and Hunting Birds for the Kings and Queens of Scotland. According to clan history, there is a legend about this relating to a chance meeting between William and the King.
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The Castle
Subsequently the Hunters fought for Wallace and Bruce in the Scottish Wars of Independence. Later, it is recorded in clan history, that they fought alongside Scottish Kings, losing Chiefs in battle at Flodden and Pinkie Cleugh.
Hunterston Castle Great Hall
Hunterston Castle With Daffodils
The family has owned the Castle ever since, although much of the estate was compulsorily purchased, despite vigorous resistance of the Hunters, by the government in the 20th century, to enable the construction of the Hunterston A and Hunterston B nuclear power stations and in the 21st century for a High Voltage DC Interconnector between Scotland and England. These lie close by, yet out of sight from Hunterston Castle grounds.
The Castle was built with defence in mind as part of a medieval chain of castles to defend the west and south coast of Scotland from Viking invasion. There is no written account in the clan history of the Hunters taking part, but it seems likely they took part in the skirmishes that took place up and down the nearby coast that constitute the Battle of Largs where a Viking attempt at invasion was successfully overcome. It seems possible that the Hunterston Brooch may have been lost during such an engagement, only to be found 700 years later.
From its ancient Pele Tower, Hunterston Castle has witnessed a timeline over nine centuries. You can find out more about how Clan Chiefs played their part in Scottish history in our Clan Chief page.
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DIRECTIONS
You will find us off the A78 just north of West Kilbride. Look for our driveway marked by stone pillars and "Hunterston Estate"
ADDRESS
Hunterston KA23 9QG
Telephone: 07980 209060
*This number is not continuously manned, so please do leave us a message.
OPENING TIMES AND ACCESS
Acccess to Hunterston Castle is strictly by appointment. Note that as a historic monument, wheel chair access is limited. More visitor information is available on our visitors page . Please email us to arrange a visit.
