Discover Our Clan History

From the forests of Europe to the lands of Scotland

Home \ Discover Our History

Clan History of the Hunters

In the 12th century King David 1 of Scotland invited a group of Normans from the English Court to Scotland, amongst them were the Hunters. It seems that the Hunters, as their name suggests, were expert hunters with generations of experience in the forests of Europe.

Hunterston Castle Interior

Hunting scene from Hunterston castle interior

The first Laird, William Venator (Latin for ‘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.

The Hunters have held the seat of Clan Hunter for over 900 years, bearing witness to some of the most exciting and significant events throughout Scottish history.

Join Us

Shop

Donate

The Castle

From its ancient Pele Tower, Hunterston Castle has witnessed a timeline over nine centuries. The Hunters have continuously owned the castle since it was built, making it the oldest castle of its kind still owned by the family who originally built it.

The oldest section of the castle was built in the 13th century as part of a medieval chain of castles to defend the west and south coast of Scotland from Viking invasion. While there are no surviving written accounts their role, it is likely that the Hunters took part in the skirmishes that took place up and down the nearby coast, including the Battle of Largs in 1263, when 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 on the estate 700 years later.

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. You can find out more about how Clan Chiefs played their part in Scottish history in our Clan Chief page.

Hunterston Castle

Hunterston Castle Great Hall

In the 20th century, and despite vigorous resistance of the Hunters, much of the estate was compulsorily purchased by the Government to enable the construction of the Hunterston A and Hunterston B nuclear power stations.

In the 21st century a High Voltage DC Interconnector between Scotland and England was added to the industrial site. These industrial developments lie close by, yet out of sight from the castle grounds.

Join the Clan Hunter Email List

Please enter your details to keep up-to-date with community events

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: +44 7980 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 book to arrange a visit.