A sensational Clan Hunter International Gathering 2026
We were thrilled to welcome over 70 Clan Hunter members to the Clan Hunter International Gathering this year. On Friday this number was doubled with the addition of the Clan Chiefs taking part in the Bond of Friendship, their banner bearers and other notable guests including the Deputy Lieutenant for North Ayrshire, Matt Smith, the Provost, Angela Dickson and the March Persuivant from the Court of Lord Lyon. It was an extraordinary celebration of heritage, history, and Highland pride.
Strengthening Our Cornerstones and Deepening Bonds of Friendship
Clan Hunter is guided by the four pillars of Stewardship, Connectivity, Inclusion, and Legacy, Madam Pauline and her dedicated team remain committed to nurturing the foundations that will carry Clan Hunter confidently into the future.
This year’s gathering marked a particularly meaningful milestone. Twenty-five years ago, Madam Pauline extended a heartfelt Hand of Friendship to Clan Muirhead—a bond that continues to flourish today. In that same spirit, we extended our of Bond Friendship to four additional Chiefs and their clans: Clan Carruthers, Clan Irving, Clan Grant, and Clan McEwen. This special occasion was celebrated in a unique ceremony on Friday afternoon.
A Landmark Moment for Clan Hunter
The 2026 Gathering marks a truly historic chapter for our clan, celebrating several exciting firsts. With great pride, Madam Pauline announced two significant new appointments that will help shape the future of Clan Hunter:
Louise Hunter, marketing expert and events organiser, was appointed Chieftain.
Martin Beer, our social media specialist, was appointed Deputy Macer Venatorus
In recent years, Clan Hunter has experienced remarkable growth. Madam Pauline and her partner, Graham Wright, Macer Venatorus, have worked tirelessly to share Scottish clan culture across our global diaspora and to elevate Hunter heritage on the international stage—with great success. With the expertise and leadership of Louise and Martin, the clan will be well positioned to participate in more events and to further support Scotland’s rich cultural traditions.
The Court of the Lord Lyon
These appointments were submitted for approval at the highest level, and we are honoured that The Lord Lyon graciously gave consent to the official inauguration of Louise and Martin. We were delighted to welcome Philip Tibbetts, March Persuivant of Arms at the Court of Lord Lyon and Honorary Vexillologist, to preside over the inauguration.
Ross McEwen, seanachie to the Chief of Clan McEwen and an authority on heraldry, gave a brilliant talk in which he explored the rich traditions and meanings of heraldic symbolism.
Hunterston Castle’s Ancient Bearing Sword
For many years, Clan Hunter’s seat of Hunterston Castle has held a remarkable secret, nearly as old as the castle itself. Displayed in the Great Hall at Hunterston Castle was a sword of extraordinary size and weight. Recent examination revealed it to be a 15th-century ceremonial bearing sword, likely used for significant occasions such as the inauguration of a new clan chief.
This historic sword has now been lovingly restored and was formally presented at the gathering during the Friday afternoon ceremonies.
From the wines of the Hunter vineyard in New Zealand, to food sourced from Scottish soil, from our Hunter cousins around the world to our Scottish clan chiefs, this gathering truly brought together the very best of Scottish culture and Hunter heritage from far and wide at our ancestral seat of Hunterston Castle.
We can look back on a wonderful weekend filled with friendship, tradition and shared heritage—a gathering that has created lasting memories and laid a strong foundation for generations of Hunters to come.
