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One of the early
forms of the name Hunter was, Huntar, another was Hunte, meaning a hunter by occupation
and the Anglo-Saxon was Hunta, Burke's Landed Gentry states that "two
ancient families of the name of Hunter existed in Scotland for many centuries".
These were families of Tweeddale, now extinct, and the Hunters of Hunterston, who
owned the estates as early as the time of Alexander II, King of Scotland. In 1375,
William Hunter obtained a charter from King Robert II, for lands of the Barony of Amele.
These lands were later known as Campbellton, and at a later date still possessed by
the family. Dr. John Hunter, discoverer of the circulation of the blood, was a
member of the Hunterson families.
It has been stated by some authorities that it
is believed that all by the name of Hunter were descendants of the Hunterston families of
Ayreshire, Scotland. The Hunter family has been prominent, by playing
important roles in public affairs in the British Empire and in America. Family pride
is a trait which has been cultivated, and all Hunters have good cause to be proud of the
their family and traditions.
In 1969 the Lyon Court officially recognised Neil
Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick (b.1926) in the name of the Hunter of Hunterston as being 29th
Laird of Hunterston and Chief of Clan Hunter.
The present Laird is Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, 30th
Laird Clan Hunter. |
