Originating in Normandy, the Hunter family travelled to Scotland around 1110.
The Ragman Roll was signed in 1296 by Aylmer le Hunter of the County of Are.
According to tradition, one of the Hunter ancestors fought with Rollo at the sack of Paris in 896, while others became official huntsmen to the Dukes of Normandy. After the conquest the family was granted the lands of Hunter’s Toune in Ayrshire, now Hunterston. The lands around have since been acquired by the Atomic Energy Authority.
The family distinguished itself in game management, which led to its appointment as Hunters to the King from an early date. The position was hereditary and passed through 29 lairds, some of whom have been women. The current laird, is Madame Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, 30th Clan Laird Hunter.
The family still owns a royal charter dating back to 1374 which granted land next to the present family seat, Hunterston Castle. Very little of the original lands still belong to the family because of industrial development and the current Laird set up a Clan Association to help preserve what is left.
Many family members have also distinguished themselves on the battlefield. The 14th Laird, John Hunter, fought and died at Flodden, and Lt. General Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston was involved in the Boer War and the Gallipoli landings. The family has also distinguished itself in public affairs both in the British Empire and in America.
