Hunter (Hunterston) Tartan Collection
Hunter Tartan Collection
Honour the royal huntsmen of Ayrshire with the Hunter collection — the Hunters of Hunterston, keepers of the king's forests for near a thousand years, under the steadfast motto Cursum Perficio, "I Have Completed the Course."
- Featured
- Most relevant
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old
About the Hunter Tartan
Clan Hunter is an old Scottish clan of Ayrshire, of Norman origin, whose name comes from the Latin venator, "a hunter." William the Hunter had built a stronghold on the Ayrshire coast by 1116, on the lands that took the name Hunterston, "the hunter's town." A clan with its own chief, the Hunter of Hunterston, and its own tartan, the Hunters were royal huntsmen and hereditary keepers of the king's forests.
Whether you bear the Hunter name, descend from Ayrshire, or simply admire an old clan of the Clyde coast, this collection brings the Hunter tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Hunter Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Hunter of Hunterston tartan is a handsome sett built on a deep green hunting ground — the colour of the forests the clan once kept — crossed with fine stripes of gold and red, the gold recalling the golden field of the chief's arms and the family's role as royal huntsmen.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Hunter tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Hunter family and its kin, descendants of Ayrshire, Arran and the Cumbraes, those with Hunterston connections, and anyone drawn to an old clan of the Clyde coast.
- Hunter family & kin
- Ayrshire & Arran roots
- Hunterston ties
- Clan gatherings & Highland games
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Hunter Clan Heritage
The Hunters came to Scotland of Norman stock, and by the 12th century were established at Hunterston in north Ayrshire, appointed royal huntsmen by the king. Aylmer le Hunter set his name to the Ragman Roll in 1296, and the family supported Wallace and Bruce in the Wars of Independence. In 1374 Robert II granted William Hunter the lands of Ardneil for faithful service, on condition of a silver penny paid at Hunterston each Feast of Pentecost — a rent the lairds keep ready to this day.
The Hunters were hereditary keepers of the royal forests of Arran and Little Cumbrae. John, 14th Laird, fell at Flodden in 1513, and Mungo, 17th Laird, at Pinkie in 1547. The family have held Hunterston Castle for over eight hundred years, and the chiefship, passing twice through the female line, is held today by Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, 30th chief. The crest is a greyhound with an antique crown, the motto Cursum Perficio.
Hunter Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Hunter tartan, who can wear it, and why Hunter products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Hunter tartan?
The main sett is the Hunter of Hunterston, a green hunting ground with gold and red stripes; there is also an older Hunter sett shared with the Russells, Mitchells and Galbraiths.
Who can wear the Hunter tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Hunter name and for anyone with Ayrshire ancestry.
What does "Cursum Perficio" mean?
It is Latin for "I have completed the course" — a fitting motto for a clan of huntsmen who saw their task through to the end.
What was the silver penny rent?
By a charter of 1374, the Hunters held their lands for a silver penny paid to the sovereign at Hunterston each Pentecost; the lairds still keep silver pennies ready.
Who is the chief of Clan Hunter?
The chief is Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, 30th of that Ilk; the family have held Hunterston Castle for over eight hundred years.
Is Hunter tartan a good gift?
Yes. Hunter products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, Highland games, birthdays and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Hunter Heritage in Style
Discover Hunter tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Hunterston, the royal huntsmen and the steadfast motto Cursum Perficio.
View Hunter Tartan Products