Clan Gunn: A Legacy of Caithness, Norse Blood and Either Peace or War
Introduction
Clan Gunn is one of the great northern Highland clans of Scotland, rooted especially in Caithness, Sutherland, Strathnaver, Kildonan, Clyth, Banniskirk, and the wider Norse-Gaelic world of the far north.
The clan motto is:
“Aut Pax Aut Bellum”
“Either peace or war.”
The clan crest is:
A dexter hand wielding a sword in bend, proper.
The clan plant badge is:
Juniper.
The clan slogan is:
“An Gòrdanach” is Gordon, not Gunn; for Gunn, the clan identity is usually expressed through the name Na Guinnich and the motto Aut Pax Aut Bellum.
The current chief is:
John Gunn of Gunn and Banniskirk
The Gunn of Gunn
Chief of Clan Gunn
He succeeded his father, Iain Alexander Gunn of Gunn, after Iain’s death in October 2024. The Clan Gunn Society’s current chief’s message states that John Gunn became Chief of Clan Gunn in October 2024.
This article explores the history, people, heritage, tartans, crest, motto, castles, battles, feuds and modern legacy of Clan Gunn.
Chapter I: Origins of Clan Gunn
The name Gunn is strongly associated with the Norse-Gaelic world of northern Scotland.
Clan Gunn tradition connects the clan with Gunni, a name of Norse origin. The Gunns are often described as descending from the Norse jarls of Orkney and the old ruling families of Caithness. Modern clan summaries identify Clan Gunn as a Highland clan associated with Caithness, Sutherland and possibly the Orkney Isles, with deep Norse connections.
The Gaelic collective name is:
Na Guinnich
Historic spellings and forms include:
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Gunn
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Gun
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Gunne
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Guinne
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Gunn of Gunn
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Gunn of Banniskirk
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MacHamish Gunn
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Robson Gunn
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Gunn of Braemore
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Henderson of Caithness
Clan Gunn belongs to the hard northern world of Scotland: sea-roads, Norse inheritance, Caithness plains, Sutherland glens, feuds, towers, brochs, chapel sites, and fierce kin loyalty.
It is a clan whose motto speaks with unusual directness:
Either peace or war.
There is no middle ground.
Chapter II: Clan Territory and Ancestral Lands
Clan Gunn’s historic territory includes:
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Caithness
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Sutherland
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Strathnaver
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Kildonan
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Clyth
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Banniskirk
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Braemore
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Dunbeath
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Latheron
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Wick
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Thurso
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Orkney-linked Norse territories
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The far north of Scotland
The historic seat is often given as:
Gunn’s Castle / Clyth Castle
Modern clan summaries identify Gunn’s Castle, also known as Clyth Castle, as the historic seat of Clan Gunn.
Other important clan places include:
Banniskirk
St Tears / St Tayre’s Chapel
Caithness Heritage Centre sites
Strathnaver and Kildonan country
The Gunn country is not the romantic central Highlands of lochs and pinewoods alone. It is the far north: open skies, sea winds, Norse ruins, hard stone, Viking memory, old chapels, and long distances.
This landscape shaped the Gunn character: direct, enduring, martial and independent.
Chapter III: Important People of Clan Gunn
Gunni
The clan’s origin tradition centres on Gunni, a Norse-linked ancestor from whom the clan name is said to derive.
ScotlandShop summarises the tradition that the first of the clan may have been a man called Gunni, connected with the Earls of Orkney and Norse descent.
This gives the clan a powerful northern identity: Scottish, Highland, Norse and Caithness all at once.
George Gunn, the Crowner
One of the most famous figures in Clan Gunn history is George Gunn, known as:
The Crowner
He was the chief or leading man of the clan during the terrible feud with Clan Keith.
George Gunn was killed at the Battle of Champions, also known as the Battle of St Tears or St Tayre’s Chapel, in the 15th century. The battle was arranged as a trial combat between the Gunns and the Keiths, but the Keiths arrived with two men on each horse, outnumbering the Gunns.
His death became one of the central tragedies of Clan Gunn memory.
The MacHamish Gunns
The MacHamish Gunns became the chiefly line of Clan Gunn.
Modern clan summaries list the MacHamish Gunns as the chiefly branch of the clan.
The Robson Gunns / Gunns of Braemore
The Robson Gunns, or Gunns of Braemore, were another important branch.
They show how Clan Gunn developed through multiple northern family lines rather than a single household only.
Iain Alexander Gunn of Gunn
Iain Alexander Gunn of Banniskirk was recognised by the Lord Lyon as Chief of Clan Gunn in 2015, ending a long period without a recognised chief. He was formally invested in Edinburgh in 2016. The Clan Gunn Society of North America describes the 2016 investiture as a historic moment, when the Lord Lyon presented Iain Gunn with the grant of arms as Chief of Clan Gunn.
He died in Caithness on 9 October 2024.
John Gunn of Gunn and Banniskirk
The current chief is:
John Gunn of Gunn and Banniskirk
The Gunn of Gunn
Chief of Clan Gunn
In his message to the Clan Gunn Society, John Gunn states that he became chief in October 2024.
This means Clan Gunn today has a living recognised chief.
Chapter IV: Castles, Strongholds and Historic Sites
Gunn’s Castle / Clyth Castle
Gunn’s Castle, also known as Clyth Castle, is the historic seat associated with Clan Gunn.
It stands in the Caithness landscape and represents the old power of the clan in the far north. Modern clan summaries identify it as the historic seat of the clan.
For Clan Gunn, Clyth represents:
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Chiefship
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Caithness roots
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Norse-Gaelic heritage
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Defensive strength
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Northern independence
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The old world of clan conflict
Banniskirk
Banniskirk is associated with the modern chiefly line through Gunn of Gunn and Banniskirk.
It became especially important in the restored modern chiefship of Iain Gunn and then John Gunn.
St Tears / St Tayre’s Chapel
The site of St Tears Chapel, north of Wick in Caithness, is one of the most important places in Gunn memory.
It was the site of the Battle of Champions between Clan Gunn and Clan Keith. Modern local history explains that the battle was meant to settle the quarrel between the clans, with each side bringing men on twelve horses, but the Keiths arrived with two men on each horse, giving them twice the force.
Caithness
Caithness is the heart of Clan Gunn.
It is a land of Norse names, sea winds, old stones, brochs, chapels, flat horizons, and long clan memory.
Sutherland and Strathnaver
Sutherland and Strathnaver also belong to the Gunn story. Clan Gunn’s lands and influence extended into the northern Highland world shared with Mackay, Sutherland, Sinclair and other major northern families.
Chapter V: Battles, Wars and Clan Events
Clan Gunn’s history includes Norse inheritance, Highland warfare, clan feuds, northern politics and modern reconciliation.
The Norse Inheritance
The Gunns are one of the clans most strongly associated with Norse heritage in Scotland.
Their origin traditions link them to the Norse jarls and the mixed Norse-Gaelic culture of Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney.
This gives Clan Gunn a different flavour from many western Highland clans. Its roots are northern, sea-facing and strongly Norse.
Feud with Clan Keith
The most famous conflict in Gunn history was the long feud with Clan Keith.
Clan.com describes the Gunns as especially known for their feud with Clan Keith, rooted in political conflict and land disputes, and notes that the feud only officially ended in 1978 after around five hundred years.
Battle of Champions / St Tears Chapel
The Battle of Champions took place in the 15th century, usually dated 1478 or sometimes 1464.
The battle was arranged as a trial combat between the Gunns and Keiths. The Gunns arrived with twelve men. The Keiths came with two men on each of twelve horses. The Gunns were defeated, and George Gunn, the Crowner, was killed.
This became one of the most painful and defining episodes in Clan Gunn history.
Battle of Tannach Moor
The Gunns also fought in other northern conflicts. Some clan-history summaries refer to defeat at the Battle of Tannach Moor in the 15th century.
These conflicts show the dangerous world of Caithness and Sutherland, where Gunns, Keiths, Mackays, Sinclairs and Sutherlands struggled for land, authority and survival.
The 1978 Treaty of Friendship
In 1978, the feud between Clan Gunn and Clan Keith was formally ended.
The Earl of Kintore, Chief of Clan Keith, and Iain Gunn of Banniskirk, then Commander of Clan Gunn, met at the site of St Tears Chapel and signed a Treaty of Friendship, ending roughly five centuries of feud.
This was one of the most powerful modern acts of clan reconciliation in Scotland.
Restoration of Chiefship
Another major modern event was the restoration of the Gunn chiefship.
Iain Alexander Gunn of Banniskirk was recognised as Chief of Clan Gunn in 2015 and invested in 2016, after the clan had been without a recognised chief for more than two centuries.
In 2024, after Iain’s death, his son John Gunn became Chief of Clan Gunn.
Chapter VI: Clan Crest, Motto and Badge
Clan Crest
The Clan Gunn crest is:
A dexter hand wielding a sword in bend, proper.
In simpler terms, this is a right hand holding a sword diagonally.
The sword suggests:
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Readiness
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Honour
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Defence
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Northern courage
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Justice
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A willingness to fight when peace fails
St Kilda Store gives the crest as a dexter hand wielding a sword in bend proper.
Clan Motto
The clan motto is:
“Aut Pax Aut Bellum”
This means:
“Either peace or war.”
It is one of the most uncompromising mottos in Scottish clan tradition.
It does not mean a love of violence. It means clarity.
Peace is possible.
But if peace is refused, war is accepted.
ScotlandShop and Clan.com both give the Gunn motto as Aut Pax Aut Bellum, translated as Either peace or war.
Clan Badge
The plant badge is:
Juniper
Modern clan summaries list Juniper as the plant badge of Clan Gunn.
Juniper is fitting for a northern clan:
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Hardy
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Sharp
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Evergreen
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Protective
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Associated with cleansing and old Highland tradition
Pipe Music
Clan Gunn pipe music is listed as:
Fàilte nan Guinneach
The Gunns’ Salute
Modern clan summaries identify this as the clan pipe music.
Chapter VII: Clan Tartans
Clan Gunn has a recognised tartan tradition.
Gunn Tartan
The Gunn tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 1560.
The register gives the tartan date as 1 January 1810, lists it as a Clan/Family tartan, and notes it was recorded before the launch of the Scottish Register of Tartans.
Gunn Modern Tartan
The Gunn Modern tartan is commonly described as using navy blue, green, black and red.
The Clan Gunn Society of North America describes the modern Gunn tartan as navy blue, green, black and red, and states that it is the main tartan for the family, while ancient and weathered variations are also popular.
Gunn Ancient Tartan
The ancient version uses softer, lighter tones to suggest older natural dyes.
Gunn Weathered Tartan
Weathered versions give the tartan a muted, aged appearance, often popular for outdoor and heritage styling.
Gunn Vestiarium Scoticum Tartan
The Gunn (VS) tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 6036.
The register notes that it was included in the Vestiarium Scoticum in 1842, but also states that it is not recognised by the chief and is not widely worn.
This is important for accuracy. The main Gunn tartan is the recognised and widely worn option.
The Meaning of Gunn Tartan Today
For modern Gunn descendants, tartan represents:
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Caithness roots
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Sutherland heritage
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Norse-Gaelic identity
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The motto “Either peace or war”
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The sword-bearing hand crest
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Juniper
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The Battle of Champions
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Reconciliation with Clan Keith
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Family pride and diaspora identity
The Gunn tartan gives one of Scotland’s oldest northern clans a visible and wearable identity.
Chapter VIII: Heritage, Identity and Clan Traditions
Clan Gunn represents a proud northern Highland identity built on Norse inheritance, Caithness strength, sword-bearing honour and hard-won reconciliation.
Its story includes:
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Norse-Gaelic origins
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Descent traditions from Gunni
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Caithness and Sutherland lands
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Gunn’s Castle / Clyth Castle
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Banniskirk
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George Gunn, the Crowner
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The Battle of Champions
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The feud with Clan Keith
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The Treaty of Friendship in 1978
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The restored chiefship in 2015–2016
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The current chiefship of John Gunn from 2024
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The motto “Aut Pax Aut Bellum”
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Juniper plant badge
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Gunn tartans
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A living recognised chief
Associated names and septs include:
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Gunn
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Gallie
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Gaunson
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Georgeson
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Henderson
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Jameson
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Jamieson
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Johnson
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Kean
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Keane
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Keen
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Keene
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MacComas
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MacCorkill
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MacIan
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MacKames
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MacKean
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MacKeane
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MacKeen
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MacKeene
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MacRob
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MacWilliam
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Mann
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Manson
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Nelson
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Robson
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Sandison
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Swann
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Swanson
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Williamson
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Wilson
Modern clan summaries list these as Gunn septs or associated names.
Chapter IX: Clan Gunn Today
Today, Clan Gunn is a recognised Highland clan with a living chief.
The current chief is:
John Gunn of Gunn and Banniskirk
The Gunn of Gunn
Chief of Clan Gunn
He became chief in October 2024, following the death of his father, Iain Gunn of Gunn, who had been recognised as chief after the long restoration of the clan chiefship.
Modern Clan Gunn identity can be found through:
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Clan Gunn Society
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Clan Gunn Society of North America
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Family history research
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Tartan wearing
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Scottish heritage events
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Highland games
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Visits to Caithness and Sutherland
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Study of the Battle of Champions
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Interest in Norse-Gaelic Scotland
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Genealogy projects
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Diaspora communities across the world
The clan stands today as a symbol of northern courage, Norse inheritance, sword-bearing honour, reconciliation and Scottish family pride.
Chapter X: Legacy of Clan Gunn
The story of Clan Gunn begins in the Norse-Gaelic north.
It is a story of Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney memory, sea wind, sword arms, chapel stones, bitter feuds and eventual peace.
Its crest, the hand wielding the sword, speaks of readiness and honour.
Its plant badge, juniper, speaks of hardy northern endurance.
Its motto gives the clan its voice:
Aut Pax Aut Bellum — Either peace or war.
That phrase captures the Gunn spirit: peace when peace is honoured, war when honour demands it.
From Clyth Castle to Banniskirk, from George Gunn the Crowner to the modern chiefship, from St Tears Chapel to descendants across the world, Clan Gunn continues to carry its history forward.
Its legacy is written in tartan, juniper, Norse bloodlines, sword symbolism, Caithness stone, family records and the pride of those who still honour the name.
Tartan Time Machine Closing Paragraph
At Tartan Time Machine, we bring Scotland’s past into the present by exploring the clans, castles, battles, kirkyards, legends and forgotten stories that shaped the nation.
Clan Gunn is one chapter in that greater story — a story of Caithness strength, Norse roots, Clyth Castle, sword-bearing hands, juniper, tartans, the Battle of Champions and the uncompromising northern motto: Either peace or war.
Discover more Scottish history, clan stories, castle features and heritage content at:
www.tartantimemachine.com