As the legends go they were a most ferocious and war-like clan. Continualy at war with their neighbors such as the Clan Keith and Clan MacKay. They were a Norse family claiming Viking descend with the name originated from a Norse personal name "Gunni" (which means "war"). The first Gunni came to Caithness at the end of the 12th century when his wife inherited land there from her brother who was Jarl (Earl) of Orkney. Gunni's wife was descended from St Ragnvald who founded the St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Gunni's Viking grandfather had been killed in 1171 on a raid on Dublin. Orkney, Shetland and Shetland were still part of Norway at this time. Although Ottar, a descendant of Gunni, is known to have lived around 1280 and is the assumed progenitor of the Gunn chiefs, the first chief of the clan to be recorded with certainty was George Gunn who was the coroner of Caithness in the 15th century. He was known as "Am Braisdeach Mor" or "the great brooch-wearer" from his insignia as coroner. He had a castle at Clyth on the east coast of Caithness. A number of separate lines of Gunns became established in Braemore (known as the Robson Gunns), Killearnan, Kildonan and also the Caithness Hendersons and Williamsons. The Clan once held extensive territory in Caithness, NW Sutherland and SE Sutherland.

Gunn Clan Map of the Highlands

Castles of Caithness

Research indicates that the historical configuration of Scottish Clan's are based in numerous cultural influences, such as Norman, Angle, Saxon, Viking, Gael, Celtic [Ireland], Pictish [Celtic], etc.

Who can belong to Clan Gunn?

Any of the septs, may be a member of the Gunn Clann, as I am! We are also members of the United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma [USCO]. I am a sept of the Clan Gunn by numerous members of both my matrilineal and patrilineal family surnames. Robins; my fathers surname is connected by way of the septs [Robbins, Robins, Robinson, Robison, Robson]. One of my g-grandmothers surname Wilson [two grandmothers by the name of Wilson]. A patrilineal ggg-grandmother surname James. A matrilineal ggg-grandmother surname Sweeny.

2002 Tusla Highland Games
How far can I reach up?

Ah come on now lassie, keep your hands on the knee's. No sneaking up.

But - but - uh

Oh... if I must... Their very firm and strong
Jim Robins of the Clan Gunn in the "knobby knee's contest" Oh well - he lost to a weight lifter with bigger calfs

Daughter Masheli

*

2003 Tulsa Higland Games

Louise Robins [Clan McIntyre] Jim Robins [Clan Gunn]

*

2004 Norman Renaissance Festival

*

Jim Robins leading the 21 gun salute to our fallen comrades in Iraq, 2002 Wool-a-roc Spring Rondezvous
On the Highland call for assembly. The Salute began with the formation of the 21 guns, representing all the wars from WWII through Desert Storm. The salute opens with prayers in the Choctaw and Lakota [languages] and Christian faith. Followed with Amazing Grace on the guitar and harmonica [by Tim and Dan] and being sang by Tina and the assembly. After the firing of the 21 guns, Dan on the harmonica played Taps or Coming Home. As Retired US Army Sergeant First Class Jim Robins of the Clan Gunn in traditional Scottish Highland dress of the Black Watch, threw his Claymore into the ground and kneeled on one knee with his hands crossed on the pommel of the sword, his head down in prayer. In the tradition of the Highland soldier as their dead are taken from the field. There was not a dry eye in the assembly.

Photos courtesy of Jim Goss, Photographer

HOUSE of CELTS

Visit our good friends at House of Celts - Sam Matthews - Proprietor
Purveyors of the finest in Scottish wear and accessories - (918)825-3058
Sam Matthews