Clan Hunter Hunterston Castle

30/12/2024

Tomorrow is Hogmanay, and we prepare to welcome in a New Year.
Looking back on 2024, we were delighted to welcome a total of 447 visitors to Hunterston Castle. This included those who attended the Wallace Oak day in May and The Hunter Gathering in July. We had many celebratory visits at the Castle, including marriages, anniversaries, and birthdays.
One of our visitors was published historian; Andrew Pearson. He was treated to the tour of Hunterston Castle by his good friend Ann Campbell. Ann booked the visit for Andrew to celebrate his 85th Birthday, and he had beautiful blue skies for his visit.

Are you planning to visit us in 2025?
Tour bookings are now open for next year. The tours start on the first day of March through to 30 September.

Sending all our past and future visitors best wishes for a fantastic New Year.
Janet.
Tour Guide at Hunterston Castle.

https://www.clanhunterscotland.com/book-a-visit/

15/11/2024

I recently led a walking tour at West Kilbride Cemetery where I met Fiona Williamson, a member of North Ayrshire Family History Society. Fiona has conducted research on the Hunter family and drew my attention to a memorial honoring a number of members of the Hunter family. If you recognise any names on this memorial that might be connected to your ancestry, please let me know. I can share further details from Fiona's research, which she has kindly consented to. Janet

10/11/2024

Madam Pauline, Clan Chief, & Graham Wright, Macer Venatorus attending the services of Remembrance and Wreath laying at Largs and West Kilbride Cenotaphs today.

10/11/2024

Madam Pauline, Clan Chief of Hunterston & Graham Wright Macer Venatorus attended the cenotaph in West Kilbride today for Remembrance Sunday.
Lest we forget.

06/10/2024

A few weeks ago, visitors were looking at the view from the parapet of the castle, and our resident deer appeared from behind the far end of the walled garden. Two adult deer and a young one. They generally keep themselves well hidden and disappear if they hear or see anyone, so we were privileged to have a birds eye view of them.
The tour season has officially come to an end for 2024, but things are definitely not quiet. Planning, cleaning and maintenance work goes on in the background. Madam Pauline, the Hunter Clan members and castle guides are all busy working away to improve your experience when you visit.
I'm pleased to say that booking is now open for 2025 from 1 March - 30 September. It is always best to book ahead whenever you can. We hope to see you next year! Janet

02/10/2024

This video presents Thorulf's story of the Battle of Largs from a Norwegian Vikings view. Its a good watch.

In 1263, a mighty Viking fleet sailed from Norway to the Hebrides to prevent further attacks on the local people by King Alexander's men. The Vikings were fi...

06/09/2024

The castle guides have been representing Clan Hunter and giving information about Hunterston Castle at the Viking Village at the Largs Viking Festival in Largs. I was lucky to get my medieval boots polished by Finlay’s Natural Care Wax, at the craft and food market next door. The sun is out just now and it’s lovely and warm. This is summer! ☀️ My boots will be good and waterproof when it next rains 😉 Janet

18/08/2024

The story of the Hunterston Brooch a Scottish national heirloom found on Hunterston Estate. Produced by Graham Wright, Macer Venatorus.

12/08/2024

The Hunters are Gathering!
Enjoy the photos of our 2024 Gathering at Hunterston Castle with music by the recorder group Thistle Doo.
Produced by Graham Wright, Macer Venatorus
Clan Hunter

The Hunters are Gathering! Enjoy the photos of our 2024 Gathering at Hunterston Castle with music by the recorder group Thistle Doo. ...

05/08/2024

Have you ever Hurled a Haggis? Gamesmaster; Martin Beer organised a Haggis Hurling competition at the Clan Hunter Gathering recently. Medals were awarded at the Clan dinner on Saturday evening.
Other activities included a Haggis Hunt.
Please note, that no actual haggis were harmed during the gathering weekend.

01/07/2024

Martin Hunter and his family are originally from Australia and now live in Atlanta. They enjoyed their recent visit to Hunterston Castle and were proud to wear their Clan Hunter T shirts on their journey home.
Many thanks for visiting Martin. We hope to see you again one day.

29/06/2024

Robin & Joanna are two of our guides at Hunterston Castle. They are re-enactors and also have a lavender farm on top of a hill in Largs. Robin brought in some bunches of the recent lavender harvest. The purple blooms in the Halls and bedroom have Hunterston Castle smelling fragrant and fresh.
Joanna also makes beautiful lavender perfumed soap, which is on sale in the castle shop. Breathe in deeply and smell that aroma - ahhhhhh!
LavandaMia

25/06/2024

The walled garden at Hunterston is looking lovely. I called over to chat to David the gardener and captured some of the amazing colours of the blooms. Janet 😊

28/05/2024

James demonstrated his skills on the hunting horn today. Hounds from all over Ayrshire were standing by as they were called to hunt.

25/05/2024

A Robert Burns poem, Of a' the Airts
recited by Gillian Phillips, Hunterston Castle guide.

Of a' the Airts by Robert BurnsRecited by Gillian Phillips Hunterston Castle Guide

21/05/2024

Spring is such a beautiful time at Hunterston