The Gunn Salute Summer 2015

2016 AGM—CHICAGO, IL

June 16-18, 2016

More information will follow in the months to come.

A must is the Clan Gunn AGM dinner (only $35.00)

on June 18th! Scott Wolter from the History

Channel will be giving a speech at this dinner

describing his experiences with the Westford

Knight.

Rooms have been reserved at:

Westin Chicago Northwest

400 Park Boulevard

Chicago IL

(630) 773-4000

Rate: $89.00/night (mention Clan Gunn AGM for rate)

Please contact Jeff Growel ([email protected]) with any questions.

Summer 2015 Volume 4, Issue 3

The Gunn Salute Good News About a Great

Family

Inside this issue:

2016 AGM

President’s Letter

Cover

2

Scholarship

Recipients Announcements Clan Gunn-Bannockburn Branch Reports

3

4 5-7 8-9

Branch

Commissioners of the CGSNA Officers of CGSNA Westford Knight Restoration

10

11 12

Volunteer

Request

Family Convention

13

13

Clan Gunn 18th

International Gathering

14

Photos 15

Group picture of those in attendance at the reception hosted by Iain Gunn

and Bunty Gunn as part of the Clan Gunn International Gathering

Linda and I just returned from a wonderful visit to Massachusetts where we attended a dedication ceremony at the Westford Knight site. Improvements have been made to protect the stone, facilitate drainage, provide information and keep visitors away from the rock. Plans are underway for the property owner to deed that portion where the Knight Stone is to the town of Westford. Also present at the ceremony were Commissioners Dave Ziemer, Dean and Margaret Bulpett, Steve Olsen and Norman Biggart, who has been deeply in-volved in preservation efforts over the years. Steve St. Clair, representing

Clan Sinclair and I unveiled a statue of Sir James Gunn cast by Westford fireman and sculptor David Christiana. I’ve written an article about the event for this issue which details the day. This will be the first issue with a new printing firm. The cost appears to be slightly less than what we are now paying and we hope to get a better product. Linda and I are just back from two weeks in Scotland with our 11 year old grandson, Logan, for a week of seeing the sites and then attending the 18th International Gathering of the Clan Gunn Society. One of the highlights of the visit for me was my participation in a Family Convention called by the Lord Lyon to address the issue of the Chiefship of Clan Gunn. Please see my update on the meeting later in this newsletter. The Gathering was well attended by folks from Scotland, England, Wales, Netherlands, Australia, United States, Canada, Nova Scotia, France, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Sweden. Florida members Mike and Sandy Robinson put together a group of family and friends that was second only to the Douet extended family from France. We have a new lapel pin designed as the Clan Gunn crest. They are now available in our store for $5, including ship-ping. The pins were well liked by members of the UK Society, who purchased many that were given as mementos to those attending the International Gathering and for the gift shop at the Clan Gunn Heritage Center. My thanks go out to all of our Commissioners who represent the Society in their areas. Dan Robinson has returned to the Southern Highlands Branch to replace Jim and Monika Bigsby, who recently retired from their duties there. We now have representation in Montana and Utah thanks to Dave Bricker moving to Utah from the Viking Branch. We have a few areas that still lack representatives and I hope to be reaching out to members in those areas soon.

Again, a reminder that your help is always needed. Those manning the tent at Games and Festivals are always glad to see a friendly face stop by for a bit of relief. Also, elections will be held next year for all offices in the Society. If you have an interest in running please contact any of the officers. Please start planning for our Annual Meeting to be held in Chicago in June 2016. There is an announcement in this issue.

Mise le meas (Yours faithfully),

Rich

Page 2 The Gunn Salute

Letter from the President – Summer 2015

Rich Gunn

Full Scholarship Winner - Christopher John McKeown of Clan MacEwan, Piper, age 35 - United

States Marine (1998-2006). A Kuwait & Iraq Veteran, Rescue Captain for the Jacksonville Fire Dept, Medic with the Jacksonville SWAT Team as well as Band Manager & Piper with the Jacksonville Fire Dept Pipes & Drums. Chris is

married with a 2 1/2 year old son. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17 and served 8 years in the Active

Reserve and is still currently in the Inactive Reserve holding the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Full Scholarship Winner - Kylie Rose Nager, age 12 - beginning Snare Drummer. Besides school, Kylie

helps out at a local Cat Rescue and does drumming with & takes lessons from the Clay County Sheriff's Pipes & Drums. Highly recommended as an up & coming talented Snare Drummer by Art Tenney, President of the Clay

County Sheriff's Pipes & Drums (and former winner himself of our Scholarship).

1/2 Scholarship Winner & Last Year's winner - Christopher M Jones, of the Welsh Jones Clan,

age 32 - United States Marine, Kuwait & Iraq Veteran and currently a Police Officer with the Jacksonville, FL Police

Dept. Chris also is a Piper with the Jacksonville Fire Dept Pipes & Drums.

1/2 Scholarship Winner & Twice a Prior Winner - Brogan LaBranche, age 15 - Brogan has used our

past scholarships to the NAAPD to become a solo Piping competitor & winner of Awards in Grade 3 Piping. He is

currently the Pipe Sergeant of the City of Jacksonville, FL Pipes & Drums.


Christian G. Malcolm Kehm USMC

2015 Memorial Scholarship Winners

Christopher John McKeown,

Kylie Rose Nager, Christopher

M. Jones and Brogan LaBranche

New Clan Gunn lapel pins in cast metal! Available at the

Clan Gunn store, http://clangunn.us/store2015.htm, for

$5.00 including shipping.


Ian Erickson

Alise Erickson (CGSNA Membership Secretary) and her children,

James, 4-years old and Ian, 3 weeks at the Nampa Celtic Games. Ian

Erickson was born on June 8, 2015 and weighed 7lbs, 7oz.

Congratulations to Bryninn Erickson and Alise Erickson on their new

addition!

Jennifer (Perry) Walton

Jennifer Perry and Scott Walton were married on April 18, 2015 at the Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas,

TX. They enjoyed a two week honeymoon in London and Paris, returning to their new home together in Farmer’s

Branch, Texas.

Jennifer chose the date April 18 in memory of her father, Royce Perry. It is the date of his birthday. Before his

death, Royce was the National President of the Clan Gunn Society of North America. Royce and his wife Carole are

also long time members of Clan Donald U.S.A. through Carole’s McDonald bloodline. Scott and Jennifer continue

the family tradition of interest in all things Scottish. (After all, his name is Scott!)

A pair of eyeglasses that were found in Linda's open top bag after the

Dunedin Games. If you know to whom they belong, please contact Woody

Williams at 256.837.5172 and/or [email protected].

LOST AND FOUND

mailto:[email protected]


Was the Clan Gunn present at the Battle of Bannockburn?

By Michael J. Gunn © Copyright 2014

Introduction In this, the 700th anniversary year of Scotland’s most famous battle, it has been suggested that the Clan Gunn played no part in assisting at

the battle which first established Scottish independence and led to its acceptance as a sovereign state. Though the land of the Scots was a

well-known and understood entity prior to 1314, with its own line of kings, it was still made up of districts largely controlled by great

barons many of whom also had lands which they held of the English king. In the far north, and in the Northern and Western Isles,

allegiance to the monarch was, and remained until the 15th century, a delicate balance of bribery and coercion. There were numerous

outbreaks of rebellion and it is fair to say that, until the reigns of Robert I and his son and successor, David II, Scotland was a wild and

untamed land where the wealth and power of the great barons could, and often did, destabilise the central monarchy.

From the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, and the subsequent Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, and

the subsequent Union of the Parliaments in 1707, Scotland existed as a universally recognised sovereign state. Now, in this year 2014,

there is to be a Referendum on Scottish independence – an attempt to achieve a mandate for one political party to break up the 1707

Union of Parliaments, and to give Scotland its pre-1707 state of sovereignty.

Bruce’s Army

The high level of bureaucratic administration in fourteenth century England has left a plethora of documents revealing numerous details

concerning the strength and make-up of Edward II’s army, generally estimated at 20,000 strong, including 3,000 knights. The same ,

unfortunately, cannot be said of Robert the Bruce’s army.

That said all is not as obscure as might at first be thought. Recent extensive research has culminated in a re-thinking of the strength of

Bruce’s forces at Bannockburn. Once it was conjectured that Bruce had only about 6,000 men but now it is strongly suggested that his

force probably numbered nearer 15,000 men. Further, we have contemporary documentary evidence of most of the leading commanders

of Bruce’s army and this evidence affords an insight into its likely make-up and allows us to infer, with reasonable accuracy, the names,

though not the relative numbers, of the clans and families involved. This article will, I hope, demonstrate that the Clan Gunn were

indeed present at Bannockburn.

Lands occupied by the Clan Gunn in the fourteenth century

In order to establish the position of the Clan Gunn with regard to the army of the Scottish monarchy it is essential to examine the lands

which the Clan Gunn held as tenants of several of the great barons of the Scottish kingdom.

It is a well-known and accepted fact that the Clan Gunn has been resident in the diocese of Caithness in the far north of Scotland since its

creation under its name-father and founder Gunni Andresarson (aka Gun Anderson). Although the family had long been resident in

Caithness, and prior to that in Orkney, since at least the eleventh century, the clan itself did not come into existence unti l December

1201, at which time Gunni was one of the six Stewards of Caithness who visited the court of King William the Lion. It is probable that it

was at this time that Gunni was rewarded for his part in helping to defeat the rebellion in 1198 of Harald Maddadarson, earl of Orkney/

Caithness by two gifts of the king. These were the hand in marriage of the heiress and widow, Ragnhild Eirik’s daughter, and the creation

of the office of Crowner of Caithness. In speaking of Caithness in this context it is important to remember that the jurisdiction of the

Caithness crowner encompassed not just the modern county of Caithness but the ancient bishopric of Caithness which included the

whole of Sutherland and Strathnaver. This is a fact which has not been widely understood.

Lands of the great barons of Caithness and Sutherland

We do not know what lands precisely were held by the Gunns in the fourteenth century, but we know a great deal about how the lands

of the entire bishopric of Caithness (ie. Caithness, Sutherland and Strathnaver) were divided and we also know which of the k ing’s great

barons held charters of them. From this knowledge it is relatively easy to infer the lands which the Clan Gunn held as Crowners of

Caithness, as subordinates of the king’s great barons and officers and as tenants of the Caithness estates. The following is a short list of

the landholdings of the more important barons in the diocese of Caithness:

Volume 1, Issue 1


Bannockburn (Cont.)

Sir Reginald le Chen III (d.c.1345), Justiciar of Scotia

The Gunn crowners were subject to a great officer of state called the Judex Magnus, or Justiciar. The kingdom was divided between three

justiciars, the northernmost one being responsible for the counties of Caithness, Sutherland and Ross. His title was Justiciar of Scotia. At

the time of Bannockburn the Justiciar of the North was Sir Reginald le Chen III (d. c. 1345). Known by the Gaelic sobriquet as Morfhaer

na Shein (‘the Great Lord Cheyne’, the name has been anglicised as Cheyne) his lands in the diocese of Caithness are known among them

were the following:

Ackergill, the tower and lands; Aimster, the tower and lands; Auldwick, the castle and lands; Banniskirk, the house and lands; Barrock, the house and

lands; Berriedale, the castle and lands (briefly by forfeiture of Malise, earl of Strathearn and Caithness);Brabstermire and Slicklie, the tower and

lands; Braiwinn, the strength and lands; Dunbeath, the castle and lands; Dirlot, the hunting lodge (aka “Dirlot Castle”) its deer forest, salmon rivers

and trout lochs; Forse, the castle and lands; Girnigoe, the castle and lands; Morac, the hunting lodge and lands (a pendicle of Dirlot);Stangergill, the

castle and lands.

As one example only of the connection of a northern family with the Battle of Bannockburn the tower of Aimster was subsequently

granted by Reginald le Chen III to one John Davidson for his bravery at the battle.

Sir Robert de Keith II (d. 1332), Marischal of Scotland

Apart from their legal duties the Scottish crowners were also responsible for raising men within their jurisdiction for the army of the king

as and when required. They did this as subordinates of the Great Marischal of Scotland, who at the time of Bannockburn was Sir Robert

Keith. One of his possessions was the castle and barony of Inverugie in Aberdeenshire which had been built by the first Reginald le Chen,

Great Chamberlain of Scotland who d.c. 1293 and to whom he was connected by marriage. The Keiths subsequently inherited many lands

in Caithness through the marriage of Mariota le Chen, daughter and co-heiress of Reginald le Chen III, to John Keith, after of Inverugie

and Ackergill. It was this Sir Robert Keith who led a cavalry force of 500 horse in Bruce’s army and was responsible for successfully rout-

ing the English archers at Bannockburn.

Magnus Jonsson (dsp.1321 x 1329), Earl of Caithness and Orkney

Married to Catherine, Robert the Bruce’s sister-in-law, he fought at Bruce’s side at Bannockburn. He shared a common ancestor with the

Chief of the Clan Gunn.

Malise, earl of Strathearn and Caithness (d.1333)

He was second cousin to Magnus Jonsson, earl of Caithness and Orkney. His possessions included the castle and lands of Berriedale. Like

Magnus Malise also shared a common ancestor with the Gunns.

William de Moravia, 3rd earl of Sutherland

Another of the great barons was William de Moravia, 3rd earl of Sutherland (aka William Southerland) who died c.1327. His second

cousin, Mary de Moravia of Duffus was the mother of Reginald le Chen III. Among William’s lands in the diocese of Caithness were:

Braemore, the strength and deer forest; Brough, the castle and lands (this was the main stronghold of the Crowner of Caithness); Dunrobin, the

castle and lands; Kildonan and Strathullie, the strength and lands.

Sir Patrick de Montealto (aka Sir Patrick Mowat, flt.1327)

Was a great supporter of Robert the Bruce who granted him the barony of Loscragy in Aberdeenshire in 1315, following the battle of

Bannockburn. At one time Sir Patrick was held a prisoner by the English in Orkney and was personally ransomed by Robert the Bruce on

the latter’s payment of 40 merks. The name of the barony of Loscragy was later changed to Buchollie and was subsequently given to the

castle of that name at Kingansgeo in Caithness.

William, 2nd earl of Ross (d.1323)

Chief of Clan Ross who fought with Bruce at Bannockburn. He was a descendant by marriage of the earls of Sutherland. His lands were:

Clyth and Greenland, including Halberry, the strength and lands; Dunbeath, the castle and lands; Freswick, the tower and lands.

The earl was granted the lands of Clyth and Greenland in Caithness by Robert the Bruce. These he subsequently regranted to Sir Elys

Scarlet who had escorted the earl back to Scotland from captivity in England. The Scarletts held Clyth until their line died out with the

death of William Scarlet in the fifteenth century. The lands of Clyth then passed to the Keiths by marriage.

In addition to the great barons the Clan Gunn also held lands of the bishops of Caithness and Orkney, their holdings were as follows:

Lands of the Bishops of Caithness

Alterwall Tower, the loch and lands; Barrogill (later aka the Castle of Mey),, the tower and lands; Bishop’s Palace, Halkirk, and its lands; Brims, the

tower and lands; Dunn, the house and lands; Durran, the house and lands; Scarmclate, the house and lands; Scrabster, the castle and lands.


Bannockburn (Cont.)

Lands of the Bishops of Orkney in Caithness

Bowertower, its tower and lands (this was held by the Caithness Crowner in return for providing safe conduct for the bishop when travelling between

Caithness and Orkney); Dale, including Easterdale, Westerdale, Tormsdale and Dalemore; Dounreay, the castle and lands.

Conclusions to be drawn from the above lists

The above mentioned noblemen all held estates in the diocese of Caithness, they all supported and fought for Robert the Bruce. They were

obliged, as great tenants of the king, to raise men at arms from their estates as and when the king required. New research into the probable

size of Bruce’s army at Bannockburn suggests that he commanded a force some 15,000 strong. It is inconceivable that the Clan Gunn, who

resided on most if not all of the estates mentioned above, would not have been called out.

Based on this research my guess is that the Clan Gunn supplied at least 100 men for Bruce’s army. Further, that they most probably were

part of the above mentioned lords’ forces marched from the north to join Bruce’s army at Bannockburn. Even given the poor state of road

communication in the fourteenth century a march from say Dornoch (the logical gathering place) to Bannockburn is likely to have been

easily accomplished within the space of about nine days. This could be shortened somewhat if troops could be shipped using the sea route

from Dornoch to Kincardine on the north shore of the Firth of Forth (a distance of some 245 nautical miles, roughly 2 days sailing). Kin-

cardine was then only about five hours march to Bannockburn.

In this connection it is worthwhile remembering that Thomas Randolph, 1st earl of Moray, who was Bruce’s nephew, was charged by Bruce

to form a Scottish Royal Navy. The pride of this fleet was Bruce’s Great Ship, the Magni Navis Regis, command of which was given to one

John Gun. Payments from the royal exchequer were still being made to John Gun in connection with the Great Ship three years after

Bruce’s death. The Clan Gunn therefore supplied not only soldiers for Bruce’s army but also sailors for his fledgling navy.

Loyalty of the Clan Gunn to the Scottish crown

As one last adminicle of evidence we may refer to the loyalty of the ancestors of Clan Gunn to the Scottish crown, which is attested to

from the time of David I (r.1124-1153) and his successors Malcolm IV (d.1165) and William the Lion (d.1214). Though of Norse Viking ori-

gins they were intermarried with the Pictish mormaors of Caithness and Sutherland and their allegiance to Norway ended with the impris-

onment and death of Snaekoll Gunnison in Norway c.1240. Snaekoll had joined the rebellion there of Earl Skuli Bardarson.

Snaekoll’s successors as Chiefs and as Crowners, whatever their names may be, continued to hold lands in the diocese of Caithness down

to the end of the eighteenth century. During that time they only once rebelled against the Crown, and this during the civil war of Mary,

Queen of Scots. The Clan Gunn remained loyal through the three Jacobite rebellions of 1715, 1719 and 1745. There is thus every reason to

suppose they did fight for Bruce at Bannockburn.

Editorial Note: This article was written in 2014, but not published until 2015.

Flowers of the Forest

Lester Gunn It is with a sad heart that I tell you Lester Gunn passed away on 8/8/14. He was bigger than life and it is still hard to realize he

is gone. He was so proud to be a “Gunn” and of Scottish Heritage. (Mrs. Lester Gunn)

Report From the Loch Norman Highland Games, April 17 - 19 in Huntersville, NC.

Written by Lin Robinson

The Loch Norman Highland Games in Huntersville was well-attended by Clan Gunn members this year. Dan Robinson, Southern

Highlands Branch commissioner was in charge and held down the tent with daughter Samantha and son Will. Other in attendance

included Tracy and Jackie Maness, Lin & Blannie Robinson, Stuart and Tina Robinson, Ed Robinson, James and Monica Bigsby with

grandson Adam Swanson. Also in attendance were Scott Swann and Woody Williams. Society member Rumsey Deaton brought

her parents by for a photo opportunity.

The day was sunny and mild and everyone had a good time. We were located in tent number one, right next to the reviewing stand with a steady stream of traffic going to and from. A highlight of the weekend was a visit by the Honored Guest of the Games, the Lord Lyon, King of Arms of Scotland, who sought us out early on Saturday. He had a seminar to conduct so could only stay a short time but promised to return in the afternoon, which he did, right on time. Lyon Morrow and Lin Robinson had a serious discussion about the upcoming Family Convention in Scotland. The Lyon expressed support for the idea of the Convention and felt that it was indeed the best way for the Clan to proceed on the question of the chiefship.

Later in the day a stone was placed on the memorial cairn in remembrance of CGSNA president Royce Perry who passed away in 2010. Royce would have been 72 on the Saturday of the games.

The weather forecast was dismal for Sunday so the Clan members wisely did not return because the forecasters were correct in calling for heavy rain and wind all that day.

Arkansas Scottish Festival Written by Kent Burson

Lyon College, a small liberal arts school located in Batesville, Arkansas, hosted the 35th Arkansas Scottish Festival on April 10 and

11 of 1015. Lyon College is unique in that not only does it organize the festival, but it also offers a Scottish Studies program. Part

of Lyon College's connection to Scotland is rooted in its ties to the Presbyterian Church. The institution changed its name in

1994 in honor of the Lyon family, whose long-term support has helped the college enhance its facilities and programs.

We were fortunate to have two pleasant days with large crowds on hand to see pipe band competitions, sheep dog demonstra-

tions, and wonderful representation of clans. We also connected with many of our members in Arkansas.

Nampa Celtic Games Report

Written by Robin Wylie Lindquist

June 27th 2015, was the first time that Clan Gunn was represented at the Nampa, Idaho Celtic Games. It was a sanctioned heavy

games, there were many visitors, and several clan tents.

Idaho Clan Gunn members Lorene Oates and Robin Wylie Lindquist set up (gasp!) and manned the Gunn tent. It was by far the

nicest, and the most visited of all the clan tents.

We talked to many people and got a couple of “hot leads” for new members. One visitor had the Gunn crest tattooed on his

shoulder blade, and “Gunn” on his forearm!


Volume 1, Issue 1


The Return of Clan Gunn to the Savannah Scottish Games Cason Slaughter GA Branch Deputy Commisioner

Saturday, May 2nd in Savannah GA proved to be a uniquely picturesque and pleasant day for those seeking to find and renew

connections to their ancient family traditions. The 39th Annual Savannah Scottish Games turned out to be a great success.

Those hosting the games as well as many other clan representatives were welcoming and enthusiastic to see that the Gunn’s

were once again represented on the Georgia coast.

Upon arrival, hopes were high that the traditional steamy Savannah weather would be forgiving, and, with the help of the shade

trees, as well as a constant steady breeze, all those attending the Gunn tent were not disappointed. We were informed that

this was the second consecutive year that the Savannah Games had been held on the grounds of the historic Bynah’s field at

Bethesda Academy. With the backdrop of a charming Savannah marsh and the trees around the field draped with spanish moss,

the setting was both unique to the area, as well as being very well suited to hosting the games. The Gunn tent, being located

directly adjacent to the main gaming field, and beneath the shade of a perfectly appropriate juniper tree, had an excellent

vantage point to enjoy some of the games heavy athletics.

This year’s tent was manned by Commissioner Greg Maness, with the help of his deputies and even the gracious hospitality of

a few neighboring clans. Despite only being a one-day event, and the first year back for the Gunn’s in some time, the

attendance was relatively impressive. We had the pleasure of playing host to around 30 of our own, as well as a number of

visitors. At least two new members joined, and a handful of what will hopefully prove to be new members went home with a

new found sense of pride upon learning of their ancestral history and possible connection to Clan Gunn.

All in all, the day turned out to be a great success, and we have every intention of returning next year. Due to the success of this year’s Savannah games, and next year being their 40th anniversary, there are rumors that it may be expanded to a two-day

event. Hopefully, now that Clan Gunn has reestablished a presence at these games, there will be an even better turn out in

years to come. As always, an open invitation to all members of Clan Gunn is extended, and soon this event will become yet

another catalyst for survival and growth in our proud clan.

For more information on the Savannah Scottish Games please visit www.savannahscottishgames.com.

Scots on the Rocks Moab Celtic Festival—November 6-8, 2015

Harold Pierce, Clan Gunn Member Emeritus

Scots on the Rocks Moab Celtic Festival had its first Games in 2014. My name is Harold Pierce and I live in Fruita, CO just

west of Grand Junction. Prior to 2014 the only games in the Rocky Mountain Branch were in the Denver or Salt Lake City

areas. Clan Gunn was not represented at this festival in 2014 so I contacted Les Swanson, Commissioner for the branch and

President Rich Gunn offering to convene a tent in Moab. The response was overwhelming. Les will bring a 10' x 20' tent, tables

and chairs, the President will try (depending on his schedule) to come and David Bricker, Former Deputy Commissioner of the

Viking Branch and now Commissioner of the North District (UT, MT), will attend and bring his weapons collection. I have

reserved space. Clan Gunn should be well represented at this festival. I hope that many members of the Clan will come and

support the efforts of Scots on the Rocks in the second year of their festival.

Don’t forget to check out the CLAN GUNN STORE!!!

All items can be viewed online at: CLANGUNN.us/store2015.htm

Don’t forget, you can even renew your CGSNA membership there too!

http://www.savannahscottishgames.com/

Business Tagline or Motto


Branch Commissioners of Clan Gunn Florida Northwestern Southern Prairies Viking Branch

Charlie Kehm AK, OR, WA, ID AR, MO IA, MN, ND, SD

440 CR 720 Kathleen Elsner Kent Burson David Ziemer Clewiston FL 33440 2701 Kulshan St 1533 Hayselton Dr 1121 Woods Edge Dr

(863) 983-8458 Bellingham WA 98225 Jefferson City MO 65109 Hartford WI 53027

(306) 671-8528 (573) 636-9906 (262) 670-0329

Steve & Sandy Wilson

4123 Old Dominion Rd Dani Na’Fey Yankee Andrew Martin Orlando FL 32812-7912 3214 96th St South #A9 CT, MA, ME, NH, RI,VT 6975 Lark Ave

(407) 855-1759 Lakewood WA 98499 Rev Dean Bulpett Hartford WI 53027

(206) 794-3565 164 Boston Rd (414) 916-1242

Milt & Harriet Wilson North Billerica MA 01862

14820 NE 8th Court Shawn McWilliams (978) 633-9199 North District North Miami FL 33161 2029 S Hilton St (UT, MT)

(305) 944-3471 Boise ID 83705 Dick Platt David Bricker

(208) 440-9115 132 Platt Lane 2112 N 40 W; Apt 344

Andrew P Wiley Milford CT 06461-2054 Provo UT 84604

5329 Yerkes St Central Rocky Mountain (203) 878-6094 (414) 687-0522 Jacksonville FL 32205 AZ, NV, NM

(904) 710-3909 Neil & Jobeth Fjell Stephen R Olsen Western Great Lakes

2715 W Cholla St 1744 Main Street (IL, WI)

Brittany Mae Goodwin Apache Junction AZ 85220 Concord MA 01742 Jeff Growel

6247 Savannah Breeze Ct #201 (480) 236-3291 (978) 369-4373 (Hm) 271 Hartford Rd Tampa FL 33625 (617) 943-2271 (Cell) Slinger WI 53086

(813) 335-2249 Texas (414) 315-4003

Heather Smith Northern California Georgia 521 Berryhill Dr Fresno to OR Border Jon Yuds

Greg Maness Mansfield TX 76063 Chuck Jamison 222 Joellen Dr

3096 Spring Hill Parkway (806) 773-8701 9382 Blue Oak Dr Waukesha WI 53188

Smyrna GA 30080 Orangevale CA 95662 (414) 412-7481

(678) 938-7695 Gene Gunn (916) 989-3953 36 River Bluff Dr Eastern Seaboard (DE, PA)

Diane Curtis Lytle TX 78052-3718 Michelle Beagle Amanda Greene

3092 Spring Hill Pkwy Apt B (830) 709-5013 237 Walker Valley Rd 209 Sheffield Lane

Smyrna GA 30080 Castroville CA 95012 Oxford PA 19363

(404) 886-6588 Gordon Fogleman (831) 594-1203 (610) 998-9878 1000 Gladstell Rd Apt 608

Suzanne Maness Conroe TX 77304 Jerred Gunn Paradise (HI)

3096 Spring Hill Parkway 2575 Freeport Blvd Steve Craven

Smyrna GA 30080 Western Prairies Sacramento CA 95818 7365 Makaa St (404) 861-6689 KS, NE, OK (916) 448-0130 Honolulu HI 96825

Sean E Manning (808) 395-0870

Cason Slaughter P.O. Box 3567 Chuck Gunn

102 Pinewood Ct Tulsa OK 74101 3545 W Dayton Rocky Mountain (CO, WY) Perry GA 31069 (918) 691-1414 Fresno CA 93722 Les Swanson

(404) 357-0042 (559) 276-8104 P.O. Box 668

Chesapeake (DC, MD, VA) Hugo CO 80821

Dan Myers Debra Smith

Delta (AL, LA, MS) 611 E. Main Street 784 Northridge Ctr #342 Eastern Canada Elaine Pangallo & Christianburg VA 24073 Salinas CA 93906 NB, NL, ON, PE, QC

Cathy Patterson (540) 494-8040 (831) 261-8959 Ted & Louise Gunn

107 Circle Dr 10485 Rue Vanier

Enterprise AL 36330 Great Lakes (IN, MI) Southern California Quebec QC

(334) 393-0216 Jim & Susanne Swanney Mexican Border to Fresno Canada G2B 3N4 (334) 406-7380 (Cell) 206 East Lawrence Mara Gunn (418) 842-6563

Royal Oak MI 48073 P.O. Box 1973

Southern Highlands (NC, SC) (248) 588-2741 Newport Beach CA 92659 Central Canada (AL, MB, SK)

Dan Robinson (949) 548-1551 Debra Lynn (Gunn) Kuzub

6314 Kee Lane Gregory Gunn-(OH) 355 Parkway Blvd Harrisburg NC 28075 P.O. Box 426 Brian Wilson Flin Flon MB

(704) 309-7356 Swanton OH, 43558 P.O. Box 339 Canada R8A OK2

(419) 388-9415 Fillmore CA 93016 (204) 687-4298

Volunteer State (TN) (805) 890-3026

Justin Mann Boone Country (KY, WVA) Empire (NJ, NY) Western Canada (BC, Yukon) 320 Abbey Road Gregory Gunn Tim Nelson Donald Gunn

Kingsport TN 37663 P.O. Box 426 29 Freemont St 4449 Tremblay Drive

(834) 513-3515 Swanton OH, 43558 Tonawanda NY 14150 Victoria BC V8N 4W7 (716) 440-8463 (250) 477-1007


Officers of the Society About the Society

President Rich Gunn The Clan Gunn Society of North America is dedicated

10294 Meuret Road to the advancement of kinship and knowledge of the Wilton CA 95693 heritage of Clan Gunn and its septs, and of Scottish (916) 687-8510 history and culture. It is fraternally related to the Clan

Gunn Society of Great Britain.

Immediate Past Sam Johnson President 110 Cloudland Park Rd Our goals, and the purposes for which the corporation

Dahlonega GA 30533 was organized are: (706) 864-6723

• to stimulate and promote a spirit of kinship among the First Vice- Donald E Wilson the members of the Society throughout the continent of President 3957 Weybridge Way North America and between this Society and the Clan

Antelope CA 95843 Gunn Society of Great Britain. (916) 338-5889

• to foster, promote and honor our Scottish heritage and Second Vice- Charlie Kehm traditions. President 440 CR 720

Clewiston FL 33440 • to stimulate and inspire among the members, the pride (863) 983-8458 and spirit of their ancestors, with the particular emphasis

on the ancestry of the members as it pertains to the Recording Barbara Wilson surname of Gunn and the surnames of the septs Secretary 5205 Brawner Place historically associated with the Clan Gunn.

Alexandria VA 22304 (703) 212-9555 • to preserve the history, records, and artifacts of the Clan Gunn

Membership Alise Erickson Secretary 4115 E Lanager Ct • to individually provide and render, through the conduit

Nampa ID 83687 of the Society, aid and comfort to members of the Society. (208) 250-8943 • to provide to the extent practical, aid, comfort and

Treasurer Jerred Gunn hospitality to persons of Scottish ancestry. 2575 Freeport Blvd

Sacramento CA 95818 The Commander of the Clan and Name of Gunn is (916) 448-0130 Iain Alexander Gunn of Banniskirk, Swiney House, Lybster, Caithness KW36BT, Scotland

Chaplain Becky Robbins-Penniman 617 Edgewater Dr. Dunedin FL 34698

(727) 458-2625 Membership inquiries are invited. Dues are $20.00 (US) per

Historian (Vacant) family and are payable on the anniversary of your membership. Please send new applications and renewals to the Membership Secretary. The application for new

Society Pipers Heather Gunn Haskell (East Coast) members as well as the renewal application can be found

2622 Governor Street on-line at: www.clangunn.us. In addition, renewal

Garden City, GA 31408 applications can be processed on-line. (912) 964-6119

Chuck Jamison (West Coast) 9382 Blue Oak Dr. The Gunn Salute is the Quarterly Newsletter of the

Orangevale, CA 95662 Clan Gunn Society of North America (ISSN 0738-4886)

(916) 989-3953 To submit information for the newsletter, please send an e-mail to: [email protected]

Genealogists Abb L. Gunn Gunn Salute Editor/Publisher Heather Smith

2403 Treeridge Parkway 521 Berryhill Dr Alpharetta GA 30022 Mansfield TX 76063

(770) 552-6775 (806) 773-8701 Eastern Deputy

Barbara Terpening Westford Knight International and UK P.O. Box 314 Representative Liason Officer

Fairburn GA 30213-0314 Norman B Biggart Lin Robinson (770) 964-5373 4 Baron Park Lane; Apt 1 1415 Briarcliff Rd Burlington MA 01803-5431 Shelby NC 28152

Western Deputy (781) 272-1537 (704) 477-4653 (Vacant) Branch Vacancies Northern District (MT, UT)


Improvements to the Westford Knight Site

By Richard Gunn

Once in a great while one encounters a significant event in their life. Some of those may be a marriage, a birth of a child

or something else wonderful. Mine was different from that.

In 2010 Linda and I first visited the Westford Knight site. We arrived in Westford, MA expecting to find signs directing

us to the stone. We didn’t find those signs and went to the fire station to ask if they could help. They directed us to

where the stone was located and gave us advice for parking – so we did not incur an ambulance fee after getting run

over. We located the stone in the front yard of a residence. The punch carving in the face of the stone was barely

visible after years of exposure.

In 2014 we returned to Westford, along with our Commander and his wife, and met author David Brody and a local

fireman David Christiana. Christiana is a sculptor in his free time and explained to us a plan that had been developed to

protect the stone, improve drainage and sculpt an effigy of Sir James Gunn. Fund raising was under way at that time, the

community was involved and it was hoped to have improvements made within a year or so.

By the end of 2014 work was well under way to improve the site. New posts had been installed, a rock retaining wall

was in place and plans were in place for the final design, which included an informational sign and the effigy. One

important improvement was to place a glass cover over the top and on the sides of the stone. This had to be done

without attaching the frame to the stone.

By March, 2015 the “Knight is bronzed” as Christiana put it. Now came the meticulous work of cleaning up the metal

and assembling the pieces. A dedication of the improved site was planned and a date eventually set for June 13. Linda

and I made arrangements to attend as did Commissioners Dave Ziemer, Dick and Jane Bulpett, Steve Olsen and

Norman Biggart, who has worked tirelessly on the Westford Knight.

The dedication ceremony started with a march in by the Westford Fire Pipe and Drums. Their shoulder patch bears

the Clan Gunn badge with the hand holding a fire axe over a fireman’s helmet instead of a sword. The band wears

Sinclair tartan for a kilt.

Welcoming words were spoken by Nancy Cook, Chair of the Westford Remembers Memorial Fund. David Christiana

then explained how he became involved in this project, the research he did and what improvements were made to the

site. Steve St. Clair, representing Clan Sinclair and I then uncovered the sculpture of the Knight. The detail in the

sculpture is amazing and he is laying in repose. Remarks were given by a representative of the Town Board of

Selectmen, author David Brody, History Channel Host Scott Wolter, Steve St. Clair and me. On completion of the

ceremony many adjourned to the Westford Museum for visiting and refreshments.

This project was a long time coming and various efforts had been made over the years before David Christiana got

involved. The property on which the stone sits changed ownership, the town developed a concern and many local

businesses and citizens became involved and helped insure the success of this project.

I personally wish to thank David Christiana, without whose leadership this project never would have become a reality.

Among the things accomplished is a plan to deed the site of the Knight to the town and begin a planned maintenance

regime for this site and others of significance in the town.

If you’re interested in a video of the ceremony please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEupht-e-8Q or search

Westford Knight Unveiling on You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEupht-e-8Q


VOLUNTEER REQUEST—Rich Gunn

I’d like to go back to a project begun by our Immediate Past President and ask for volunteers to help contact members and compile a current list of emails. I’m open to suggestions of how to accomplish this but I believe

I’m correct when I say that Sam took on this project in order to email newsletters to those who wanted them

by email and to provide an email contact list for getting information out on a timely basis. We currently post

announcements on the web site but a personal email would be more effective. If you’re interested in helping

with this project please contact me at [email protected] or by phone at (916) 687-8510.

Again, a reminder that your help is always needed. Those manning the tent at Games and Festivals are always

glad to see a friendly face stop by for a bit of relief. Also, elections will be held next year for all offices in the

Society. If you have an interest in running please contact any of the officers.

FAMILY CONVENTION UPDATE—Rich Gunn

On Saturday, July 18, 2015 a Family Convention was held in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands at the Ayre Hotel.

John Maldon chaired the meeting, representing the Lyon Court. Present were John Gunn Younger of Banniskirk, Colonel

James M. A. Gunn, Robert Kamp Gunn, Helen Hill, Alan Robson, Tom Jamieson (by video conference), Richard Gunn,

Edward (Ted) Gunn and Alistair Gunn.

Mr. Malden pointed out that he was not present to judge or select a Chief but to see if there was a general consensus

among Clan members as to who, if anyone should be Clan Chief. If a consensus was reached Mr. Maldon would report

this to the Lord Lyon by way of a petition.

Mr. Maldon pointed out that the decision to be made if a Chief was desired was whether to propose promoting our

current Commander to Chief or selecting someone else.

Robert Kamp Gunn then addressed the group and noted that this was a chance to end over 200 years of uncertainty

within the Clan Gunn. In the last 40 years only two petitions have been made to the Court and both failed. Rob

proposed that Iain Gunn of Banniskirk be proposed as the Chief of Clan Gunn.

Alistair Gunn stated that he will be petitioning the Court based on new findings that his line is superior to that of Iain

Gunn’s. Mr. Maldon pointed out that that issue would need to be decided by the Lyon Court when and if a petition was

filed.

Discussion followed and Mr. Maldon called for a show of hands of those in favor of supporting the proposal of Robert

Kamp Gunn that Iain Gunn of Banniskirk be recognized as Chief. All present with the exception of Alistair Gunn voted in

favor of the proposal. Alistair voted against. Mr. Maldon indicated that he had received 16 letters of support for the

Commander being proposed as Chief and none in opposition. Mr. Maldon noted that, in his opinion, this met the Lord

Lyon’s guidelines of a “Substantial Majority” in support and said that he would petition the Court accordingly.

We now wait for a ruling from the Lord Lyon and it will be announced on our web site, www.clangunn.us as soon as it

is known.

Business Tagline or Motto


Clan Gunn 18th International Gathering 2015 By: Linda Gunn

Below Left: Rich Gunn laying the wreath at St. Rognvald

Below Center Left: Members in attendance at the AGM prior to the Halkirk Games

Below Center Right: Clan Gunn leading the march to the Halkirk Games

Below Right: Mike Robinson from Florida at Dunrobin Castle at the raptor show with an owl on his head

Just after the Family Convention ended, the ferry from John O'Groats arrived at the Ayre Hotel in Kirkwall with those attending the 3

days in the Orkneys. It was an unusual group which included one extended family of 19 from France and one extended family from

the United States. There were also Clan Gunn members from the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Wales, Canada,

Germany, Nova Scotia, Australia, England and Scotland. The dinner reception included a talk on the history of Orkney and its

relevance to Clan Gunn. We also took our 11 year old grandson to Scotland for his first taste of a Clan Gunn Gathering. He had

previously asked a few Clan Gunn members from overseas to help him with a school project called "Flat Stanley" so he was already

known by them.

The next day was a Sunday morning service at St Magnus Cathedral where Clan Gunn had reserved seating. After the service, there

was a brief dedication (laying of wreaths) to St. Magnus and St. Rognald by John Gunn, President of Clan Gunn UK and Rich Gunn,

President of Clan Gunn North America. Some members that were in kilts had trouble getting to the Cathedral because there were 2

cruise ships in port. Most of the cruise people thought that the men in kilts were there for their picture taking.

The next day there were 2 choices of places to go, the Scapa Distillery or Skara Brae, which is a preserved Neolithic settlement.

Having an under aged grandson, we went to Skara Brae. That night was an Orkney evening of storytelling and traditional Orkney

dancing. Our grandson was embarrassed at first to get out and dance, but he quickly learned the steps and never left the dance floor.

On Monday we coached and ferried to the Island of Hoy. We visited Rackwick Bay, Scapa Flow and the Martello towers. The next

day enroute to the ferry to take us back to John O'Groats, we stopped at the Italian Chapel. The chapel was constructed by Italian

POWs during WWII. The Italians were brought in to build causeways between the South Islands and the mainland Orkney. They

were allowed to build their chapel only after their other work was done and only with scrap material. It remains today as a testament

to man's endeavor to overcome adversity and dedication to their faith.

Once back on the mainland after a bumpy ferry crossing, we ate lunch, visited Caithness Horizons and checked into the Mackays ho-

tel. This was the first time the group stayed at MacKays and it was by far the best in eats, accommodations and hospitality. We left

our car there for the rest of the week only to have a dead battery on Sunday before going to the Kildonnan Kirk for church service.

Murray, the owner of Mackays had us leave the keys and contacts with him, assuring that all would be fixed by the time we returned.

Sure enough, the car had been fixed, and was waiting for us when we returned.

During the week we visited Dunrobin Castle and the falconry display. After demonstrations with a hawk, an owl and falcon, the

trainer had the owl land on Clan Gunn member, Mike Robinson's hat. We visited many more places, some familiar and some never

visited stressing the Clearances which took place between 1811 and 1820. This may be why so many of us were visiting from other

countries because of what happened to our ancestors.

Many more joined us on the mainland, attending the Commander's reception and a joint Gala Dinner Dance with Clan Sinclair

attended by over 200 people. The AGM was well attended and many Gunn's marched to the accompaniment of a bag pipe band to

the Halkirk games. Many of the attendees had to leave for home on Sunday, so the church service was less attended then previous

years. It was a great 18th Gathering despite the rain, a shattered bus window, and the midges. Many left with new friends, including

our grandson who was befriended by a Scottish lad and a French girl.

Volume 1, Issue 1


Westford Knight:

Sir Jimmy (as they have been calling him) unveiled

with Rich Gunn, Steve St. Clair, and David Cristiana

(picture by Linda Gunn)

Hawaii Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Gunn table at the Hawaii Scottish Festival & Highland

Games, which took place at Honolulu’s Ala Moana Park on

April 11-12, 2015. Seated are Don Laird and Debbie

Sanders; standing left-to-right are Mike Medeiros, Steve

Craven and Chuck Jamison.

Loch Norman Highland Games

Above left: Lin Robinson, Blannie Robinson, Jackie Maness, Tracy

Maness, Scott Swann, Monika Bigsby, Adam Swanson, Tina Robinson,

Stuart Robinson, Ed Robinson

Above right: Dr. Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon and Lin Robinson

Below left: Rumsey Deaton and her parents

The Gunn Salute

521 Berryhill Dr.

Mansfield, TX 76063

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT: WWW.CLANGUNN.US

THE SEPTS OF CLAN GUNN

Alexander George Gunn, James Magnus Robert Thomas

Allisterson the Crowner Jameson MacMain George MacComas

MacAllister Corner Jamieson MacManus Georgeson MacOmish

Sandeson Croner Jamison Magnus MacGeorge

Sandison Crownar MacHamish Magnusson MacRobb Torquil

Crowner MacSheoras Main MacRory MacCorkhill

Andres Cruiner Mains Robb MacCorkill

Andresson Cruner Maness Robeson MacCorkle

MacChruner Mann Robinson MacCullie

Manson Robison

David Gunn John Manus Robson William

MacDade Ganson Johnson Rorieson MacWilliam

MacDhaidh Gaunson Kean More

Keene Wiley

Henry MacIan Sweyn Will

“Foreigner” Eanrig MacKames Swain Williamson

Gailey Enrick MacKeamis Neil Swan Wills

Galdie Enrig MacKeamish MacNeil Swann Willson

Galley Henderson MacKean Neillson Swanney Wilson

Gallie Inrig MacKeanis Neilson Swannie Wylie

Gauldie MacEnrick MacKendrick Nelson Swanson Wyllie

Documents

The Gunn Salute Summer 2015