Clan Gunn is one of Scotland's northernmost clans, with a bloodthirsty reputation that dates back centuries. Clan Gunn claims descent from Sweyn Asleifsson, a warlike Norwegian known as "the Ultimate Viking", and a succession of medieval leaders who skirmished with warlike MacKays and Keiths in the north of Scotland. The Gunns fought with the government against the Jacobites in the 1745 rebellion.
The clan has not had a leader since the death of Morrison Gunn in 1785. Now a 41-year-old former lorry driver has stepped forward to claim his right to be the new chieftain after years of dispute over who should be head of the family.
The new claimant is William Murray Gunn, now in line to become the latest chief after the recent death of his father William Sinclair Gunn, who decided not to take up the title. William says he is now considering applying to the Lord Lyon to become the first recognized clan chief since the death of Morrison Gunn.
Gunn's elevation to the largely ceremonial position would end years of argument about who is the rightful heir to the title, which used to come with ownership of three northerly castles: Dirlot, Clyth and Halberry, the 15th-century stronghold.
Hugh Peskett, the Scottish editor of Burke's Peerage, said he has proven that the line of descent should pass from Morrison Gunn to William Murray Gunn's father.
You can read more in an article by Tom Peterkin in the Scotsman web site at http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Former-lorry-driver-claims-clan.5579636.jp.
