Gunn
Gunn Tartan Collection
Celebrate a clan of Norse blood with the Gunn collection — the ancient kindred of Caithness and Sutherland, sprung from the Jarls of Orkney, under the fierce motto Aut Pax Aut Bellum, "Either Peace or War."
- Featured
- Most relevant
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old
About the Gunn Tartan
Clan Gunn is one of the oldest of Scottish clans, of the far north-east — Caithness, Sutherland and, by tradition, the Orkney Isles. The Gunns descend from the Norse Jarls of Orkney and the Pictish Mormaers of Caithness, their progenitor said to be Gunni, whose wife Ragnhild inherited great estates at the end of the 12th century. A clan of Norse and Gaelic blood with its own tartan, the Gunns are a warlike kindred of the north.
Whether you bear the Gunn name, descend from Caithness or Sutherland, or simply admire a clan of ancient Norse blood, this collection brings the Gunn tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Gunn Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Gunn tartan is a handsome sett of deep green and dark blue crossed with black and lifted by fine lines of red — sombre, dignified colours fitting for a hardy northern clan of the wild coasts and moors of Caithness and Sutherland, found in weathered, ancient, muted and modern shades.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Gunn tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Gunn family and its many septs, including the Robsons, Keanes, Mackeans and Wilsons, descendants of Caithness and Sutherland, and anyone drawn to a clan of ancient Norse blood.
- Gunn family & septs
- Caithness & Sutherland roots
- Robson & Kean branches
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Gunn Clan Heritage
The first chief of the Gunns to appear clearly in the records was George Gunn, crowner or coroner of Caithness in the 15th century, known in Gaelic as Am Braisdeach Mor, "the Great Brooch-wearer," for the badge of his office, who held court at his castle of Clyth in great splendour. The clan's long history was one of fierce feud, above all with their bitter enemies the Keiths, and with the Mackays and the great Earls of the north.
At the Battle of Harpsdale in 1426 the Gunns fought the Mackays, and in later times allied with them by marriage. Sir William Gunn served the Protestant king of Sweden and later fought for Charles I, winning a knighthood in 1639. The clan's enmity with the Keiths ran for generations, remembered in the tragic tale of the meeting at the chapel of St Tears. The crest is a hand grasping a sword, and the motto Aut Pax Aut Bellum.
Gunn Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Gunn tartan, who can wear it, and why Gunn products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Gunn tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Gunn, a deep green and dark blue sett with black and red — sombre colours of the far north, found in several shades.
Who can wear the Gunn tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Gunn name and its septs, and for anyone with Caithness or Sutherland ancestry.
Where does the name Gunn come from?
From the Norse personal name Gunni, the clan's progenitor, who by tradition came to Caithness at the end of the 12th century.
What does "Aut Pax Aut Bellum" mean?
It is Latin for "either peace or war" — a fitting motto for a warlike clan ready for both.
Who were the enemies of Clan Gunn?
The Gunns' bitterest foes were the Keiths, with whom they feuded for generations; they also clashed with the Mackays and the northern Earls.
Is Gunn tartan a good gift?
Yes. Gunn products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Gunn Heritage in Style
Discover Gunn tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Caithness, the Norse Jarls and the fierce motto Aut Pax Aut Bellum.
View Gunn Tartan Products