Revised August 2024. Gunns are the original, non-related inhabitants of northern, mainland Scotland. They do not have an Orkney Islands origin. Gunns should not be viewed as a traditional Clan as they had no founding ancestor. The first Gunn known to history was Coroner Gunn of Caithness who died around 1450. His eldest son started the MacHamish Gunns of Killernan line - many descendants from that line exist all around the world. This became the Chief line in 1803 and is not extinct as some believe, significant detail on this ongoing traditional Clan Gunn Chief line is included in the text. For a more detailed version of Gunn history see my 'The Gunns: History, Myths and Genealogy'.