Clan Gunn chief remembered at service of thanksgiving in Edinburgh
A large congregation gathered in Edinburgh for a service of thanksgiving for the life of Iain Gunn of Gunn, late Chief of Clan Gunn, who died last year at the age of 91.
Those attending the service on Friday at St Anne’s Parish Church in Corstorphine included Clan Gunn members, close friends and family, and artists who had met Iain through North Lands Creative Glass in Lybster which he helped to establish.
The service was also watched online via livestream by many people in Caithness and around the world.
Many of the readings and memories at the service, delivered by the Rev James Griggs, reflected on Iain’s life in Caithness and his passionate support for the area and community.
The eulogy was given by his eldest son, John Gunn of Gunn, who became Chief of Clan Gunn on Iain’s passing.
St Anne’s in Corstorphine has a close connection to the Gunn family and is the church where Iain’s sister Eleanor was married.
On Saturday, the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh played host to a recognition ceremony for Clan Gunn’s new chief, John Gunn of Gunn and Banniskirk.
It was attended by Dr Joseph John Morrow, the Right Honourable the Lord Lyon King of Arms, with guests travelling from Caithness, across the UK, Europe, the USA and from as far away as New Zealand.
Iain passed away peacefully in October 2024. At the time, a statement from his family said he “lived and breathed Clan Gunn”, having been instrumental in setting up the modern version of the Clan Gunn Society in 1960.
Iain was born in Thurso in 1933. He was educated at George Watson’s College and the University of Edinburgh, where he read law and economics, and became a solicitor.
He spent his career with the Shipping Federation in London. Iain was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to the arts, heritage and the economy in Caithness.
Iain lived with his wife Aline (Bunty), a former TV presenter, at Lybster. He was recognised as Chief of Clan Gunn – the clan’s first chief in 230 years – in 2015.
The Clan Gunn Heritage Centre, located in the old parish church at Latheron, was opened in 1985.
