The territory of the Clan Gunn was is Caithness and Sutherland, and the clan claim to be descended from Olave the Black, Norse King of Man and the Isles, who died in 1237. The clan were noted for their war-like and ferocious character, and continued to extend their possessions until the 15th century, but their continual feuds with other clans led to their settling, at a later date, chiefly in Sutherland.

A chief of the clan who flourished in the 15th century was George Gunn, who held the office of crowner, the badge of which was a great brooch. He lived in magnificent style in his castle at Clyth, but was killed by treachery in 1478 when endeavouring to arrange a reconciliation with the Clan Keith, between whom and the Gunns there had been a continued feud. The crowner was one of the greatest men in the country at that time, and his death was avenged about a century later by his grandson, who killed Keith of Ackergill with his son and twelve followers at Drummoy in Sutherland.

Feuds continued between the Gunns and the MacKays, and the Earls of Caithness and Sutherland, and in 1585 the Earls attacked the Gunns, who, although lesser in number, held the advantage of a position on rising ground, and the Gunns killed 140 of their enemies, and only darkness prevented a greater slaughter. The Gunns, however, were later defeated at Lochbroom by the Earl of Sutherland.

On the death of the 10th MacKeamish, or MacSheumais, the chiefship passed to the Gunns of Rhives.
Crest: A dexter arm wielding a broadsword, proper. Badge: Juniper. Pipe music: The Gunns’ Salute.