Clan MacTavish International!

Grave Slab of Thamhais

circa 1100

located in Kilmartin Kirk

The following is the brief introduction to the story of our Clan

Stay tuned for more information!

The Clan descended from Thamhais Mhor, son of Gilisbeag O'Dubhne and split into 2 distinct branches circa 1300. The chief’s 2 sons fought to the death, most likely it was probably over the backing of Bruce.

The victor and lineal heir took his followers to back Bruce’s campaign, indeed Peter McDougal, Oban historian validates that a force of Dunardry men were at the siege of Dunstaffnage Castle. Bruce’s exploits are well documented and his brave followers were rewarded with lands and titles. The Dunardry men stayed in Killin before moving north to settle in Stratherrick on Fraser lands. Garthbeg became the epic-centre of that location; Garthbeg in this instance means enclosure and not too long ago the remains of fortification were discovered.

An alliance, both formal and informal still exists with the clan Fraser who from the onset recognized the warriors as a separate entity; a clan within a clan and afforded them the respect that merited. They were known as Clan Tavish with the individual chiefly line that continued from Dunardry.

Meanwhile back in Kintyre the old chief died with no issue to take his place. A cousin of Campbell extract was found; Taus corr. This is the phonetic Gaelic for cogha- cousin. This man and his descendants would envelop Dunardry in little more than a Campbell Sept, backing and answerable to the Duke of Argyll.

In Garthbeg Clan Tavish strengthened the bond to Clan Fraser by intermarriage, the latter having high regard for the fierce warrior mould and monopolizing on their abilities.

Thus through the centuries the bloodline from Thamhais Mhor continued, the Dunardry men little more than residue left behind and only a weak trace connection to the progenitor. Indeed, Lachlan Mactavish drew up his family tree in 1790 and began it with Taus Corr.

He was absolutely right.  They do not recognize or have any attachment to the 1100 grave of Thamhais mhor in Kilmartin Kirkyard. He belongs to the Garthbeg men; Clan Tavish.

Simon McTavish of Garthbeg and Montreal was of lineal descent and would address matters in later life. He had an agenda. He purchased Dunardry and became Armiger; held the Chiefship. Simons son; William was the last chief of Dunardry. The lineal heirs took it back.

The recent and current representatives of Dunardry attained the title by misrepresentation and deceit. Their tenures have been a negative and inadequate run for ego and profit, making it needful for us to step forward with truth and integrity. We are the lineal heirs of Thamhais Mhor. We are the senior and rightful heads of all descendants of our history. As Clan Tavish we acknowledge our responsibility and accept, despite their shortcomings, dunardry as a lesser cadetship.

 WE ARE CLAN TAVISH SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THAMHAIS MHOR.