MacTavish (McTavish)
MacTavish Clan Tartan Collection
Celebrate Clan MacTavish with a Scottish tartan tied to Dunardry in Argyll — an ancient clan of the western Highlands with an unbroken chiefly line, under the enduring motto Non Oblitus, "Not Forgotten."
MacTavish (McTavish) Scottish Tartan Crest Polo Shirt Breast Cancer Awareness Bonnie Fechter Thistle
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About the MacTavish Clan Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans records MacTavish as a Clan/Family tartan. The MacTavish sett is a handsome design of red crossed with green, blue and black, a warm and dignified pattern of the western Highlands, worn in both ancient and modern shades.
Clan MacTavish, from the Gaelic Mac Thàmhais, "son of Thomas," is an ancient clan of Argyll, seated at Dunardry in Knapdale. The clan motto Non Oblitus means "not forgotten," making MacTavish tartan especially meaningful for family pride and Scottish ancestry gifts.
MacTavish Tartan Pattern and Colours
MacTavish tartan is recognised for its warm red ground crossed with green, blue and black, a rich and dignified pattern of Argyll. Ancient shades appear softer and lighter, while modern shades are deeper and more formal.
MacTavish Heritage
The MacTavishes held Dunardry — in Gaelic Dun-ArdRigh, "the fort of the High King" — in Knapdale, Argyll, from very early times, their ancestral seat by the waters of what is now the Crinan Canal. An ancient clan of the western Highlands, the MacTavishes of Dunardry maintained an unbroken chiefly line down the centuries, closely bound to the Earls of Argyll and the great house of Campbell.
After Culloden, many MacTavishes changed their name to Thomson or Thompson to escape the persecution of the Highlanders. The chiefly line fell dormant for two centuries, until in 1997 the Lord Lyon traced and restored it, recognising MacTavish of Dunardry as chief; the ruins of Dunardry Castle briefly reappeared when the Crinan Canal was drained in 2021. The crest is a boar's head, the war cry Cruach Mor, the motto Non Oblitus.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for MacTavish and McTavish descendants, related Thomson and MacThomas families, Argyll and Knapdale heritage lovers and anyone looking for a warm red Scottish tartan with deep Highland meaning.
- ✓ MacTavish and McTavish family
- ✓ Dunardry and Knapdale roots
- ✓ Thomson and MacThomas kin
- ✓ Highland games clothing
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Warm red tartan style
How to Wear MacTavish Tartan
MacTavish tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. The warm red palette makes a handsome statement, suitable for everyday heritage wear, formal Scottish events and meaningful family gifts.
MacTavish Clan Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about MacTavish tartan, the clan of Dunardry and why this design matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
What is the MacTavish tartan?
MacTavish is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans as a Clan/Family tartan — a warm red sett with green, blue and black, of Argyll.
What does the name MacTavish mean?
It comes from the Gaelic Mac Thàmhais, "son of Thomas" — hence the many MacTavishes who became Thomsons.
Where is Clan MacTavish from?
From Dunardry in Knapdale, Argyll, the "fort of the High King," the ancient seat of the MacTavish chiefs.
Does Clan MacTavish have a chief?
Yes — the chiefly line, dormant for two centuries, was restored in 1997; MacTavish of Dunardry is chief of the clan.
Why did MacTavishes become Thomsons?
After Culloden many changed their name to Thomson or Thompson — both meaning "son of Thomas" — to escape persecution.
Who can wear MacTavish tartan?
People with MacTavish or McTavish ancestry, related Thomson families or a respectful connection to the clan and Scottish heritage can wear MacTavish tartan.
Wear the Tartan of Clan MacTavish
Discover MacTavish tartan clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by Dunardry, Argyll and the enduring motto Non Oblitus.
View MacTavish Tartan Clothing