Any bone fide person who carries one of the surnames recognized by the Chief, may wear the Crest Badge with white cockade pinned behind it to denote membership within the clan. 

The Celtic Boar

The boar is a fierce combatant when at bay, and ceases fighting only with its life. It represents power and determination. The wild boar or pig, was a very important animal to the Celts. It was essential to both their religion and their diet. The Greek historian, Strabo, relates that the Celts ate both fresh and salt pork. In fact the pig was a noted delicacy in Irish feasts. Although it is interesting to note that in the Celtic country of Galatia and in the Highlands of Scotland pork was never eaten. Strabo also says that the pigs ran wild in Britain. These pigs were noted for their height, odour, and the speed at which they moved. In fact, they were considered very dangerous to man. The ferocity of these animals were said even to put wolves in peril.

The boar was frequently pictured in the Celtic world. It appears atop Celtic warriors helmets as a crest during the early Celtic era. The boar also appears on pennanulars (brooches) used to secure cloaks and tartan plaids. In the north or England, and the south of Scotland images of the boar frequently appeared carved into stone, like the famous boar image at Dunadd, which is on Dunardry soil.

There is a MacTavish maternal line through the Clan Suihbne (Sween), who’s armorial ensigns were three black boars on a gold shield. The MacSuibhne according to Lyon are traced back to Niall of the Nine Hostages, or The O’Niel King of Ireland. The Suibhnes services were in great demand as lieutenants, marshals and standard bearers among the princes of Ireland. They Served as Gallogalss warriors, and it is said in Ireland that no prince was worth a thing unless he had wit him a squadron of Suibnes.

The Boar, set in crest, is used in some form, by the following clans: Baillie, Campbell, Chisholm, Innis, Lockhart, MacIver, MacKinnon, Nisbet, Swinton, Weir, and of course, MacTavish.

Wearing the White Cockade

Some Members of Clan MacTavish wear the White Cockade behind the badge. Why?  During the Jacobite uprising of 1745, the White Cockade was the symbol worn by the Jacobite supporters of the Stuart Kings. Jacobite Troops had no formal uniform, and the White Cockade on a blue bonnet became their emblem. It is said to have originated when Bonnie Prince Charles Edward Stuart picked a wild rose (Highland or Northumberland) and pinned it to his hat. The Hanovarian (English Troops) wore a Black Cockade. The Jacobite’s white cockade is made from looped strips of white cloth sewn into a cross shape similar to the Saltire of Scotland , or St. Andrew’s Cross. While the Stuart Army lost the war, the fact remains that Clan MacTavish was a Jacobite clan. This is a proud part of our heritage, and the reason for wearing the White Cockade.

Members of the Clan MacTavish have specific heraldic rights protected by law, under the jurisdiction of the Court of the Lord Lyon, in that they enjoy the use and wearing of the Chief’s Crest, albeit at the Chief’s pleasure. Such rights are enjoyed by no other people on earth, except those who are members of Scottish clans.