Three
Legends of Schism within Clan MacTavish
The following family
legends are just that, legends, which exist within the memory of the M(a)cTavish. History (yet to be fully determined) does
not record them as factual, but then many stories of the Clans and Families of Scotland cannot be proved, or have alternate
versions, that exchange places, persons and time. They remain as possible fascinating alternatives. Non-the-less they are
presented here for your enjoyment and consideration.
Legend One:
There were two sons
of the MacTavish Chief at Dunardry, who according to legend, found themselves in (unnamed) dispute in the 12th century. Eventually
they decided to settle their disagreement in armed combat. The eldest of the brothers, was Ewin (John) MacThamais, found himself
in dispute with his younger brother, Thamais (or Tavish) bynamed Mhor, which could mean Big Tavish, or refer to his prowess
and accomplishments. Tavish killed his brother in combat, and for the act of taking the life of the Chiefly heir, was banned
and outcast by his father, the Chief. He left Dunardry with a band of his followers and kin, who made their way to Stratherrick,
and established a nearly equal existence in numbers to their family still in Argyllshire. The chiefship then descended upon
(possibly the third) son, Duncan MacThamais, known as a Baron of Argyll. Had it been other than the Chief’s son who
killed the heir, he would have been put to death. (George Duncan Mathews, DD, LLD researched this legend, with additional
commentary by the late 26th Chief of Clan MacTavish. Families both of the Dunardry and Garthbeg lines hold this
legend. Tavish Mhor: not to be confused with “Tavis Mhor, Conqueror of
Cowal”.)
Legend Two:
Two Brothers, sons
of the Chief of Clan MacTavish, lived in the time of the Wars for Scottish Independence.
Robert the Bruce, pretender to the Throne of Scotland, gained much of his support from the clans in Argyll. The clan differed in their support for Bruce. One son Tavish Mhor supported Bruce, while the eldest son
did not. The guilfine (elders of the main houses of the clan) was called for
council, and a decision was made to dismiss Tavish Mhor for disputing the heir. (This legend held by some families of the
Dunardry MacTavishes. Supplied by the late 26th Chief of Clan MacTavish.)
Legend Three:
Two brothers of the
Chief of MacTavish, and the clan’s warriors attended Robert the Bruce at the Battle for Dunstaffnage against Clan MacDougall.
Thereafter they were divided in supporting Robert the Bruce to such a degree that the clan split and Thamhas (or Tavish) Mhor,
one of the sons, left with his kin and followers. It is said that Thamhas Mhor supported the Bruce throughout his campaigns.
(This legend does
not name which brother is eldest, nor name the other brother. It is held as legend by some families of the Stratherrick branch
of the clan.)
