Hi Michael,
Thompsons were included as septs primarily of the large clans of Campbell and Fraser. This is not unusual as many Thom(p)sons lived in the Argyll area and would have aligned themselves with the strongest clans. There was no Clan MacTavish until they had their first chief matriculated in 1997, so it would have been impossible for Thom(p)sons to have been septs of or (as claimed by MacTavish) BEEN the clan "way back in history". MacTavish has campaigned for over 15 years to mislead Thompsons into joining their clan based on the meaning of the two names - son of Tom or Thomas. There are 27 other Scottish names that mean the same thing......are they going to claim them also? Then, they could claim the MacThomas - even though they have a chief. So, it's patently false, but the fastest way to build a clan in the absence of a clan/society recognized by Lyon Court AS THOM(P)SON. MacTavish were always a sept of Clan Campbell until Dugald was matriculated in 1997. Why he felt the need to create his own clan - who knows? The latest change in the MacTavish arms - there have been 3 since the matriculation - makes the situation even more confusing. This is from the Heraldry-Scotland forum where heraldry experts and enthusiasts discuss history, conventions, etc: Since my recent article in Tak Tent, “Are MacTavishes Thomsons?”, I have learnt that MacTavish of Dunardry, the clan chief, rematriculated his arms last year, so now we have a progression of arms for the name, matriculated 1793, 1997 and 2013. While the addition of the galley was appropriate for a West Highland clan, it is interesting that the first quarter was unchanged, so that MacTavish continues to bear arms which suggest that he is a rather junior Thomson!
In an curious parallel, MacThomas of Finegand, chief of the other “Thomas” clan of the Highlands, also bears arms suggestive of cadetship. John Gaylor
In the graphic showing the change of arms, it is important to note that the 1793 arms were PERSONAL arms granted to Lachlan MacTavish --- He was not matriculated as the chief of ANY clan (MacTavish or otherwise). I know of no other MacTavish arms having been registered.
We have documented Thom(p)sons in the 15th century in the border area of Scotland. While there were undoubtedly some MacTavish in Argyll during that time, they were a sept of Campbell while we were an independent clan. We were recognized as being in the West March in the acts of the Scottish Parliament 1587 and 1594 - one of which listed all the clans in the Isles, Highlands and Borders.......MacTavish is not listed, nor is it included in the other act. Historically, it is never referred to in any scholarly work as a "Clan" whether by it's Gaelic name or Anglicized.
If you go to the MEMBERS ONLY area of the clan website, the discussions leading to the matriculation of our society may shed some extra light on the subject. If you have other questions - feel free!
Mary