POSTION STATEMENT This position statement has been developed and distributed to address numerous erroneous statements and actions made by individuals attempting to besmirk our clan, our chief, and our history. April 2008 RE:  Thompson Steven Edward Dugald MacTavish of Dunardy, the 27th Chief of the Name and Arms of MacTavish is the head of this honourable community, holding Undifferenced arms repudiating dependency upon any other noble house.  This is the ONLY Clan MacTavish as recognized by the Court of Lord Lyon, the heraldic authority of Scotland. Shortly after inheriting the stewardship of Clan MacTavish from his father, Chief Steven recognized that business could not continue has it had during the preceding years.  He realized there was an urgent need to improve the operations and management of the clan organization, known at the time as the Dunardry Heritage Association (DHA), if the clan was to grow and prosper.  He took steps he deemed necessary, however, a small group of DHA members took offence to his rightful actions and has vilified and physically threatened this clan and its members.  They have also berated leaders in the Scottish community on their internet forums and at public events.  Simultaneously, we believe they have misreprsented themselves as Clan MacTavish to an unsuspecting public and event organizers.  Upon failing to take control of Clan MacTavish the disgruntled DHA individuals continue their diatribe under the auspices of their newly created Clan Thompson organization. The history of Clan MacTavish and it's Chief's genealogical record are duly noted on our website complete with references and footnotes indicating appropriate and recognized practices of scholarly research.  Clan MacTavish does not lay "claim" to all who are of the name Thom(p)son.  However, that the name Thom(p)son arises anciently from the Gaelic MacTamhais and the Anglizied form of MacTavish has been stated in respected historical record. Numerous clans inhabiting the highlands had a migratory way of life.  Descendants of these clans, including the MacTamhais or MacTavish, migrated from home and spread across Scotland and beyond, taking with them their clan loyalities or changing their names to align with other clans.  History scholars and genealogists have understood that tracing one's family history is far from simple.  The earliest historical records are scant and often challenging to translate from their original text.  Surnames were not fixed as they are today and were strongly influenced not only by family ties, but also by economics, religion, politics, and foremost survival.  We of Clan MacTavish are proud to have an active Chief whose descendancy arises from the very earliest origins of the Scottish Highland Clans.  He has worked diligently with members and elected directors of Clan MacTavish USA Inc. utilizing attorneys and certified accountants to assist building a much needed business structure to support the activities of a growing international comunity in a sound fashion.  We endeavor to celebrate the rich culture and history of Scotland in fellowship with other Clans at games, festivals, and events around the globe and will continue in the tradition of the Highland Clans in accepting allegiance from those who give it and wish to join us as we enjoy our collective Scottish heritage. CRUACH MOR! Additional link references: A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain, By Bernard Burke, Vol. 1, page 126 Discussion on Chief Dugald's writings