Another Hot Scot – Graham McTavish – took to twitter today to answer questions from Outlander and Hobbit fans. Our friend Kath Powell from West Midlands, UK painted a portrait of Mr. McTavish as Dougal MacKenzie earlier this week. I thought I’d share it in lieu of a photograph. Visit her website – myoutlanderart – to see more of her lovely creations.

Graham McTavish as Dougal MacKenzie by Kath Powell
Graham McTavish as Dougal MacKenzie by Kath Powell

One of the most interesting things I learned from today’s Q&A was the McTavish clan motto: NON OBLITUS (pronounced non o-bleet-us) which translates to “not forgetful.”  Supposedly, that extrapolates to “Do not forget me after death.”

The clan’s Gàidhlig name is MacTamhais (pronounced MacTavis or MacTavish – the “mh” in Gaelic is pronounced as a “v” ). The name originates from “Son of Thomas.”

Clan_MacTavish.svg
Clan McTavish Crest

The McTavish war cry is CRUACH MOR!’ (pronounced crew-ack more). Basically, it calls out to the highest point in their ancestral lands of Dunardry, Argyll which peaks at 820 meters above sea level.

Cruach Mor' – The Tall Stack in Dunardry, Argyll
Cruach Mor’ – The Tall Stack in Dunardry, Argyll

Here’s a little history. The MacTavish’s acquired their land in Argyll around 893 A. D. and only retained it after the Battle of Culloden because their Laird, Chief Dugald, was incarcerated in Dunbarton Prison during the uprising. The MacTavish’s took part in the battle but fought with the MacIntosh and Fraser clans. They didn’t keep their lands for long after Culloden. Due to financial difficulties, Dunardry was sold by public auction in December 1785.

You can learn more about the McTavish clan at Electric Scotland.

As his clan motto states, Graham MacTavish is an impossible man to forget. I’m sure many of you agree. His portrayal of Dougal McKenzie in the Outlander series – based on the best-selling novel by Diana Gabaldon – practically steals the show, even when he’s not speaking. His screen presence is magnetic whether standing and glaring or moving with the grace of a lion. Like Sam Heughan during his twitter Q&A, Mr. McTavish was likewise witty and charming. Read on to learn a little more about the magnificent Graham McTavish!

6 thoughts on “Ask McTavish”

  2. That was great fun. I love how witty both Graham and Sam were during their Twitter sessions. And that painting is absolutely GORGEOUS. Kath Powell, if you see this, PLEASE do Sam and Jamie. You know you want to. 🙂

    Reply

    2. Hi Jo Ann. Thanks for your kind words. Candida is right, I painted Jamie a while back, but I have plans to re-work it before I add it to the website. Pop back again soon to see the updated version. 🙂

      Reply

      1. You’re most welcome. Your art is breathtakingly beautiful. I saw the standing portrait of Jamie at your web site and you can be assured that I’ll check back frequently. Thanks for replying to my comment.

        Reply

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