Career
McTavish began his career at the Glasgow junior side Petershill. In 1910, he joined Oldham Athletic and played 10 matches before signing for Tottenham Hotspur. The inside right featured in 40 games and scored twice in all competitions for the Lilywhites between 1910–1912.
McTavish left White Hart Lane to join Newcastle United in April, 1912, where he made a further 34 appearances and scoring six goals.
He went on have spells at Partick Thistle, York City, Goole Town, East Fife, East Stirlingshire and finally Dumbarton. McTavish played once for Scotland against Ireland on 19 March 1910.
The match played in Belfast ended in a 1–0 victory for Ireland.