Clues in ancient DNA
Scientific evidence of an ancient invasion of Scotland from Ireland may have been uncovered by DNA techniques.*
Researchers from Edinburgh University said studies of Scots living on Islay, Lewis, Harris and Skye were found to have strong links with Irish people.
Early historical sources recount how the Gaels came from Ireland about 500 AD and conquered the Picts in Argyll.
Scientists said the study was the first demonstration of a significant Irish genetics component in Scots' ancestry.
The research, which features work by geneticist Dr Jim Wilson, a specialist in population genetics, is being featured in programmes on Gaelic television channel BBC Alba.
The study also suggests intriguing ancestry of Scots living on the Western Isles and in the north and north east of Scotland.
*Trading networks*
Dr Wilson said: "It was extremely exciting to see for the first time the ancient genetic connection between Scotland and Ireland - the signature of a movement of people from Ireland to Scotland, perhaps of the Scots or Gaels themselves."
The origin of the Gaels - who by conquering and integrating with Pictish northern tribes created the Kingdom of Alba - has been debated by historians for centuries.
The earliest historical source comes from around the 10th Century and
relates that the Gaels came from Ireland in about 500 AD, under King Fergus Mor.
However, more recently archaeologists have suggested the Gaels had lived in Argyll for centuries before Fergus Mor's invasion.
The study also suggested an east-west genetic divide seen in England and attributed to Anglo-Saxons and Danes was evident in the north of Scotland.
This was noted in places far from Anglo-Saxon and Danish settlements,
indicating that this division was older and may have arisen in the Bronze Age through trading networks across the North Sea.
Geneticists also said as many as 40% of the population on the Western Isles could have Viking ancestry, while no Viking ancestry was found in north east Scotland.
http://news. bbc.co.uk/ 2/hi/uk_news/ scotland/ highlands_ and_islands/ 7976510.stm
Researchers from Edinburgh University said studies of Scots living on Islay, Lewis, Harris and Skye were found to have strong links with Irish people.
Early historical sources recount how the Gaels came from Ireland about 500 AD and conquered the Picts in Argyll.
Scientists said the study was the first demonstration of a significant Irish genetics component in Scots' ancestry.
The research, which features work by geneticist Dr Jim Wilson, a specialist in population genetics, is being featured in programmes on Gaelic television channel BBC Alba.
The study also suggests intriguing ancestry of Scots living on the Western Isles and in the north and north east of Scotland.
*Trading networks*
Dr Wilson said: "It was extremely exciting to see for the first time the ancient genetic connection between Scotland and Ireland - the signature of a movement of people from Ireland to Scotland, perhaps of the Scots or Gaels themselves."
The origin of the Gaels - who by conquering and integrating with Pictish northern tribes created the Kingdom of Alba - has been debated by historians for centuries.
The earliest historical source comes from around the 10th Century and
relates that the Gaels came from Ireland in about 500 AD, under King Fergus Mor.
However, more recently archaeologists have suggested the Gaels had lived in Argyll for centuries before Fergus Mor's invasion.
The study also suggested an east-west genetic divide seen in England and attributed to Anglo-Saxons and Danes was evident in the north of Scotland.
This was noted in places far from Anglo-Saxon and Danish settlements,
indicating that this division was older and may have arisen in the Bronze Age through trading networks across the North Sea.
Geneticists also said as many as 40% of the population on the Western Isles could have Viking ancestry, while no Viking ancestry was found in north east Scotland.
http://news. bbc.co.uk/ 2/hi/uk_news/ scotland/ highlands_ and_islands/ 7976510.stm
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Clarissa Metall on -
After mass raids to Scotland and Ireland, the only way to keep the peace was to marry off their women to the vikings.
Reason why you see so many red heads, blue eyes, blond hair, and more Nordic like features on many people in such areas.
Also from mixing there are some in England as well with such traits.
Ah yes...The vikings did mass Euro. mixing in their prime.
-
Permalink Reply by Uruzz Tyrburr on -
Best way to find that out, would be an in-depth research into your family tree, and determine when, actually, your ancestors migrated over.
Truth and Widom
Uruzz
-
Permalink Reply by Uruzz Tyrburr on
-
There are books at the local library, that might beable to show you other routes to research ancestry. It just really depends on how much money you want to spend. because I learned that family tree research can get expensive.
Advertisers
Donate/Sponsor Paganspace
Any donations to help with the rising costs of maintaining PaganSpace are always greatly appreciated. Many Blessings to you.
PS Podcast & Radio
Pagan Friendly Podcasts & Radio Show Listings. Join Now or View Show SchedulesCool Sites & Links
![[[ QUEEN ]] Natasha †](http://c2.api.ning.com/files/Ntq8avEf8buBt-9w45ElsIh9iEzuKTGxYqFkuARqEFY9dDwe7La7Lq19o1XJFN0mPNv4aHagMgZXAc*4u163DpCP*yFovES4/NEW01.jpg?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1){kind=small}
