New centre will offer DNA tests to trace family roots Swabbing kits will boost ancestral tourism economy as clan associations show huge interest
By Mark Henderson
A NEW Scottish forensics centre is set to offer the public an opportunity to trace their genetic links in a move that could boost tourism.
The centre, based at Glasgow Caledonian University, will be unique by teaming traditional family history search services with modern DNA genetic profiling technology, to help people from around the world trace their Scottish roots.
Dr John Gow, director of the Centre for Forensic Investigation, said that the DNA profiling service would encourage tourists to visit Scotland.
"Genealogy is one of the largest hits on the internet search engine Google and there is a lot of interest from all the family history programmes on TV, so there is a big ancestral tourism market out there.
"If Mr Campbell from New York contacts one of the traditional Scottish genealogy companies and discovers that he may have a relation called Mr Campbell in Maryhill, then we can do a DNA test for them and be able to show for definite if they share a common ancestry and are related."
The centre, which will open its doors next Thursday, is also compiling a DNA database of various Scottish and Irish clan groups and Gow revealed that there has already been interest in the DNA technology from clan associations across the globe.
He said: "What we are also trying to do is to develop markers for individual Scottish clans so, for example, we will be able to tell people if they come from the clan McGregor or MacDonald."
DNA will be obtained by the same process currently used during forensic investigations. Following a simple mouth swab, the DNA is then sent for analysis. The Y-chromosone DNA will shed light on the male lineage, while mitochondrial DNA can be used to uncover the maternal lineage. The results should allow researchers to go back several hundred years.
Gow hopes that eventually self-testing kits would be as common a sight for tourists as a guidebook or map - and not just in Scotland. "It is our intention to have DNA swabbing kits in all the tourist information offices and hotel lobbies across the UK, so people can go and pick up a kit for a few pounds then post it off to us and we will do the DNA tests for them.
"We are also hoping that during Tartan Week in New York and at international highland gatherings, the genealogy companies will take along our test kits and distribute them."
The opening of the centre is the latest business to latch on to ancestral tourism, which VisitScotland describes as "a huge potential market". With over 50 million people around the world claiming Scottish ancestry, the agency estimates that ancestral visitors currently contribute around £150 million per annum to the economy and anticipates that future visitor numbers could increase from 200,000 to as high as 800,000 trips annually.
A VisitScotland spokesman said of the new centre. "This new service offers an interesting opportunity for people who want to come to Scotland to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors."
The opening was also welcomed by Scottish Enterprise. Katrina Morrison, its tourism product development manager, said: "The use of technology has already helped Scotland to stay ahead of the game in ancestral tourism, making it easier for visitors to establish connections with our people.
"This facility will be yet another tool to help Scotland make connections with its diaspora and in so doing, encourage more people to visit."
However, others have advised caution before embarking on the DNA ancestral trail. Dr Helen Wallace, director of GeneWatch UK, said: "DNA genealogy is often harmless fun, but people should be aware that the results are not always reliable. You should also read the small print carefully if you plan to donate your DNA, to make sure it isn't going to be used for research you disagree with".
"If your DNA is stored on a database with your name and address it can be used to trace you or your relatives and can sometimes reveal private information about your health," she added.
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Posted by: Guga, Rockall on 5:38am Sun 10 Jun 07
If the DNA is going to be stored in a database, who will have access to this database? Will our totalitarian, would be police state government have access to it? In England they already have a huge DNA database of both adults and children who have never been convicted of any crime.
Also, if this government gets its hands on such a database, will they hand that over to the yanks too?
Finally, what is to prevent someone selling the database to insurance companies? That could be a good little earner for the university.
If the DNA is going to be stored in a database, who will have access to this database? Will our totalitarian, would be police state government have access to it? In England they already have a huge DNA database of both adults and children who have never been convicted of any crime.
Also, if this government gets its hands on such a database, will they hand that over to the yanks too?
Finally, what is to prevent someone selling the database to insurance companies? That could be a good little earner for the university.
Posted by: NEIL SHEARER, DARLINGTON, COUNTY DURHAM on 7:18am Sun 10 Jun 07
Guga, you've hit the nail on the head! Slowly but surely, we are being tagged and numbered, like so many sheep in a pen; stupid and frightened and with apparently no idea how to prevent this relentless attack upon our civil liberties. Yet the answer is simple. If we all said NO and stood as one, they would have to listen. Instead, we are divided and conquered.
Guga, you've hit the nail on the head! Slowly but surely, we are being tagged and numbered, like so many sheep in a pen; stupid and frightened and with apparently no idea how to prevent this relentless attack upon our civil liberties. Yet the answer is simple. If we all said NO and stood as one, they would have to listen. Instead, we are divided and conquered.
Posted by: David, London, England on 11:21am Sun 10 Jun 07
I think the Uni is a bit late in getting off the mark here. There are many existing companies which offer this facility at a price & I notice the article above doesn't quote what the prices are.
If Neil & Guga did a bit of research on the subject they would find all the answers to their questions on the web sites of the companies concerned. In my experience DNA for genealogy purposes looks only at the "junk" part of DNA and only at a very limited number of factors, as low as 12 to over 60.
Here are my DNA results. Please contact me & tell me about my health or if we are related.
1 393 13
8 388 12
2 390 24
4 391 10
11 392 15
7 426 12
19 437 14
37 438 12
9 439 14
36 442 12
18 447 26
20 448 18
21 449 28
17 454 11
16 455 11
30 456 15
13 458 18
26 460 10
33 570 17
32 576 17
31 607 15
3 19 14
5 385a 12
6 385b 14
10 389-1 13
12 389-2 29
14 459a 9
15 459b 10
22 464a 15
23 464b 15
24 464c 17
25 464d 17
34 CDY a 37
35 CDY b 38
27 GATA H4 10
28 YCA II a 19
29 YCA II b 23
I think the Uni is a bit late in getting off the mark here. There are many existing companies which offer this facility at a price & I notice the article above doesn't quote what the prices are.
If Neil & Guga did a bit of research on the subject they would find all the answers to their questions on the web sites of the companies concerned. In my experience DNA for genealogy purposes looks only at the "junk" part of DNA and only at a very limited number of factors, as low as 12 to over 60.
Here are my DNA results. Please contact me & tell me about my health or if we are related.
1 393 13
8 388 12
2 390 24
4 391 10
11 392 15
7 426 12
19 437 14
37 438 12
9 439 14
36 442 12
18 447 26
20 448 18
21 449 28
17 454 11
16 455 11
30 456 15
13 458 18
26 460 10
33 570 17
32 576 17
31 607 15
3 19 14
5 385a 12
6 385b 14
10 389-1 13
12 389-2 29
14 459a 9
15 459b 10
22 464a 15
23 464b 15
24 464c 17
25 464d 17
34 CDY a 37
35 CDY b 38
27 GATA H4 10
28 YCA II a 19
29 YCA II b 23
Posted by: William, USA on 4:36pm Sun 10 Jun 07
I find this intriguing. I kno wI have Scottish ancestors. I have tried several times to search various databases for connections and tended to come up with little of substance. I have traveled to Scotland twice, at which time I casually checked what I thought were genealogy records. Nothing fruitful (although both were great trips).
So I'm wondering if it will be acceptable to submit DNA material by mail and not have to return to Scotland, unless the evidence suggests it would reveal more information thanI have encountered so far.
As for confidentiality, it may be a concern but I don't know how much of one. Brit cameras already are looking over your shoulder on park benches. How much worse can it get?
Plus, if your DNA reveals a genetic susceptibility to disease, wouldn't you want to know about it? How far are we from having to submit DNA material in order to get private insurance in the first place? And if you are worried about be traced to a crime, don't do the crime.
I'll watch to see if it is available by mail.
I find this intriguing. I kno wI have Scottish ancestors. I have tried several times to search various databases for connections and tended to come up with little of substance. I have traveled to Scotland twice, at which time I casually checked what I thought were genealogy records. Nothing fruitful (although both were great trips).
So I'm wondering if it will be acceptable to submit DNA material by mail and not have to return to Scotland, unless the evidence suggests it would reveal more information thanI have encountered so far.
As for confidentiality, it may be a concern but I don't know how much of one. Brit cameras already are looking over your shoulder on park benches. How much worse can it get?
Plus, if your DNA reveals a genetic susceptibility to disease, wouldn't you want to know about it? How far are we from having to submit DNA material in order to get private insurance in the first place? And if you are worried about be traced to a crime, don't do the crime.
I'll watch to see if it is available by mail.
Posted by: Doug, Vermont, USA on 4:33am Tue 12 Jun 07
Because my direct ancestor was described as a "Highland Scot", it would nice if through DNA testing, his origins could be narrowed down to a more specific region of Scotland.
Because my direct ancestor was described as a "Highland Scot", it would nice if through DNA testing, his origins could be narrowed down to a more specific region of Scotland.
Posted by: Richard B Alexander, Douglas, AZ USA on 5:13pm Tue 12 Jun 07
Should I send you my DNA results? I'm with Family Tree DNA.
Should I send you my DNA results? I'm with Family Tree DNA.
Posted by: Carly Henderson, USA on 5:55pm Tue 12 Jun 07
This is very exciting! I, too, will wait to see if the test is offered by mail. My brother has already been to Scotland several times and may or may not be able to do it again. We are frustrated in trying to connect our Malcolm line to the original immigrant to the Virginia colonies way back in the 1600 or 1700's. This might finally give us the answers!
This is very exciting! I, too, will wait to see if the test is offered by mail. My brother has already been to Scotland several times and may or may not be able to do it again. We are frustrated in trying to connect our Malcolm line to the original immigrant to the Virginia colonies way back in the 1600 or 1700's. This might finally give us the answers!
Posted by: Brian Orr, Formby. Merseyside on 8:01pm Tue 12 Jun 07
Will this project be compatible with FTDNA service (www.familytreedna.c
om) and their assorted projects ?
I have had a 67 marker test done - will I be able to compare with your site ?
Will this project be compatible with FTDNA service (www.familytreedna.c
om) and their assorted projects ?
I have had a 67 marker test done - will I be able to compare with your site ?
Posted by: Charles Farrell, Bethpage, NY, USA on 9:24pm Tue 12 Jun 07
How extensive will the Irish Clans data base be? I am a member of the Farrell Clan Of county Longford Ireland. We will be holding our next reunion in Longford during July 2008. I would be happy to notify the clan of this project>[bold][
How extensive will the Irish Clans data base be? I am a member of the Farrell Clan Of county Longford Ireland. We will be holding our next reunion in Longford during July 2008. I would be happy to notify the clan of this project>[
Posted by: Esther McNeil Griffin, Binghamton, NY on 1:39am Wed 13 Jun 07
I have not visited Scotland because I don't know the name or location of my Scots-Irish immigrant to the USA. If DNA by mail would help me know the likely Clan and locality, I would be more inclined to visit!
I have not visited Scotland because I don't know the name or location of my Scots-Irish immigrant to the USA. If DNA by mail would help me know the likely Clan and locality, I would be more inclined to visit!
Posted by: Jane Douglas Miscavich, Springfield, VA on 3:00am Wed 13 Jun 07
There is a very large number from all over the world of Scottish DNA already tested by FamilyTreeDNA. I hope these tests would be compatible with yours. If I could match up with someone from your database and found out where my Scottish ancestors lived, I would definitely be making plans to visit.
There is a very large number from all over the world of Scottish DNA already tested by FamilyTreeDNA. I hope these tests would be compatible with yours. If I could match up with someone from your database and found out where my Scottish ancestors lived, I would definitely be making plans to visit.
Posted by: Mrs. R. J. Hok, Columbus, GA on 4:17pm Thu 14 Jun 07
Anyone with the least bit of paranoia needn't participate. These tests are for paying consumers who know what they want and will make up their own minds. (Being Scotch, it's hard to part with my money--but I do genealogy, have already paid Familty Tree for dna tests, and have visited Scotland as a tourist). This is a mateer of personal agency--some of these commenters sound as if they are urging "no" votes in some sort of general election!
Anyone with the least bit of paranoia needn't participate. These tests are for paying consumers who know what they want and will make up their own minds. (Being Scotch, it's hard to part with my money--but I do genealogy, have already paid Familty Tree for dna tests, and have visited Scotland as a tourist). This is a mateer of personal agency--some of these commenters sound as if they are urging "no" votes in some sort of general election!
Posted by: Richard B Alexander, Douglas, AZ USA on 5:34pm Sat 16 Jun 07
For those of us in the States, how do we obtain these kits? Can you ue the Family Tree
DNA results?
Costs to U.S. residents?
For some reason, I remember being told that we were from the McDonald Clan - I have my doubts however. My grandmother told me many things that now cause me to wonder
For those of us in the States, how do we obtain these kits? Can you ue the Family Tree
DNA results?
Costs to U.S. residents?
For some reason, I remember being told that we were from the McDonald Clan - I have my doubts however. My grandmother told me many things that now cause me to wonder
Posted by: M Collins, Germantown, MD on 2:15pm Sun 17 Jun 07
I look forward to the tests. I hope that they'll be avaiable in the States and that they'll be compatible or be a great supplement to other DNA tests already on the market. I am concerned about privacy issues but hey-here in the States we seemed to have given them up anyway.
I look forward to the tests. I hope that they'll be avaiable in the States and that they'll be compatible or be a great supplement to other DNA tests already on the market. I am concerned about privacy issues but hey-here in the States we seemed to have given them up anyway.
Posted by: John Carr, Los Angeles, USA on 6:09pm Sun 24 Jun 07
Y-DNA STR tests used for genealogy are available from a number of sources which can be easily located by searching the web for DNA tests and are pretty much all compatible. There isn't anyone out there with a truly unique test. A unique test would have little value since there would be few others to compare with. So, don't feel you have to go to Scotland to obtain one of these test kits for comparable YDNA results.
At least two public databases exist where Y DNA results can posted for others to compare against and contact the submitter concerning matches for genealogical connections. In addition, there are numerous YDNA surname and regional projects that have been established to simplify the task of finding YDNA matches and trends within these groups. All of these can also be easing located with a web search.
Hopefully anyone who takes up the DNA test offer is willing to share their results. Otherwise the usefulness of taking the test is very limited. Anyone doing a DNA test for genealogy should make sure they have full access to their results and are able to do with them as they wish.
As mentioned by an earlier poster, the DNA sequences used for this testing are normally sequences that are shown to have no medical or personal information associated with them. They just provide a means of identifying a few of one's close cousins within a large population. The YDNA chromosome itself has relatively little to do with general health.
Should we fear governments or insurance agencies using this data against us. See my comment above. Also, the government or your insurance company can just tell your Doctor's medical lab to provide some DNA material from any blood test you take and they will have unobstructed access to your complete genome with positive identification of who the DNA is from. The saliva we provide for our genealogical DNA tests does not provide a reliable evidence trail.
We are all cousins, regardless of where we find ourselves living today. No matter where we live, we share a common interest in learning about our past. Doing that by identifying cousins from recent generations has been the goal of genealogists for a very long time. DNA is but another tool for us to use.
Good hunting to all.
Y-DNA STR tests used for genealogy are available from a number of sources which can be easily located by searching the web for DNA tests and are pretty much all compatible. There isn't anyone out there with a truly unique test. A unique test would have little value since there would be few others to compare with. So, don't feel you have to go to Scotland to obtain one of these test kits for comparable YDNA results.
At least two public databases exist where Y DNA results can posted for others to compare against and contact the submitter concerning matches for genealogical connections. In addition, there are numerous YDNA surname and regional projects that have been established to simplify the task of finding YDNA matches and trends within these groups. All of these can also be easing located with a web search.
Hopefully anyone who takes up the DNA test offer is willing to share their results. Otherwise the usefulness of taking the test is very limited. Anyone doing a DNA test for genealogy should make sure they have full access to their results and are able to do with them as they wish.
As mentioned by an earlier poster, the DNA sequences used for this testing are normally sequences that are shown to have no medical or personal information associated with them. They just provide a means of identifying a few of one's close cousins within a large population. The YDNA chromosome itself has relatively little to do with general health.
Should we fear governments or insurance agencies using this data against us. See my comment above. Also, the government or your insurance company can just tell your Doctor's medical lab to provide some DNA material from any blood test you take and they will have unobstructed access to your complete genome with positive identification of who the DNA is from. The saliva we provide for our genealogical DNA tests does not provide a reliable evidence trail.
We are all cousins, regardless of where we find ourselves living today. No matter where we live, we share a common interest in learning about our past. Doing that by identifying cousins from recent generations has been the goal of genealogists for a very long time. DNA is but another tool for us to use.
Good hunting to all.
Posted by: Peter, dublin on 1:43am Mon 6 Aug 07
My family on my fathers side is highland (grampian)with an Irish great-grandmother. My mothers people are NW Irish, from Derry and Donegal.Both family trees show only Gaelic surnames. What exactly would the test show me other than what I already know.
My family on my fathers side is highland (grampian)with an Irish great-grandmother. My mothers people are NW Irish, from Derry and Donegal.Both family trees show only Gaelic surnames. What exactly would the test show me other than what I already know.
Posted by: Paul Burns, Florida, USA on 10:13am Sun 23 Sep 07
With over 100 people in my Byrne/Burns.Beirne project, we have defined several major but unrelated Irish clans/families with those surnames or variations. However, there are many in the project who claim Scottish origins, but cannot prove it. I have tried to obtain Scots Burns samples, but I have been unable to interest the many Burns there whom I have contacted. Perhaps this new centre will provide our project with the needed DNA profiles.
With over 100 people in my Byrne/Burns.Beirne project, we have defined several major but unrelated Irish clans/families with those surnames or variations. However, there are many in the project who claim Scottish origins, but cannot prove it. I have tried to obtain Scots Burns samples, but I have been unable to interest the many Burns there whom I have contacted. Perhaps this new centre will provide our project with the needed DNA profiles.
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