LivingDNA - One World One Family - Scotland

LivingDNA have finally launched their One World One Family DNA project and it includes Scotland!

I was involved with helping bring together aspects of the Scotland project and many of you will be pleased to see that the country is now divided up into 20 regions.  These are roughly based on current administrative areas simply so that individuals submitting the birthplace of their four grandparents  for the research aspect of the project can be accurately mapped.

https://www.livingdna.com/en/one-family/research/scotland (thid link no longer works 17/12/2018)

Their publicity material for the project states:

"This 5 year initiative will analyse people’s DNA results from around the world allowing them to see for the first time, where they fit on the One World Family Tree, which will show people how we are all related if you go back far enough in time.
By using proprietary technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning, the project will see tens of thousands of computers working together to identify distinctive and shared patterns in people’s DNA. Over time, Living DNA will be able to produce the most detailed genetic map of the world, enabling people to explore both their modern ancestry and ancient migration patterns."

How can you get involved?
Anyone can join the project and help build the tree by visiting www.livingdna.com/onefamily. People who have already done a DNA test with another company can upload their results and take part for free.  Others can join by taking their own Living DNA test.  All existing Living DNA members will have the opportunity to join the project for free. 

In addition, any new DNA testers that have four grandparents born within 50 miles of one another will receive a special discount because their results will help us create in-country regional mapping. No data from anyone joining the project will be sold. This part of the project builds on the Irish and German regional research projects and we would like to thank everyone who has taken part and we are looking for more participants.

If your grandparents are from another country in the world there may well be a project available:
https://www.livingdna.com/one-family/research

If you have not yet tested you can do so through this link Order Living DNA Test 

LivingDNA will also be launching a DNA matching facility which is in the final stages of testing.  They are aiming to get this live by the end of the year.

Partition: Legacy of the Line (including use of DNA testing)

Throughout August the BBC is marking the 70th anniversary of the Partition of India, bringing to life the personal stories behind this historic event.

I watched the BBC documentary My Family, Partition and Me: India 1947 (part 1) last week.  It was a moving and at times disturbing story of how communities and were torn apart and families uprooted from their ancestral lands.

This coming Sunday (13 August) at 9pm BBC 2 Scotland will be broadcasting, Partition: Legacy of the Line

It follows Sanjeev Kohli and Aasmah Mir whose families settled in Scotland after 1947.  They explore the stories of individuals caught up in these momentous events, beginning with their own fathers who lived on opposite sides of the line of Partition in the Punjab.

The preview text for the programme highlights, 'As one of the strongest themes to emerge is that of difference, Sanjeev and Aasmah decide to take a DNA test to see just how genetically different they are from one another.'
Information about the programme can be found here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b091zd6j

The DNA testing was undertaken with LivingDNA a British company.  The test can be ordered through this link: Order Living DNA test

Genetics and Genealogy: what’s it all about? (Seminar)

For anyone in or around Glasgow next month (Tuesday 1st Aug, 11.00 - 12.00) I am giving this talk on DNA and genealogy.

The Genealogy Team in CLL are at the forefront of researching the use of DNA profiling in tracing ancestral connections. Genetic genealogy is now the fastest growing area within the family history and ancestral research sector with several millions of individuals now tested. This talk will explain the use of DNA testing to research your family tree and how it can help to reveal your deep ancestral origins.  It will explain the various tests and provide insight into recent findings especially with regard to Scottish clans and families.  

Sign up here: https://mycll.strath.ac.uk/View-Class/rdid/41/cr/169?portalid=0

Living DNA - a new DNA test

An ancestry DNA test like no other, Living DNA can reveal more detail about your ancestral origins than ever before.  The test can be taken by both men and women and provides information on your family ancestry and origins.  Your DNA will be compared to 80 worldwide regions including 21 regions in the British Isles.  The proportion of DNA from each region that has been inherited will be recorded, providing evidence of the origins of your ancestors.

Do I have Scottish DNA?  How much DNA do I have from Ireland? 
Previously only a Y-DNA test, used for surname research could specifically link a male to a region or area within the British Isles at a point in time.  As women don't have a Y-chromosome they could not even take that particular test.  Living DNA's new test overcomes this hurdle by analysing a different type of DNA.  Based on data derived from the People of the British Isles Project and supplementary research your bio-geographical origins within the British Isles will be explored using DNA inherited from both your parents.

The Living DNA test - 3 tests in 1
The test will also show your mother-line ancestry and, if you are a male, your father-line ancestry as well.  DNA from the mother-line is inherited by children, both male or female from their mother. However it can only be passed to the next generation by a mother not a father.  Therefore mitochondrial DNA can be used to track the ancestral origins of the direct mother-line back into history.  Similarly, the Y-chromosome is passed by a father to his sons, who pass it to their sons.  It therefore can be used to trace the ancestral origins of the direct father-line.

No subscription
Unlike some competitors, there is no subscription to access your results and your lifetime ancestry membership means that as Living DNA research is refined, your results will be updated with more detail at no further charge.  Living DNA will put your results into context, allowing you to explore your ancestry at different points in history.

You can order your Living DNA test through this link ORDER MY LIVING DNA TEST (or click on the image below).

New map viewer compares Scottish land use in 1930s with today

The National Library of Scotland's new Land Use Viewer is a very handy utility which uses a split screen map viewer to compare 1930s land use with 2015 land use.

The viewer is a collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland, and allows 1930s Land Utilisation Survey maps to be compared to the 2015 Historic Land Use Assessment Layer (HLA).

The HLA layer has been deliberately coloured to closely match the six main categories of the 1930s Land Utilisation Survey and shows striking changes in Scotland's land use during the 20th century, including afforestation and expanding urban areas.

Checking the area near where I live the development of housing is very obvious with significant loss of farming land. The Land Use Viewer can be accessed through this link - http://maps.nls.uk/projects/landuse/

Alasdair email: alasdair@yourscottishancestry.com Professional Genealogy Research Service

Scotland and the Flemish People conference - University of St Andrews, 16 - 17 June 2016

I'm chairing a session on the use of Y-DNA to establish the legacy of Flemish male lineages in Scottish society.  The conference runs for two days between 16 and 17 June 2016 at the University of St Andrews.

Scotland and the Flemish People
This major inter-disciplinary conference will explore the important relationship between Scotland and Flanders in the medieval and early modern periods and the influence of Flemish people and Flemish culture on Scotland through the centuries. Drawing on research by leading scholars in history, art history, archaeology, material culture and genetic genealogy, the conference will investigate such themes as the migration and settlement of Flemings in Scotland, the commercial and diplomatic relations between Flanders and Scotland, and the range of connections, from family origins to the game of golf, that are continuing testimony to their historic links.

The conference is the culmination of an innovative three-year project based at the Institute of Scottish Historical Research at the University of St Andrews under the leadership of Professor Roger Mason. This project has incorporated the research of leading scholars and local historians, as well as new doctoral research by students based in St Andrews, that explores the multi-faceted nature of the relationship between Scotland and Flanders. Some of the project’s findings, and the range of its interests and activities, can be seen on our blog, which has provided a point of contact for engagement with the public throughout the course of the project.

We are delighted to announce that keynote lectures at the conference will be given by Dr David Ditchburn, Trinity College Dublin, Professor Jan Dumolyn, University of Ghent, Professor Richard Oram, University of Stirling and Dr Joseph Morrow QC, the Lord Lyon. They will be joined by a series of expert speakers addressing the major conference themes in parallel panel sessions on a wide range of subjects, from place-names to politics and from material culture to genetic geneaolgy.
The conference will take place over two days – 16-17 June 2016 – and is open to scholars, students, and interested members of the public.
With thanks to Dr Claire Hawes, Conference Secretary.
Scotland and the Flemish People conference

Alasdair email: alasdair@yourscottishancestry.com Professional Genealogy Research Service

Alasdair Macdonald: Test heritage or family secrets.

 I recently wrote a short article on the use of DNA testing for adoption which was published by The Scotsman newspaper.

http://www.scotsman.com/news/alasdair-macdonald-test-heritage-or-family-secrets-1-3936744#axzz3r1SgBIH3

 Email: alasdair@yourscottishancestry.com Professional Genealogy Research Service

Genetic Genealogy: An introduction (8 week fully online course)

There are still places available on the next 8 week online course, Genetic Genealogy: An introduction which I am helping to run through the University of Strathclyde.  The course is aimed at those who are considering purchasing a test kit or have recently dipped their toes into genetic genealogy to assist their research.

"This class aims to impart a basic knowledge of the scientific and technological aspects of genetic genealogy and teach the skills needed to interpret DNA test results for genealogy.  There has been an increasing interest in genetic genealogy as the technology of DNA testing has developed and the potential for genealogical applications has become clear. The scientific and technological complexities of the subject make it challenging for genealogists and family historians, who are more likely to feel an affinity with the field of arts and humanities, rather than that of science and technology. Many individuals who have a DNA test carried out find it very difficult to fully understand the meaning of the results and what further tests and/or genealogical research might prove worthwhile. This class addresses this issue and illustrates that genetic genealogy is an important tool in the field of genealogical studies. The class is also suitable for those who have not yet taken a test."

The course is fully online and starts on Monday 5 October 2015.
The cost is £155.

You can book onto the course here:
http://onlineshop.strath.ac.uk/browse/extra_info.asp?compid=1&modid=5&deptid=156&catid=72&prodid=223

Alasdair's email: alasdair@yourscottishancestry.com Professional Genealogy Research Service

DNA testing is becoming cheaper

The financial cost of taking your first steps into the world of genetic genealogy to further genealogical research has reduced significantly in the last few months.  Family Tree DNA have reduced their basic 12 marker Y-DNA and mtDNAPlus test to approximately £38.

The paternal 12 marker test and the maternal mtDNA Plus are ideally priced to be used to preserve a DNA sample from an elderly relative for future research.  These tests can easily be upgraded at a later date using the same sample.  Additional products can also be ordered such as the autosomal DNA test called Family Finder which compares DNA inherited from all 16 of your great great-grandparents.

The mtDNA Full Sequence test has been reduced in price and now £134.  Exact matches found through the mtDNA Full Sequence test have a 50% chance of matching within 5 generations or a 90% chance within 16 generations. 

The Family Finder test which is for close cousin matching back to your 16 great great-grandparents  is now only £74.

Check the new pricing structure at Your Scottish Ancestry the official Scottish representative for Family Tree DNA.

The new pricing structure can be downloaded here here.

Alasdair email: alasdair@yourscottishancestry.com

Fife Family History Society - DNA talk

Thanks to the Fife Family History Society for their warm welcome in Cupar last night as I presented my talk on the Scottish DNA Project and an introduction to DNA testing.  Special thanks to Hugh Hoffman, Frances Black and Ali Murray.  Also great to meet up with Archie Lumsden administrator of the Lumsden DNA Project.
 
I have quite a few Fife connections on my maternal side including Russells from Kingskettle just along the road from Cupar as well as Drummonds, Lindsays, Blacks and Auchterlonies elsewhere in the kingdom to name but a few.