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

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

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