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Press ReleasesFamily Ties Get Easier To Unravel Thanks To New DNA Geneaology Service At Glasgow CaledonianGenealogy enthusiasts will soon be able to dig right down to the roots of their family tree thanks to a new centre which is being set up at Glasgow Caledonian University. The centre, which will team traditional family history search services with modern genetic profiling technology, will help people from around the world trace their Scottish roots and then offer the option of verifying blood relatives through DNA testing. Experts will also aims to carry out research which will eventually build up a genetic map of the clans of Scotland, allowing people to look into their Celtic ancestry. Professor John Gow, Director for Forensic Investigation at the University, said that it was hoped the service would boost Scottish tourism. “It means that people with Scottish ancestors from around the world will be able to come to Scotland and trace their records, and – if they wish – we can determine their DNA profile for them,” he said. “We will be able to tell Mr Campbell from New York if he is related to Mr Campbell in Dunoon. We want to promote Glasgow Caledonian University as a centre for Scottish genealogy worldwide.” Work is already under way to build a new forensic suite at the University which will enable all types of DNA work to be undertaken. In order to carry out the tests, DNA is obtained using a mouth swab. The Y-chromosome test is then used to define male lineage, while mitochondrial DNA profiling can be used to help trace the maternal line. Professor Gow said that several clan societies in America, including the Campbells and the Beatties, had already expressed interest in this work. “We are going to develop individual DNA databases for each clan by looking for markers that are peculiar to a particular clan.” The new venture will also involve ancestral research company Scottish Roots Ltd and the 1745 Trading Company, a sales and marketing firm. Although traditional Scottish genealogical services are considered among the best in the world, before the introduction of statutory civil registration in 1855 many people did not go to the expense or trouble of registering marriages or baptisms. DNA testing can help resolve any ambiguities. According to VisitScotland, more than 50 million people around the world can claim Scottish roots, and ancestral tourism is a growing trend, with Americans, Canadians and Australians most likely to visit Scotland in search of their family history. Ends Issued by Caroline Foulkes, Press Officer, November 2. |