Clan Donnachaidh Uses DNA To Research Family Roots

 A Highland clan is harnessing the power of DNA, the latest cutting edge tool of genealogy, to research its roots. Clan Donnachaidh ( Gaelic for “Children of Duncan”)  has implemented a DNA surname project with Family Tree DNA of Houston, Texas. The major surnames of Clan Donnachaidh are Duncan, Robertson and Reid, many of whom, in the mythology of Gaelic tradition, were believed to descend from the same man.

 The clan’s first recognized chief was Donnachadh Reamhair, or Stout Duncan, who led the clan in support of Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence which culminated in the famous victory over Edward II’s army at Bannockburn on June 24, 1314.

 The next great chief was Duncan’s great-grandson Robert, known as Ruadh or Reoch (Grizzled), who captured the assassins of King James I in 1437. His descendents became Robert-son, hence the line of Robertsons who have led the clan from that day to this. A branch of the Robertsons, predominantly red-haired, called themselves Reid-Robertson, later dropping the Robertson. Reid is derived from the Gaelic for red. Thus, the major three clan names are Duncan, Reid and Robertson.

 A few clan members such as the present chief the, 23^rd from Duncan, Gilbert Robertson, are fortunate to be able to trace their ancestry with certainty to the first chief. Most of the rest, who may be able to go back two, three or even four generations, are left to ponder.  Certainly, there were good reasons in those troubled times to assume the name of a strong highland chief. And so they ponder.

 Which is about all they could do…until the advent of DNA, the chemical inside the nucleus of all cells that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms. Chromosomes are paired threadlike “packages” of long segments of DNA contained within the nucleus of each cell. In humans there are 23 pairs of chromosomes. In 22 pairs, both members are essentially identical, one contributed from the individual’s mother, the other from the father. The 23^rd pair is different. In females this pair has two X chromosomes, but males have one X and one Y.

 Because in the vast majority of cases the father passes an exact copy of his Y chromosome to his son, the Y Chromosome Test is used strictly for tracing paternal lines. This test, known as the Paternal DNA Sequence, is used to find information regarding a direct male line. A direct male line is son, to father, to grandfather, to great-grandfather and on up the line following the male. Testing the Y chromosome provides a genetic  fingerprint of the subject consisting of 25 numbers. By comparing this print with others of the same surname, it can be determined not only if they share a common ancestor, but in many cases it can also indicate with a certain degree of probability how long ago this common ancestor lived. It will not, however, indicate exactly who this ancestor is.

Implemented in December of 2002, the program quickly showed remarkable results. Two Robertsons whose families had remained resident in the ancient clan lands in Perthshire were tested, but there was no genetic link between them. This was no great surprise, since it had always seemed a long shot that such a common name in Scotland should be expected to derive from the same genetic source. But all the Robertsons so far tested in the U.S. showed a 99.9% probability that they shared a common ancestor with one of the Scots. Moreover, the only Duncan so far tested showed this same link.

Since the Duncan who first named his son Robert lived more than 600 years ago, it’s tempting to speculate that these individuals all descend from the clan’s first chief. As more participants enter the program it’s likely that many Duncans, Reids and Robertsons will be found to share common ancestors. As the program grows, other clan surnames, such as Stark, Dobbins, MacIvor, Collier, etc, will join the project.

Exciting as it is to explore personal relationships, the power of DNA may eventually provide the answer to a much larger Clan Donnachaidh mystery. It is known that the father of Duncan, the clan’s first chief, was Andrew de Atholia; but before that historians disagree. Some claim Andrew descended from the Celtic Earls of Atholl, which would make him a descendant of King Duncan I. Others claim he descended from Somerled, Lord of the Isles, whose line later gave rise to Clan Donald. Further testing, perhaps with a few MacDonalds, may provide the answer.

The Family Tree DNA test kit, which may be ordered on the internet or by mail, includes swabs for collecting inside cheek samples, instructions and a return mailer. The kit is available to clan names for a reduced price of $171, which includes shipping, and must be paid for in advance by credit card or check. Remembering that the Y chromosome only follows the male line, women who wish to participate should ask a male member of the family to submit the test (father, brother, cousin).

Those wishing to learn more about the program can contact Family Tree DNA at www.familytreedna.com and look for the Donnachaidh Surname Project. Be sure to ask for the Y-DNAPlus test (25 marker Y chromosome test).

For those without access to the internet, mention the Donnachaidh Surname Project when writing, phoning or faxing Family Tree DNA at:

Written by:

O. William Robertson
Overseas Vice Chairman
Clan Donnachaidh
robertsn@gwi.net