Forty-eight Highland clans are doing genealogical genetic testing, including Clan Matheson. Clan Donald is one of the leaders in the field and has cooperated with the MacGregors, gaelic Livingstons and Campbells to determine the genealogical signature of Colla Uais, High King of Ireland. Colla Uais' descendants Fergus, Loarn, and Angus (sons of Erc) reestablished the Scottish Kingdom of Dalriada around 465 A.D. Mathesons and Mackenzies are said to be descendants of Colla Uais through Loarn. Genetic testing of some Mackenzies has confirmed this connection to Colla Uais. Matheson testing is just beginning so the connection is not yet confirmed.
Clans are also using genetic testing to help define the different branches of the clan. For instance, Clan Matheson might be able to determine the genetic signature of Murchadh Buidhe, progenitor of many Lochalsh Mathesons. We could also see if the Sutherland Mathesons and Lochalsh Mathesons have similar genetics. Individuals who cannot trace their lines back to Scotland, may be able to match with someone else who can do so. In clans who have processed a number of tests, some individuals have been able to locate long-lost cousins. Some have given permission to have their results transferred to the Genographic Project, sponsored by National Geographic, which is tracing the migration roots of mankind. See http://www.genographic.com.
Y-DNA is passed from father to son so genealogical links may be traced back in time and is used in surname studies, such as the Mathesons. mtDNA is passed along maternal lines and was the first DNA studied for population migration. These studies involve parts of the DNA that are different from those used for criminal and health purposes. The process is simple. A kit containing two swabs and two vials is mailed to the participant who then swabs the inside of his cheek and mails the vials back to the lab for processing at the University of Arizona, USA. Personal information is protected.
The clan earns no money from this processing, nor does the project administrator benefit financially. Participation is strictly voluntary.
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Email Alice Fairhurst, Matheson Surname DNA Project Administrator