Clan Matheson is one of forty-eight Highland clans which are undergoing genetic testing to establish their genealogical roots. We hope that this will allow us to prove or disprove some of the traditions about clan genealogy. Like the projects looking at some other Highland clans, the Matheson project is finding traces of both Celtic and Norse origins among the people taking part, and is also revealing other very interesting facts about the Clan. The great benefit of DNA testing is that, even when a family or surname has no recorded genealogy, it is possible for individuals in that group to trace people with whom they share DNA. This allows them to compare and add to their own knowledge, as well as adding to the Clan’s central records.

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.

One of the leading Clans in the field of DNA tracing is Clan Donald which, working in cooperation with the MacGregors, gaelic Livingstons and Campbells, has determined 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 and it may be that a connection to Colla Uais can be confirmed here, as well.

Clans are also using genetic testing to help define the different branches of the clan. For instance, through DNA testing, 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 which 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. For further details you can refer to their website www.genographic.com.

The clan earns no money from this processing, nor does the project administrator benefit financially. Participation is strictly voluntary and the process is simple. A kit containing two swabs and two vials is mailed to the participant who then swabs the inside of their cheek and mails the vials back to the lab for processing at the University of Arizona, USA. Personal information is protected.

More Information

To order a DNA test, click here.

To read the latest reports from the DNA project, click here.

To email the Clan DNA Project Administrator, click here.