London, April 3 (ANI): In a new DNA analysis, Scots living on Islay, Lewis, Harris and Skye were found to have strong links with Irish people, thus providing evidence of an ancient invasion of Scotland from Ireland.
According to a report by BBC News, the research, which features work by geneticist Dr Jim Wilson, a specialist in population genetics, was the first demonstration of a significant Irish genetics component in Scots’ ancestry.
The study also suggests intriguing ancestry of Scots living on the Western Isles and in the north and north east of Scotland.
“It was extremely exciting to see for the first time the ancient genetic connection between Scotland and Ireland – the signature of a movement of people from Ireland to Scotland, perhaps of the Scots or Gaels themselves,” Dr Wilson said.
The origin of the Gaels, who by conquering and integrating with Pictish northern tribes created the Kingdom of Alba, has been debated by historians for centuries.
Read the full article the April 3, 2009 edition of thaindian.com.
Why would it have to be an “invasion”?
Its a known fact that the Irish and Scots traveled between Scotland and Ireland. Invasion? I think not.