Genetic evidence and more rigorous research methods are currently challenging the origin myths & legends of several clan surnames. We continue to explore this theme with more remarkable results from the Armstrong Y-DNA project reviewed alongside published academic works.
Many historians claimed the Viking occupation of the remote Orkney and Shetland Islands in the 9th century had largely supplanted the indigenous population. However, recent "People of the British Isles" research found that only 25% of Orcadian DNA was of Viking origin.
So, what does a Y-DNA testee in the Orkney Islands have in common with the Armstrong Clan? They share a specific genetic marker, or SNP, that suggests a direct paternal line to a common ancestor who seems likely to have lived during, or pre, the Iron Age (about 700BC). Is this more evidence that our clan's ancestors were of ancient indigenous Scottish stock? Association members can read the whole story in the Armstrong News 81.
Many historians claimed the Viking occupation of the remote Orkney and Shetland Islands in the 9th century had largely supplanted the indigenous population. However, recent "People of the British Isles" research found that only 25% of Orcadian DNA was of Viking origin.
So, what does a Y-DNA testee in the Orkney Islands have in common with the Armstrong Clan? They share a specific genetic marker, or SNP, that suggests a direct paternal line to a common ancestor who seems likely to have lived during, or pre, the Iron Age (about 700BC). Is this more evidence that our clan's ancestors were of ancient indigenous Scottish stock? Association members can read the whole story in the Armstrong News 81.