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.

Gilnockie Tower was open for visitors as part of Canonbie & District Residents Association's "Day of the Region" on 6 September 2016.  A local Piper climbed the Tower and played a selection of bag-pipe music from the outside walkway.  Meanwhile, a photographic drone  took aerial pictures and video of the Tower - we have a video clip on the Gilnockie Tower page courtesy of Trevor at TCH AirPhotos, 

56 people visited the Tower and the Association's Clan Room where the Association's founder, Ted Armstrong, was on hand to explain the history of the Tower and Association.  

The Tower is now closed to visitors until Easter 2016.  We are hopeful that we will then be able to provide a full season of tours in 2016.  Members can read more in Armstrong News issue 81.

Issue 80 also carries a wide selection of Armstrong stories from around the world.

Starting close to the Clan's homeland of Scotland, the harsh treatment of the widow Elizabeth Armstrong of Sorbietrees by the Dukes of Buccleugh, and her eviction from the family's farm, attracted scathing critiscism.  An extract from the "Scottish Leader" dated 19 April 1894 tells her story.

Around the same time, William Henry Armstrong matriculated from Massachusetts State College.  He graduated in 1899, and went on to earn degrees from Harvard University before joining the US Army and mapping the new US teritory of Puerto Rico.  This issue tells his life story, and reveals the remarkable monument he left to his Alma Mater.

The six-pound Armstrong gun was designed by Sir William Armstrong and manufactured in England beginning in 1855.  This issue includes photographs of an Armstrong gun in New Zealand, where they were used in 1861.

This issue also tells the story of two  Armstrong pioneers.  One, Thomas Armstrong settled in Mersea, Canada in 1855, where he raised a large family.  The other, Adam Pearson Armstrong, born 1788 in Edinburgh, lost an eye fighting at the Battle of Waterloo and emigrated to Western Australia in 1829 with his 6 children.  

John Armstrong was born on the Isle of Man and died in Washington DC from wounds recieved fighting for the Union in the Civil War. Members of The Armstrong Clan Association found his records while researching their own families, and "adopted" him.  As they said, "after all, he is an Armstrong".  John Armstrong's story is told in Issue 80.

Issue 80 of the Armstrong News is available to all members of the Armstrong Clan Association.