"Clan McWho"- In Search of My Ancient Genetic Roots

 "Clan McWho" is the light-hearted name given to our genealogical Y-chromosome DNA project which is made up of myself and a small number of others who carry a particular DNA signature (Haplotype). It is believed we inherited this most unique mutation from a common ancestor who apparently lived between six hundred and nine hundred years ago, very likely in Scotland - I believe possibly in Argyll or the Scottish highlands. 

 For the latest results go to the "Clan McWho" website at: http://users.skynet.be/lancaster/MacWho_results.htm. Our genetic clan's unique fingerprint is the mutation of 15 at 385a and 385b. Although our group belongs to the most common western European type “R1b”, our branch stands quite insulated.  In genetic terms, we believe that we all share the P25+ mutation, making us a side-branch of R1b. Our haplotype is in many ways not so unusual from the most common ones in Western Europe, and indeed it has been shown to share the typical "Western Atlantic" SNP mutation M269, also known as R1b1c. But at some time the two part STRmarker DYS385 has had one of its parts overwrite the other in a so-called RecLOH mutation, apparently going from a typical 11 and 14 to a extremely unusual 15 and 15, in one generational step.

The surnames our group’s members have are mainly of Scottish or Irish in origin. A quick study of these family names reveal an association with the western and central Highlands, particularly between Lorne to the north, and Cowal to the south.  

The family of Wilson of Kilwinnet have a documented history going back to Paisley in Renfrewshire, and possibly earlier to west Dunbartonshire and within the old Celtic earldom of Lennox. Both areas sit on the boundry of the ancient Scots kingdom of Dalriada. Our group’s common genetic ancestor may have been a 'son' of Dalriada, or even a Pict - the debate continues!