Y-DNA study

The Y-DNA research is being carried out within the R1b-U198 haplogroup specialists at Family Tree DNA. As noted in the About page, the goal is to test the hypotheses that (1) the Lobbans of NE Scotland are one genetic branch, (2) different from the Lobbans of Inverness. We  also looked at whether there is a genetic relation to MacLennans.

The latest results are in the Sep. 2019 update and in the Sep. 2019 Progress Report.  Stages in the development of the DNA project can be seen in the earlier updates still available under this DNA tab.  The first results are shown below.

• A haplogroup has been identified that includes most the known NE Scotland Lobbans; it has been named  R-JFS0275 within R1b-U198. Details below.
• Two individuals’ Y-DNA signatures do not match the R-JFS0275 group, nor each other. These likely represent two additional origins. One  may be from the Inverness/Black Isle Lobans. The other, in haplogroup BY93324 (diagram below), has ancient  links to Rogaland Province of Norway (Vikings?).  Further analysis of these samples will be pursued with their relevant DNA study groups, and we need more samples.
• There is no relation whatsoever between the MacLennans and the NE Scotland Lobbans. The MacLennans have a broad variety of haplogroups (so not all related to each other since Clan times), but all are very far from  R1b-U198.  The question of whether or not the Inverness Lobbans are related to the MacLennans remains open.