Y-DNA study

DNA

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.

  • 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, in Logan Project “Limb 3,”  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. But it looks like hypothesis 1 (one haplotype for all the NE Lobbans) is not supported. See Dec. 2018 update.
  • 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.

Within “Limb 7” of the Logan DNA Project, which is genetically remote from other haplogroups in the Logan Project, there are presently 8 people who have been recognized in comparisons of up to 111 markers, as being a related group. Two of these are a Logan, whose ancestors have been traced back to a Loban in Glass parish,  and myself, whose ancestors date back to Rothiemay parish. We have both taken the “Big Y” test at Family Tree DNA (now called the Y-500 test), and this has confirmed the close relationship between us and allowed John Sloan of the R1b-U198 study group to identify and name the genetic branch, as mentioned above (and see diagram below).  Limb 7 also includes a descendant of the William Loban who went to Holland in the early 17th C. as a soldier,  married and stayed, the name being spelled by Dutch authorities as Laban.  Update provided here.

Initial discovery of two levels of structure within the DF89 subclade of R-U198 (JFS0266 and JFS0275). Diagram modified by C. Lobban from one on the R-U198 study group web site.  Click images to enlarge. Source diagram (active site) at http://meekdna.com/U198dna/P7_DF89.html

 

Alternative view of the haplotree, showing position of R-JSF0275 within U198>S15627>DF89>JFS0266. Edited from data presented on Family Tree DNA.

 

Portion of haplotree showing relation of U198 and Z18 within U106, and the position of BY93324 under Z18.

Age of Major Branches in R1b-U106 per Dr Iain McDonald’s analysis. (source):
U106 = about 3100 BC
Z18 = about 2200 BC
U198 = about 1600 BC
L48 = about 2600 BC

Page by Chris S. Lobban, posted 12 July 2018, updated 13 Dec. 2018.