PEOPLE who have at least two grandparents from the Scottish Traveller community are urged to take part in the first genetic study of the group.
Edinburgh University researchers are seeking to understand how Scottish Travellers relate to Irish Travellers, English Gypsies and Welsh Kale, as well as those in settled communities.
Those who take part will be asked to provide a saliva sample for genetic testing, as well as complete a survey about their health and lifestyles.
Previous research helped to define the Irish Traveller community as a distinct ethnic group, the university said.
Lead researcher, Professor Jim Wilson, said: “Scottish Traveller groups have never been involved in studies using the power of modern genetics. I was delighted to be asked by representatives of this community to carry out a study that will reveal how the Traveller communities fit into the genetic landscape of Scotland and the British Isles.”
Samantha Donaldson, a Scottish Traveller from Dunfermline and a member of the study’s public involvement panel, said: “For us Travellers, also known as Nacken, this study could be very useful.
“Many myths surround our origins, so the study could potentially prove or disprove some of these stories. Travellers have some of the greatest health inequalities in Scotland.
“If we are genetically predisposed to certain conditions more than other groups, or if we have illnesses that are more likely to affect us,
then health professionals may be able to use data to address some of these inequalities.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel