Scientists hope to find descendants of the nobles who signed the historic Declaration of Arbroath ahead of its 700th anniversary.
Genealogists at Strathclyde University have launched a search to find living families of the 48 signatories who put their name to one of Scotland’s most important documents.
The declaration was sent to Pope John XXII in 1320 asking him to recognise the country’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as lawful king.
Experts from the Glasgow university’s Centre of Lifelong Learning aim to find people related to signatories, including James Lindsay of Dowhill, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s friend.
They can confirm their heritage using samples of DNA passed only through the male line.
Graham Holton, principal tutor for the Genealogical Studies programme, said: “If there were any folk who were claimants to dormant peerages or something like that, there’s a chance that it could be used.
“However, the thing is that we’re looking for unbroken male lines and there could be illegitimacies within that – because the Y DNA will be passed down whether it is a legitimate, or illegitimate line.”
