Looking Into Scottish Genetic Testing
Whether you have known Scottish ancestry traits or are just beginning to dip your toes into the concept, Scottish ancestry analysis will provide you with a stable and detailed launching pad to the research world. In the meantime, let’s explore some Scottish historical facts, customs, and traditions that are prevalent among those with Scottish ancestry traits.
A Brief History of Scottish Ancestry
Scotland's history stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of human inhabitants dating as far back as 8500 BCE. The region was originally inhabited by various Celtic tribes, like the Picts and the Gaels. In the 1st century CE, the Romans arrived, but were unable to fully conquer the territory. The Roman presence gradually receded, and by the 5th century, Scotland was predominantly Celtic in culture and language.
In the 9th century, the Vikings began raiding and settling parts of the country. This Viking influence remained significant until the 13th century, when the Kingdom of Scotland began to take shape. Kenneth MacAlpin, considered the first King of Scots, united the Picts and the Scots in the late 9th century. During the Middle Ages, Scotland experienced periods of conflict with its southern neighbor, England. One of the most notable conflicts was the Wars of Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, where the Scottish victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 secured a significant degree of independence for Scotland. Despite this progress, the Kingdom of Great Britain was eventually created, combining Scotland and England under a single parliament. In the early 20th century, calls for Scottish self-governance gained momentum. The establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, marked a significant step towards greater autonomy for Scotland within the United Kingdom. More recently, Scotland held another referendum on independence in 2014, where the majority voted to remain in the United Kingdom. However, discussions about a potential second referendum persist, driven by political and cultural considerations.