The first major genetic study of Scottish Travellers has found that the community is genetically distinct, with deep ancestral roots in Scotland. The research, led by Jim Flett Wilson, Professor of Human Genetics at the Usher Institute, identified two major Scottish Traveller groups, likely reflecting Highland and Lowland Traveller ancestry, and found evidence of long-term population isolation. Researchers also identified elevated risks for several rare inherited diseases, with some genetic variants occurring at much higher frequencies than in the wider Scottish population.The findings provide new insights into the origins, population structure and health of Scottish Travellers, a historically underrepresented community that has experienced centuries of discrimination and exclusion.Researchers say the results highlight the need for community-led genetic screening and greater clinical awareness of inherited conditions that may be more common among Scottish Travellers than in the wider Scottish population.Traveller historyScottish Travellers are a recognised ethnic minority with a rich oral history, unique traditions and distinct languages. While some continue to travel seasonally, most now live in permanent housing or sites across Scotland.Despite their longstanding presence in Scotland, little scientific research has explored the community's genetic origins or inherited health risks. Historical records are limited, leading to conflicting theories about Traveller ancestry, ranging from indigenous Scottish origins to links with Romani or Pictish populations.Community partnershipThe Traveller Genes study was established by researchers at the University of Edinburgh in partnership with the Scottish Traveller community to address these questions and ensure the research was conducted collaboratively and respectfully.Researchers recruited 148 people with at least two Traveller grandparents between 2021 and 2022, collecting saliva samples for detailed DNA analysis.The team compared Scottish Traveller DNA with samples from settled populations across Britain and Ireland, as well as Irish Travellers, English Gypsies and European Roma groups.Scottish originThe study found that Scottish Travellers are genetically distinct from both settled populations and other Traveller groups. Researchers identified two major genetic subgroups, likely reflecting Highland and Lowland Traveller ancestry.One subgroup showed levels of genetic separation from settled Scots comparable to those seen between Scottish and Italian populations.The analyses supported an indigenous Scottish origin for the community rather than direct descent from Romani populations. Analysis of DNA inherited through maternal lineages found that almost all were of European origin, with many appearing to have deep roots in Scotland.One maternal lineage, known as T2f1a1, accounted for nearly a quarter of those studied and appears to represent a Traveller-specific Scottish branch.Researchers also found evidence of long-term population isolation and historical population bottlenecks. The degree of genetic isolation observed in some groups may exceed that seen in island populations such as Orkney and Shetland.Health risksThe study identified several inherited disease variants occurring at much higher frequencies than in the wider Scottish population, including variants linked to a specific kidney disease, lymphatic disorders and metabolic conditions associated with kidney stones.Some rare recessive disease variants were found to be more than 1,000 times more common than in the general population.Researchers say the findings highlight the importance of improving awareness among healthcare professionals and exploring culturally sensitive, community-based genetic screening programmes.They stressed that most Scottish Travellers are not carriers of these conditions, but that greater awareness could support earlier diagnosis and informed healthcare decisions. I'm delighted to finally see the results, which show that Scottish Travellers have a distinct gene pool with deep indigenous roots in Scotland. The study also uncovered important information about inherited health risks within the community that clinicians should be aware of.It represents an important step towards improving representation in genetic research and addressing longstanding health inequalities through community-led science. Professor Jim Flett Wilson Study Lead and Professor of Human Genetics, Usher Institute For far too long, the history and culture of Scottish Travellers have been defined by outsiders and their many theories.With myself and other Travellers collaborating with Professor Wilson and his team, we embarked on this DNA journey which shows us what we have always argued: that our roots are in Scotland and always have been. Samantha Whyte Donaldson Scottish Traveller Cite asShanmugam, A., Fletcher, B.S., Pala, M. et al. Genetic ancestry and monogenic disease risk in the Scottish Traveller founder population. Nat Commun 17, 5843 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-74969-yFurther informationGenetic ancestry and monogenic disease risk in the Scottish Traveller founder population | Nature CommunicationsVIKING Genes | The University of EdinburghJim Flett Wilson | 300 years of medicine | College of Medicine and Vet Medicine This article was published on Monday 20 July 2026
