PRESS RELEASE - 3 November 2006

Mid-Argyle and Isles DNA Research Project

 DNA testing has located and reunited several of the grand ole families of the West Highlands and the Isles. Recently DNA testing located several families that descend from the Glencoe Mac Eain and the Ardnamurchan and Islay Mac Eain families. There is a new research project that will examine and try to find the descendants of several well known mid-Argyle and Isles families.

 This new project is built around the man named Duncan Mor MacCane who lived in the middle to late 1400s in the lands of Kilmichael Glassary some four miles north of Lochgilphead.  Among the ruins of this early Christian centre which is linked to nearby Dunadd is the most amazing sculptured stone.  The inscription on the stone reads in Latin, ‘Hic iacet Duncanus Mor McCane’ (Here lies Duncan More MacCane).  The carved stone itself has a Gallóglach type sword surrounded with an intertwining design and carved animals, and is considered by some to be the finest example of late Medieval Gaelic stone art.

 Based upon on going research certain families in the mid-Argyle and southern Isles area are being asked to help in this project by their participation in DNA testing seeking to locate the family of Duncan Mor McCane. This family lost their titles and lands circa 1480 to 1500 and it is believed many migrated to Ireland to become part of the Gallóglaigh there.  Others would have migrated to Islay or Bute and a few would have remained in the mid-Argyle area.  

The surnames associated with this family are McKane, McKean, McLea, McArthur, McCarter, Gay, McGay, Henry, McQuilkin, and all these names have many variations and spellings in their anglicised forms.  Men with these surnames are asked to contact the project.

 This project is being conducted by the Ulster DNA Project which handles research in the Gallóglaigh clans that migrated from Argyle and the Isles to Ireland.

Interested parties should contact:

Barra McCain

Ulster DNA Project

email:  failte@watervalley.net

phone: 662 236-4753 (USA)

Issued by IHDP - Austin Rock