The genetic landscape of Scotland and the Isles

Abstract

Modern genetic analysis has revealed genetic differentiation across the south of Britain and Ireland. This structure demonstrates the impact of hegemonies and migrations from the histories of Britain and Ireland. How this structure compares to the north of Britain, Scotland, and its surrounding Isles is less clear. We present genomic analysis of 2,544 British and Irish, including previously unstudied Scottish, Shetlandic and Manx individuals. We demonstrate widespread structure across Scotland that echoes past kingdoms, and quantify the considerable structure that is found on its surrounding isles. Furthermore, we show the extent of Norse Viking ancestry across northern Britain and estimate a region of origin for ancient Gaelic Icelanders.