A UNIQUE genetic marker carried by close relatives of the descendants of Robert the Bruce has been identified by researchers at the University of Strathclyde.

This discovery means people who suspect they may have the blood of the Scottish King in their ancestry can take a test to find out.

Glasgow Times: Robert the BruceRobert the Bruce

The genealogy researchers found the marker in the male line descendants of the Bruces of Clackmannan – who were related to Robert the Bruce, King of the Scots from 1306 to 1329.

The research is being undertaken as part of the Scottish Clans and Families project at Strathclyde. 

This project is grounded in research on the families focused on in the Declaration of Arbroath Family History Project, plus a number of other well-known Scottish surnames. 

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The research consists of both a documentary research and genetic geanology research strand. Names currently being researched include: Boyd, Graham, Ramsay, Bruce, Lindsay, Ross, Campbell, MacArthur, Seton, Cummings, MacDougall, Sinclair, Dunbar, Maxwell, Stewart, Dundas, Monteith and Sutherland.

Glasgow Times: A person takes a photograph of the Robert the Bruce statue at sunset at the site of the battle of Bannockburn in Bannockburn, near Stirling Photographer: Andrew MilliganA person takes a photograph of the Robert the Bruce statue at sunset at the site of the battle of Bannockburn in Bannockburn, near Stirling Photographer: Andrew Milligan (Image: PA)

The marker was discovered in the Y chromosome DNA of two different lines of descent from Robert Bruce, 2nd Baron of Clackmannan – who lived in the second half of the 14th century.

Among the descendants who have taken a test is Rollo Bruce, a retired textile research editor from Oxfordshire.

Although there are multiple theories about the exact relationship between the Bruces of Clackmannan and King Robert the Bruce, there is a consensus that it was very close.

In the Register of the Great Seal for 1365, a charter of King David II confirms a grant of lands in Clackmannan to Robert Bruce, who is described in Latin as “dilecto et fideli nostro consanguineo”, which translates as “our beloved and faithful kinsman”.

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This Robert is first mentioned in 1360 as the young heir of his father, Thomas Bruce. The genetic marker has been given the name FTB15831.

Glasgow Times: The sun sets behind the statue of Robert the Bruce on his war horse at the Battle of Bannockburn site near Stirling. Photographer: Jane BarlowThe sun sets behind the statue of Robert the Bruce on his war horse at the Battle of Bannockburn site near Stirling. Photographer: Jane Barlow

Graham Holton, principal tutor on Strathclyde’s Genealogical Studies Postgraduate Programme, said: “Y chromosome DNA tests taken by male line descendants of two of Robert of Clackmannan’s sons, Robert and Edward, show that they both carry the marker FTB15831. This means it may also have been carried by their close relative, King Robert.

“This discovery means that anyone living today who tests positive for the marker is descended from the same family as the famous King.

“Although the test takers from both lines carry FTB15831, one of them also has an additional genetic marker, indicating his descent from Robert Bruce, 3rd Baron of Clackmannan, who died around 1405. Further research may reveal more markers for specific branches of the Bruce family.

“This discovery will also allow the comparison of these results with any Y-DNA which can be extracted from supposed remains of King Robert, and thus confirm their true identity.”

Strathclyde’s Genealogy Team is seeking further funding to upgrade to additional DNA tests. Find out more information on the Team’s Scottish Clans and Families project.