Reivers ready to spill their blood again

Nov 29 2006 By Tony Henderson, The Journal

Hundreds of blood samples are to be taken to see if surnames have a bearing on people's genetic make-up.

After the success of a project to collect the DNA of 100 men called Robson, Newcastle University researchers are now seeking people with Border Reiver surnames - such as Armstrong, Fenwick, or Burn - to donate blood samples.

They aim to find the descendants of these clans for the Northern England element of a national project called People of the British Isles.

They want to collect up to 600 blood samples for scientific analysis and will be looking for common genetic patterns and the presence of certain genes, such as those that determine hair colour.

Potential volunteers are being asked to attend the Northumberland and Border History Fair in Hexham on Saturday to give the samples.

Volunteers should be able to trace all four of their grandparents to the same geographical area in Northumberland, Northern Cumbria, County Durham and the Scottish Borders.

All volunteers who fit these criteria can participate, but the team is particularly interested to hear from people who have a Reiver surname by birth or a parent with the surname.

Project leader Dr Caroline Relton, of Newcastle University's Institute of Human Genetics, said: "The Border Reivers were at the centre of incredibly exciting era in British history and they left an impressive legacy in the people, culture and architecture of the Border lands.

"We believe there are equally fascinating stories to be told about the Border Reivers' genetic legacy and we hope to make many discoveries using thorough scientific analysis that has never been done before."

Last Saturday, 100 male volunteer Robsons were invited to give a DNA sample which is being examined for genetic similarities.

The results will be included in a Robson Encyclopedia.