THE AMERICANS MAKING PILGRIMAGE TO SCOTLAND IN SEARCH OF 'ROOTS'

The story of Scotland's famous clans has always captured the imagination of those with a Scottish connection, and now more than ever, Americans are flocking to the country in search of their roots. 

But as much as the lure of legendary figures like Robert the Bruce and William Wallace has captivated many, not every visitor can claim to be directly descended from them.

In the mid-1990s, it was the name Wallace that lit up the headlines, followed by the McGregor clan. 

Recently, the fame of Outlander's Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan, has seen the Fraser name soar in popularity. You can't visit Culloden Battlefield these days without encountering tourists in search of his grave.

Do you think you might have Scottish ancestry? According to Visit Scotland, you're far from alone. 

A recent survey revealed that 40 million people worldwide believe they have Scottish roots, and increasing numbers of tourists are arriving in places like Edinburgh and Easter Ross to trace their family history.

Incredibly, 38 per cent of Americans cite their Scottish ancestry as a major reason for visiting Scotland, with Canadians (53 per cent) and Australians (42 per cent) following close behind. 

The survey, which covered 14,500 respondents, also found that nearly three-quarters (70 per cent) of long-haul visitors identify with Scottish heritage. 

And this trend is showing no signs of slowing down, with data revealing that Scotland welcomed a record 2 million international visitors in the first six months of last year, outpacing other UK destinations. 

For tour operators, there is no doubt that Scotland's appeal is soaring. In 2023, American visitors accounted for one-fifth of all overseas visits to Scotland, contributing £1.2 billion in spending – an increase of 25 per cent compared to 2019.

The surge in demand is evident: specialist operator Solway Tours is already fully booked for 2025 and 2026, with dozens of new enquiries turned down daily. 

Co-owner Mark Turner said: 'Scotland is hot property right now, more so than Ireland. It's been like this for about three years – the demand is huge.'

Tourists are increasingly drawn to Scotland, thanks in part to at-home genealogical research and DNA testing kits.

Dr Matthew Alexander from the University of Strathclyde and author of a study on ancestral tourism, explained the growing appeal to the Telegraph: 'There's been a sea change from drudging through dusty archives to being able to learn about your own story on a home computer. The accessibility of detailed archives is crucial.'

Another factor contributing to the surge is the enduring popularity of the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, a documentary series that continues to inspire audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. 

'When times are hard, people look for something predictable and constant, and that includes personal history,' claimed Dr Alexander. 

'We think about our past in an abstract way, but clan names are deeply ingrained in places in Scotland and they can offer an emotional journey for the visitor.'

It's also been suggested that American culture, in particular, has created a unique desire to trace ancestral roots in Scotland. 

Dr Alexander attributes much of this to popular films and television series. While Braveheart and Rob Roy were released 30 years ago, the influence of recent productions like Mary Queen of Scots and Outlaw King continue to resonate. 

'Films and TV are important to the Scottish cultural landscape – they cast a huge global shadow.

'I remember meeting one visitor who spoke of having shallow roots in America. That stuck out in my mind. They felt Scotland offered them something deeper. 

'It's become an anchor for many people. And it's certainly more potent here than in England.'

There is also the longstanding romanticised view of the Highlands, once seen as dangerous and rebellious, before Sir Walter Scott's influence and George IV's 1822 visit helped turn it into a land of mythic beauty and tartan pageantry. This perception still holds sway, even in the modern era.

Anecdotes of visitors tracing their roots are not hard to find. From purchasing family tartans to scattering loved ones' ashes, the emotional connections are real. 

One recent tale told by Tom Miers, director of Borders-based Clans and Castles, tells of an indigenous American family from South Dakota who travelled to Scotland to learn more about their surname, MacDonald. 

Despite the family being less than 2 per cent Scottish by genetic makeup, they felt an undeniable bond when they arrived in South Uist, their ancestral home. 'It was such a powerful moment for them,' Miers recalls.

But not all ancestral journeys go as planned. Turner of Solway Tours often encounters visitors who believe they are directly descended from Robert the Bruce, only to have their family tree debunked: 'I've lost count of the number of times clients have told me they have direct lineage to Robert the Bruce.

'Plenty of times, we're debunking people's idea of their own family tree.'

While not every visitor's story ends with a direct connection to Robert the Bruce, the emotional impact of uncovering one's ancestral roots is undeniable – and ultimately, that's what makes it all worthwhile.

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2025-02-18T11:11:01Z