Ancestry.com has recently updated its ethnicity estimates with particular refinements for the UK and Ireland. There is in many cases and increase in proportion of Scots ethnicity in the new estimates. You can read about the changes here - https://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2020/09/11/why-your-latest-results-could-include-more-scotland-in-your-ethnicity-estimates/ If you have tested on Ancestry have a look and see what your new estimates look like. Feel free to share results and questions on this Forum.

Below is a recent news email sent our to members of Clan Lennox and notice about recognition of the Spreull sept - To the members of Clan Lennox, Greetings! The first news item is another casualty of COVID-19. We, in conjunction with the Kincaid Clan, had commenced preparations for a Lennox Clan Gathering in Scotland in August of 2021. Unfortunately, uncertainties over health and travel - even a year from now - have caused the Gathering to be postponed indefinitely. We hope to put this back together when it is safe to do so. The clan commissioner for Australia, Mark Lennox has contributed an article to the clan's website about a garden named for Scots-Australian bridge builder, David Lennox. The article can be linked here: https://clanlennox.org/articles/ Our chief, Edward J. H. Lennox, has recognized the Spreull Family as a sept (allied family) of the Lennox clan. Attached is his proclamation. Please extend the hand of friendship to any in the Spreull family you may know. Our clan is a member of the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations (COSCA). Here is a link to COCSA's most recent newsletter, The Claymore, with clan news from around the world.  https://www.dropbox.com/s/1t1t3kk1ojrwhu1/July%202020%20%20-%20Claymnore.pdf?dl=0 July 2020 - Claymnore.pdf Shared with Dropbox www.dropbox.com If any of you have an article to contribute to the Clan Lennox website, please email it to me with photographs! Stay safe and healthy. Neil Whitford

The Sprouls are a Sept of Clan MacFarlane and we have received a special invitation to join the Clan at this fun event! Kilts and Cowboy Boots Clan Gathering April 3-5 San Antonio, Texas Clan Colquhoun. Clan MacGregor. Clan Scott.  Clan MacFarlane For hundreds of years the clans in the Lennox fought for domination and resources. Ancient alliances between the MacFarlanes and Clan MacGregor against Clan Colquhoun are well documented. The Battle of Glen Fruin is one of the most famous events. The Clan Scott, meanwhile, was busy in the lowlands becoming one of the largest land holders in Scotland. In modern times, our clans in the USA share space in Scottish Games across the country. We have forged many friendships because of our shared love of Scotland and our Scottish heritage. Clan Colquhoun, Clan MacGregor, Clan MacFarlane and Clan Scott will be coming together, in a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition, for some modern warfare in San Antonio in April. Join us for what will be a very special gathering EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Riverwalk boat tour, The Alamo Tour Clan drinks reception with Participant Clans and Clan Chiefs Scottish Heritage Quiz Competition between Clans  Tales of Our Heritage by Guest Speakers San Antonio  Highland Games including *Clan Battle with Clan MacGregor, Clan Scott and Clan MacFarlane on the games field. *Hand-to-hand combat, tug-o-war, wheat sheaf hurling. Clan Reception and BBQ  at Pedrotti’s NORTH WIND Ranch Texas Drill Team on Horseback Details and Registration

There is an important new study out on human population genetics variation. The focus is Scotland and the Isles, but the data and analysis span all of Britain and Ireland. Read about the study, get the link to it, and see a key map at this recent blog - https://www.sprouls.org/post/massive-new-genetics-study-for-britain-and-ireland

There is an important update on the Sproul DNA Project and exciting new insights into the family history from genetics and genealogy. Members can click here to view: https://www.sprouls.org/blank If you are not a member - please join the project website here: https://www.sprouls.org/join-us

It is that time of year when DNA services are offering Holiday Season sales. FTDNA has extended its Thanksgiving Sale. Here is a great chance to learn more about your family history and to also join the Sproul DNA Project - at a good price! Information on the FTDNA (Sproul Project is hosted through FTDNA) can be found at the site below. For male members of the the 'Sproul' family and any of the associated spelling it is important to include Y chromosome DNA testing in addition to Family Finder autosomal DNA testing. For the Y testing you really need a Y 37 test or higher to glean useful insights. The highest Y test you can afford will yield the most information. By the way - this is also a good time to upgrade your Y test is you have already done a Y 37 or Y 67 test with FTDNA. https://www.familytreedna.com/products Better still - here are some discount codes that provide you even more savings - MERRY10 - 10% off orders over $100 and MERRY5 - 5% off orders under $100

The Descendants of Robert Sproul website - A very important resource for anyone researching the large Robert Sproul family of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is now back online - http://www.dalyclan.org/page3/sproul/sproul-o/index.htm This rich compendium of genealogy, history and images of this extensive family of Sprouls (of which I am proud to be a member) was produced by the late Emery Daly. Much thanks to his son Paul for getting the site back up and all his good work!