Researchers from Oxford University have been inundated with north-east volunteers for a major genetics study.
The scientists hope to create a genetic “map” of Britain and will be in Peterhead today having already visited Fraserburgh on Tuesday and yesterday.
In 2008 researchers took blood from locals for the first phase of the project. They are now looking for those donors to come forward again so scientists can take a 3D scan of their faces to add to the database.
New volunteers are also being sought to give blood samples, which will be used for research into the role of genes in diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
The genetic map will also enable experts to consider the impact of the different historical invasions, such as those of the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons, around the British Isles.
World-renowned geneticist, Sir Walter Bodmer, is leading the study along side researcher Tammy Day.
Sir Walter explained why the north-east was chosen to carry out the study.
He said: “We are going all over the UK, but Peterhead and Fraserburgh are our only two stops in Scotland.
“A big reason for that is because they are relatively remote and there is strong genealogy here.
“We need people who can trace both sets of grandparents as being local for the study to work.
“There is not so much of a turnover in population here.”
Volunteers are welcome from all walks of life and no information will be given out.
Helen Macdonald, 57, from Stuartfield, took part in the study after taking a keen interest in her own family tree.
She said: “I was born south of the border but my family is all Scottish – as you can tell from my surname.
“I became fascinated in the story your face can tell after I visited the village my dad came from.
“Without any introduction an old man came up to me and said I must be a Macdonald.
“Ever since then I’ve been really behind this study and have done whatever I can to help.”
The team will be at St Andrew’s Church, Peterhead, from 9am-1pm today.