Viking Genes

02/06/2026

Listen in now to an incredible story on BBC Radio Orkney around 12:45 today!
👇
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_orkney

The tune "Flett fae Flotta" was named after Flotta piper William Arnot Flett (pictured - image enhanced from original using AI). He had a distinctive walk and he was famed for being extremely strong. Both are traits in a condition called Neuromyotonia. It can give sufferers a strong physique - but it comes with downsides too. Stuart Flett grew up in England. He's has spent a lifetime finding out what was wrong with him. Stuart's dad Rodney Flett was from Flotta. Now genetic research led by Professor Jim Flett Wilson and his Viking Genes project is tracing the origins of Neuromyotonia back to Orkney.

02/06/2026

Listen in now to an incredible story on BBC Radio Orkney around 12:45 today!
👇
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_orkney

01/06/2026

Congratulations to Edinburgh Innovations Dr Jeff Wright, who won the University of Edinburgh's Impact Enabler award. His expertise and commitment to the Viking Genes project is evident in our life-changing and life-saving return of results work, and drive to screen high-risk Scottish island communities for disease-causing variants. Watch his interview below 👇

Congratulations to Edinburgh Innovations' Entrepreneur-in-Residence Jeff Wright, who won the Impact Enabler award at The University of Edinburgh's Impact Festival. His expertise and commitment to the Viking Genes project - which is led by IGC affiliate Jim Flett Wilson FRSE and received significant....

29/05/2026

Our Summer edition of the Viking Genes E-Newsletter is out now!
It's another bumper edition and features footage from Prof Jim Flett Wilson's recent showcase lecture, powerful lived experience stories, and news from our fundraising campaign.
Check your inbox! (and don't forget your spam/junk folder)
If you do not receive yours, or would like one, get in touch by email at viking@ed.ac.uk or message us! 😁

28/05/2026

VENUES CONFIRMED FOR NEXT WEEK'S TALKS!
Professor Jim Flett Wilson will be in on Thursday 4th June and and on Friday 5th June with Torcuil Crichton MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar. This is part of a series of public awareness talks to share findings from the Viking Genes ‘Hebrides Study’ and make the case for community screening in the .

BARRA
THURSDAY 4th June: 19:30-21:00
Castlebay Community Hall

SOUTH UIST
FRIDAY 5th June: 12:30-14:00
Ceòlas, Cnoc Soilleir, Daliburgh, Isle of South Uist, HS8 5SS.

BENBECULA
FRIDAY 5th June: 19:30-21:30
Dark Island Hotel, St Kilda Room, Liniclate, Benbecula, HS7 5PJ

If you can attend, keep a look out for our first official Viking Genes badge. While stocks last, pick one up for free and wear it to show that you support our life-saving work.

Torcuil Crichton

18/05/2026

It's nearly time for the Summer edition of the Viking Genes newsletter!
So, if you have changed email address, get in touch by email at viking@ed.ac.uk or use our update my details form here. 👇
https://viking.ed.ac.uk/update-my-details
If you are not in our studies but would like to receive a copy, please get in touch too.

07/05/2026

Viking Genes volunteers have contributed to the largest study of its kind that tells us about health, disease, and new medicines. 👇
https://viking.ed.ac.uk/how-youre-helping-research/large-scale-proteogenomic-meta-analyses-highlight-n-linked-glycosylation

What the largest study of its kind tells us about health, disease, and new medicines

01/05/2026

Here at Viking Genes we now have our own official badge! 🛡
The Viking Genes team were proud to wear it at Prof Jim's talk last Friday, and many of our supporters who were there took one home. We hope you like it?
Keep an eye out for them at future events.

If you would like to contribute to the Viking Genes Fund, there are now three options: Viking Genes Shetland, Viking Genes Orkney, or Viking Genes Hebrides. Follow the link below to donate and support Viking Genes: 👇
https://viking.ed.ac.uk/support-viking-genes/donate

If you can help us to fundraise for our screening projects, let’s get talking, we are grateful for all the community help. Email viking@ed.ac.uk.

30/04/2026

The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine hosted a special evening on Friday 24 April 2026 as part of the Edinburgh Medical School 300 Alumni Weekend, celebrating the inaugural lectures of Professors Kenneth Baillie and Jim Flett Wilson.

You can read more about Professors Kenny Bailie and Jim Flett Wilson's inaugural lectures on the Usher Institute - The University of Edinburgh website👇

The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine hosted a special evening on Friday 24 April 2026 as part of the Edinburgh Medical School 300 Alumni Weekend, celebrating the inaugural lectures of Professors Kenneth Baillie and Jim Flett Wilson.

29/04/2026

Christine was sent for a mammogram, which revealed she had stage two breast cancer in July 2023