Alistair Moffat, award winning writer and journalist, former director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Rector of 
the University of St Andrews and author of Scotland's DNA delivered the most recent Loretto Lecture in the historic Pinkie House, Loretto School, on 'Scotland's DNA'
Alistair unlocked some of the secrets of where the Scots come from and the answer was one most were not expecting – Africa!
To a captivated and delighted audience, Alistair Moffat revealed that all Scots are immigrants, with diverse, unexpected and fascinating origins.
He explained his current project which uses DNA to trace the great journey out of Africa to Scotland.
With a simple DNA test Alistair and his team aims to answer shed light on some fundamental questions, including -who are the Scots?
Jonathan Hewat, founder of the Loretto Lecture Series and Director of External Affairs at Loretto School commented, "Alistair took a room of around 200 people and had us all enthral led. Discovering our origins and identity something that we all are fascinated by. Perhaps particularly important with the impending vote on Scottish Independence!"
The now well-established Lecture Series attracts figures from all walks of life and continues to maintain its unparalleled reputation for international guests and speakers.
Recent events and speakers have included BBC Radio 4's 'Any Questions?', the return to Scotland after 425 years of Mary, Queen of Scots’ Book of Hours which was reunited for one day with the crucifix she is believed to have carried to her execution, speakers such as legendary peace activist, Colin Parry, Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Moore, acclaimed broadcaster and journalist Lesley Riddoch and, most recently ,Alistair Moffat speaking on 'Scotland's DNA'.
The next event will be the display of The Prestonpans Tapestry from 22-24 April to as part of Loretto School's 400th Anniversary celebrations of its historic baronial castle, Pinkie House.
Perhaps the most unique feature of the Loretto Lecture Series is the opportunity to meet, listen and to question some of the world’s most famous and interesting people.
The Loretto Lecture Series attracts the most well-renowned speakers from all walks of life. The Loretto Lecture is free to all and attracts many school pupils and members of the public from all over Scotland.