Posted by Maris on 30th Aug 2023
Why is Scotland home to so many redheads?
Globally, less than 2% of people have red hair—however in Scotland, the portion of redheads falls somewhere between 6 to 13%. Why is that so? Some might think it’s because of the long line of Vikings who settled in the British Isles, which is partly true, but the real reason behind this rarity is rooted in science.
Those with crimson hair have a hereditary ability that permits them to create extra vitamin D on their own. Vitamin D, which is absorbed through the skin, is necessary for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, nervous system, and immune system. When redheads walk outside, it takes less time and less sun exposure for them to start producing their own vitamin D. This trait gives them a genetic edge over those with various hair hues in regions like Scotland, where the climate is cold and gray.
Hundreds of years ago, during the Viking era, having red hair was an evolutionary advantage for surviving long, severe winters. Because of this vitamin advantage, they would be less likely to suffer from disorders such as rickets as youngsters, and they would be more likely to overcome illnesses and have strong bones for childbearing. This innate strength enabled them to survive and pass on their red-haired genes to future generations.
Scotland recently undertook a DNA experiment to count all redheads in the country, and their findings revealed that there are approximately 650,000 individuals—or roughly one in every eight people. Furthermore, studies believe that up to 1.6 million Scots have the red-haired gene. Both parents must have this recessive gene in order for a child to be born a natural redhead. Edinburgh has the highest concentration of redhead gene carriers in the world, making it the world’s redhead capital.
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Although red hair is commonly linked with Scotland, Ireland, and England, persons of color can be born with it as well. Redheads are more prevalent in regions such as Morocco and Central Asia. According to some study, the first redheads originated in the Central Asian Steppes more than 100,000 years ago. It was caused by a mutation in the M1CR gene, which caused hair to turn red, but this mutation was also responsible for red-haired people being more efficient at absorbing much-needed UV rays. During the Bronze Age, these Central Asian pioneers traveled throughout Europe and to the British Isles.
Given the recessive red hair gene’s minuscule fraction of the world’s population, science suggests that it may become extinct at some point. Also, if climate change causes warmer temperatures around the world, redheads in locations like Scotland may no longer need to absorb as much Vitamin D as they did earlier. For the time being, redheads are genetic abnormalities with a hidden ability to thrive in the winter.