Revealed: Hillary Clinton's Scottish roots

Donald Trump's links to Scotland have been well-documented since the businessman entered the race to be the next President of the United States.

Hillary Clinton's ancestor Lt. George MacDougall was a Scottish-born soldier, according to new research. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

But his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton can also claim Scottish ancestry.

A Scottish soldier named Lieutenant George MacDougall, born in Argyll and Bute around 1739, is the former Secretary of State’s great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, according to a national newspaper.

Lt. MacDougall, who emigrated to the United States midway through the 1700s, joined the Royal American Regiment - primarily consisting of British ex-pat troops - and fought to defend 13 colonies from French forces and their Native American allies.

Hillary Clinton chats with Louise Richardson, former Principal of the University of St Andrews, before receiving an honorary degree in September 2013. Picture: Alan Richardson

But the Scot, along with Captain Donald Campbell and a handful of other soldiers, was captured by Ottawa Indian Chief Pontiac in 1763, during the Siege of Fort Detroit.

The group had attempted to hold peace talks with Pontiac, but were kidnapped and held for nearly two months before managing to escape.

He married Marie Francoise Navarre later in 1763, and the couple had two sons - John Robert, born in 1764 and George, born in 1766.

Lt. MacDougall fought in the American Revolution in 1765, as part of the Royal Highland Emigrants regiment.

Hillary Clinton chats with Louise Richardson, former Principal of the University of St Andrews, before receiving an honorary degree in September 2013. Picture: Alan Richardson

How is Hillary Clinton descended from Lt. George MacDougall?

Hillary Clinton’s grandmother Della Murray (1902 - 1960) is the great-granddaughter of Jacques ‘James’ MacDougall, son of John Robert MacDougall (Lt. George MacDougall’s elder son) and Marie Archange Campeau.

Mrs Clinton is therefore the great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Lt. MacDougall.

Donald Trump’s Scottish links

Donald Trump’s Scottish ancestry is a little more recent - his mother Mary Anne MacLeod was born in Stornoway in 1912, and emigrated to the US in 1930, travelling to America from Glasgow on board the SS Transylvania.

Trump plays up his Scottish roots and is a fairly frequent visitor to the country.

At the end of last year, the Republican presidential hopeful said: “I have done so much for Scotland, including building Trump International Golf Links which has received the highest accolades, and is what many believe to be one of the greatest golf courses anywhere in the world.

“Additionally, I have made a significant investment in the redevelopment of the iconic Turnberry resort.”