For "fastback1965" -
We have documented evidence of links from Scotland to Nor. Ireland via the Kennedy line within our "Moody" (orig. spelled MUDIE in Magilligan, Co., L'derry, Nor. Ireland pre-1700.
We also have Ydna (genetic) proof of links between a solid dozen of us Moody's whose lineages all lead back to Nor. Ireland, but without some folks over in Scotland, particularly those with documented links to the Mudie's/Moodie's of Orkney taking a Ydna test, we cannot at this stage prove our links to them as yet. However, as I believe I have mentioned on here before, our line of Mudie's/Moodie's/Moody's, are so far the Only HaploType (a genetic term from the ydna testing...sort of like a blood-line if you will) to be proven of a Norwegian ancient line.
Our HaploType is "I1a-N (Norse)", and with a further ydna test now proven to be "I1d-N". When other certain genetic markers were tested within our group a few of us have shown to be even more Norse/Celtic.
I don't know if that means that perhaps our lineage line leads back indeed to this Robert MODDI of Norway or to the Orkney MOODIE's or to the Arbroath MUDIE's or what. I only know that our earliest known, proven and documented ancestors were Alexander MUDIE (orig. spelled that way) whose daugh. Margaret was baptized at the Ballykelly Presbyterian church in Co. L'derry and her father was of "Magilligan" Co. L'derry (way up in the northern most part of No. Ireland). Also an Edward MUDIE and a James MUDIE were there in the church records early on as well.
In Co. Armagh, No. Ireland there was a John MOODIE of "Clare" who was married to an Elizabeth SHANNON. This link has been proven via documentation to our Ydna MOODY family as well.
John and Elizabeth had a son James MOODIE/Moody who became a Rev. in Newry, Co. Down, No. Ireland and served in that capacity for 40 years. He was of course sent to Scotland for his appointments etc. via the Presbyterian church requirements and he (Rev. James) married Frances KENNEDY daugh. of the Rev. Gilbert Kennedy and his wife Elizabeth LAING (as her name was orig. spelled in the records). These Kennedy's come from Scotland and its posted on the MOODY page at GenForum, their links etc. verified via the Presbyterian church records and Fasti and Burke's Peerage etc. as well as records from Trinity College in Dublin where Rev. James Moodie's/Moody's son John attended. John married Anne WATSON who also links to our MUDIE/Moody family from Magilligan, Nor. Ireland as well so these two Moody families apparently were relatives.
The variations in the spellings appear to be of no consequence except maybe early on in the records in that that was how they were orig. spelled.
Later in the records all of them were found with the more common English spelling of the name MOODY.
However both parties were said to have ties back to Scotland. (Dundee area and Fife area).
I will also add here that there was a very early (early 1700's) Adam MOODY (poss. Mudie/Moodie) who appeared in Lower Mt. Bethel, Northampton Co., PA, USA and his father's name was James. Adam had at least 2 sons, one named Robert who was blacksmith and a son named Edward who lived in Upper Mt. Bethel, Northampton Co., PA.
Whether or not that is significant to the Adam MUDIE you speak of and the irony of him naming a son Robert, I don't know.
Another of our earliest known ancestors was Thomas MOODY b.c1710 in/of Aghadowey, Co., L'derry, Nor. Ireland who married 1st to a Scottish lady named Jean McQuiston/McCuiston. She and the Moody family apparently traveled to New Castle Co., DEL/PA in Aug. of 1735 with the McQuiston/McCuiston family from Nor. Ireland.
The McQuiston's are all part of a long line of Scots, so it is my belief that our ancient Moody's are too.
I apologize for the length of this message posting, but my gut feeling has always been that my Moody (however you want to spell our name) is linked to those Moodie's/Mudie's of Orkney and Northern Scotland. Our Ydna match (I1d-N) between us with a group of Mudie's that did come to Nor. Ireland from the Dunfermline, Fife area of Scotland, and another ydna cousin says they came from the Dundee area of Scotland as well, has been documented and the ydna link is just frosting on the cake for our group.
In my own Ydna family tree (genetically speaking), I do share ydna with Boylen's (spelling?...as in King Henry the VIII's 2nd wife), the Stewart's and other names associated with the Royal family. I firmly believe there IS something to this and with what you have posted, there may be some truth in it.
Its very hard to say when relating to anyone that far back, but more Ydna testing and otherwise would certainly help resolve some of the very long lingering questions.
Thank you for the info you provided.