London, Aug. 13 (ANI): A new debate on Elvis Presley's origin has gripped villages in north-eastern Scotland, amid speculations that the late rock 'n' oll star was Scottish.

t all has come at a time when Presley's Graceland mansion in Memphis is gearing up to mark the 30th anniversary of the King's death.

Researchers in the area believe that the Presley clan originated in northeastern Scotland. Many people are happy about linking the area with the King.

According to the official story, Andrew Presley married Elspeth Leg on 27 August 1713 at the parish church in Lonmay, Aberdeenshire. Elvis, as people claim, descended from their 10th son, Andrew, who trained as a blacksmith and made for the New World.

However, 91-year-old Jack Pressley, a resident of nearby Fraserburgh, refutes this claim and pulls out a family tree to stake his own claim.

"They've got the wrong Andrew. It was a nephew of the Andrew that got married in Lonmay who went to America," the Independent quoted him, as saying.

Jack's claim has attracted attention north of the border, as he is a relative of the Scottish international and Celtic footballer Steven Pressley, nicknamed Elvis by fans before any such link to the King was drawn.

On the other hand, Allan Morrison, author of The Presley Prophecy who discovered the Scottish link several years ago, disagrees with Jack's account.

"I've read in the local newspaper about Jack. I don't know where he's coming from with that claim. I'm coming from four independent sources with mine," Morrison said.

"Both myself and my sister, who lives in America, have been interested in this for some time. Also my wife always thought our son James looked like Elvis when he was younger," he added.

He also said that the local tourist industry has faltered in using the Elvis connection to boost revenue in their poor rural area.

"I think it has been undersold, to be frank. If this was America, there would be statues up and hordes of tourists. But the Scots don't seem to be much good at that sort of thing," said Morrison. (ANI)