Background
John Balfour was the son of William Balfour, a factor to the Dundas family. The family was descended from the Balfours of Trenabie on the island of Westray.
John Balfour was the son of William Balfour, a factor to the Dundas family. The family was descended from the Balfours of Trenabie on the island of Westray.
He decided to retire at the next election in 1796 in favour of Robert Honyman. Balfour was Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland again from 1820 to 1826. In 1827 he bought the Honyman estate on the island of and the village of Balfour takes its name from the family interest in the island.
He commenced the building of Balfour Castle on the island on the site of an older structure.
7th United Kingdom Parliament. 17th Parliament of Great Britain]
Balfour was elected Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland on 28 July 1790.
