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Fordward (Forward)
The Balfours are a Fife family associated principally with lands around Markinch, the name being linked to the River Ore. Branches are associated with Kinloch, Burleigh, Denmylne, Forret and Torry, and the Balfours of Burleigh held Burleigh Castle near Kinross from about 1445 until it was forfeited after the 1715 Jacobite Rising. No chief is currently recognised; the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs lists none for Balfour.
Clan Balfour Crest
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Clan Balfour Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner
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Clan Balfour Blue Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner
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Clan Balfour Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name
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Clan Balfour Modern Tartan Highland Christmas Tree Skirt
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Clan Balfour Blue Tartan Highland Christmas Tree Skirt
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Crest & Motto
The motto of Clan Balfour is Fordward (Forward). It appears on the Clan Balfour crest badge: the chief’s heraldic crest set inside a strap and buckle that carries the motto.
In Scotland a crest belongs to the chief, not to everyone with the surname. Clan members may wear the crest badge, with the crest inside the strap and buckle, to show that they belong to the clan. The plain crest without the strap remains the chief’s own.
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View all Balfour productsSir John Balfour acquires the lands of Burleigh, near Kinross[2]
The square tower house of Burleigh Castle is built[2]
Sir James Balfour of Pittendreich adds to Burleigh Castle[2]
Robert Balfour of Burleigh is tried for murder and escapes imprisonment[2]
Burleigh is forfeited after the 1715 Jacobite Rising[2]
1Map outline: Natural Earth (public domain). Pins use official Historic Environment Scotland grid references.
These family names are connected with Clan Balfour. Each list says who records the link.
Beaton: Listed under Balfour by COSCA; no source explains the link.
Bethune: Listed under Balfour by COSCA; no source explains the link.
Lochore: Listed under Balfour by COSCA; no source explains the link.
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No chief is currently recognised; the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs lists none for Balfour.
From Fife, principally the lands around Markinch; the name is linked to the River Ore.
Fordward, meaning 'Forward'.
Yes. Burleigh Castle near Milnathort, held by the Balfours of Burleigh from about 1445 until it was forfeited after the 1715 Jacobite Rising, is a scheduled monument in the care of the state.
The Gazetteer for Scotland lists Arthur James Balfour, Prime Minister from 1902 to 1905, among notable members of the family.
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