On the rocky escarpment of Blaikie Heugh, overlooking the valley of the Luggate Burn is a red sandstone obelisk, a memorial to James Maitland Balfour. It is a fine place for a monument. Make your visit on a clear day. The views north from here over Traprain Law and the coastal plain of East Lothian are well worth the trip.
The dedication on the monument reads:
Erected to the memory of James Maitland Balfour Esq. of Whittingeham, Major Commandant of the East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry by the officers and non-commissioned officers of that Corps in testimony of their great respect and esteem of him as a Commanding Officer, of their affectionate regard for him as an amiable and able country gentleman and of their deep and lasting regret for his premature removal from among them. MDCCCLVIII
Balfour (1820-1856) was plainly a popular man who sadly died young. He was MP for Haddington from 1841 to 1847, but his main contribution to history is in those he fathered.
He married the Lady Blanche Mary Harriet Gascoyne-Cecil (whose brother Robert was himself to become Prime Minister under the title Lord Salisbury). They had 8 children, 3 girls and 5 boys. They were quite a brood, serving learning and government:
• Evelyn Georgiana Mary Balfour, who married the third Lord Rayleigh;
• Eleanor Mildred Balfour, who married Henry Sidgwick and who became Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge;
• Alice Blanche Balfour;
• Arthur James Balfour, who became the first Earl Balfour, and who was Conservative Prime Minister from 1902-1905;
• Cecil Charles Balfour;
• Francis Maitland Balfour, who was the first Professor of Animal Morphology at the University of Cambridge(a personal chair) whose scientific career was combined with first ascents in the Alps – one of which saw his own early death;
• Gerald William Balfour, who served as Chief Secretary for Ireland and President of the Board of Trade; and
• Colonel Eustace James Anthony Balfour, who served as an aide de camp to King Edward VII.
Getting There
Go east out of Haddington across the Victoria Bridge and take the turning signposted to Garvald and Stenton. Reach a junction at N55.56.781 W002.41.608 and take the single track road to the left which climbs up the hill. There is limited room to park beside the monument.