Balfour, James, of Pittendreich (c. 1525–1584)

Scottish lawyer and politician, notorious for the frequency with which he changed sides. He was implicated in the murder of Cardinal Beaton, and in 1547 was sent with other conspirators to the French galleys. He was released on renouncing his Calvinism and subsequently supported the party of Mary of Guise. When Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland, he became one of her principal advisers.

Balfour was a supporter of Bothwell and played a leading part in the assassination of Lord Darnley. When the lords rose against Bothwell, Balfour deserted the queen and as a reward he was made lord president of the Court of Session. He was briefly imprisoned for complicity in Darnley's murder, but escaped. He fled to France, where he remained until 1580, offering his services in turn to Mary and Elizabeth. He returned to Scotland to give evidence of Morton's part in Darnley's death. He himself was restored to his estates and received at court.

Balfour was a lawyer and compiled Practicks of Scots Law, a handbook of the Scottish legal system.