Let me share with you the intriguing history of your family name, Ballantyne. The name is sometimes also spelled as ‘Bannatyne,’ and interestingly, within your family, both forms can be found used interchangeably in the same generation. The name’s origin is believed to be linked to the lands of Bellenden in Selkirk.

Your family’s connection to the lands of Glenmaddy, known as the ‘wolf glen,’ adds to the historical tapestry. These lands, situated on the south bank of the Euchan Water in Nithsdale, came into the possession of the Bannatynes during the fifteenth century. Roland Bannatyne of Glenmaddy was granted additional lands in the barony of Sanquhar by Lord Crichton in 1548. Another notable figure in your family history is Patrick Bellenden, who obtained a charter from the Earl of Morton for the lands of Auchinoul in Midlothian in 1499. His son, Thomas, rose to prominence as a judge of the Court of Session in 1535 and later held the esteemed position of Lord Justice Clerk, a role passed down to both his son and grandson.

George Bannatyne, a renowned compiler of Scottish poetry from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, was born in Newtyle, Forfarshire, on 22 February 1545. His work held such significance that the esteemed Scottish literary figure, Sir Walter Scott, named the literary club he founded in 1823 after George Bannatyne. The Bannatyne Club, dedicated to publishing previously inaccessible Scottish works, later published George Bannatyne’s poetry, among many others. Another notable figure in your family history is Richard Bannatyne, who served as secretary to the Scottish Protestant reformer John Knox. Richard compiled the Memorials of Transactions in Scotland from 1569 to 1573. Sir Lewis Bellenden of Auchinoul, an esteemed member of your family, accompanied James VI on his journey to marry the daughter of the king of Denmark in 1589.

The Bannatynes of Kames have a long-standing association with their lands and the Castle of Kames, dating back to the fourteenth century. Originally a defensive tower, the castle was later expanded with a splendid mansion house by Sir William Bannatyne, who would later become Lord Bannatyne, in the early eighteenth century. Lord Bannatyne was a prominent lawyer and judge who thrived in the intellectual and literary circles of eighteenth-century Edinburgh. He played a significant role in the establishment and promotion of the village of Kamesburgh in Bute, which was eventually renamed Port Bannatyne in his honor.

The Ballantynes of Peebles, another branch of your family, rose to prominence in the Scottish wool trade during the eighteenth century, a connection that continues to this day. In 1829, they played a pivotal role in the development of the Scottish tweed industry, leaving a lasting impact on the textile trade.

Your family’s history is filled with accomplished individuals who made their mark in literature, law, and trade. It is a heritage to cherish and celebrate, reflecting the achievements and contributions of your ancestors.