Whittingehame | The lairds of Whittingehame since 1945

Robert Arthur Lytton Balfour (1902-68), succeed to the title of 3rd Earl of Balfour in 1945. Chairman of the national division of the National Coal Board (1946-51), and part-time director of the national Coal Board. Managing director of Bruntons (Musselburgh) Ltd.

Gerald Arthur James Balfour (1925-2003) inherited the title of 4th Earl on the death of his father in 1968. He was twice on ships torpedoed during the second world war. He passed as a master mariner in 1954 – endorsed for a square rig sail. He was a member of the International Association of Cape Horners.

He left the merchant navy in 1958. He joined his father at Bruntons. He farmed Whittingehame. He was a member of East Lothian County Council (1960-75), and was made a JP in 1970. Lord Balfour took his seat in the House of Lords in 1969 and spoke frequently on Scottish matters.

He was Hon. President of Dunbar Sea Cadets, T.S. Valiant, and took a keen interest in their affairs. He died on 27 June 2003.