In 2022, National Records of Scotland (NRS) in Edinburgh bought the papers of the Balfour of Whittingehame family, earls of Balfour, on behalf of the nation. Before its purchase, the collection had been on loan to NRS from the family since the 1960s. It is a remarkable archive which offers insights into the life of an influential Scottish family over a long period of history.
The Balfour family was very well-connected in scientific, artistic and political circles.