Balfour Stewart
The Bus Stop
Balfour farms at Bankrugg near Gifford in East Lothian in partnership with his son Sandy. Bankrugg is 225 acre arable farm producing cereals and other crops are grown on other rented land nearby.
Balfour is the the first generation at Bankrugg with undying thanks to his dad who came to work on the farm in 1944 with no agricultural background or training.
In 2016, Balfour alongside partner Elaine and son Sandy set up an agritourism venture on the farm called The Busstop. Unique self-catering accommodation made out of converted buses. The business has grown and developed significantly over the past six years and is in high demand, with many repeat visitors.
Balfour was an active participant in the recent East Central Scottish Enterprise Agritourism Monitor Farm Programme, and was a member of the community group, hosting an on farm visit by fellow participants.
Balfour has three children, all married, with eight grandchildren so far. Balfour is President of Yester Curling Club, ex captain of Gifford Golf Club, and he even managed to play in the Golden Oldies rugby festival in 2008 at Murrayfield. Top of his Bucket list was a trek to Mera Peak ( 21,250 ft ) in 2002 ending with a spectacular view of Everest and Lhotse.