James Ballantine was an artist and author.
Born in St Cuthbert's Parish Edinburgh, he began life as a house painter. He studied art and became one of the first to revive the art of glass-painting, on which subject he wrote a treatise. He was the author of The Gaberlunzie's Wallet, Miller of Deanhaugh, Poems, 100 Songs with Music, and a Life of David Roberts, R.A..
Ballantine died from a Congestion of the lungs in Warrender Lodge, Meadows,Edinburgh at the age of 71.