Michael T Tracy

Niel Ballingall (1840-1916) Michael T Tracy

Niel Ballingall was the eldest son of William Ballingall (1800-1888), Factor of the estates of Balbirnie and Balgonie in Markinch Parish, Fife. Niel would eventually follow in his father's footsteps becoming the third generation of the Ballingall family to retain the position of Factor to the Balfour family. Niel Ballingall would purchase residences in the parish more than his father and grandfather ever did, becoming a proprietor of a residence at Coaltown of Balgonie, Milton of Balgonie and residences on Betson and Commercial Streets in the village of Markinch. He developed a very strong interest in farming and the breeding of cattle but it was in the great development of coal mining on the Balgonie estate that he found the fullest scope for his abilities and energy. Niel would never marry, thus ending the line of succession of Ballingalls who would become future Factors of the estates of Balbirnie and Balgonie of the Balfour family. With Niel's death in 1916, his demise effectively ended the dominance of the family as Factors which spanned 142 years. Ballingall himself served in the position for 24 years before his retirement in October of 1912. This then is the narrative of the life and times of the last Ballingall Factor of Balbirnie and Balgonie.