Walter Balcanquhall (1548–1616), was one of the first Presbyterian ministers in Edinburgh after the Reformation in Scotland. He is almost certain to have been born at Balcanquhal, Strathmiglo, probably in 1548. After studying at St Andrews, he was exhorter at Aberdour in 1571, and entered St Giles on Whit Sunday 1574. At that time he is described in James Melvill's Diary as "ane honest, upright-hearted young man, latlie enteret to the ministerie of Edinburgh." He was elected to the chaplaincy of the Altar called Jesus, on 20 November 1579. Having preached against the influence of the French at Court, on 7 December 1580, he was called before the Privy Council, on 9 January 1581, and admonished. He attended the Earl of Morton on the eve of his execution, in 1581. He opposed the of 1584, and