BALCASKIE: From the lands of Balcaskie in the parish of Carnbee, Fifeshire. Thomas de Balcaski or Balkasky of the county of Fyfe rendered homage in 1296 (Bain, II, 730 and p. 204). In 1312 mention is made of the horses of John de Balkaski of Roxburgh and of Richard de Balkaski of Dundee (ibid., III, p. 420 429). Thomas de Balcasky witnessed a donation by Henry de Aynestrother to Dryburgh Abbey c. 1330 (Dryburgh, p. 253) Thomas of Balkasky was rector of Culter in 1388 (Levenax). Provision of a canonry and prebend of Glasgow to William de Balcaska was made in 1332 (Pap. Lett., II, p. 385), and John de Balkasky was chaplain of the Collegiate Church of Dalkeith in 1449 (Soltre, p. 317). Vyl of Balcasky was chosen Brygmaster of Peebles in 1465 (Peebles, p. 154), John Balcasky witnessed an instrument of sasine in 1525 (Home, p. 35), and Martyne Balkesky, burgess of Edinburgh, was charged with using heretical books in 1558 (Trials, I, p. 217—218). The Balcaskies of Balcaskie were succeeded by a family named Strang from whom came Sir Robert Strange, the celebrated engraver. Of old the name was pronounced Bakaske.

BALCASKIE: An estate in Carnbee, co. Fife, where the family dwelt in ancient times.