# Mr. Balfour of Pilrig — Catriona character guide

> Mr. Balfour of Pilrig in Catriona by Robert Louis Stevenson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Balfour, Pilrig, Balfour

**First appearance:** 0005-iii-i-go-to-pilrig

## Snapshot

A respected Edinburgh lawyer and David's cousin, whose dry wit and inside knowledge of the Advocate's business make him both a shield and a puzzle.

## Who they are

Pilrig moves easily between the law courts and the private chambers where Jacobite bargains are struck, and he is candid enough to tell David that Catriona's imprisonment is serious in a sense. His loyalty to family is real, but so is his loyalty to the government that employs him, and he will not spend his credit rashly. He matters because he is the one man David can question who actually knows how the machinery of mercy works.

## In the story

### [A Beggar on Horseback](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/catriona_se/chapters/i-a-beggar-on-horseback)

David's kinsman, whom he intends to visit as a noncommittal call.

### [I Go to Pilrig](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/catriona_se/chapters/iii-i-go-to-pilrig)

The laird of Pilrig, a philosopher and musician, receives David cautiously, writes a letter of introduction to Prestongrange after learning of the Appin murder connection, and warns David of the deep waters.

### [Lord Advocate Preston Grange](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/catriona_se/chapters/iv-lord-advocate-preston-grange)

Pilrig's letter of recommendation introduces David to Prestongrange and vouches for his character.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/catriona_se/characters/mr_balfour_of_pilrig
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/catriona_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/catriona_se/characters