Balbegno, an old castellated mansion in Fettercairn parish, Kincardineshire, 4¾ miles WNW of Laurencekirk. Built in 1509, it bears that date on a parapet wall; it is said to have been so costly that the lands of Balnakettle and Littlestiath were sold for means to complete it; and it contains a lofty hall, with groined roof exhibiting the armorial bearings of 16 Scottish peers; under the form of Balmain it gives appellation to Sir Al. Entwisle Ramsay (b. 1837; suc. as fourth Bart. 1875), a great nephew of the late Dean Ramsay (1793-1872).

(F.H. Groome, Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland (1882-4); © 2004 Gazetteer for Scotland)