King's honour for Ross-shire raised Royal Navy lieutenant commander behind trailblazing mine-hunter project
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A MAN brought up and educated in Easter Ross was amongst those recognised in the King's Honours.
Lieutenant Commander Ross Donald Balfour (Royal Navy)is paving the way for the service’s switch from traditional forms of mine hunting to crewless systems.
Based at Faslane in Scotland, Lt Cdr Balfour is described as the “trailblazer of autonomous mine countermeasures systems”, taking something, which was being trialled and turning it into a brand-new capability which is revolutionising the way the threat of mines is dealt with – both in home waters and around the world.
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The revolution in working could mean that naval divers are less likely to have to put themselves directly in harm’s way in future.
Ross is married to Fiona. The couple have two children, Archie and Abbie, and currently live in Rhu, Helensburgh.
He is the son of Norma and the late Ross Balfour, BEM, Hilton of Cadboll, Tain.
Ross Jr attended Hill of Fearn Primary School, Fortrose and Tain Royal Academy. He joined the Navy after completing his Highers.
