James Ballantine (11 June 1806 – 18 December 1877) was a Scottish artist and author, known for his stained-glass windows and poetry.

James Ballantine was born on 11 June 1806 in West Port, Edinburgh.

He quickly achieved high eminence in his field with his business Ballantine and Allan, and got the contract for painting the windows of the House of Lords through a public competition.

[1] His works of stained glass included: Ballantine started writing poetry at a young age and through the popular Gaberlunzie's Wallet (1842) became an established writer.

He died on 18 December 1877 from a "congestion of the lungs" in Warrender Lodge, Meadows, Edinburgh.