[2] In the early 1590s Balfour supported and intrigued with the rebel Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell, along with other landowners including John Wemyss of Logie and Archibald Wauchope of Niddrie.
In October 1592 he crossed the border into England and played cards and football with Bothwell at Netherby Hall.
[4] An Act of Parliament in December 1599 made Michael Balfour wealthy, directing landowners and people of standing to buy armour from him, for defence musters.
[7] He was in London in July 1602 and met the French ambassador Christophe de Harlay, Count of Beaumont.
He was sent to Italy in February 1604 to investigate the activities of Anthony Standen, who had been sent to announce the Union of Crowns, but became involved in schemes to convert theroyal family to Roman Catholicism.