He studied medicine in Edinburgh, graduating in 1798, and was admitted to the College in 1801. He took up his position at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1804, then going on to taking up the role of Visiting Physicians to the Glasgow Royal Asylum in 1821- this post was previously held by Robert Cleghorn.

Balmanno’s mother was a well-known apothecary in the Trongate in Glasgow.]]> MacNee; Sir; Daniel (1806-1882); Artist, RA); Studio of Sir Daniel Macnee (Chrisitie's) or Raeburn; Sir; Henry (1756-1823); Artist (Gibson, 1983)]]>