Earl of Leven (pronounced "Lee-ven") is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created in 1641 for Alexander Leslie. He was succeeded by his grandson Alexander, who was in turn followed by his daughters Margaret and Catherine (who are usually not included in the numbering of the Earls). Thereafter, there was a dispute relating to succession to the title between David Melville and John Leslie, 1st Duke of Rothes. However, in 1681, Melville's claim was admitted after the Duke of Rothes died. In 1707, Melville succeeded to the title Earl of Melville, and thereafter the earldoms have been united.
The other titles held by the Earl are: Viscount of Kirkaldie (created 1690), Lord Melville of Monymaill (1616), Lord Balgonie (1641), Lord Raith, Monymaill and Balwearie (1690). All are in the Peerage of Scotland.
The heir apparent to the Earldoms is styled Lord Balgonie.
Alexander Ian Leslie-Melville, 16th (or 17th) Earl of Leven (born 29 November 1984) is the only son of David Alexander Leslie-Melville, Lord Balgonie, and his wife Julia Clare Critchley. His father, who was the elder son of the 14th Earl, was killed in 2007 in a skiing accident at Verbier. He succeeded his grandfather to the peerages on 7 April 2012.[2]
The heir presumptive is the present holder's uncle Hon. Archibald Ronald Leslie-Melville (born 1957), whose heir presumptive is the present peer's first cousin once removed James Hugh Leslie-Melville (born 1960), a grandson of the 13th Earl by the Hon. George David Leslie Melville (1924–1997), the younger twin brother of the 14th Earl. Leslie-Melville's heir is his elder son John Alistair Leslie-Melville (born 1991).[2]
