Earl of Leven

Earldom of Leven
held with
Earldom of Melville

Arms of the Earl of Leven
Creation date1641
CreationFirst
Created byCharles I
PeeragePeerage of Scotland
First holderAlexander Leslie
Present holderAlexander Ian Leslie-Melville
Heir presumptiveArchibald Leslie-Melville
Remainder tothe 1st Earl's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten
Subsidiary titlesViscount of Kirkaldie
Lord Melville of Monymaill
Lord Balgonie (
Lord Raith, Monymaill and Balwearie (1690)
StatusExtant
Seat(s)Glenferness House

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.

The family seat is Glenferness House, near Nairn, Highland.