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.

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.

George David Leslie Melville (1924–1997), the younger twin brother of the 14th Earl.