McLeod was born in Ceylon, and educated at Perth Academy and the University of St Andrews.

[1] He was with his regiment in India during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 1871 Birthday Honours.

[1] McLeod subsequently served in Belfast before assuming the position of General Officer Commanding, Ceylon.

He acted as Governor of Ceylon during the temporary absence of Sir Arthur Hamilton-Gordon from June to November 1885.

[1] He was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in the 1891 Birthday Honours and placed on retired pay 1 April 1892.