His father, at that time minister of Campbeltown, was closely bound to the Highlanders of Scotland, catering to their spiritual and intellectual needs.

He was the author of literature described by Professor Blackie as the "great work of classical Gaelic prose....written in a dialogue form, enriched by the dramatic grace of Plato and the shrewd humour of Lucian",[citation needed] and played a major role in the creation of an educational infrastructure for the Highlands and Islands.

He was one of those who took a middle course in the non-intrusion controversy, holding that the fitness of those who were presented to parishes should be judged by the presbyteries, the principle of Lord Aberdeens Bill.

He instituted temperance refreshment rooms, a Congregational penny savings bank, and held services specially for the poor.

In a sermon just after its 1857 Scottish premiere, Macleod argued that 'no woman could hear it without a blush'[4] In 1860 Macleod was appointed editor of the new monthly magazine Good Words, illustrated by Arthur Hughes, Francis Arthur Fraser (1846–1924), John Leighton, James Mahoney (1810–1879), Francis S. Walker, Townley Green and others.

[3] He authored "Eastward, Travels in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria", a record of a journey made in 1864, published in 1866, with photographs by James Graham.

An abbreviated reprint by his daughter Ann Campbell Macleod was published in 1887 under the title "Half Hours in the Holy Land, Travels in Egypt, Palestine, Syria, With Numerous Illustrations".

[8] His daughter, Ann Campbell Macleod (d.1921), married in 1888 Sir James Wilson, and published two books based on her letters to friends and family while they lived in India.