John Leslie, 10th Earl of Rothes, was born into one of Scotland’s most prominent noble families and inherited the title in 1722. He pursued a military career typical of the aristocracy of the period, rising steadily through the ranks. His early service coincided with a time of political tension in Britain, including the Jacobite threat and the continuing need for experienced officers in the expanding British Army.
Leslie was appointed Colonel of the regiment that would later become the King’s Own Scottish Borderers on 29 May 1732. His tenure came during a period of relative peace for the regiment, but his leadership contributed to its growing reputation as a reliable and well‑disciplined unit within the British establishment. His status as a Knight of the Thistle (KT) reflected both his noble standing and his service to the Crown.
He remained Colonel of the regiment until 24 April 1745, when he died shortly before the outbreak of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. His death brought an end to more than a decade of stewardship over the regiment. As a senior nobleman and military officer, Leslie embodied the close ties between Scotland’s aristocracy and the British Army during the early 18th century.
