William Leslie, 3rd Earl of Rothes, was the son of Andrew Leslie, Master of Rothes, and Marjory Sinclair. He succeeded his elder brother George as Earl in 1513.

As George had tried to sell the family lands without royal permission William was trying to recover his rights, especially over the Barony centred on Ballinbreich Castle

Ballinbreich Castle

Ballinbreich Castle is a ruined tower house castle in Fife, Scotland. The castle was built in the 13th century by Clan Leslie. It is a three storey L-plan castle that overlooks the Firth of Tay.-References:**-External links:*...

. However, he was killed at the battle of Flodden.

William married Margaret Balfour, his heir was George Leslie, 4th Earl of Rothes

George Leslie, 4th Earl of Rothes

George Leslie, 4th Earl of Rothes was a Scottish nobleman and diplomat.George became Earl of Rothes after his father's death at the Battle of Flodden. The title had previously been possesed by his uncle, William Leslie, the 2nd Earl...

. Their other children included John Leslie of Parkhill who was captured at the battle of Solway Moss

Battle of Solway Moss

The Battle of Solway Moss took place on Solway Moss near the River Esk on the English side of the Anglo-Scottish Border in November 1542 between forces from England and Scotland.-Background:...

, and James Leslie, Parson of Rothes.