Sir Robert Ian Algernon Forbes-Leith, 2nd Baronet (27 December 1902 – 17 March 1973) was a Scottish landowner and soldier who served as Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire.
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Early life
Forbes-Leith was born Robert Ian Algernon Burn, on 27 December 1902, the youngest child of Sir Charles Burn, 1st Bt. and his wife the Hon. Ethel Louise Forbes-Leith, daughter of Alexander Forbes-Leith, 1st Baron Leith of Fyvie. When Forbes-Leith was aged 23 in 1925, his father changed his name from Burn to Forbes-Leith on the death of the 1st Baron Leith and the inheritance of his estates, including Fyvie Castle. Forbes-Leith was educated at Eton College followed by the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, from which he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Royal Artillery. His father died in 1930 and Forbes-Leith inherited his lands and the family title, the Forbes-Leith baronetcy of Fyvie, of Jessfield.
Career
Following his succession to the family baronetcy, Forbes-Leith was admitted to the Royal Company of Archers and was also appointed Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire.
Forbes-Leith served during the Second World War and was mentioned in despatches during his service with the Royal Artillery. Also during the war he was created Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services. Following the war, Forbes-Leith rose to and retired on the rank of Major.