Macleod attended the University of Glasgow and University of Edinburgh, then went to Germany. He completed his studies at the University of Glasgow, receiving his Doctor of Divinity degree in 1858.

In 1838, Macleod became parish minister of Loudon, Ayrshire, in 1843 of Dalkeith, and 1851 of the Barony, Glasgow. In 1841, he was appointed as one of Queen Victoria’s chaplains. In 1860, he became editor of the Good Words magazine, which he continued to edit until his death. He also edited The Edinburgh Christian Magazine for some years.

In 1854, Macleod joined the Hymnal Committee for the General Assembly of the Established Church of Scotland. In 1869, he became moderator of the General Assembly.