Gilbert Elliot Murray Kynynmound (1782-1859) was styled Viscount Melgund from 1813 and succeeded as Earl of Minto in 1814. He was Member of Parliament for Ashburton, 1806-1807, and for Roxburghshire, 1812-1814; and served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the King of Prussia 1832-1834, First Lord of the Admiralty, 1835-1841, Lord Privy Seal, 1846-1852, and on a special mission to Switzerland and the states of Italy, 1847-1848. The papers reflect fully the 2nd Earl's important diplomatic and political activities and his private meteorological and other scientific interests. Included are papers of his wife Mary, née Brydone (died 1853), and some papers of other members of his immediate family. Correspondence and papers of his second son, Honourable Sir Henry Elliot, and his fourth son, Honourable George F S Elliot are in catalogued separately.

Gilbert Elliot Murray Kynynmound, the 2nd Earl of Minto, is referred to throughout this section simply as 'the 2nd Earl of Minto'. His wife is referred to as 'the Countess of Minto'.