This is one of Europe's most impressive and iconic birds and there is a rich folklore concerning cranes throughout their European range.

Historical records of this bird breeding in Scotland are scanty but both adult and juvenile bones have been found at various archaeological sites dating well into the Medieval period. There is even a Scots Parliamentery act of 1551 which stipulates the maximum market price of the bird; whilst on 20th May 685AD King Bridei Mac Bili a Pictish leader achieved victory over King Ecgfrith and the Northumbrian Angles (securing Scotland's future as a nation) at Linn Garan (the Loch of the Cranes).

Extensive drainage of wetlands and hunting have drastically reduced both the range and population of Cranes throughout Europe. However, with habitat restoration and careful conservation work Eurasian Crane populations are increasing and these graceful birds are slowly returning to many parts of their previous range.
In Scotland Cranes are no longer a rare vagrant but are now seen annually in increasing numbers with a strong possibility of future breeding (if they have not already done so).