Majestic birds hunted to extinction return to Scotland after 500 years
Cranes are making a dramatic comeback in Scotland nearly five centuries after being hunted to extinction.
The towering birds, which were widely eaten during the Middle Ages as the prized delicacy at medieval banquets, vanished from Scotland in the late 1500s due to overhunting.
But conservationists are now celebrating a modern-day success story, as the birds make a natural return.
In Aberdeenshire, up to six pairs of cranes have been recorded breeding—proof that the species is quietly reclaiming its place in the Scottish countryside.
Ron Macdonald, a volunteer with the RSPB, told STV: 'In 2012, we saw the first nesting pair recorded and since then we've seen around six or seven pairs in the north east.
'The birds are doing particularly well in northern and eastern Europe, and they're now seeking out other sites with good food supplies where they can live.'
Standing at around four feet tall, cranes are the largest birds in Scotland. Thanks to habitat restoration and conservation efforts, their numbers are climbing across the UK, with the RSPB estimating around 250 breeding pairs nationwide.
In Scotland, the restoration of peatlands and wetlands has been key to their return.
'I think it's one of the few good news stories around, because we see so many species in decline," Ron said.
'I think in recent years there's been a good partnership between farmers and conservation projects, and our government also has more policies for nature restoration, particularly when it comes to wetland and bog creation.'
Cranes have recently been spotted in the Black Isle, Moray and even on Mull, with breeding pairs confirmed in some of these areas for the first time this year.
James Silvey, Senior Species and Habitats Officer at RSPB Scotland, hailed the comeback as a major win for nature.
He said: 'The return of this iconic species to Scotland is one of the great modern conservation success stories.
'The fact the birds recolonised naturally is a result both of an increasing European population and suitable habitat in the North East of Scotland where most birds are found.
'Cranes are migratory and can turn up in some odd places as they make their way to and from their breeding grounds. For example, in spring 2025 a bird was seen on Orkney.
'Cranes are still a very rare breeder in Scotland preferring quiet areas to raise their chicks.
"Hopefully with time Cranes will become more common across our wetlands allowing more people to see these magnificent birds.'
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