Robert Cranston (1843–1923) was a Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1903 to 1906.
In 1914 he set up the first Edinburgh Pals battalion; the 15th battalion Royal Scots. This was quickly followed by two further volunteer battalions; the 16th and 17th. Sir Robert was honorary commander in chief of all three battalions.
Largely as a result of his services during the war he was awarded many decorations: K.V.C.O., C.B., C.B.E.,V.D. and as far as is known was the only Scottish recipient of the Knight of St.Olaf, awarded by the Norwegian government[1].
He was awarded the freedom of the city of Edinburgh on 15 October 1923[2], shortly before his death.