presenter Robbie Shepherd has died aged 87.
The broadcasting legend hosted BBC Radio Scotland’s Take the Floor for an impressive 35 years and was a regular commentator at the Highland Games. He also was a huge champion of Scottish culture, which made him a well-respected figure.
After he stepped down from the job in 2016, the longest-running radio programme produced in Scotland was taken over by Gary Innes.
Following the sad news, Gary honoured his predecessor on Twitter.
‘I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Robbie Shepherd MBE,’ he began.
‘Robbie was an incredible man, musician, and champion of the Doric language. A true legend and until we meet again ma man, “aw the best till then”.’
The BBC director Steve Carson also shared his admiration for Shepherd.
‘All of us at BBC Scotland are desperately sad to hear the news of his passing.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends in Aberdeen, and the wider family of radio listeners all around the world who loved hearing his Doric voice and his enthusiasm and passion for the music he so dearly loved,’ he wrote.
Scotland News Presenter Fiona Stalker wrote: ‘A legend. A gent. A pleasure to work with.’
Singer Iona Fyfe praised Shephed for his commitment to the Scottish language of Doric.
‘He lit up every room he entered. One of the only broadcasters who championed the Doric dialect of the Scots language. Rest easy Robbie Shepherd.’
Shepherd, who was awarded an MBE in 2001 for his services to Scottish Dance Music and Culture, was recognised by former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon when he stepped down from the Saturday night radio show.
‘Sad that broadcasting legend, Robbie Shepherd, is hanging up his headphones. Best wishes to him,’ she wrote on Twitter.
At the time of his departure he said: ‘I am taking a break, that is for sure. But, as they say, I am a wanted man. I hope sincerely you have not heard the last of this Doric voice. It’s been 35 years of sheer pleasure’.
Shepherd was born in Scotland’s Aberdeenshire. He began his career as an accountant before perusing his musical passions.
Speaking of his winning broadcasting philosophy he said: ‘I like to think that I am broadcasting to a lady in the top tenement in Glasgow at the same time as I am chatting to a lady in a croft.’
As well as presenting radio shows he has also written books about Scottish music and dance as well as the Doric dialect, which Shepherd can speak fluently.
He fell in love with typist Esma Dickson after a chance meeting on the bus, and they married at Cluny Churchyard in 1961. The pair bonded over their shared love of music – Shepherd was a mouth organist, while Dickson played the piano.
