North-east broadcasting legend Robbie Shepherd brought the curtain down on a serried 35-year career by bidding farewell to his BBC Scotland radio show.
The Doric doyen presented the final Take the Floor after decades of entertaining audiences across the world.
But the Press and Journal columnist vowed he would return to radio – though less frequently.
In a special edition of Take the Floor, the 80-year-old MBE delivered his final “Be looking for ye and a’ the best” sign-off to BBC Radio Scotland listeners.
‘The idea was to bring the village hall into folk’s radios’
Mr Shepherd said he had many “fond memories” and had enjoyed “great laughs” over the many years of his programme.
But he added that, although he took some of the credit for the show’s success, it was a “team effort” to get it on air every week.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed every programme we’ve made. My upbringing was in village halls, so the idea was always to bring that experience to folk’s radios.
“It’s a team effort and my producers over the years have been brilliant.
“I’ll keep involved with the column and the BBC management want me to do some more programmes, but I’m going to take a wee break first.”
“So the time has come for me to hand over to a younger presenter and wish the Take the Floor team all the best.”
Born in Dunecht in 1936, Mr Shepherd first ventured into theatre, compering and producing variety shows, starring names such as Calum Kennedy and Andy Stewart before branching out into broadcasting.
As well as Take the Floor, he has also presented The Reel Blend for Radio Scotland, hosted Beechgrove Garden road shows and presented sheepdog trials.
Robbie Shepherd was ‘like a friend’ to Take The Floor fans
BBC Scotland Director Ken MacQuarrie said: “Robbie is one Scotland’s most recognisable voices and, over the years, he has been like a close family friend for many of our listeners.
“A passionate supporter of traditional Scottish music, Robbie has, over more than three decades, shared his in-depth knowledge and infectious enthusiasm with generations of Radio Scotland audiences.”
Legendary broadcaster, compere and Doric doyen Robbie Shepherd dies at 87
