Doric doyen Robbie Shepherd to bid farewell to long-standing radio show

A north-east broadcasting legend will bring the curtain down on a serried 35-year career tonight by bidding farewell to his BBC Scotland radio show.

Doric doyen Robbie Shepherd MBE will present the final Take the Floor after decades of entertaining audiences across the world.

But the Press and Journal columnist has vowed he will return to radio – though less frequently.

In a special edition of Take the Floor, broadcast on Radio Scotland at 7pm, the 80-year-old will deliver his final “Be looking for ye and a’ the best” sign-off.

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 added: “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 Aberdeenshire 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.

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.”

Gary Innes, musician and former shinty internationalist, will inherit the mantle of presenting Take the Floor and he said : “I am overwhelmed to be borrowing the shoes from such a Scottish icon.”