Robbie Shepherd (Dr Robert Horne Shepherd MBE; 28 April 1936 – 1 August 2023) was a Scottish broadcaster, author, and columnist, best known as the long-time presenter of BBC Radio Scotland's traditional music programme Take the Floor.
Life and Career
Shepherd was born in Dunecht, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In the 1950s, he worked as an accountant in Aberdeen while also pursuing music, playing the mouth organ. He later became a compère and producer for variety shows and theatres before moving into broadcasting.
In 1980, Shepherd took over as presenter of Take the Floor on BBC Radio Scotland, the longest-running radio programme produced in Scotland. He hosted the show for 35 years, until 2016. He also presented The Reel Blend on BBC Radio Scotland, and appeared on television for BBC Scotland, including episodes of The Beechgrove Garden and coverage of sheepdog trials.
Shepherd was a fluent speaker of the Doric dialect, spoken across north-east Scotland. In April 1993, he began writing a regular column in Doric for Aberdeen's Press and Journal newspaper. The column was briefly cancelled but reinstated following reader outcry. He wrote his final column on 15 July 2023, two weeks before his death.
He served as commentator at the Braemar Gathering and was an honoured life member of the Braemar Royal Highland Society. He also commentated at other Highland games, including Oldmeldrum and the Lonach Highland Gathering at Strathdon.
Personal Life
Shepherd met his wife, Esma Dickson, on a bus. They married on 23 September 1961 and remained together until his death.
Death
Shepherd died on 1 August 2023 at the age of 87.
Awards and Honours
Shepherd was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2001 New Year Honours for services to Scottish Dance Music and to Scottish Culture. In 2001, the University of Aberdeen awarded him an honorary degree as Master of the University (M.Univ). He received numerous other prizes and honours from Scottish music and country dance organisations.
Bibliography
- Let's Have a Ceilidh: Essential Guide to Scottish Dancing (1992), ISBN 0862414121
- A Dash O' Doric: The Wit and Wisdom of the North-East (1995), ISBN 0862415616
- Anither Dash O'Doric (1996), ISBN 086241637X
- Dash O'Doric 3: One for the Road (2004), ISBN 1841583243
- Robbie Shepherd's Doric Columns (2006), ISBN 1841585246
