Robbie Shepherd (29 November 1936 – 9 March 2023) was a Scottish broadcaster, folk‑music presenter and author. He is best known for his long‑standing association with BBC Radio Scotland, where he hosted the traditional music programme Take the Floor from its inception in 1978 until his retirement in 2016. Shepherd also contributed to television and print media, authoring several books on Scottish folk culture and music.
Early life and education
Robbie Shepherd was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Details of his early education and formative years are limited in publicly available sources.
Broadcasting career
- Radio: Shepherd began his broadcasting career with the BBC in the 1960s, initially working as a continuity announcer. In 1978 he launched Take the Floor, a weekly programme dedicated to Scottish traditional music, which became a cornerstone of the network’s cultural output. He continued as the programme’s presenter for 38 years, earning recognition for his knowledgeable and personable style.
- Television: He appeared on various television programmes related to Scottish heritage, including occasional guest spots on Scotland Today and The Good Morning Show.
Authorship
Shepherd authored several books focusing on Scottish folk traditions, including The Music of the Scots (1990) and A Traveller’s Guide to Scottish Music (1998). His writings combined historical research with personal anecdotes, contributing to the documentation of Scotland’s musical heritage.
Awards and honors
Throughout his career, Shepherd received numerous accolades, such as the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame induction in 2012 and the BBC Radio Scotland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Personal life and death
Shepherd resided in the Aberdeenshire region for much of his adult life. He died on 9 March 2023 at the age of 86. Obituaries highlighted his influence on the preservation and promotion of Scottish traditional music.
Legacy
Robbie Shepherd is regarded as a pivotal figure in the popularisation of Scottish folk music during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His work on Take the Floor helped introduce generations of listeners to traditional tunes, and his publications remain reference points for scholars and enthusiasts of Scottish cultural studies.