TAKE THE FLOOR, LEGEND ROBBIE DIES AT AGE 87

Broadcasters pay tribute to host of Saturday night country dance show

- SALLY HIND and SIOBHAN MacDONALD

ICONIC Scottish broadcaster Robbie Shepherd has died, aged 87.

The veteran reporter, a champion of the north-east Doric dialect, was famous for hosting BBC Radio Scotland's Take the Floor for 35 years. Former colleagues and fans paid their respects after his death was announced yesterday.

Close friend Gary Innes, who took over the show when Robbie retired, said: "The man was a legend. After 35 years he left with such grace and dignity. I said to him, 'Robbie, I have no idea how on Earth I am ever going to fill your boots'.

"And he just said with that lovely Doric accent: 'Ach Gary, ye ken I'm only a size five, you'll be fine"."