Robbie Shepherd memorial to be installed in Dunecht

Robbie Shepherd was a champion of the Doric dialect

A memorial cairn is to be installed in Dunecht to broadcaster Robbie Shepherd who died in August 2023 aged 87.

Mr Shepherd, who was born in the Aberdeenshire village, presented BBC Radio Scotland's Take the Floor programme for 35 years.

He was also a champion of north-east Scotland's Doric dialect, and a regular commentator for the Braemar Gathering.

A Toast tae Robbie Shepherd Memorial Committee has been working with Dunecht Estate and Aberdeenshire Council on the cairn project.

The memorial is to be sited on Dunecht Estate.

The cairn has been designed to resemble the estate's historic boundary walls, and will be crafted using salvaged granite blocks.

An inscription will describe Mr Shepherd as being a "Dunecht Loon", with a plaque to provide more information.

Loon is the Doric word for boy.

Aberdeenshire councillor Ron McKail said: "He was a well-loved local and national entertainer so he is well respected and loved in the area."

Councillor Marion Ewenson added: "I think it's fantastic that they're going to acknowledge the life and the work of Robbie Shepherd, a well-known local character."

Reporting by local democracy journalist Kirstie Topp.