Folk musician and BBC presenter Archie Fisher dies aged 86

Folk musician and former BBC Scotland presenter Archie Fisher has died at the age of 86.

The singer, songwriter and guitarist had presented BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk from 1983 to 2010.

Born in Glasgow into a singing family, he released a number of albums over the years and was among the earliest steel-string players in British folk music.

In 2006, he was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for services to traditional Scottish music.

In posts on social media, Scottish singing star Barbara Dickson described him as “the great Archie Fisher”.

She said: “My musical mentor and huge cultural icon here in Scotland. Rest in Peace, Archie. Bx”.

Scottish BBC radio and TV presenter Vic Galloway said: “I’m very sad to hear the news about the passing of Archie Fisher.

“I met him many times at the BBC over the years & he was always a real gentleman, as well as being a great broadcaster. Obviously he was a legend of Scottish folk & traditional music as well… Archie RIP.”

Scottish folk singer Iona Fyfe said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Archie Fisher. A true folk music hero and inspiration. Rest easy Archie. Thoughts with the family and all who loved Archie and his music.”

Fisher, who died on Saturday, moved to Edinburgh in 1960 and lived in the south of Scotland in his final years.