THE best friend of Arthur Montford for more than 70 years has paid respect to the "one-off" broadcaster whose life was, "filled with sport," right up until he died.

Businessman Douglas Rae, chairman of Morton Football Club, said he did not have a single argument with his pal during the decades he knew him.

Mr Rae, 83, spoke out in praise of Arthur following his death this week at the age of 85 after an illness.

Arthur, who was known for his catchphrases and eye-catching sports jackets, became a television legend thanks to his 30-year stint presenting Scotsport.

Mr Rae was introduced to Morton at the age of eight when Arthur took him along to his first game.

Later in life, Douglas was best man at Arthur's wedding to wife Jackie. Douglas said: ""Since the day took me to my first match he caused trouble, because I had a season ticket for Morton every year until I bought the club, then I did not need a season ticket.

"When I bought Morton I invited Arthur to be director of the club, which he was very keen to accept."

The broadcaster, who joined Scottish Television in 1957, is famous for his use of phrases including, "What a stramash!", "Disaster for Scotland!" and "Up go the heads".

Douglas said Arthur was "very much" the same person in front and behind the TV screen.

He added: "I used to mimic him - to him only, I'd say: 'it was a real stramash we had in the office yesterday.'

"When a goal was scored he was so excited - he would jump up and down and shout: 'It's a goal! It's a goal!' We had a bit of fun."

However, Douglas said Arthur took his trade seriously.

As well as fronting Scotsport he presented a golf programme, where he interviewed top golfers from America and the UK.

Douglas said: "He was very natural and prepared very well for these programmes. He was nervous often, but as soon as the programme started his nerves disappeared.

"For consistency, Arthur was outstanding.

"Arthur treated everyone - whether he was a lesser light or a top man - in the same way.

"That said a lot for how he viewed things. He was a very fair-minded guy."

Douglas called Arthur a "one-off", adding: "No one was as good as Arthur. He was a remarkable character."

Mr Rae said the day Arthur and Jackie married at Douglas's Kilmacolm home was one of the happiest.

"It was a very happy day. All the guests enjoyed it," Douglas said. Arthur's wife Jackie died about 18 months ago. Since then his health deteriorated.

But Douglas said Arthur's love of sport continued right up until the day he died.

He said: "Right up until he died he was totally compos mentis. He was able to discuss matches.

"He liked when I went up to the hospital or his home and told him about Morton matches. He would ask intelligent questions about it.

"His life was filled with sport right up until the end."

The friends played golf at the Glasgow Killermont and Greenock courses regularly, while their wives met up.

"We've been very close for more than 70 years and we never in all that time had an argument. And that is remarkable."

Douglas said Arthur, who was Glasgow University rector from 1971-74 led a "very happy" life.

Arthur leaves behind daughter Vivienne and son Euan, as well as a grandson and four step-grandchildren.

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk