Born Robin Hugh Scutt, he was educated at Bryanston School and read modern languages at Jesus College, Cambridge, before joining the Intelligence Corps.
He was appointed Controller of the Light Programme in March 1967, and devised a format for the corporation's new popular music station.
The new pop station, BBC Radio 1, launched on 30 September 1967, with a signature tune commissioned by Scott, Theme One, recorded by George Martin.
To achieve this aim, he commissioned such memorable programmes as Elizabeth R, The Pallisers, an adaptation of War and Peace, and documentary series including Alistair Cooke's America and Dr. Jacob Bronowski's The Ascent of Man.
In 1974, Scott was made the head of the forward-planning department Development in Television, a remit that included the prospect of satellite broadcasting.