Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Ayrshire piper and Burns stalwart who has passed away.
Jim Butler of Kilwinning – known as 'the Piper for all occasions' – died on Tuesday, March 8 at Ayrshire Hospice.
Mr Butler, originally from Kilmarnock, was a well-kent face at weddings throughout the region where his piping skills were a highlight for many a bride and groom.
He was also a much-respected member of Irvine Burns Club where he had served as president in 1993; was the club's appointed piper and was made an honorary member in 2011.
Aside from his love of Burns and piping, Mr Butler was a former art teacher at St Andrew's Academy in Saltcoats. His own work was exhibited in galleries and exhibitions, including the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine.
A host of online tributes were made following news of his passing.
Wedding photographer Emma Sanderson described Mr Butler as an 'absolute gentleman', adding: "I very much looked forward to working alongside him at weddings as he always had the time for a blether and a catch up. The piping world and the wedding industry has lost a legend."
Former pupil Nicky Nellany added: "I'm greatly saddened to hear of the passing today of my favourite teacher and human being, Mr Jim Butler. Strict, brilliant and very funny. An all-round talented and lovely man!"
Margaret Greenlees, president of Irvine Burns Club, used the words of the Bard to pay tribute to a 'good friend and colleague'.
She posted: "In his Second Epistle to John Lapriak, Burns wrote these lines which could be applied to Jim Butler: “For thus the Royal mandate rang, When first the human race began: The social, friendly, honest man, Whate’er he be, ‘Tis he fulfils great Nature’s plan, And none but he.”
Mr Butler's funeral will take place on Thursday, March 24 from 3.30pm at the Holmsford Bridge Crematorium in Dreghorn followed by a catch-up at the Gailes Hotel in Marine Drive, Irvine.
The family are requesting no flowers but there will be a collection for Ayrshire Hospice following the service for anyone wishing to make a donation.
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