Richard Butler, The Duke of Northumberland's Piper, is an internationally renown Northumbrian Piper who has produced a number of solo and accompanied recordings and has written a basic tutor and an in-depth maintenance manual for the pipes.

He has been playing the Northumbrian Pipes for over 40 years during which time he has performed in numerous concerts, on TV and radio and organised a wide variety of Northumbrian Music events and functions. He is also an experienced tutor, having run numerous courses for all levels of playing in England, Germany and the USA, and lectured extensively about the pipes and Northumbrian Music in general.

He has been the Duke of Northumberland's Piper for 25 years. During this time he has played for Her Majesty the Queen, the King of Spain, at the 10th Duke's Memorial Service in Westminster Abbey and at numerous private and public functions. For more information about the Duke's Pipers refer to link.

In 1986 Richard teamed up with Jan Bennett (Clarsach and Voice) and Tommy Waugh (Fiddle and Bass) to form the Border Minstrels, thereby, merging their individual talents and skills to a degree that has seen a renaissance of the region's idiosyncratic tunes, songs and ballads.

As well as performing as the Border Minstrels, Richard has performed at concerts and functions with Jan Bennett, to produce a unique combination of Northumbrian Pipes, Clarsach and Voice.

Duke and Duchess of Northumberd presenting Richard Butler in 2007 with a silver plate marking 25 years of Richard's appointment as Piper to the Duke of Northumberland