Hopes are fading for Eilidh, 14
THE people of Barra were bracing themselves for dreadful news as hopes faded for music fan Eilidh Macleod.
Eilidh, 14, and her 15-year-old friend Laura Macintyre travelled to the Ariana Grande
concert in Manchester together. It was Eilidh’s birthday treat, and her mum Marion went with them.
Laura is in intensive care with serious burns and other injuries. There was still no news of Eilidh.
Marion last heard from her during Ariana’s last song, when she texted to ask her to come and collect them.
Murderer Salman Abedi blew himself up moments later, killing 22 people and leaving 59 injured.
Relatives and friends of Eilidh were joined by community leaders at a church service on Barra, which has a population of about 1000, last night.
Great-uncle Donald Manford said: “I’m feeling shock and concern and anxiety but the community have been tremendous in their support for the families.
“Barra is not a large island. Everyone does know everyone else. At times of difficulty the people come together as a family.
“It’s impossible to imagine what the parents are going through and we just want to support them in everything we do. We need to adapt and come together in times of tragedy.”
“Like all the other young people on the island, Eilidh was involved in many aspects of the community from social events to her bagpiping.”
Eilidh and Laura’s parents are in Manchester, receiving updates from the police.
The girls’ friends at Castlebay Community School on Barra are being offered support. Head teacher Annag Maclean said: “We are feeling numb and struggling to come to terms with it.”
A crowdfunding effort to support Eilidh and Laura’s families raised more than £10,000 in its first few hours yesterday. Search for “Barra Family Support Campaign” on justgiving.com