OUR ISLAND’S GRIEF FOR DARLING EILIDH
Tributes f lood in for ‘vibrant, vivacious girl’
THE heartbroken family of a teenager killed in the Manchester bomb attack paid tribute yesterday to a ‘vivacious’ girl who had a passion for music.
Eilidh Macleod, 14, was among the 22 people who lost their lives in the terrorist blast.
Two days after the horror at the Manchester Arena, the Scots schoolgirl’s family confirmed she had died in the tragedy.
Eilidh’s 15-year-old friend Laura MacIntyre remained seriously ill in hospital last night.
The girls made the 400-mile trip to Monday’s Ariana Grande concert from their homes on the island of Barra, in the Outer Hebrides.
Eilidh, who received tickets to the show as a birthday present, sent a text message to her mother, Marion – staying nearby – to tell her she was ready to be collected from the venue, but that was her last contact with her loved ones.
Her father Roddy joined his wife the next day and they frantically searched hotels and hospitals across the city for their daughter.
But their worst fears were confirmed and they yesterday revealed that the teenager had died.
A statement read: ‘Our family is devastated and words cannot express how we feel at losing our darling Eilidh.
‘Eilidh was vivacious and full of fun. She loved all music, whether it was listening to Ariana or playing the bagpipes with her pipe band. As a family we would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the support and kind messages received at this difficult time.’
Eilidh’s great uncle, Donald Manford, had earlier described her as a ‘vibrant’ young girl who carried out voluntary work on the island.
Laura’s parents described their daughter as ‘strong-willed and a fighter’ as she battled to recover.
Thanking the emergency services and those who have supported the family, a statement read: ‘Laura and her friend Eilidh were so looking forward to the concert, but that night has now ended in a tragedy where Eilidh has lost her life and Laura is in a critical condition. Our hearts and minds have been with Eilidh’s family since we heard their news.’
The tiny 1,100-strong community of Barra is engulfed by grief. At Castlebay High School, the Saltire flew at half mast. Pupils, who have been offered counselling after the loss of their classmate, attended a special mass at Our Lady of the Sea church yesterday.
Headteacher Annag Maclean said: ‘Eilidh, what she did and what she was, will remain with each of us who knew her so well. Laura, who is very ill in hospital, is in our thoughts and prayers. We sincerely hope she will make a full recovery and return to us soon.
‘Our school and island community are in shock, feeling numb and struggling to come to terms with the deep sadness.’
Nationalist candidate Angus MacNeil, who lives on Barra, said: ‘We are heartbroken and devastated.
‘It is difficult to comprehend or reason how anyone could have carried out an act like this. I can’t begin to imagine how awful it is for Eilidh’s parents. It is something that will live with them for ever’.
Charity Voluntary Action Barra and Vatersay has raised more than £21,000 through a fundraising page set up after Eilidh’s death was announced.
Another fundraising page, set up on Wednesday by family friend Alan Anderson, has so far raised more than £23,000.
On Wednesday evening, the island’s predominantly Roman Catholic community united with Church of Scotland counterparts to hold a prayer meeting.
Dr Lindsay Schluter, minister of Church of Scotland Barra and South Uist congregations, said: ‘While this is a small community, it is a strong and deeply caring one.
‘This island community will continue to offer its love, support and prayer to each other.’
Police Scotland said: ‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Eilidh Macleod and the community of Barra at this very sad time.’
‘Worst fears have been realised’