The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Scottish victim of blast ‘vivacious, full of fun’
Family of Eilidh MacLeod pay tribute to the Barra teenager while her friend Laura remains in hospital
The devastated family of a schoolgirl killed in the Manchester Arena bomb attack have paid tribute to the “vivacious” teenager who was “full of fun”.
Eilidh MacLeod, 14, from Barra in the Outer Hebrides, had been missing since the explosion at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.
Her friend, Laura MacIntyre, 15, was seriously injured and is still being treated in a Manchester hospital.
In a statement through Greater Manchester Police, the family said: “Our daughter Laura is a funny and witty young girl who excels at everything she does.
“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 family thanked everyone, including the emergency services, for their support, adding: “We know that Laura is in the best possible place and is receiving the best care that she can.
“Laura is strong-willed and a fighter, and while she continues this battle we ask that all media respect our privacy at this extremely difficult time.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Wednesday that all of the victims had been accounted for.
Yesterday, Eilidh’s parents issued a statement via the force.
It said: “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 we have received at this difficult time.”
Tributes were also paid by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Barra politician Angus MacNeil, who is a family friend.
“This is heartbreaking news,” Ms Sturgeon said.
“My thoughts are with Eilidh’s mum and dad, and all of her family and friends.”
Mr MacNeil tweeted: “Deeply tragic news announced that Barra’s Eilidh MacLeod lost her life in Monday night’s bombing.”
The families of both girls had earlier appealed when the teenagers failed to get in touch after the blast which killed 22 people and injured at least 59 others.
A fundraising page has been set up for the families of the two Barra girls.
The JustGiving site has since passed its £30,000 target.