The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Thoughts of Eilidh’s family are with her injured friend, Laura
The Scottish family of Manchester bomb victim Eilidh MacLeod have said they are praying that her injured friend makes a full recovery.
The 14-year-old schoolgirl from the island of Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, travelled with friend Laura MacIntyre for the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.
Laura, 15, was found in hospital with serious injuries, while it was confirmed on Thursday that Eilidh was among the dead.
The friends were pupils at Castlebay Community School where pupils and staff have been left in shock.
In a statement, Roddy and Marion MacLeod said: “Eilidh and Laura were so excited about going to the concert together but what should have been the perfect ending to a fantastic trip ended so tragically.
“We continue to have Laura and her family in our thoughts and pray that she makes a full recovery.
“As a family, we would also like to offer our support and condolences to all the other innocent victims who have been needlessly killed in this attack; and to the survivors in hospitals around Manchester.”
Laura’s family described the 15-yearold as “strong-willed and a fighter” and say she is receiving the best care.
In a statement on Thursday, the MacIntyre family added: “Our hearts and minds have been with Eilidh’s family since we heard their news.”
The MacLeods released pictures of Eilidh as a toddler and posing with a bagpiping award.
Her parents said: “We would like to thank the emergency services who did everything in their power to help following the explosion.
“Sincere thanks also go to all who have supported us through this terrible time including the people of Manchester, Scotland and well-wishers worldwide.”