Final journey of tragic terror victim Eilidh, 14

Hundreds of mourners will attend Eilidh’s funeral on Barra tomorrow. Ferr y company Caledonian there and back on the same day MacBrayne has altered its while taking in the service, we hope Oban to Castlebay timetable to we will help. make it possible for scores of “We were delighted to do this.” mourners to travel from the mainIn a statement issued last week, land – and return the same day of Laura’s parents said: “We have been the funeral. overwhelmed by the love, help and

A spokesman for CalMac said: support from everyone. “We are glad to help out because of “It means so much to us. the exceptional circumstances. “Laura sustained horrendous

“We realise there will be a lot of injuries. people wanting to attend and there “The main worries being head is a shortage of accommodation on and leg injuries. Barra. “She is making remarkable pro

“So by making it possible to travel gress. Today she came off the ventilator and is talking and recognising us. She is amazing us every day with her s t re n g t h and determination.

“We have a long way to go but we are going in the right direction. We are so lucky to have her.

“The hospital and the staff are amazing.”

The couple added: “We only wish that Eilidh was here too. Our hearts and thoughts are with Eilidh’s family.”

A campaign set up to aid the families of the two Castlebay Community School pupils has now raised more than £90,000.

Eilidh’s great uncle Donald Manford said: “The family continue to be overwhelmed by the support they have received.”

Father John Paul Mackinnon, who will be conducting the funeral service, added: “It has been a difficult time but the family and wider community are buoyed by the messages of support they have received. “It has been overwhelming.”

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