Priest’s ‘heaven’ tribute to Eilidh
THE death of Barra teenager Eilidh MacLeod, who was killed in the Manchester atrocity, has been described as “heaven’s gain” by the island’s priest.
Eilidh was at the Ariana Grande gig with her friend and fellow islander Laura McIntyre, 15, who was seriously injured in the suicide attack.
Speaking at his church, the Lady of the Star of the Sea, in Castlebay yesterday, Father John Paul MacKinnon urged the island community to pull together as they come to terms with “a devastating week”.
He said: ”A week which began normally for so many has turned out to be a real living nightmare, especially for two of our island families.
“I have spoken to both families, to both sets of parents, and they have asked me to tell everyone that they are so grateful for all your love, support, prayers and messages.
“This is a very difficult time for our islands – we have faced difficulties and tragedies before on this island but this is something very new and alien to us all.
“God has a special place for our dear, beautiful Eilidh. Our loss is certainly heaven’s gain.”
Eilidh’s devastated parents Roddy and Marion made an emotional tribute to the “beautiful, popular and talented” teen, saying they are “at a loss without her”.
They said in a statement: “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 have Laura and her family in our thoughts and pray she makes a full recovery.
“The offers of help and support have been truly overwhelming and greatly appreciated.”