Manchesterbombvictim Eilidh, 14, is laid to rest
A “SPECIAL” Ariana Grande song was played at the first funeral of a Manchester terror victim, who has been brought to her home in the Outer Hebrides.
Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was among 22 people who died in the attack at the pop star’s concert on May 22.
Her friend Laura MacIntyre – a fellow pupil at Castlebay Community School on the island of Barra – was seriously injured in the bombing at Manchester Arena and remains in hospital.
The funeral was held at the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea in Castlebay, with about 1,000 people in attendance.
Eilidh’s dad Roddy led the coffin with a rope while extended family members took it in turns to carry the coffin.
Speakers were used so the mass could be heard by mourners outside the nearby Castlebay Hall.
Parish priest Father John Paul MacKinnon spoke of the “gifted” and “beautiful” teenager before saying songs which were special to Eilidh would be played,
Mourners stood in silence with heads bowed outside the church and in the town square as My Everything by Grande was played.
Her great-uncle Donald Manford then gave a tribute.
He said: “In contrast to the hate that took her life, Eilidh’s life was and now stands as a testament forever of the world of love, innocence, goodness, kindness and faith.
“We will look after each other, we will chase our dreams, we will love one another.”
Fr MacKinnon added: “Eilidh had such a warm gentle nature, a heart full of love. Our loss is certainly heaven’s gain.
“The last thing in Eilidh’s life was happiness – she had spent a wonderful weekend away from the island, going shopping, going to nice cafes, going to the cinema and then going to her pop idol’s concert – Ariana.”
Prayers were also said for Eilidh’s friend Laura as she continues to be treated in hospital.