RIP my beautiful angel. May you be at peace in the arms of heaven
Grieving mum’s tribute to tragic Hannah
The mother of tragic schoolgirl Hannah Mackenzie has paid an emotional tribute to her daughter.
The 17-year- old’s body was found in the grounds of Lews Castle on the Isle of Lewis on Friday night.
Heartbroken mum Emma Mackenzie posted on Facebook yesterday: “RIP my beautiful Angel. May you be at peace in the arms of heaven.
“You will always be our Hannah. Loved and cherished always.”
Emma thanked volunteers who had helped in the search for Hannah following her disappearance, paying tribute to “all those people who have bravely reached out and messaged us”.
Hannah, from Gravir, on Lewis, had not been seen since Thursday after setting off from the Nicolson Institute School to meet her mum just over a mile away at the Western Isles Hospital.
Police and coastguard launched a desperate search to find the youngster.
Mum Emma added: “If there is anyone feelings ad and alone today, please talk to someone.
“Life will never be the same for us without our darling girl.”
Members of the local community also paid tribute to Hannah.
Family friend Annelouise Campbell responded to Emma’s message, saying: “I cannot bring myself to write this.
“Hannah was a beautiful girl, inside and out Emma. I’m totally heartbroken.
“She was the most beautiful baby to look after – those memories will never leave me.
“My sympathy goes out to you as a family.”
Leigh Wallace Albiston added: “Our hearts break for you Emma and the family, she was a beautiful girl who will be missed terribly. “Thinking of you all.” Neighbour Nadia Mackin posted: “Thinking of you in this terrible time.
“It was a privilege to get to grow up alongside her and she will be greatly missed.”
Shona Dawson added: “Thinking of you all at this sad time, Emma, your daughter was such a beautiful girl, good memories will keep you all going.” Mary Dawson wrote: “RIP gorgeous girl. Gone far too soon,”
And Nicola Eddie posted: “Sweet dreams beaut i ful girl. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family at this devastating time.”
A statement from Highland and Islands police read: “We can confirm that a body has been found in the castle grounds, Stornoway.
“While formal identification has yet to take place, the family of missing person Hannah Mackenzie have been informed.”
Area Commander for the Western Isles, Chief Inspector Ian Graham, added: “Our thoughts at this difficult time are with all concerned.”
No further comment was offered by the force when contacted by the Sunday Mail.
A Western Isles Counci l spokesman said: “Everyone in the school community will be deeply saddened by the tragic news.
“School staff, counsellors and other professionals will be on hand on Monday to support pupils.
“Anyone requiring support over the weekend can contact 01851 705600 or 07545 886438.”
Life will never be the same for us without our darling girl