Piper Eilidh MacLeod, aged 14, from Barra in the Outer Hebrides has been named as a victim of the Manchester bombing atrocity.
In a statement released through Greater Manchester Police, her parents said: ‘Our family is devastated and words cannot express how we feel at losing our darling Eilidh.
‘Eilidh was vivacious and full of fun. She loved all music whether it was listening to Ariana or playing the bagpipes with her pipe band.
‘As a family we would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the support and kind messages we have received at this difficult time.’
There is more on Facebook and our condolences to Eilidh’s family at this time.
Eilidh and her friend Laura MacIntyre (15) were at a concert in the Manchester Arena when the attack happened. Laura is in hospital in a stable condition but with serious injuries.
The West Highland Free Press reported that the Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, Bishop Brian McGee has travelled to Barra to visit the families of Eilidh and Laura.
He said: ‘This is a time of terrible anguish for the MacLeod and MacIntyre families. Spending time with the relatives of both girls was a reminder of the human cost of acts of terror. Such acts leave families broken, lives scarred and innocence destroyed, my thoughts and prayers are with the families at this traumatic time.’
Parish priest Father John Paul MacKinnon added: ‘Barra is an island of close bonds and deep faith. The ripples of pain spreading out from the terrible events in Manchester on Monday night are amplified here in such a small community. While everyone in the community is affected, it is the families of Eilidh and Laura who are in the greatest pain. The Church joins with the whole community in praying for them and offering them every support.’
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) is ensuring additional support for staff and pupils is available at Castlebay Community School, which Eilidh attended.
Sincere condolences to the famiy & friends of this young lady who was taken away so suddenly through a senseless act. May she rest in peace.
Condolences to all of you in Barra, so sad that this bright young life had to be taken by such a senseless act. may this poor soul rest in peace. From Canada.
So sad such a beautiful young girl also a musician!
Gone but you will never be forgotten when ever a piper plays you will be rememberd sleep tight piper.x♥️
So sad at your loss, words cannot express the outrage felt by us all. Condolences from all at Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band.
So so sad taken far to soon my heart breaks for your family at this sad time heaven has gains a Beautiful angel
So sad! Condolences from everyone here in the pipe band community in Ireland
Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad and difficult time may you rest in peace Angel
God bless sweetheart, taken too soon. My heart breaks for you, your family, and all the other souls who lost their lives on this tragic of nights.
No parent should have to suffer this anguish,i have no words to express how I feel for you all,take strength from each other and love and be kind to you selves, you have suffered such heartbreak I am a 72 yr old grandmother with teen grandchildren, my heart aches for you losing your beautiful daughter
So very very Sad my family sends your family Our sincere condolences, yet another bright beautiful star looking down on us rip Eilidh
Heaven has gained another beautiful angel my heart goes out to family and friends RIP Eilidh xxx
Thoughts with family friends at this time my heart breaks for yous
A light was turned off, one stars were lit.
my thoughts to you in heaven are sent.
The eye can cry mouth can laugh,
but the pain in the heart, no one can see.
Sincere condolences from all the band members. So much more poignant when it’s a fellow band’s person
God bless sweetheart