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.