Eilidh’s parents speak of their love for 14 year old daughter after confirmation of Manchester loss
EILIDH MACLEOD, a Scottish girl who travelled to Manchester to see pop star Ariana Grande, was confirmed this morning (Thursday 25 May) to have been killed in the attack on the concert.
Her parents paid tribute to her as a “vivacious” young woman who loved music as they spoke of their devastation at the loss of their daughter.
Eilidh, aged 14 and another Barra girl Laura MacIntyre, aged 15 were both declared missing by parents and authorities following an apparent suicide bomb attack on the Manchester Arena on Monday (22 May) this week. MacIntyre is reported to be in a “serious condition” in a Manchester hospital after being one of more than 100 who were injured in the arena’s foyer.
The confirmation of her death was met by a wave of condolences and words of support from politicians, clergy, emergency authorities and the public across Scotland.
In a statement released this morning, Eilidh’s 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.”
“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.”
Eilidh and MacIntyre had travelled to Manchester from Castlebay on the Isle of Barra to attend the concert as a treat for Eilidh’s birthday.
As Grande was on her final song the girls sent a text message to Eilidh’s mum Marion, who had accompanied them to Manchester, asking her to pick them up. It was the last time she heard from her daughter.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Eilidh and Laura, their family and friends as they struggle to cope.” Annag Maclean
Eilidh was the 18th victim to be publicly identified and along with Saffie Roussos, aged eight was one of the youngest victims of the attack.
Greater Manchester Police said on Wednesday they had identified all 22 killed in the attack and contacted their families, who were being supported by specially trained officers.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Police Scotland were supporting the families of the two Isle of Barra teens in every way they could.
Security services are engaged in operations to close in on Manchester-born bomber Salman Abedi’s “network” amid fears of further attacks.
Annag Maclean, head teacher of Castlebay High School where the two girls both went to school said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Eilidh and Laura, their family and friends as they struggle to cope.
“As head teacher, I am confident that our school and our community will continue to support Eilidh and Laura’s families. I have worked with my colleagues in the authority and other agencies to ensure that all necessary support is available to staff and pupils.”
Picture: CommonSpace
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