Emotional tribute to Eilidh Macleod

The heartbroken family of Eilidh MacLeod from Castlebay have paid an emotional tribute to their daughter and sister.

Eilidh, 14, the middle child of Roddy and Marion MacLeod, was killed in the terror attack at a pop concert in Manchester.

Treasured photos were released - through a family friend - showing Eilidh as a young child growing up in Vatersay where she was brought up until the family moved to Castlebay about two years ago.

The fourteen year old and her friend Laura MacIntyre - who was seriously injured in the blast - were thrilled at going to their first pop concert and were accompanied by Eilidh’s mother, Marion, on the long trip to the north of England.

Her last contact was when Eilidh texted her mum to come and collect them as Ariana Grande began singing her final song on Monday night.

In a statement the family said: “Eilidh MacLeod was our beautiful, intelligent, popular and talented daughter as well as a loving sister and we are at a loss without her.

"Eilidh loved nothing more than spending time with those she loved, both family and friends alike.

“She loved socialising whether through social media or spending time with them down on the beaches of both Barra and Vatersay.

"Her love of music was unsurpassed and she enjoyed her time playing, travelling and competing in the pipe bands immensely."

They added: "We would like to thank the emergency services who did everything in their power to help following the explosion.

“Sincere thanks also go to all who have supported us through this terrible time including the people of Manchester, Scotland and well-wishers worldwide.

"Specific thanks to all those in our Western Isles communities and, in particular, our home islands of Barra and Vatersay for everything they have done and continue to do for us.

Messages and tributes to our Eilidh by her friends have given us great comfort and we wish to thank you all.

“The offers of help and support have been truly overwhelming and greatly appreciated."

"Eilidh and Laura were so excited about going to the concert together but what should have been the perfect ending to a fantastic trip ended so tragically.

"We continue to have Laura and her family in our thoughts and pray that she makes a full recovery.

“As a family, we would also like to offer our support and condolences to all the other innocent victims who have been needlessly killed in this attack."

Heartbroken family pay emotional tribute to “our beautiful and talented Eilidh”

27 May 2017

Laura MacIntyre (left) and Eilidh Macleod went to the concert together

Photo: MacLeod family

Eilidh grew up in Vatersay

Eilidh was a keen and talented piper Photos: Macleod family