Bomb Victim, Eilidh, 'Was Full Of Fun' Say Family

25 May 2017, 10:55

Eilidh MacLeod Manchester Attack

The devastated family of a schoolgirl killed in the Manchester Arena bomb attack have paid tribute to the ''vivacious'' teenager who was ''full of fun''.

Eilidh MacLeod, 14, from Barra in the Outer Hebrides, had been missing since the explosion at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

Her friend, Laura MacIntyre, 15, was seriously injured and is still being treated in a Manchester hospital.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Wednesday that all of the victims had been accounted for.

On Thursday, Eilidh's parents issued a statement via the force.

It 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.''

Tributes were also paid by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Barra politician Angus MacNeil, who is a family friend.

Ms Sturgeon said: ''This is heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Eilidh's mum and dad, and all of her family and friends.''

Mr MacNeil tweeted: ''Deeply tragic news announced that Barra's Eilidh MacLeod lost her life in Monday night's bombing.''

The families of both girls had earlier appealed when the teenagers failed to get in touch after the blast which killed 22 people and injured at least 59 others.

Eilidh and Laura were pupils at Castlebay Community School and their headteacher said the incident has left everyone in shock.

Annag Maclean said: ''Our school and island community are in shock, feeling numb and struggling to come to terms with it.

''Our thoughts and prayers are with Eilidh and Laura, their family and friends as they struggle to cope.

''As headteacher, I am confident that our school and our community will continue to support Eilidh and Laura's families.

On Wednesday, Catholic Bishop of Argyll and the Isles Brian McGee travelled to the island to visit the girls' families.

He said: ''Such acts leave families broken, lives scarred and innocence destroyed. My thoughts and prayers are with the families at this traumatic time.''

Church of Scotland minister Rev Dr Lindsay Schluter said no-one on the island had been unaffected by the terror attack.

''People have been numbed by what has happened to the two girls and everybody continues to be very anxious about their welfare,'' the minister for Barra and South Uist said.

The First Minister told MSPs on Wednesday that Police Scotland family liaison officers were providing support to the teenagers' families.

A fundraising page has been set up for the families of the two Barra girls.

The JustGiving site has since passed its £20,000 target.