Manchester attack: Family of Eilidh MacLeod confirm her death

The parents of Manchester bombing victim of Eilidh MacLeod, 14, have said in a statement: 'Words cannot express how we feel at losing our darling Eilidh.'
Eilidh MacLeod, 14, from Barra. Picture: SWNSEilidh MacLeod, 14, from Barra. Picture: SWNS
Eilidh MacLeod, 14, from Barra. Picture: SWNS

Eilidh, 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 being treated in a Manchester hospital.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

Manchester terror attack victim, Olivia Campbell, 15,Manchester terror attack victim, Olivia Campbell, 15,
Manchester terror attack victim, Olivia Campbell, 15,

On Thursday, Eilidh’s parents issued a statement via the police.

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“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.”

Manchester terror attack victims Saffie Roussos (left) and Georgina Callander.Manchester terror attack victims Saffie Roussos (left) and Georgina Callander.
Manchester terror attack victims Saffie Roussos (left) and Georgina Callander.

Island community “numb”

Earlier, families in the Outer Hebrides island had made desperate appeals when the girls 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: “The recent incident in Manchester was a planned and violent act targeted at young people enjoying a social event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our school and island community are in shock, feeling numb and struggling to come to terms with it.

Manchester terror attack victim, Olivia Campbell, 15,Manchester terror attack victim, Olivia Campbell, 15,
Manchester terror attack victim, Olivia Campbell, 15,

“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.

“I have worked with my colleagues in the authority and other agencies to ensure that all necessary support is available to staff and pupils.”

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

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “This is a time of terrible anguish for the MacLeod and MacIntyre families.

Manchester terror attack victims Saffie Roussos (left) and Georgina Callander.Manchester terror attack victims Saffie Roussos (left) and Georgina Callander.
Manchester terror attack victims Saffie Roussos (left) and Georgina Callander.

“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.”

“Heartbreaking news”

On hearing the news of Eilidh’s death First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “This is heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Eilidh’s mum and dad, and all of her family and friends.”