Manchester attack: Eilidh MacLeod's family pay tribute to beautiful daughter

The parents of 14-year-old Eilidh MacLeod, who died in the Manchester bombing, have paid tribute to their “beautiful, intelligent, popular and talented daughter” and expressed their hope that her friend Laura MacIntyre, who was seriously injured in the blast, will make a full recovery.

Roddy and Marion MacLeod said Eilidh had been a loving sister, without whom their family was at a loss.

“Eilidh loved nothing more than spending time with those she loved, both family and friends alike,” they said in a statement released on Friday night.

“She loved socialising, whether through social media or 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.”

Their daughter and her friend Laura MacIntyre, 15, travelled to Monday night’s concert together from the island of Barra, in the Outer Hebrides. Their families made desperate appeals when the girls failed to get in touch after the explosion at Manchester Arena, which left 22 dead and dozens injured.

Eilidh’s parents said the pair were “so excited” about the trip. “But, what should have been the perfect ending to a fantastic trip, ended so tragically.

Laura was found in hospital with serious injuries while it was confirmed on Thursday that Eilidh was among the dead. The friends were pupils at Castlebay community school where pupils and staff have been left in shock.

The MacLeods said they were thinking of Laura and her family and were praying 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; and to the survivors in hospitals around Manchester,” they said

“Losing Eilidh is undoubtedly the most difficult time of our lives and we ask that the media please respect our privacy during this time.”

Laura’s family described the 15-year-old as “strong-willed and a fighter” and said she was receiving the best care in hospital in Manchester. Both families thanked emergency services for their work and expressed their gratitude for the many messages of support they have had from around the world.

In a police statement on Thursday, the MacIntyre family added: “Our hearts and minds have been with Eilidh’s family since we heard their news.”