THE parents of schoolgirl Eilidh MacLeod say her death in the Manchester bombing is “undoubtedly the most difficult time of our lives” in a moving statement praising her and also the emergency services and those who have reached out to them in the wake of the tragedy.

Her parents Roddy and Marion from the Hebridean island of Barra also handed The National copies of photographs to publish in their daughter’s memory.

The images and memories of her growing up are all the family has left of their “darling Eilidh” after her death at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday.

The National:

Her parents 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 her friends down on the beaches of both Barra and Vatersay. Her love of music was unsurpassed.”

They thanked the emergency services and “all who have supported us through this terrible time, including the people of Manchester, Scotland and well-wishers worldwide.”

There was a special thank you 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.”

The National:

The heartbreaking news of Eilidh’s death came 36 hours after her friend Laura MacIntyre, also from the island and with whom she went to the concert, was found alive. Laura, 15, is still in hospital fighting for her life.

Eilidh’s parents added: “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 and to the survivors in hospitals around Manchester.

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

The National:

The photos show a happy, smiling youngster always full of life right from the moment she was born through to the final images taken with her friend Laura before the concert that they were so excited about.

Eilidh got two tickets for the event for her 14th birthday and invited Laura, who had never been to a con- cert before.

Laura’s parents said: “Our daughter Laura is a funny and witty young girl who excels at everything she does. She and Eilidh were so looking forward to the concert but that night has now ended in tragedy.

“Eilidh has lost her life and Laura is in a critical condition. Our hearts and minds have been with Eilidh’s family since we heard their news.”

Barra MP and friend of Eilidh’s family Angus MacNeil said she will be remembered for her talent, flair and dedication to mastering the bagpipes.

Pipe band-mates of the 14-year-old schoolgirl shared their own memories of the musician who filled her hometown with music from the age of nine. Over five years she played with various groups, including the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band, who competed two months ago at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.

Robert Gillies, head of music at Sgoil Lionacleit, said on the band Facebook page: “Eilidh was a kind, gentle, talented, fun and loving person who we are privileged to have known. As a pipe band and as a school we are united in our pain and grief and although we can’t begin to imagine what her family are going through right now, our thoughts and our prayers are with them.”

Band-mate Roddy Thomson, 18, said: “Eilidh had been playing with us for several years. Still can’t quite believe the news. One of the most cheery and genuinely friendly people both in the band and in life that I have ever known. Thoughts with her family and friends at this time. We were lucky to have her.”

Other members of the piping community also remembered the Castlebay Community School pupil, as the people of Barra rallied to help raise over £40,000 for the families of both Eilidh and Laura.