NICOLA Sturgeon has paid tribute to Eilidh MacLeod, the 14-year-old from the Isle of Barra who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
Four years on from the attack, the First Minister shared a tribute by Eilidh's Trust – a charity set up in the teenager’s memory – alongside a broken heart and a bee.
💔 🐝 #Manchester https://t.co/raCnBsWNGY
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 22, 2021
The Manchester working bee is a symbol of city's resilience and spirit in the wake of the attack.
Eilidh's friends and family have honoured her “infectious laugh” and “gentle outlook on life”.
She was a talented piper from the Isle of Barra who was one of 22 killed by Salaman Abedi, in a targetted attack on Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert.
In a statement posted online, the Trust said: “Today, we stop to pause and reflect on the huge gap that has been left in our lives since Eilidh was so cruelly taken from us along with 21 others four years ago.
“The fun, energy and compassion that was ever-present with Eilidh is missing in our lives and we are the poorer for it.
“This is especially true over this last year when we would’ve benefited so much from a healthy dose of Eilidh’s laugh, kindness and humour.”
Suzanne White, the trust’s founder, added: “It is a testament to the positive effect Eilidh had on so many that, even during a tough year of lockdown and restrictions, people have continued to fundraise and support our work with young musicians.
“We are incredibly grateful that despite everything, many have been as determined as we are to make sure Eilidh’s legacy lives on in music.”
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