Tributes to schoolgirl on anniversary of Manchester bombing

Tributes have been paid to a schoolgirl on the fourth anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing.

Eilidh MacLeod was one of 22 people killed in the terrorist attack on May 22, 2017.

The talented piper, who was 14 at the time, had travelled from the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, with a friend to see pop superstar Ariana Grande.

Their dream trip turned to tragedy around 10.30pm when suicide bomber Salman Ramadan Abedi detonated explosives hidden in a backpack.

Four years on from the attack, friends and family say Eilidh will always be remembered for her “infectious laugh” and her “gentle outlook on life”.

A tribute posted by Eilidh’s Trust, a music charity created in memory of the teenager, said: “Today, we pause to 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.

“Memories of Eilidh’s infectious laugh and wit, her kind and gentle outlook on life and her friendly demeanour will always help ease the sadness of her passing.

“These memories are precious for us all.”

Suzanne White added on behalf of the charity: “Nothing will ever extinguish the compassion and warm glow that radiated from Eilidh and that now lives on in everyone who knew her.

“Eilidh’s zest for life and friendship is something we can all learn from to enrich our own lives and help improve the world around us.

“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.”