Two weeks ago today we lost our darling daughter and sister, Eilidh MacLeod, in one of the cruellest ways possible.
Eilidh was loved and cared about by so many and we have been overwhelmed by the love, kindness, offers of assistance and support given by family, friends and strangers alike.
We would like to thank the authorities in Manchester, Greater Manchester Police, Police Scotland and all who have been so helpful and treated Eilidh with great dignity and respect during the last fortnight.
As a family, we are pleased however to finally have Eilidh home with us and would like to thank everyone, in particular Loganair, Caledonian MacBrayne, Co-operative Funeral Care and our Island community who have looked after us so well and helped us bring our darling girl back to Barra.
We continue to pray for Eilidh’s friend Laura MacIntyre, who is still in hospital in Manchester, that she makes a full recovery and is soon able to return home.
Most of Eilidh’s happiest times were spent in the Western Isles, particularly Barra and Vatersay, with her friends and family so we are pleased to have her back home among those she loved so much. Eilidh was brought up on the island of Vatersay, moving to Barra just two years ago, so it is only fitting that she is laid to rest in the village she grew up in.
Today, as we take Eilidh on her final journey, our one hope is that her funeral is a real celebration of her life and the wonderful person she was. Eilidh loved life and made the most of her 14 years. She loved her music, hanging out with her friends, reading and was never far from her iphone.
A typical teenager, Eilidh took great pride in her appearance. She loved her make-up and her shopping trips to the mainland.
Eilidh’s infectious personality touched everyone she met and it has been a privilege and an honour to have her as our daughter. We will always remember her as a truly beautiful girl inside and out, eternally young, loved by all and forever in our hearts.”
