A charity established in memory of Manchester Arena victim Eilidh MacLeod – from the Western Isles – is set to benefit from an exclusive sale of Isle of Eriskay tartan.
Ahead of an official launch of the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust, an eight-yard length of the tartan is being auctioned online – along with other items – to support the ambitions of the trust in Eilidh’s memory.
So far only a limited amount of the tartan has been woven, which adds to its appeal.
The tartan was very generously donated to the trust by Co-chomunn Eirisgeidh (Eriskay Community Co-operative) who are the only people allowed to authorise the use of the tartan.
The design by Brian Wilton is based on the Royal Stewart check – a nod to Bonnie Prince Charlie landing on the island from France in the mid-18th century.
The colours capture Eriskay’s landscape, sea and sands. There is also a hint of pink in the check which reflects the sea bindweed plant, thought to have been accidentally introduced to the island when seeds fell from Bonnie Prince Charlie’s handkerchief.
Ayrshire-based McCallum Highland Wear has offered to have the eight yards made into a kilt for the highest bidder along with £250 to spend on kilt accessories.
The online Eilidh’s Trust Charity Auction is currently live and accepting bids.
Among the other items up for grabs are island gins and malt whiskies, signed football tops, luxury hotel stays, a variety of Harris Tweed products and a behind-the-scenes studio tour with breakfast TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.
The auction will close at the Eilidh’s Trust Tartan and Tiaras Ball on September 6, which takes place in Oran Mor in Glasgow’s west end.
Singer and broadcaster Michelle McManus, actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli, Glasgow-Hebridean band Trail West and bagpipe rock band Drums and Roses will join a host of young and upcoming musicians in a showcase of Scottish and Gaelic talent at the event.
Eilidh’s Trust was established in October 2018 in memory of 14-year-old Eilidh, from the Isle of Barra, who died along with 21 others in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017.
The trust aims to support music education for young people reflecting Eilidh’s own musical ability and enjoyment as a piper.
The trust will also manage and maintain a permanent memorial to Eilidh and a garden of remembrance and reflection on Barra.
Suzanne White, founder of the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust, said: “The donation of the exclusive Isle of Eriskay tartan is incredibly generous and we are grateful to the island’s community for their support of the Trust through this gesture.”
