A grief-stricken islands community will gather today to bury the first of the Manchester terror attack victims.
The body of pop-loving 14-year-old Eilidh MacLeod from Barra returned home to the Western Isles yesterday just hours after yet another terrorist attack.
Seven people were killed and almost 50 others injured in the UK’s capital on Saturday night after Islamic extremists mowed down pedestrians on London Bridge before running amok with knives in the districts pubs and restaurants.
But the country has remained defiant in the wake of the latest tragedies as Teresa May announced a stern refusal to allow the violence to derail Thursday’s general election.
And a benefit pop concert, in the name of May 22’s victims, went ahead last night as planned led by singer Ariana Grande.
It was at her Manchester Arena gig a fortnight ago that Eilidh and 21 other innocent concert goers perished at the hands of a psychopath who blew himself up at the climax of the concert.
Eilidh’s 15-year-old friend Laura MacIntyre, a fellow pupil at Castlebay Community School, was among dozens of people seriously injured. She remains in hospital in Manchester.
A small chartered plane carrying Eilidh’s coffin landed at Traigh Mhor beach runway on Barra at 12.45pm yesterday. Her parents Roddy and Marion were on board the aircraft.
On arrival, Fr John Paul MacKinnon performed a blessing over the casket, which was draped in the green and white flag of Barra.
A procession of six firefighters and two other groups of men relayed the coffin, at waist height, 70 yards across the sandy shallow bay to an awaiting hearse.
Piper Duncan Nicholson, son of Eilidh’s piping tutor Donald Patrick Nicholson, led the procession with three slow airs she had been learning.
They were Mull of the Mountain, Sine Bhan and Leaving Ireland.
Donald Patrick, 76, who taught her since she was eight-years-old, said: “She was brilliant, a fantastic girl. It’s devastating. I’ve known her since she was in primary school.
“She was absolutely great, brilliant – a fantastic girl. You couldn’t get better.”
When the coffin was lifted into the hearse, Eilidh’s parents and two sisters walked across the beach to follow in a black car.
Her body was taken to the family home in Castlebay.
A crowd of around 50 people were at the airport to observe the ceremony. They could be seen embracing each other and wiping away tears once the hearse left.
Around two dozen vehicles followed as the family made its way home. Other members of the community lined the road to pay respects as they passed.
Today’s funeral is at 11.15am at the Our Lady, Star of the Sea church in Castlebay.
Scottish Government ministers including Deputy First Minister John Swinney, Humza Yousaf and isles MSP Alasdair Allan are expected to attend.
Speaking yesterday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I know that everyone in Scotland will join me in sending our heartfelt sympathy to Eilidh’s family and friends ahead of what will be the most difficult day imaginable.
“Everything that I’ve heard, seen or read about Eilidh shows that she was a vivacious, fun-loving young woman with a bright future ahead of her, and I know that the community on Barra will pay her a fitting tribute. Her family are in my thoughts.”
Businesses on the island are to shut for the day or a number of hours as a mark of respect and to allow staff to attend the funeral.
A large procession is anticipated to follow the hearse as it carries Eilidh’s body from the church to her birthplace of Vatersay for her burial.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham have sent a message and a wreath.
Barra’s community has been fundraising for the families of both girls.
The family asked that no flowers be sent, instead making a donation to the Cobhair Bharraigh, a daycare and home-support service that was Eilidh’s favourite charity.
Hundreds of people are expected at the funeral, after which refreshments will be offered at Castlebay School which is open to the public.
Eilidh’s great uncle Donald Manford said: “The family continue to be overwhelmed by the support they’ve received.”
Fr MacKinnon said: “It’s been a difficult time but the family and wider community are buoyed by the messages of support they’ve received. It has been overwhelming.”
Ferry firm Caledonian MacBrayne altered its timetable on the Oban-Castlebay route to make it easier for mourners to travel to and from the funeral on the same day.
There will also be additional sailings on the Sound of Barra ferry, the MV Loch Alainn, between Barra and Eriskay for those travelling within the Outer Hebrides.
A spokesman for CalMac said: “There’ll be a lot of people wanting to attend and there’s a shortage of accommodation on Barra.”
Logannair also added an extra flight to the island.
