An island community gathered for a vigil last night to support the families of two north schoolgirls caught up in the Manchester terror attack.
Eilidh MacLeod got tickets to see US singer Ariana Grande for her birthday, and travelled down to the show with friend Laura MacIntyre.
But the night ended in tragedy, with 15-year-old Laura seriously hurt in the bomb blast and no news yet of Eilidh.
Hopes were fading for the 14-year-old, and family and friends are now preparing for the worst.
But last night, the shattered Barra community rallied together to support the girls and their loved ones, with a poignant vigil at Our Lady Star of the Sea church in Castlebay.
Last night the Rev Dr Lindsay Schluter, minister for Church of Scotland Barra and South Uist congregations, said: “This is a service of prayer for both families affected and the wider community – Barra and beyond.
“Individually people have prayed for the families and all affected, the need for people to come together to do this in support of each other is evident especially as we are still awaiting further news of both Laura and Eilidh.”
An online fundraising appeal launched to help the families last night was nearing £20,000 within hours of being launched.
Meanwhile, Laura was yesterday still being treated in hospital although it is understood her burns are “not as bad as they first feared”.
Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil, whose daughter is close friends with Laura, said she and Eilidh were “sleepover buddies”.
He added the younger girl even referred to Laura’s grandmother as “granny”.
Yesterday, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins confirmed the immediate families of all 22 victims had been notified, as had those of the 59 people being treated in hospitals across the city.
Father John Paul MacKinnon, Barra’s parish priest, said a “dark cloud” had come down on the island.
He said: “Two young girls who I have seen grow up on the island have gone off to enjoy a concert, something they have wanted to go and see.
“People from the islands don’t get these opportunities much.
“We are a remote part of the world and these two girls have looked forward to going away, having a lovely concert, and to come back with wonderful memories.
“Now the memories are so sad for the family, for the community, for me as a priest on the island. It is all upsetting.”
Father MacKinnon was joined by Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, Brian McGee, in visiting relatives of both girls on Tuesday night, and said Mass for them yesterday morning before visiting Castlebay Community School to speak to staff and pupils.
Bishop McGee said: “This is a time of terrible anguish for the MacLeod and MacIntyre families. Spending time with the relatives of both girls was a reminder of the human cost of acts of terror.
“Such acts leave families broken, lives scarred and innocence destroyed, my thoughts and prayers are with the families at this traumatic time.”
School head teacher Annag Maclean said staff and pupils were “in shock, feeling numb and struggling to come to terms” with a “violent attack targeted at young people”.
She said all their thoughts were with Laura and Eilidh and their families, adding: “I have worked with my colleagues in the authority and other agencies to ensure that all necessary support is available to staff and pupils.”
Western Isles Council said it is ensuring additional support to staff and pupils there, and said they are in discussions with the SQA regarding the exceptional circumstances for pupils sitting exams in the coming week.
A spokeswoman said: “We are continuing to closely monitor events. We are mindful of the impact on pupils and staff at the school and are providing all necessary support.”
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said: “The families are a well-regarded and well thought of family on the island.
“This is a very difficult situation for the families concerned. There is a huge resolve of good will and sympathy for them, not just in the Western Isles but throughout Scotland.
“I am sure the community will be doing everything they possibly can to help.”
Castlebay and Vatersay Community Council chairman Michael Galbraith said: “It’s a small place. Every island will be feeling it, not just Barra. I think it’s a tragedy really and feel very sorry for the parents.”