Tributes have been paid to tragic Scots schoolgirl Eilidh MacLeod on the fourth anniversary of the horror Manchester Arena bombing.
The 13-year-old’s “zest for life” and “infectious laugh” have been remembered by all those who knew and loved the Isle of Barra youngster.
The talented musician sadly lost her life alongside 21 others on May 22, 2017, after evil Salman Abedi targeted revellers at an Ariana Grande concert.
The 22-year-old, who died during the attack, exploded his shrapnel-packed rucksack bomb, sending thousands of nuts and bolts which shredded everything in their path.
Prayer services will be held throughout the day in Manchester to mark the anniversary of the atrocity while church bells will toll at night.
A charity set up in memory of Eilidh that helps support music education for young children has sent their thoughts to all who knew the inspirational teen.
A social media post by Eilidh’s Trust said: “Today, we stop to pause and reflect on the huge gap that has been left in our lives since Eilidh was so cruelly taken from us four years ago.
“The fun, energy and compassion that was ever-present with Eilidh is missing in our lives and we are the poorer for it.
“This is especially true over this last year when we would’ve benefitted so much from a healthy dose of Eilidh’s laugh, kindness and humour.
“But while we are hurting for the loss of Eilidh, nothing will ever take away our memories of her and the times so many of us got to spend in her company.
“It is those beautiful, bright and joyful memories that sustain us during some of the saddest times.
“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.
Today, we keep Eilidh’s parents, sisters, grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins and her wider family and friends front and centre in our thoughts.
“We hope that they take some comfort knowing that so many are thinking of them.”
Suzanne White, on behalf of Eilidh’s Trust, added: “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.”
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