THE spirit of a teenage bagpiper killed in the Manchester Arena bomb attack has been captured forever in a musical legacy.
Eilidh MacLeod, 14, from Barra in Scotland, was one of the 22 victims killed by a terrorist bomb following an Ariana Grande concert three years ago today.
A cousin of her dad Roddy, Suzanne White, who lives in Winsford, has created a charity, the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust to help children and young people fulfil their musical dreams.
Young musicians playing bagpipes, piano, fiddle and other instruments have received grants.
Mum-of-two Suzanne, 44, said: "Over the past year, Eilidh’s Trust has supported 19 youth music groups.
"The grants means that young musicians can follow in Eilidh’s musical footsteps and continue the learning journey she had embarked upon.
"Pupils are able to grow and develop their skills, exploit their talents and showcase and entertain their communities.
"We are looking forward to the day when we will see these aspiring musicians in the charts or entertaining on stage."
Eilidh was a member of the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band. A life-sized bronze sculpture featuring a young female bagpiper reaching out a hand to a young boy who is learning to play the instrument will be unveiled next summer near her home on the Outer Hebrides.
Eilidh was a member of the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band and a very talented piper
A special fund has also been created to help musicians during lockdown to ensure music education could continue at a time when regular funding is limited or additional home technology is a barrier to delivering lessons.
“I am very proud of what Eilidh’s Trust has achieved and the number of young musicians we have been able to support in Eilidh’s name," said Suzanne. "It was important that we created a legacy for her through music so that other young musicians can keep her musical journey going.
Team Eilidh, a group of 50 relatives and friends took part in the Great Manchester Run last year and had planned to run again but this year's event was cancelled due to coronavirus
"Any music groups in the local area who are struggling during the pandemic are more than welcome to get in touch and see what we can do to help."
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Trustees of the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust, Victoria Ferguson, Iagham MacNeil and Suzanne White want to hear from any local music groups who need support
Many fundraising events have had to be put on hold until later in the year but the charity has helped Eilidh's family.
"The trust has brought us all together and given us something positive to focus on," said Suzanne.
"We want to take something very tragic and horrific and turn it into something positive."
To support the trust visit http://eilidhstrust.org.uk/
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