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Posted on 17.04.19

Eilidh Macleod Memorial Trust

The 22nd of May 2017 saw the heart-breaking events of the Manchester bombing, which took place at the end of an Arianna Grande concert. Among those who passed was 14-year-old Eilidh Macleod of Barra, Outer Hebrides. 

In light of the Manchester Bombing the family of Eilidh Macleod have begun a charity in her name, Eilidh’s Trust.

Eilidh was a “typical 14-year-old girl with a passion and talent for music”, this is successfully and beautifully reflected in the Trusts mission.

Eilidh was generally shy but her love for the bagpipes allowed her to channel her confidence allowing her to perform in front of hundreds of people, an opportunity given to her through her participation with the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipeband, Benbecula!

Despite being based on a different island Eilidh regularly made the commute to participate in the band. The band allowed Eilidh to share her passion for traditional music all while making memories and friends, ones which will forever treasure her memory. The band brought about countless opportunities for all the players and Eilidh will always be remembered for her commitment and enthusiasm within the band.

The tragic events that took place that night have encouraged Eilidh’s Trust to generate a positive community in the memory of Eilidh.

The Trust will allow for the erection and maintenance of a memorial for Eilidh which will be situated on the Isle of Barra, near to friends and family. The Trust will also provide support and encouragement to children with a passion and talent for music, similar to that of Eilidh. The Trust will initially, but not exclusively, focus on rural areas helping children to explore their talents through advanced learning and performance opportunities sharing the love and passion Eilidh had for music with others.

This year marks the first fundraising event arranged under the banner Eilidhs Trust, after only being established at the end of last year this signifies the Trust coming into being. 

During the month of May people will participate in the Manchester and Edinburgh 5/10k and half marathon on behalf of Eilidh’s Trust, all fundraising will be awarded to the Trust to help provide the resources they need to support their mission. The two events fall on either side of the Manchester Bombing Anniversary. The trust is hoping this event will be the first of many as there is plenty in the pipeline for all ages and abilities to partake in to remember Eilidh and help promote her love for music through the generous mission of the Trust.

We wish Eilidh’s Trust all the best!

 Donations can be made via the Eilidh’s Trust website:

https://eilidhstrust.org.uk