SCOTLAND’S political leaders sent messages of condolence to the family and friends of Barra schoolgirl Eilidh MacLeod at a sombre session of First Minister’s Questions.
Eilidh, 14, died as a result of the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester on Monday. Her friend, Laura MacIntyre, 15, also from the island, is in hospital being treated for serious injuries.
Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government was working with the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar council in supporting the island community and pupils at Castlebay Community School, which the girls attended.
The First Minister said: “I know we will all want to send our love and thoughts to Eilidh’s mum and dad, and all of her family and friends, at this dreadful time for them.
“Our thoughts are also with Eilidh’s friend Laura MacIntyre, who remains in hospital.”
Other party leaders paid their respects, with Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson saying: “The thoughts and prayers of these benches are with the families of those who lost loved ones on Monday, particularly today with the family of Eilidh MacLeod, her friends and the whole Barra community.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale added: “A death like this shatters most communities but it hits particularly hard in an island community like Barra.”
Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie offered condolences to Eilidh’s family and friends, and “sincere hopes for the recovery of all those injured”, including Laura.
Earlier, the party leaders gathered to observe a minute’s silence in memory of those killed and injured.
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