A POWERFUL tribute to Eilidh MacLeod, the 14-year-old from the Isle of Barra who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, has been unveiled.

Dancers from all over the UK have taken part in "A Dance for Eilidh" to support the work of the music education charity Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.

The video features dancers of all ages from Eilidh’s home island of Barra in the Hebrides and Dorset on England’s south coast where the composer, Glenn Ross, is based.

The composition is in three parts. The first captures the freedom of island life reflecting Eilidh’s upbringing on the Isle of Barra before moving to build excitement and trepidation of new adventures and experiences that come with youth. The final section reflects loss and deep sorrow but ends on a note of hope and positivity to encapsulate the mission of Eilidh’s Trust.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to young Scots victim of Manchester Arena attack

Composer Glenn Ross said: “Despite not knowing her, Eilidh’s story resonated so much with me, in particular her love of music and I was eager to do something to pay tribute and support the work of Eilidh’s Trust. 

"’A Dance for Eilidh’ has been two years in the making but it has been a project I have loved and feel I have produced a piece of art that reflects Eilidh’s life and captures the hope the charity aims to create with other young musicians in her memory."

He went on: “The music has more than a hint of Scotland in it, in particular a Hebridean life of golden beaches, flower covered fields, heather clad hills and gentle summer breezes, all of which surrounded Eilidh as she grew up on the Isle of Barra.

"I hope the listeners will be able to close their eyes and visualise themselves walking in the serene surroundings of the Hebrides. I am particularly grateful to all the dancers who volunteered their time to take part in this project and I am delighted with what they have done for us.”

Suzanne White, founder of Eilidh’s Trust added: “We are very grateful to Glenn and all the dancers for this creative piece of music and dance. It is a truly beautiful piece of art that we feel encapsulates what Eilidh’s Trust is all about. ‘A Dance for Eilidh’ will help us continue our valuable work with young musicians in Eilidh’s memory.”

Mairi MacLean from the Isle of Barra, whose dance school took part in the video, said: “We were delighted to be part of ‘A Dance for Eilidh’ and contribute to Glenn’s vision of creating a tribute but also adding to the hope and positivity of Eilidh’s Trust.

"This was very personal to us all at the dance school and we wanted to be involved. Knowing the story of the music made it easy for us to create an interpretation in dance that helps to bring it to life.” 

"A Dance for Eilidh" was written and performed by guitarist Glenn with the piano arrangement by Robin Howes.