Music award in memory of Manchester Arena victim Eilidh MacLeod

A new music award for young pipers and drummers has been set up in memory of a Scottish schoolgirl who died in the Manchester Arena bombing.

The Eilidh MacLeod Access Fund will be run by the National Piping Centre and offer £2,000 a year to young musicians.

Bagpiper Eilidh, from the Isle of Barra, was 14 when she was killed in the 2017 terror attack after an Ariana Grande concert.

Eilidh’s Trust was established in 2018 and has since awarded more than £100,000 in music grants in Scotland.

Eilidh was a member of the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and travelled the country taking part in competitions.

The new fund is open to applications from pipers and drummers under the age of 25.

Iagan MacNeil, from the trust, said: “We are committed to making music learning as accessible as possible for all.

“We understand that financial barriers are often a reason for young people to either not embark on their journey or dropping out.

“Learning an instrument can be such an enriching experience that offers more than music.”

Eilidh, who attended Castlebay Community School in Barra, was among the 22 people killed in the bombing in May 2017.

She and friend Laura MacIntyre were at the Ariana Grande concert with thousands of fans of the US pop star. Laura survived but was badly injured.