The design for the permanent memorial to Barra’s Eilidh MacLeod, who died in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, has been unveiled by the trust set up in her memory.
The striking sculpture will feature a young female bagpiper with her pipes at rest. The young woman is reaching out her hand to a young boy who is also learning to play the instrument.
The design has been created by Sussex-
Eilidh loved to play her pipes at community events in Barra and Vatersay. She was also immensely proud to be a member of the Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band which includes children from throughout the Uists and Barra.
The bronze, life size sculpture is to be located in a newly created memorial garden on Barra which overlooks Vatersay where Eilidh grew up.
Now that the design has been agreed, Jenna is busy casting her work with the aim of it being established on the island in 2020.
The sculpture is not based on any individual but is a collection of personal attributes held by many. It is a visual representation of the love unity, resilience and diversity of the island community. The memorial has added significance in that it is thought to be the first permanent sculpture portraying a female piper.
Funding for the sculpture was donated from the Ardonagh Community Trust (ACT) – the charitable foundation of The Ardonagh Group, of which Eilidh’s Aunt, Margaret MacNeil was an employee.
Eilidh’s father, Roddy MacLeod, said: “As a family losing Eilidh in such a cruel way was truly horrific.
“We could never adequately thank all the individuals, the communities and Eilidh’s friends who gave us so much love and support in our time of need and indeed continue to do so, especially when they were hurting too.
“Forming Eilidh’s trust and working together with Jenna along with family and friends on Barra has been an uplifting and positive experience for us all.
“We are incredibly grateful to both ACT and Jenna for their commitment and passion in supporting Eilidh’s legacy and the resilient community in which she was raised.”
Suzanne White of the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust said: “Our intention for the sculpture of a young female piper is to ensure that Eilidh’s life and her legacy are celebrated appropriately. The design has really captured her spirit and created a striking memorial to a very special young girl.
“It is a beautiful design which honours the community values of unity, love, support and a willingness to help others whilst at the same time capturing Eilidh’s passion for music. “
Suzanne added: “Our intention is that the memorial will provide the communities of Barra and Vatersay and those from further afield with a place of quiet reflection and inspiration.”
Artist, Jenna Gearing commented: “I feel so incredibly privileged to be part of such an important journey; the events at the Manchester bombings were an incomprehensible tragedy but the strength, unity and resilience shown by all the families and communities have been astounding.
“This sculpture represents a deeper meaning than its physical presence. It is one that portrays the immense unity and understanding between a community of different generations, cultures and backgrounds.
“I endeavour to do Eilidh’s family justice and my hope is that the sculpture created will provide a place for reflection and to serve an endless reminder of the wonderful girl that remains so fondly in our hearts.”
David Ross, trustee of ACT said: “When Margaret shared the tragic news of Eilidh with us back in May 2017, the devastation spread through our company, stopping us in our tracks.
“Eilidh’s passing was the catalyst for the creation of our charity and honouring her memory through this memorial was the first official act of the Ardonagh Community Trust.
“Since its creation, we have supported hundreds of incredibly worthy causes and every one of these initiatives has championed the spirit of Eilidh; her legacy being the driving force behind our ambition to support communities such as Barra.
“The sculpture Jenna has created is everything we were hoping for and more. The people of Ardonagh feel proud to have played a part in helping the family to commemorate Eilidh and of the creation of a special space where loved ones and friends can come together to remember the joy she brought to so many lives.”
Twenty two people lost their lives in the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert.
Eilidh and her friend Laura Macintyre -
Laura survived but was seriously injured.
Sculpture design unveiled for Eilidh MacLeod memorial
12 April 2019
Photo: MacLeod family
Eilidh MacLeod was a keen piper
Jenna Gearing/ACT/Eilidh's Trust
The design depicts a young female bagpiper
The life sized sculpture will be made out of bronze
Jenna Gearing/ACT/Eilidh's Trust