I cannot imagine what it feels like to be on Barra these days with the death of one and hospitalisation of another young girl after the Manchester bombings. The proportion of the community there that have been affected by this tragedy is startling. I watched Eilidh's coffin coming off the little plane and placed into the hearse on the Traigh Mhor and it was really sad to see.
Decades ago the women of Barra used to wail as the remains of one who died off the island came home to their final rest. That habit may have dropped by the wayside now, but I am sure the people who will line the road from Castlebay to Vatersay will respectfully see this young woman who had a lifetime stretching out before her on her last journey.
My pagan ancestors believed that on death the good went to Tir nan Og, the land of youth. How apt that title is now!
All I can wish for is she has a calm sea and a full sail as her final journey takes place.