On Tuesday morning the world woke up to the horrifying news of the suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena on Monday night, where thousands of young people had just enjoyed a pop concert by Ariana Grande. The disbelief that reverberated around the country that anyone could carry out such a cold, calculated, evil act against sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and friends was palpable.
The horror was felt even closer to home with the news that two young friends from Barra have been caught up in the attack. At the time of going to press, Laura Mac- Intyre was seriously injured and being treated in hospital.
Her friend, Eilidh MacLeod, remains unaccounted for. There was some good news when two Fort William sisters who attended the concert and were caught up in the chaos were found safe and unharmed.