Eilidh’s Trust cyclists pedalling 500 miles in support of young musicians for charity set up for young Highland girl Eilidh MacLeod who was killed in the Manchester Arena terror bombing
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Six cyclists are taking on the iconic North Coast 500 route in support of a charity set up in memory of a Highlands and Islands girl killed in the Manchester Arena terror bombing.
The group, from across Scotland and England, left Inverness yesterday (September 11) and will spend seven days cycling the 500-mile Highland circuit to raise money for the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.
The trust was set up in 2018 in memory of Eilidh, a young piper from the Isle of Barra who died in the 2017 attack along with 21 others.
In recognition of the 14-year-old’s ability as a musician and love of music, the charity supports young musicians across Scotland, with over £10,000 raised so far.
As part of the cycle challenge, the riders will distribute £500 grants to several youth music groups along the route to support teaching and help create musical opportunities.
The first grant issued was to the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band with band members joining the cyclists to pipe them off on the challenge on Sunday morning from the city's Torvean Caravan Park.
Donations can be made to the Eilidh’s Trust North Coast 500 challenge via the group’s JustGiving page.
In recent months, the six cyclists have been training and preparing for the mammoth task in their home towns and cities.
They include: Andy White from Cheshire, Jane Nicolson from the Isle of Lewis, Paul Hughes from Edinburgh, Malcolm Thomson who is originally from Lanark, Steve Crosbie from Largs and Iagan MacNeil from Edinburgh and the Isle of Barra.
The cyclists are supported by Nicky and Scotty Young from Fife who will provide all the team’s roadside and campsite services.
The 500 mile ride, which will start and finish in Inverness, was the brainchild of keen cyclist Andy White, who was a relation of Eilidh.
Mr White said: ““We're excited to be heading off on this seven-day challenge and it's made all the easier by knowing we have raised over £10,000 for youth music groups before our wheels start turning.
“Everyone has been incredibly generous in their support that will see Eilidh's legacy flourish through other budding musicians.
"The North Coast 500 is iconic and a route that we've all been looking forward to experiencing as we take in some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.
“This will be the motivation we need as we average 70 hilly miles a day in the saddle and raise even more money in Eilidh's name over the coming days."
Eilidh’s Trust trustee and fellow rider Iagan MacNeil added: “We are thrilled at the level of support that has been shown to us so far.
“It has been beyond our expectations but demonstrates the legacy Eilidh has created that ensures young musicians can benefit from the same opportunities open to her through her love of piping.
“Eilidh's hand of friendship will continue to reach out this week as we award funding to several youth music groups along the North Coast 500 route, making sure young talent continues to thrive and develop across the Highlands.
“These groups will add to the 40-plus groups we have been able to support so far across Scotland.”
Several businesses have stepped up to support the cause, including North 500 Motorhomes from Inverness.
The youth music groups being supported on the North Coast 500 cycle challenge are:
City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band
Caithness Music
Feis air an Oir, north Highland coast
Strathfleet Buttons and Bows
Gizzen Briggs traditional youth music band, Tain
More information can be four here at www.eilidhstrust.org.uk or by searching for @EilidhsTrust on social media.
