A tractor enthusiast is putting his skills to the test to help raise money in memory of Eilidh MacLeod.
The 14-year-old from the Isle of Barra was one of 22 people killed in May 2017 in the Manchester Arena bombings.
To mark the third anniversary of her death, Mark Ferguson from Cheshire is preparing to spruce-up his V8 Fordson Super Major tractor to help raise funds for the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.
The tractor will be painted in the trust’s purple colours and branded with the charity’s logo, website and social media details, as well as the iconic Manchester Bee.
An individual bee will be painted for each of the 22 victims.
Mark, who was related to Eilidh through his wife, said: “Tractors have been a passion of mine for a long time and I’ve dabbled in buying and doing-up several over the years.
“I recently bought this Fordson and thought it would be a great idea to revamp it in purple livery and charity branding to act as a very visible way of promoting Eilidh’s Trust, raising awareness and funding for youth music education.”
Once complete, the tractor will be exhibited at shows, events and county fairs all over the UK.
A purple tractor crowdfunder has also been launched on Just Giving to help cover the costs of the elaborate makeover.
The trust was established in 2018 by Eilidh’s devastated family in support of music education for young people, reflecting Eilidh’s own musical ability and enjoyment as a piper with Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band.