Candlelit vigil on Bute for 'island angel' Alesha
- Published
Local people on the Isle of Bute have held a candlelit vigil for Alesha MacPhail.
The six-year-old was staying with her father and grandparents in Ardbeg when she was reported missing last Monday morning.
Less than three hours later her body was discovered in woods nearby.
Locals met in Rothesay's Guildford Square at 20:00 to light candles to remember the schoolgirl who teachers described as "smiley and happy".
A 16-year-old boy appeared in court in Greenock on Friday charged with the rape and murder of the six-year-old.
He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.
The head teacher at the primary school Alesha attended in Airdrie described her as a "happy, smiley" girl
Islander Rachel Perry was among those attending the vigil. She told BBC Scotland: "This island comes together when tragedy strikes and we are all here for her family."
The hashtag #lightforalesha has been set up for those who could not be there to post pictures online of candles they have lit in Alesha's memory.
A fundraising page has also been set up to raise money for the family of the six-year-old.