Salmond leads tributes to SNP stalwart Winnie Ewing at memorial service
F
ormer first minister Alex Salmond led tributes to the late SNP stalwart Winnie Ewing, declaring her the “true radical spirit of Scotland” at a memorial service in Inverness.
His eulogy, delivered at Inverness Cathedral on Saturday afternoon, honoured the 93-year-old former MP, MEP and MSP, who was affectionately often known as Madame Ecosse.
Mrs Ewing, the occasion’s first feminine parliamentarian, died final month surrounded by kinfolk.
Her youngsters Fergus, Annabelle – present SNP MSPs – and Terry watched on because the service paid tribute to the “beloved icon’s” a long time of political service.
In his eulogy, Mr Salmond recalled Mrs Ewing’s “instinctive and heartfelt” dedication to Scotland.
Mrs Ewing was greatest recognized for declaring “Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on” after her shock victory on the Hamilton by-election in 1967.
Mr Salmond stated: “Could any other politician have won Hamilton? Possibly. Would they have done it as well, using it as the launchpad to change Scottish politics forever and for good? Nae chance. That was Winnie Ewing’s achievement.”
He stated the SNP icon tilted the axis of Scottish politics, placing “Scottish independence on the map”.
And he stated Mrs Ewing ought to be remembered as “the true radical spirit of Scotland”, a phrase as soon as used to explain Scots bard Robert Burns.
The service was carried out by the Most Reverend Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Bishop of the Diocese of Moray, Ross & Caithness, and the Very Reverend Sarah Murray, Provost of Inverness Cathedral.
First Minister Humza Yousaf, Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Highlands MSP Kate Forbes delivered readings on the service, which was attended by lots of in individual and livestreamed.
Gaelic songs have been carried out by Julie Fowlis, accompanied by her husband Eamon Doorley and Ciara, one in every of Mrs Ewing’s granddaughters.
Former Scottish Government cupboard minister Alex Neil additionally delivered a eulogy, which described the impression Mrs Ewing had throughout the political divide as he referred to as her the “most effective performer and campaigner this country has ever seen”.
He stated: “Winnie Ewing did not seek glory, riches or honours. She just devoted her entire life to fighting for freedom and independence for Scotland.”
Another of Mrs Ewing’s granddaughters, Natasha, gave a quick speech.
After Mrs Ewing’s loss of life on June 21, Mr Yousaf led tributes to the “steadfastly European” former MEP, saying she performed a “key role in shaping the perception of Scotland as a true European nation”.
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon stated Mrs Ewing, who was the primary presiding officer of the reconvened Scottish Parliament in 1999, was a “beloved icon”.
Mrs Ewing is survived by her youngsters Fergus, Annabelle and Terry and grandchildren Natasha, Ciara, Jamie and Sophie.
Her kinfolk thanked those that despatched messages of condolence and stated all have been welcome on the service.
A household spokesman stated: “We have heard a myriad of anecdotes of happy experiences of Winnie over her long and successful time as MP, MEP and MSP.
“These have been of great comfort to the family.”
A personal funeral service was held final month.
Mrs Ewing was born in Glasgow in 1929 and gained a legislation diploma from Glasgow University earlier than being elected to the UK Parliament.
Despite dropping the Hamilton seat on the subsequent election in 1970, she was re-elected to Westminster in 1974 for Moray and Nairn and retained her seat within the second election in October of the identical 12 months.
She additionally served within the European Parliament, representing the Highlands and Islands after dropping her Westminster seat in 1979.
She resigned as an MEP in 1999 to face as a candidate for the brand new Scottish Parliament, representing the Highlands and Islands till 2003.
Mrs Ewing was president of the SNP till 2005 when she stood down from elected workplace, although she remained an ardent supporter of the independence trigger.