SNP trailblazer Winnie Ewing dies aged 92
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innie Ewing, who was the SNP’s first feminine parliamentarian, has died aged 92, her household have introduced.
Known as Madame Ecosse, Winifred Margaret “Winnie” Ewing is probably finest recognized for marking her shock victory within the Hamilton by-election in 1967 with the declaration: “Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on.”
An announcement issued on behalf of her household stated: “Mrs Ewing, generally considered the most important Scottish politician of her generation, served as an MP, MEP and MSP, and was the first presiding officer of the reconvened Scottish Parliament in 1999.
“She sparked the revival of the SNP’s fortunes, which continue to this day, with her victory in the Hamilton by-election of 1967.
“Mrs Ewing died on Wednesday aged 92, surrounded by her family.
“She is survived by children Fergus, Annabelle and Terry, and grandchildren Natasha, Ciara, Jamie, and Sophie. She also had a deep affection for daughters-in-law Fiona and Jacqui.
“She was a loving and devoted wife to Stewart Martin Ewing, who died in 2003 aged 76.
“It would be appreciated if the family could be accorded privacy at this time.”
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon led tributes to the “beloved icon”.
She wrote on Twitter: “Heartbroken by this news. I can’t begin to convey the depth of gratitude I feel for the advice, wisdom, encouragement and inspiration Winnie gave me and so many others over the years.
“Today Scotland has lost one of her foremost patriots and champions, (the SNP) and the independence movement have lost a beloved icon.”
Ms Sturgeon’s predecessor Alex Salmond additionally paid tribute to “a courageous and loyal colleague”, including he won’t neglect the teachings he discovered from Mrs Ewing’s strategy to politics.
He stated Mrs Ewing continued to “dazzle” Scottish politics for greater than half a century, including: “Many politicians adapt to the climate. Few make the political weather. Winnie Ewing was one of those.
“Her canvassing approach was legendary, and single-handed she could light up the dreichest of high streets and inject energy and momentum into any campaign.
“As a young politician, I witnessed this extraordinary ability first-hand and never forgot the lessons she taught me.
“Above all she was a Scottish patriot, indomitable in her approach and a courageous and loyal colleague.
“May God rest her brave soul and extend comfort and consolation to Fergus, Annabelle, Terry and all of the family.”
Her youngsters Fergus and Annabelle are SNP MSPs, with Mr Ewing beforehand describing his mom as “superhuman”.
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 within the 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, nonetheless she remained an ardent supporter of the independence trigger.