First Minister Humza Yousaf leads tributes to Winnie Ewing as 'a pioneer and a patriot'
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First Minister Humza Yousaf leads tributes to Winnie Ewing as 'a pioneer and a patriot' saying he is 'heartbroken at this loss' while offering his condolences to Winnie’s family.
The death of Ms Ewing at the age of 93 was announced earlier today.
She is considered not just an independence icon but also as a stalwart representative of the north having served in Westminster, Holyrood and the European Parliament for the region.
My Yousaf said: “No words can truly capture the unique and unparalleled contribution that Winnie made to Scotland and Scottish politics. Her work over many decades – including in the UK, European and Scottish Parliaments – shaped the modern nation we have today.
“Without Winnie – without her breakthrough by-election victory in Hamilton in 1967, her dedication to the cause of Scottish independence, and her promotion of Scotland’s interests in Europe over many years – the SNP would never have achieved the success we have, and self-government for Scotland would never have become the priority it did.
“Winnie was a pioneer and a patriot, and there were so many aspects to her life and work that I hope will get the recognition they deserve in the days to come.
“Not just the SNP and independence supporters, but people across Scotland will mourn Winnie’s death. The nation will feel her loss, which will of course be felt most keenly by her family and many friends all around the world.
“From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you, Madame Écosse, for your service to our party, our movement and our country.”
There were also tributes from across the political divide from Moray MP and Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “Winnie Ewing’s passing is extremely sad news and my thoughts are with her children Fergus, Annabelle and Terry at this time as well as the rest of her family and friends.
“While she was a titan of the SNP party and the wider independence movement, she rightly enjoyed cross-party respect.
“She was a real trailblazer and served her constituents and the country so well in three separate Parliaments as a MP, MSP and MEP.
"Indeed, I am proud that she was one of my predecessors as the MP for the constituency I now represent.
"Winnie was still spoken of so fondly in the local area as the former MP for Moray and Nairn.
“I remember writing about Winnie in a competition as a pupil at Forres Academy to attend the official opening of the Scottish Parliament.
"She inspired so many generations with her immense contribution to Scottish politics.
“Winnie Ewing made a lasting impact on our country and our politics and her efforts locally and nationally will be fondly remembered by so many at this difficult time.”
Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael wrote online: "Winnie Ewing was well known across the Highlands and Islands.
"She had a drive and determination and a sense of fun which meant that even those who disagreed with her still held her in respect and affection.
"I send my deep sympathies to Annabelle, Fergus and the whole family."
Highland MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston (Scottish Conservative) recognised her 'huge impact', saying: “I am sorry to learn of Winnie Ewing’s passing.
"I remember first meeting Winnie when she was a candidate for Orkney and Shetland at the 1983 General Election and even then, as a child, being rather starstruck by someone who was such a big political figure.
“While we may have been of different parties, I very much recognise the huge impact she made in Scottish politics, and the contribution she made to political life in the Highlands and Islands region over many decades.
"My thoughts are with Fergus, Annabelle and all of Winnie’s family and friends at what will be a difficult time”.
