Winnie Ewing, first female SNP MP, dies at 93

Winnie Ewing, who died at the age of 93, at the unveiling of her portrait at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh in 2009. Photo: David Cheskin/PA

Winnie Ewing was named «the most influential Scottish nationalist of the 20th century» after her death at the age of 93.

Known as Madame Ecos, she became the SNP's first female MP after winning a shocking victory in the Hamilton by-election in 1967, declaring: «Stop the world, Scotland wants to succeed.»

A statement released on behalf of her family reads: «Ms. the most important Scottish politician of her generation, was an MP, MEP and MP, and was the first President of the newly convened Scottish Parliament in 1999.» p>

“She sparked a resurgence in SNP fortune that continues to this day with her victory in the Hamilton by-election in 1967. Mrs. Ewing died Wednesday at the age of 93 surrounded by her family.

“She is survived by her children Fergus, Annabelle and Terry, and grandchildren Natasha, Ciara, Jamie and Sophie. She also had a deep affection for her daughters-in-law, Fiona and Jacqui. She was the loving and devoted wife of Stuart Martin Ewing, who died in 2003 at the age of 76.

“It would be appreciated if the family were given privacy at this time.”

Winnie Ewing, MSP Bruce Crawford and Party member Wilma Murray cut a birthday cake at the University of Stirling to mark the 75th anniversary of the formation of the SNP. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA

Alex Salmond, former SNP leader and former First Minister, said she was the most powerful figure in the 20th century. nationalist.

He said: «Her triumph in the Hamilton by-election in 1967 defined modern Scottish nationalism and ushered in a period of uninterrupted parliamentary representation that lasted for more than half a century.»

«This dramatic breakthrough was encapsulated in her own phrase «stop the world, Scotland wants to move on», and with the support of her family, she continued to dazzle the Scottish political scene.

«Many politicians adapt to the climate. Few make political weather. Winnie Ewing was one of them.»

He said she gave Scottish nationalism «stardom, voter confidence and an internationalist outlook.»

Mr Salmond recalled how the young politician observed her «legendary» ability to campaign voters, saying she could «light up the dreichest high streets and give energy and momentum to any campaign.»

He said he «never forgot the lessons she taught me» and concluded that «above all she was a Scottish patriot ”.

Winnie Ewing is the most influential Scottish nationalist of the 20th century. pic.twitter.com/Yevbqtk3CT

— Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond), June 22, 2023

Nicola Sturgeon tweeted:

2/Today Scotland lost one of its great patriots and defenders , @SNP and the independence movement lost a beloved icon, and @FergusEwingSNP, @aewing4Cbeath and Terry lost their mom. My condolences to them and the whole family. Thank you #madameecosse 💛

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 22, 2023