Fulsome tributes have been paid to “trailblazing” former Hamilton MP Winnie Ewing, who famously won the town’s Westminster by-election in 1967 to become the SNP’s first female MP and begin a storied political career across four decades and three parliaments.
The legendary politician, a linchpin of the Scottish independence movement and described by her family as “the most important Scottish politician of her generation”, died yesterday at the age of 93.
She represented her Lanarkshire constituency at the House of Commons for three years following the sensational Hamilton win; later becoming a member of the European Parliament, SNP president and serving in the first Scottish Parliament – where she led its historic first session in 1999.
Winnie’s extraordinary victory saw her overturn a safe Labour seat – which the SNP had not even contested in the general election of the previous year – by taking more than 18,000 votes and registering a swing to the Nationalists of more than 37 per cent.
She famously greeted supporters outside the count venue at St John’s Grammar School in the town by saying: “Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on”, inspired by an iconic photograph taken during the campaign of her sitting on a globe sculpture at David Livingstone Museum in Blantyre.
Her win hastened consideration of devolution in the following decade and “demanded attention for the cause of Scottish independence from Westminster”; and after representing Scotland with distinction at the European Parliament where she was known as Madame Ecosse, she opened the first assembly of Scotland’s new parliament 24 years ago as its oldest member with the famous words: “The Scottish Parliament, which adjourned on March 25 1707, is hereby reconvened.”
The SNP has been continuously represented at Westminster ever since her 1967 win, with her former seat now part of the Lanark & Hamilton East constituency represented by fellow SNP politician Angela Crawley, who called her “a legend of Scottish politics”.
She said: “Winnie was a trailblazer both for the SNP and for women in politics. Her win in the Hamilton by-election signalled a change in Scotland and the movement for independence.
“Winnie represented her constituents tirelessly and was a dedicated and hardworking MP, MEP and MSP throughout her career; it's an honour to follow in her footsteps as a Hamilton MP and I am truly grateful for everything she has done for our country, our party and the independence movement.”
Christina McKelvie, the SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse, told how she had “a heavy and sad heart” on hearing the news, saying: “Winnie will be described by many as a titan of the independence movement, and I cannot agree with this enough.
“Winnie was the first SNP politician who turned Hamilton SNP yellow in the 1967 by-election, and the first female SNP MP.
“This result propelled the SNP to frontline politics and boosted the independence movement with grace and gusto – this achievement cannot be understated and speaks to the dedication, intellect, wit, and talent that Winnie possessed in abundance.
“When Winnie was elected as an MEP in 1975, she would build a legacy that benefitted generation after generation as one of the architects of the Erasmus scheme.
“She helped to design and implement a scheme which allowed young Scottish students the ability to study across Europe, enriching our nation’s cultural awareness and understanding, helping our nation build international connections, whilst catapulting these young people into their futures with unforgettable life experiences.”
Ms Crawley told how the legendary politician was guest of honour and performed the official opening of her constituency office at Barncluith business centre in 2011, adding that she had “enjoyed Winnie’s continued support” during her 16 years at Holyrood.
The MSP added: “Winnie is a great personal inspiration to me as a politician – her links to Hamilton will remain embedded in our community for eternity, and her talent and support will forever remain with me as I continue to serve the people of Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse.”
Scottish Government cabinet secretary Mairi McAllan, the Clydesdale MSP, said:“Winnie Ewing was a trailblazer and an icon. Her commitment to Scotland, to women in politics, and to Scottish independence cannot be overstated.
“As elected members today in the SNP, we truly stand on the shoulders of giants such as Winnie – her remarkable and historic victory in Hamilton marked a breakthrough moment in the SNP’s and Scotland’s journey.
“She deservedly gained the name Madame Ecosse as an MEP for her work in representing Scotland in Europe; she was a true internationalist who believed wholeheartedly in Scotland playing its part among the European family of nations – thank you, Winnie, for your service and inspiration to our party and to our country.”
Dr Lisa Cameron, the SNP MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven & Lesmahagow, told Lanarkshire Live: “Winnie Ewing was a stalwart of the independence movement and her leadership broke the glass ceiling for everyone to follow – she will be very sadly missed but her legacy will live on for future generations.”
South Lanarkshire councillor Katy Loudon called Winnie “a giant of the independence movement” and said: “We in the SNP stand on her shoulders and the legacy that she leaves behind.
“I have family in Hamilton who remember her momentous by-election; it was a real turning point for the SNP, and our electoral success today can be attributed to that win by Winnie. She forged a path that many of us walk on today.
“Winnie Ewing was an inspirational woman and will be missed very dearly by all in the SNP and across the independence movement, and her legacy lives on.”
Flags are being flown at half-mast at Holyrood – where two of Winnie’s children, Fergus and Annabelle, are current MSPs – and first minister Humza Yousaf said he was “heartbroken that we have lost a shining light of our party”, adding: “Without Winnie’s trailblazing victory in the 1967 Hamilton by-election and her dedication to the cause of independence, the SNP would simply not have achieved the success we have.”
Predecessors Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond also paid tribute, with Ms Sturgeon saying: “Scotland has lost one of her foremost patriots and champions and the SNP and independence movement have lost a beloved icon”.
She had called Winnie her “hero” and added: “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 – she was a master of the art of campaigning and it was a privilege to learn from her.”
Mr Salmond said: “Winnie Ewing was the most influential Scottish nationalist of the 20th century – her triumph in Hamilton defined modern Scottish nationalism. She was a Scottish patriot, indomitable in her approach and a courageous and loyal colleague.”
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