MSPs paid tribute to “trailblazer” Winnie Ewing in the Scottish Parliament as they moved a motion of condolence in honour of the iconic politician.
Legendary Scottish independence campaigner Ewing sadly passed away aged 93 in June with politicians across the political spectrum hailing her influence on politics in Scotland and beyond.
Her daughter and serving MSP Annabelle Ewing gave an emotional tribute in the chamber on Thursday afternoon and told how she, her brother Fergus and the Ewing family were “proud” of their inspirational mum.
First Minister Humza Yousaf led the tributes and said the speeches would struggle to do justice to such a “remarkable and unique life”.
A former MP, MSP and MEP, Ewing’s startling win during the 1967 Hamilton by-election went down in history, as did her iconic phrase: “Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on."
Yousaf also revealed that Ewing had been asked to take part in the infamous reclamation of the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey from 1950, and was only stopped by her lack of a driving licence.
The FM (below) said that the context of Ewing’s famous “stop the world” quote was sometimes forgotten.
“At a time when Scotland had no national parliament, had little international personality, Winnie worked tirelessly to foster understanding of Scotland and goodwill for our nation as a friend of prominent European and international figures,” he said.
He added that she had many achievements, but in particular for the SNP and the cause of independence.
“The SNP would not, categorically not, be where we are today without the contribution of Winnie,” he added.
“With her passing my party mourns the loss of a giant of our movement, both in terms of contribution and sheer force of personality. But equally Scotland as a whole has lost a relentless champion and a true pioneer.”
The FM closed his speech by paying tribute to a “life well lived,” adding: “On behalf of the whole chamber I say thank you Madame Ecosse.”
After thanking MSPs for their tributes to her mother, Cowdenbeath MSP Ewing told how Winnie’s electoral success was not down to luck but in her ability to “inspire people”.
“For she was not just clever, kind and generous, she was not just stylish and charismatic, but Winnie walked in other people’s shoes and they knew that she would speak up for them,” she said.
“Winnie transformed political campaigning, she spoke directly to people in their factories, in their homes and in the streets.”
Later, Ewing (above) added: “Winnie inspired people to imagine how things could be in a normal independent country with transformative powers to create a fairer society and to participate in the world directly, taking our seat in the United Nations between Saudi Arabia and Senegal.”
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay said Ewing’s impact on Scottish politics and the SNP are “undeniable” and spoke about the honour she had of reconvening the Scottish Parliament.
“I hope that we can take the time to remind ourselves that this place has to go on to achieve everything that was hoped for in that very first session,” she said.
“She’s undoubtedly left her mark on the political landscape, she represented in politics in a time that was unusual to say the least to see women taking a prominent role.
“It’s a reminder to us that we need to continue to value women in politics and help all of us to bring everything we have to the job.”
Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser told the chamber how Ewing was undeniably a household name despite not holding a senior office position, and recalled walking to Holyrood with her when the late Queen was due to officially open the new Scottish Parliament building.
“I do remember as we came in sight she complained bitterly to me that the Union flag was flying above the Parliament building, and I thought it might be impolite to agree with her, or maybe I was just terrified, so I maintained a diplomatic silence,” he said.
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour’s Jackie Baillie (below) said it was hard to think of Ewing without thinking of the story of Scotland in the 20th and 21st centuries.
“She may have been christened Madame Ecosse for many reasons but the political and public life of Winnie Ewing serves as a crucial insight into the change Scotland has been through,” she said.
“It was rare for young women to receive a university education and enter politics – Winnie Ewing did both.”
Winnie was survived by her children Fergus, Annabelle and Terry, as well as four grandchildren.
