Trailblazing SNP politician Winnie Ewing has died aged 93, her family has announced.
The Glasgow-born solicitor was credited with helping to turn the Nationalists from a fringe protest movement into a modern political party capable of winning elections.
Her victory at the 1967 Hamilton by-election was one of the biggest upsets in 20th century British politics.
The result stunned a Labour party which had come to dominate elections in Scotland in the post-war era.
She was just the second SNP candidate to be elected an MP.
Ewing would go on to become a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) where she was dubbed "Madame Ecosse" for her fierce pro-Scotland views.
She was later elected an SNP MSP at the first Scottish Parliament elections in 1999 and would serve as the chamber's first presiding officer.
A statement issued on behalf of her family said: "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."
Humza Yousaf led tributes to Ewing and hailed her as a "pioneer and a patriot".
The First Minister 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."
Alex Salmond, the former first minister, hailed Ewing as "the most influential Scottish nationalist of the 20th century".
He added: "Her triumph in the Hamilton by-election of 1967 defined modern Scottish nationalism and started a period of unbroken parliamentary representation which has lasted more than half a century.
"This dramatic breakthrough was encompassed in her own phrase “Stop the world Scotland wants to get on”, and with the support of her family she continued to dazzle the Scottish political scene.
"Many politicians adapt to the climate. Few make the political weather. Winnie Ewing was one of those."
Salmond added: "Her influence on Scottish nationalism was fundamental both in giving it star quality, electoral credibility and an internationalist outlook. She is one of the very few politicians who was universally known by her first name.
"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."
Nicola Sturgeon said she was "heartbroken" by Ewing's death.
"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 said.
"She was a master of the art of campaigning and it was a privilege to learn from her. Scotland has lost one of her foremost patriots and champions, the SNP and the independence movement have lost a beloved icon."
Ewing was born in Glasgow in 1929 and gained a law degree from Glasgow University, before being elected to the UK Parliament.
Despite losing the Hamilton seat at the next election in 1970, she was re-elected to Westminster in 1974 for Moray and Nairn, and retained her seat in the second election in October of the same year.
She also served in the European Parliament, representing the Highlands and Islands after losing her Westminster seat in the 1979.
She resigned as an MEP in 1999 to stand as a candidate for the new Scottish Parliament, representing the Highlands and Islands until 2003.
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