The family of Winnie Ewing have announced her death at aged 93.
Known as Madame Ecosse, Winifred Margaret "Winnie" Ewing was the SNP's first female parliamentarian and was best known for making her shock victory in the Hamilton by-election in 1967 with the declaration: "Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on."
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.
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"Mrs Ewing died on Wednesday aged 93, 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.
"It would be appreciated if the family could be accorded privacy at this time."
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon led tributes to the "beloved icon".
She wrote on Twitter: "Heartbroken by this news. 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.
"Today Scotland has lost one of her foremost patriots and champions, (the SNP) and the independence movement have lost a beloved icon."
Expressing his condolences on the sad news, First Minister and SNP leader Humza Yousaf said:“I am heartbroken at this loss, and my condolences go to Winnie’s family, particularly her three children, Fergus, Annabelle and Terry.
“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.”
Alex Salmond also paid tribute to "a courageous and loyal colleague", adding: "May God rest her brave soul and extend comfort and consolation to Fergus, Annabelle, Terry and all of the family."
Her children Fergus and Annabelle are SNP MSPs, with Mr Ewing previously describing his mother as "superhuman".
Winnie 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.
Mrs Ewing was president of the SNP until 2005 when she stood down from elected office, however she remained an ardent supporter of the independence cause.
