Winnie Ewing, who was the SNP’s first female parliamentarian, has died aged 92, her family have announced.
Known as Madame Ecosse, Winifred Margaret “Winnie” Ewing is perhaps best known for marking 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.
“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.
“It would be appreciated if the family could be accorded privacy at this time.”
