Winnie Ewing

Born and raised in Glasgow, she studied law at Glasgow University and qualified as a solicitor, running her own firm.

She secured a seat in the House of Commons during the 1967 Hamilton by-election and held the position of party president from 1987 to 2005. Her children, Fergus and Annabelle, are both current MSPs at Holyrood.

Ms Ewing’s election to Westminster in 1967 was the beginning of the SNP’s ascendancy throughout the 1970s. Upon becoming the first female MP for the SNP, she famously declared to the media: “Stop the World, Scotland wants to get on”.

Her family said in a statement: “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 passed away on Wednesday surrounded by her family.

“She leaves behind 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 passed away in 2003 aged 76.”

First Minister Humza Yousaf, said: “Without Winnie’s trailblazing victory in the 1967 Hamilton by-election and without her dedication to the cause of independence, the SNP would simply not have achieved the success we have.

“Winnie, more than anyone else, ensured our party was outward looking. She promoted Scotland’s interests in Europe over many years. Thank you Madame Ecosse for your service to our party and country.”

Law Society president Sheila Webster said: “I’d like to offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and the many admirers of Winnie Ewing. She was an inspiring and formidable woman who made an enormous contribution to civil life in Scotland.

“Winnie Ewing was one of the most influential figures in Scottish politics for decades, representing the SNP at Westminster and in the European Parliament before being elected to the then new Scottish Parliament in 1999.

“Prior to her political career, Winnie Ewing trained and qualified as a solicitor and she ran her own law firm Ewing and Co in the 1980s and 90s on Glasgow’s southside. Her contribution to Scotland and the legal profession was recognised when she was awarded an honorary membership of the Law Society in 2003, the highest honour we can bestow on our members.

“In addition to her deep commitment to public service, Winnie Ewing was passionate about access to justice and will undoubtedly continue to inspire lawyers in Scotland for many years to come.”

Glasgow Bar Association president Michael Gallen said: “Winnie Ewing was not just an inspiring and influential politician but also instrumental in the foundation and development of the Glasgow Bar Association.

“She served as the association’s secretary from 1962 to 1967 before being elected as the association’s first female president in 1970. She remained a great friend to the Glasgow Bar Association and offered wise counsel to those who followed in her footsteps for many decades. My thoughts, and all those at the Glasgow Bar Association are with her family and friends at this sad time.”