Scotland’s pro-independence movement has lost one of its most iconic figures, Winnie Ewing, who passed away at the age of 93. Ewing was a pioneering politician who played a pivotal role in shaping Scotland’s political landscape and paving the way for the country’s independence movement.
Ewing was born in Glasgow in 1929 and grew up in the town of Dunoon. She studied law at Glasgow University and became a solicitor before entering politics. She was first elected to the UK Parliament in 1967 as a member of the Scottish National Party (SNP), becoming the first woman to represent the party in Westminster.
However, it was her election to the newly created Scottish Parliament in 1999 that cemented Ewing’s place in Scottish political history. She famously declared the parliament open with the words “The Scottish Parliament, which adjourned on March 25, 1707, is hereby reconvened.” This statement was a symbolic rejection of the Act of Union, which had merged Scotland and England into a single political entity over 300 years earlier.
Ewing’s declaration was a powerful statement of Scottish identity and a call for greater autonomy for the country. It was a moment that captured the imagination of many Scots and helped to galvanize support for the pro-independence movement.
Throughout her political career, Ewing was a passionate advocate for Scottish independence and worked tirelessly to promote the cause. She was a key figure in the SNP and served as its president from 1987 to 2005. She also played a leading role in the campaign for devolution, which led to the creation of the Scottish Parliament.
Ewing’s legacy is felt throughout Scotland’s political landscape. Her commitment to Scottish independence inspired generations of activists and politicians, and her vision for a more autonomous Scotland continues to shape the country’s political discourse.
In a statement following her passing, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to Ewing, saying: “Winnie Ewing was a trailblazer for women in politics and a towering figure in the modern history of Scotland. Her contribution to the cause of independence cannot be overstated, and her legacy will endure for generations to come.”
Ewing’s passing is a loss not only for the pro-independence movement but for Scotland as a whole. Her tireless work and unwavering commitment to Scottish autonomy will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
