Richard Lochhead MSP to honour late Winnie Ewing by 'keeping the flame of independence alive'
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THE death of political "icon" and "trailblazer" Winnie Ewing has been marked by Moray's local and national SNP politicians.
Nationalist politicians emphasised her "incredible personal and political legacy", her role in reconvening the Scottish Parliament and her service to the independence movement in tributes shared after today's (June 22) announcement of her passing.
Winnie, for years a Miltonduff resident, was an SNP MP for Moray and Nairn, an MSP for the Highlands and Islands and an MEP for Scotland during her career.
Along with recounting her political achievements, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead also said many in the area had "treasured memories" of Winnie.
“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Winnie Ewing, who was the most iconic Scottish politician of our times," he said.
"Winnie’s 1967 historic win in Hamilton put the SNP on the map and contributed so much to the cause of independence throughout her life.
“Having represented the Moray and Nairn seat, Winnie had many good friends in Moray SNP and throughout the area who will all have much treasured memories of the time they spent with her.
"She lived in Miltonduff with her late husband for many years and Moray was always in her heart.
“When I first joined the party in my teens, I looked up to her and was inspired by her leadership.
"In my early years as MSP for Moray, I benefited greatly from her wise counsel and her campaigning advice, including her encouragement to go ‘shopping for Scotland’.
"She was a natural campaigner and to watch her on the campaign trail was something to behold.
“I’ll never forget sitting in the chamber in 1999 when she reconvened the Scottish Parliament and I know what a privilege that was for her as someone who loved her country and who had the cause of independence running through her veins.
“No one did more than Winnie to take Scotland’s cause to the international stage and was, of course, famously known as Madame Ecosse during her time in the European Parliament.
“Winnie will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with my MSP colleagues Fergus, Annabelle, and the wider family.
"We will keep the flame of independence alive in her memory.”
Both co-leaders of Moray Council's SNP group also shared their tributes to Winnie.
Councillor Graham Leadbitter said the people of Moray had "great affection" for the national politician.
“Winnie Ewing has been a stalwart of the SNP and the independence movement for decades, with her win in Hamilton being a major milestone for the SNP," he said.
“Winnie represented Moray over many years and loved our region dearly.
"She was held in great affection by many, many people from Moray who met her and spent time with her over the years.”
Councillor Shona Morrison said: “Winnie Ewing was an icon of Scottish politics and a trailblazer for women in the independence movement and across the political spectrum.
“Winnie leaves an incredible personal and political legacy for Moray, Scotland and internationally. ‘Madame Ecosse’ will be very sorely missed.”
