Remembering Winnie Ewing: A Pioneer of Scotland’s Pro-Independence Movement

Winnie Ewing: The Mother of the Modern Scottish Independence Movement

A Life of Charisma and Political Achievements

LONDON — Winnie Ewing, a charismatic politician considered to be the mother of the modern Scottish independence movement, has died at the age of 93. Ewing’s relatives announced on Thursday that she passed away, “surrounded by her family.” Recognized as the most influential Scottish politician of her generation, her death is mourned by political figures and the Scottish nation as a whole.

Trained as a lawyer, Winnifred Margaret Ewing joined the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) during a time when it was still a small fringe group. Against all odds, she won election to the U.K. Parliament in 1967, marking a turning point for both Ewing and the SNP. Ewing’s victory was met with her iconic proclamation, “Stop the world — Scotland wants to get on.”

From that moment on, Ewing became a prominent champion of Scottish independence, representing her country on the national and international stage. She served in the U.K. Parliament, the European Parliament, and ultimately in the semi-autonomous Scottish parliament, which was established in 1999. This marked the first time in almost three centuries that Scotland had been granted its own legislature since its political union with England.

A Legacy of Leadership

As the presiding officer of the Scottish parliament, Ewing made history by opening its doors with the resounding words: “The Scottish parliament, adjourned on the 25th day of March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened.” Her leadership and tireless dedication to Scottish politics did not stop there. Ewing continued to serve in the Scottish parliament until 2003 and even held the presidency of the SNP until 2005.

Thanks to the efforts of Winnie Ewing and those who followed in her footsteps, the SNP has become the dominant party in Scotland since 2007. However, despite this rise in political power, the dream of Scottish independence remains elusive. In the 2014 referendum, Scottish voters rejected secession, and attempts to secure a second independence vote have been met with gridlock.

A Lasting Influence on Scotland

First Minister Humza Yousaf, the current leader of the SNP, expressed the indescribable impact that Winnie Ewing made on Scotland and its politics. Her work across multiple parliamentary bodies, including the U.K., European, and Scottish Parliaments, shaped the modern Scottish nation we have today. Ewing’s passion for independence, her charisma, and her dedication to serving the Scottish people have left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.

Winnie Ewing’s legacy extends beyond her political achievements. She leaves behind a loving family, including her children Fergus, Annabelle, and Terry, as well as four grandchildren. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her spirit will forever be remembered as an inspiration for generations to come.

Image Source: Scottish Politics