Winnie Ewing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winnie Ewing
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| President of the Scottish National Party | |
| In office 1987 – September 2005 |
|
| Preceded by | Donald Stewart |
| Succeeded by | Ian Hudghton |
| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Highlands and Islands (1 of 7 Regional MSPs) |
|
| In office 6 May 1999 – 31 March 2003 |
|
| Member of the European Parliament for Highlands and Islands |
|
| In office 10 June 1979 – 13 June 1999 |
|
| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
| Member of Parliament for Moray and Nairn |
|
| In office 28 February 1974 – 7 April 1979 |
|
| Preceded by | Gordon Campbell |
| Succeeded by | Alexander Pollock |
| Member of Parliament for Hamilton |
|
| In office 2 November 1967 – 29 May 1970 |
|
| Preceded by | Tom Fraser |
| Succeeded by | Alexander Wilson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Winifred Margaret Woodburn
10 July 1929 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | 21 June 2023 (aged 93) Bridge of Weir, Scotland |
| Political party | SNP |
| Spouse |
Stewart Martin Ewing
(m. 1956; died 2003) |
| Children | 3, including Fergus and Annabelle |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Profession | Solicitor |
Winifred Margaret Ewing (born Woodburn; 10 July 1929 – 21 June 2023) was a very important Scottish politician and lawyer. Many people knew her as Winnie Ewing. She was a key figure in the movement for Scotland to become independent.
Winnie Ewing was the President of the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 1987 to 2005. She served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Highlands and Islands from 1999 to 2003. Before that, she was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the same area from 1979 to 1999. She was also a member of the UK Parliament (MP). She represented Hamilton from 1967 to 1970, and Moray and Nairn from 1974 to 1979.
Born and raised in Glasgow, Winnie studied law at the University of Glasgow. She worked as a lawyer before becoming a politician. Her famous quote, "stop the world, Scotland wants to get on," showed her strong belief in Scotland's future.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Winnie Ewing was born Winifred Margaret Woodburn on 10 July 1929 in Glasgow. Her parents were Christina Bell Anderson and George Woodburn. George owned a small business.
Winnie went to Battlefield School and Queen's Park Secondary School. In 1946, she started studying at the University of Glasgow. She earned degrees in Arts (MA) and Law (LLB). While at university, she joined the Student Nationalists. After graduating, she became a solicitor and a notary public. She worked as a lawyer and was the Secretary of the Glasgow Bar Association from 1962 to 1967.
Political Journey
Winnie Ewing became very active in politics. She campaigned for Scottish independence. In 1967, she won a special election in Hamilton. This was a big surprise, and she became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Scottish National Party (SNP).
When she arrived at the UK Parliament in London, she famously said, "stop the world, Scotland wants to get on." Her presence in Parliament made many more people join the SNP. Some people believe her election led to a special group being set up to look into having a Scottish Assembly. This was a big step towards modern Scottish politics. It encouraged young people and women to get involved in politics.
Representing Scotland
Winnie Ewing lost her Hamilton seat in the 1970 election. However, she was re-elected in 1974 for the Moray and Nairn area. She became the SNP's spokesperson on international affairs.
In 1979, she lost her seat in the UK Parliament again. But just weeks later, she won a seat in the European Parliament. She represented the Highlands and Islands. In Europe, she became known as Madame Écosse (which means 'Mrs Scotland' in French). This nickname showed how much she spoke up for Scotland's interests in Brussels. By 1995, she was Britain's longest-serving MEP.
Opening the Scottish Parliament
In 1987, Winnie Ewing became the President of the Scottish National Party. She held this important role until 2005.
In 1999, she decided not to run for the European Parliament again. Instead, she became a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Highlands and Islands. This was for the very first session of the new Scottish Parliament. As the oldest member, she had the special job of opening the Parliament. She famously declared: "The Scottish Parliament, adjourned on the 25th day of March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened." This was a historic moment for Scotland.
Winnie Ewing retired from Parliament in 2003. She continued to serve as the SNP's President until 2005. Nicola Sturgeon, a later First Minister of Scotland, said that Winnie gave her "hugely valuable advice" and told her to "Stand your ground and believe in yourself."
Family Life
Winnie Ewing was married to Stewart Martin Ewing. They had three children together. Two of their children also became politicians. Their son, Fergus Ewing, became an MSP in 1999 and held several important government jobs. Their daughter, Annabelle Ewing, was an MP and later an MSP.
Stewart Ewing, Winnie's husband, was also active in politics. He served as an SNP councillor in Glasgow. Sadly, he passed away in 2003. Winnie Ewing died at her home in Bridge of Weir on 21 June 2023, at the age of 93.
Awards and Recognition
Winnie Ewing received many awards and honours for her work.
- In 1990, she became a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
- In 2003, the Law Society of Scotland made her an honorary member.
- She received honorary degrees from the University of Glasgow in 1995 and the University of Aberdeen in 2004.
- She also received honorary degrees from the Open University in 1993 and the University of Stirling in 2012.
- In 2009, a portrait of her was displayed in the Scottish Parliament.
