Son pays tribute to the late Winnie Ewing saying she was fearless, a leader and a fighter
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George and Christina Woodburn christened their fourth child “Winifred”, known always simply as “Winnie.” They cannot have realised then that their choice of Christian name would prove to be extremely useful in years to come for the purposes of the perfect election slogan, namely: “Win with Winnie.”
Unfairness rankled Winnie, and especially unfairness and discrimination to women, whether lack of equal pay or opportunity. She was a trailblazer for women and encouraged and inspired countless young women to become candidates for the SNP. She assured them that they could do at least as well as men - whose self-confidence she would say, often far exceeded their actual abilities.
Throughout her life she displayed moral courage that few in politics ever have shown. She stood as a candidate as Hamilton - encouraged by Stewart - and then when elected as MP in Westminster stood up for herself against appalling behaviour from a few men- mostly Labour MPs then. And - heaven forfend - she fought back -and they did not like that one bit.
Winnie fought for a huge number of causes throughout her life. For her the slogan, “Put Scotland First”, meant putting people first and standing up for their interests against insolent authority or injustice. She stood up for everyone- and struck a chord with so many people. If trust and confidence is the currency of success in politics, she never suffered from a devaluation.
She visited as MEP for the Highlands every single inhabited island. No other politician has or ever will do that.
In particular she stood up for our fishermen. She named her wee house in Lossie, “The Goodwill”, after a local skipper’s fishing boat. She fought for them in Westminster and in Europe serving on the fisheries committee. She loved them and they loved her in return.
What may be less well known, was her lifelong commitment to fighting for human rights. In particular, working with her friend, and my former boss, the late solicitor and successful businessman, Leslie Wolfson, she combined forces to secure the release of Jewish prisoners held in Russian Gulags. So called “prisoners of conscience”, they were imprisoned for years in ghastly labour camps for imaginary or trifling offences.
In 1974, The first SNP candidate to beat a sitting Secretary of State in Moray and Nairn. In 1979 the first elected SNP MEP - where she served for twenty years winning four elections with ever increasing majorities. In 1999, the first MSP to reconvene the Scottish Parliament. Time and again - Winnie was first. In a way she was Scotland’s First Lady.
Winnie was a leader, a frontrunner. She was fearless. She was a feminist. She was a fighter. She was the woman who inspired a nation and ushered in the later success of the SNP. She was regarded with love and affection amongst the public. She was a loving mother, Grandma, Aunt, sister and loyal friend to countless. She touched the hearts of so many people.
She was our Mum. We will always love and remember her. We will not see her like again.
