Tribute to Winnie Ewing: "true patriot and immense fun"
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THE former editor of a weekly newspaper – part of the Highland News and Media family – has described Winnie Ewing as a "true patriot and a giant figure in the Independence movement".
Pauline Taylor, who was chief reporter and latterly editor of The Northern Scot, based in Elgin, said of Winnie: "She took the Moray seat for the SNP against all the odds in 1974, shook up the establishment and was a colourful and approachable figure who truly made Moray her home.
"She founded a political dynasty, put Scotland firmly on the map of Europe, and worked tirelessly for her country and her people.
"Whatever your political leanings, she was someone to be admired for her tenacity and energy, for her compassion and fortitude, but she was also immense fun to be with."
Pauline, who worked at the The Scot for over 30 years, said it wasn’t until 1970 that the SNP had put up a candidate in Moray.
“It was amazing that Winnie won the seat in the first place; it was such a shock. The SNP had never even contested the seat until the previous general election in 1970.
“Many in the local establishment were horrified when she got elected.
“Winnie coming in was like a breath of fresh air. She was just so different. She turned up for everything – a very colourful and approachable figure.
“Winnie was known as the fishermen’s friend for a good reason, but everything she tried to do was stifled by the UK government. At Westminster, there was no will to save the fishing industry – fishing was no more than a bargaining chip in Europe.”
