Memorial service for SNP politician Winnie Ewing to take place next month

A memorial service in honour of SNP politician Winnie Ewing is set to be held next month.

Known famously as Madame Ecosse, the former MP, MEP, and MSP died on Wednesday at the age of 93.

Ewing was Scotland’s first female parliamentarian in 1967 and a former SNP president and stalwart of the Scottish independence movement.

Tributes to the politician have poured in across the political divide with those at the SNP’s special conference on independence this weekend also paying their respects.

A private family funeral service will be held on Thursday.

The family said a public memorial service will then take place at Inverness Cathedral on July 15, from 2pm.

Mrs Ewing’s family thanked everyone who has sent messages of condolence, and said all are welcome at next month’s service.

A family spokesman said: “We have heard a myriad of anecdotes of happy experiences of Winnie over her long and successful time as MP, MEP and MSP.

“These have been of great comfort to the family.”

Following her death, SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf said he was “heartbroken that we have lost a shining light of our party”.

He added: “No words can truly capture the unique and unparalleled contribution that Winnie made to Scotland and Scottish politics.

“Her work over many decades – including in the UK, European and Scottish parliaments – shaped the modern nation we have today.

“Without Winnie – without her breakthrough by-election victory in Hamilton in 1967, her dedication to the cause of Scottish independence, and her promotion of Scotland’s interests in Europe over many years – the SNP would never have achieved the success we have, and self-government for Scotland would never have become the priority it did.”

Mrs Ewing, who is survived by three children and four grandchildren, was surrounded by her family when she died, they said.