Funeral of Winnie Ewing to be held in Bearsden following SNP stalwart's death aged 93

The funeral of former SNP stalwart Winnie Ewing is set to be held in Bearsden on Thursday.

Known famously as Madame Ecosse, the former MP, MEP, and MSP died on Wednesday June 21 at the age of 93.

The private service will be held at the New Kilpatrick Church in Bearsden at around 10am and is expected to be attended by family, friends and former colleagues.

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

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

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

Winnie Ewing passed away at the age of 93 Getty Images

“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, died surrounded by her family.