Tributes paid to Winnie Ewing

The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to Winnie Ewing, the respected former solicitor and politician.

Law Society President Sheila Webster said: “I’d like to offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and the many admirers of Winnie Ewing. She was an inspiring and formidable woman who made an enormous contribution to civil life in Scotland.

“Winnie Ewing was one of the most influential figures in Scottish politics for decades, representing the SNP at Westminster and in the European Parliament before being elected to the then new Scottish Parliament in 1999.

“Prior to her political career, Winnie Ewing trained and qualified as a solicitor and she ran her own law firm Ewing and Co in the 1980s and 90s on Glasgow’s south side. Her contribution to Scotland and the legal profession was recognised when she was awarded an Honorary Membership of the Law Society in 2003, the highest honour we can bestow on our members."

Tributes were also paid by Glasgow Bar Association. Its President Michael Gallen said: “Winnie Ewing was not just an inspiring and influential politician but also instrumental in the foundation and development of the Glasgow Bar Association. She served as the Association’s Secretary from 1962 to 1967 before being elected as the Association’s first female President in 1970.

“She remained a great friend to the Glasgow Bar Association and offered wise counsel to those who followed in her footsteps for many decades. My thoughts, and all those at the Glasgow Bar Association are with her family and friends at this sad time.”