Memorial service for SNP stalwart Winnie Ewing to be held this weekend
The service for the former MP, MEP and MSP is being held at Inverness Cathedral
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A memorial service for the late SNP politician Winnie Ewing, the party’s first female parliamentarian, will be held this weekend and livestreamed on social media.
The service at Inverness Cathedral for the former MP, MEP and MSP – who died last month aged 93 – will be conducted by the Most Reverend Mark Strange and the Very Reverend Sarah Murray on Saturday afternoon.
Former SNP leader and first minister Alex Salmond and former Scottish cabinet secretary Alex Neil are scheduled to deliver eulogies dedicated to party stalwart, who was first elected in a by-election in Hamilton in 1967.
Current party leader and First Minister Humza Yousaf is also expected to deliver a reading along with Highland MSP and one-time leadership hopeful Kate Forbes, and Holyrood’s current presiding officer Alison Johnstone.
Gaelic songs will be performed by Julie Foulis, accompanied by her husband Eamon Doorley. Ms Ewing’s granddaughter Ciara is also expected to sing and the entire service is to be livestreamed to Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo.
Following her death last month, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon described Ms Ewing, who was the first presiding officer of the reconvened Scottish Parliament in 1999, as a “beloved icon”.
“I can’t begin to convey the depth of gratitude I feel for the advice, wisdom, encouragement and inspiration Winnie gave me and so many others over the years,” she said.
Mr Yousaf said he was “heartbroken” to hear the news, adding: “No words can truly capture the unique and unparalleled contribution that Winnie made to Scotland and Scottish politics.”
The service is scheduled to start at 2pm with all said to be welcome to attend.