FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to "pioneer and patriot" Winnie Ewing, who passed away aged 93.
The SNP leader said he was "heartbroken" to hear the news that Ewing, a former MP, MEP and MSP, had died.
Yousaf said that the SNP would not have achieved the success it did if it wasn't for Ewing's breakthrough victory at the Hamilton by-election in 1967.
Ewing was the SNP’s first female parliamentarian and a legendary independence campaigner.
The sad news emerged after Ewing's family released a statement on Thursday afternoon.
READ MORE: The story of Winnie Ewing's legendary Hamilton by-election win
Expressing his condolences, Yousaf said: “I am heartbroken at this loss, and my condolences go to Winnie’s family, particularly her three children, Fergus, Annabelle and Terry.
“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.
“Winnie was a pioneer and a patriot, and there were so many aspects to her life and work that I hope will get the recognition they deserve in the days to come."
Yousaf said that Ewing's passing will be felt by many in Scotland outside of his party.
READ MORE: Winnie Ewing: The woman who put the SNP and Scotland on the map
He added: “Not just the SNP and independence supporters, but people across Scotland will mourn Winnie’s death. The nation will feel her loss, which will of course be felt most keenly by her family and many friends all around the world.
“From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you, Madame Écosse, for your service to our party, our movement and our country.”
Yousaf's tribute was echoed by his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon who said she was "heartbroken" at the news.
Meanwhile, Alex Salmond, now leader of the Alba Party, said that Ewing was the "most influential Scottish nationalist of the 20th century".
Ewing marked her shock win of the 1967 Hamilton by-election by stating: “Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on.”
The phrase would become synonymous not just with Ewing, but with the SNP and Scottish independence.
Tributes were paid from across the political spectrum as the news spread on Thursday.
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