Ewing portrait marks anniversary

Winnie Ewing, as the eldest member, chaired the first meeting of parliament

A portrait of veteran Nationalist Winnie Ewing has been unveiled to mark a decade since the Scottish Parliament first met.

The portrait, by the late artist David Donaldson, has been loaned to parliament to commemorate the anniversary.

Dr Ewing, whose political career has spanned almost four decades, became an MSP in the first Holyrood elections.

As the oldest member, she chaired the first meeting on 12 May, 1999.

Opening the session, the 79-year-old famously said at the time: "I want to begin with the words that I have always wanted either to say or to hear someone else say - the Scottish Parliament, which adjourned on March 25 1707, is hereby reconvened."

The portrait of Dr Ewing was painted in 1970 by Mr Donaldson, who went on to become the Queen's "Painter and Limner in Scotland" in 1977.

It was commissioned by her husband Stewart using winnings from a successful bet on the outcome of the 1967 Hamilton by-election, where his wife made political history by capturing the seat for the SNP.

Dr Ewing, whose son Fergus is the Scottish Community Safety Minister, went on to serve as an MEP before arriving at Holyrood.