News > 2009

MADAME ECOSSE ON BBC ALBA

“Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on” were the words of prominent SNP politician, Winnie Ewing on the 2nd November 1967, when she won the sensational watershed Hamilton by-election, snatching one of the safest Labour seats in Scotland and transformed the political landscape forever.

Winnie Ewing

Winnie Ewing

An intimate but hard-hitting film titled ‘Madame Ecosse’ produced by madmac productions for BBC ALBA, will reveal exclusive footage of Winnie Ewing pre-Hamilton era and show her unseen personal photographic archive. 

As she enters her 80th year, Winnie's charisma is undiminished and this Grand Dame of Scottish politcs is as sharp as ever. With contributions in the documentary from Alex Salmond, Ian Paisley, Tam Dalyell, Michael Russell, Brian Wilson, Angus Brendan MacNeil, Alasdair Allan and Fergus Ewing, the film explores her life and work and tells the story of a fast moving era during which her country and her life changed completely.

Winnie Ewing’s victory propelled the SNP from the fringes to the centre of Scottish politics and changed the two party system. It was a prophetic statement, and not just for Scotland. As a woman in Scottish politics she wanted a new way of doing things.  

Producer Morag Stewart with Rev Ian Paisley

Producer Morag Stewart with Rev Ian Paisley

After five decades in politics spent in three parliaments, Westminster, Europe where she earned her nickname Madame Ecosse and the Scottish Parliament, Winnie has been hailed as a nationalist heroine who is loved by some and loathed by others.

So how did this lawyer become the Grand Dame of Scottish politics and why are we still coming to terms with the effects of her win at Hamilton? At the core of the documentary are interviews with Winnie herself.

‘Madame Ecosse’ is produced by Morag Stewart and Ishbel MacIver of madmac productions and directed by Ishbel MacIver. The documentary will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 13 April at 9pm which is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110.