To celebrate Winnie Ewing’s 80th birthday on 10th July, Madame Ecosse our intimate but hard-hitting film about Winnie will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Thursday 9th July at 9pm which is available on Sky channel 168 and on Freesat channel 110. The film reveals exclusive footage of Winnie Ewing pre-Hamilton era and her unseen personal photographic archive.
As she enters her 80th year, Winnie’s sheer 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.

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?

‘Madame Ecosse’ is produced by Ishbel MacIver and Morag Stewart and directed by Ishbel MacIver.