CONNERY UNVEILS TRIBUTE TO WINNIE EWING

CONNERY UNVEILS TRIBUTE TO WINNIE EWING

COMMEMORATIVE BUST TO MARK CONTRIBUTION TO SCOTTISH POLITICS

Sir Sean Connery last night joined SNP leader Alex Salmond and Dr Winnie
Ewing to unveil a commemorative bust of the former MP, MEP and MSP.  The
bronze bust of Dr Ewing recognises her outstanding contribution to the
SNP, Scottish politics and furthering the cause of Scottish independence
and records her place as one of the most influential scots of her
generation.

The bust has been designed and sculpted by David Annand for the Scottish
National Party and will be displayed at the SNP's new headquarters.  It is
the first art commission of the SNP Heritage Fund.

Sir Sean endorsed Dr Ewing as the candidate in the Hamilton by-election in
1967 and has been an avid supporter throughout her career.

Unveiling the bust Sir Sean Connery paid tribute to Dr Ewing;

"Winnie Ewing is an icon for the SNP and for Scotland. When I gave her my
support in 1967 I knew she would be a tireless fighter for Scotland and
for Scottish independence.

"From her 1967 by-election win, to her time as Madame Ecosse and her role
reconvening the Scottish Parliament in 1999 Winnie has played a
fundamental part in Scotland's political journey over the last 43 years.”

Attending the unveiling alongside Dr Ewing and Sir Sean Connery, SNP
leader and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond added:

"Dr Ewing and Sir Sean Connery are two icons of the SNP who have made
enormous contributions to the party, to politics and to Scotland's future.

"It is a privilege to have both of them with us to unveil this wonderful
sculpture.

"David Annand's sculpture is a remarkable piece of work and wonderfully
captures the spirit and determination of Winnie Ewing as she blazed a
trail for Scotland and changed Scottish politics for good.

"No-one, no matter their political allegiance, could refute the
significance of Winnie Ewing's achievements and it is fitting that we show
our respect for her achievements in this way.”