View source for Fergus Ewing

{{Short description|Scottish politician (born 1957)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix    = 
| name                = Fergus Ewing
| honorific-suffix    = [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]]
| image               = Fergus_Ewing_MSP.jpg
| caption             = Official portrait, 2021
| office1             = [[Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism]]{{efn|name=Previously titled|Rural Economy and Connectivity (2016–18); Rural Economy (2018–20)}}
| term_start1         = 18 May 2016
| term_end1           = 20 May 2021
| firstminister1      = [[Nicola Sturgeon]]
| predecessor1        = [[Richard Lochhead]]
| successor1          = [[Mairi Gougeon]]
| office2             = [[Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism]]
| term_start2         = 20 May 2011
| term_end2           = 18 May 2016
| firstminister2      = [[Alex Salmond]]<br />[[Nicola Sturgeon]]
| predecessor2        = [[Jim Mather]]
| successor2          = [[Paul Wheelhouse]]
| office3             = [[Minister for Community Safety]]
| term_start3         = 17 May 2007
| term_end3           = 20 May 2011
| firstminister3      = [[Alex Salmond]]
| predecessor3        = [[Johann Lamont]]
| successor3          = [[Roseanna Cunningham]]
| constituency_MP4    = [[Inverness and Nairn]]
| prior_term4         = [[Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber]] 1999–2011)
| parliament4         = Scottish
| majority4           = 9,114 (20.0%)
| term_start4         = 3 May 1999
| term_end4           = 
| predecessor4        = ''Parliament re-established''
| successor4          = 
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1957|09|23|df=yes}}
| birth_place         = [[Glasgow]], Scotland
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| birthname           = 
| party               = [[Independent politician|Independent]] (2025–)<br/>[[Scottish National Party]] (until 2025){{efn|Whip suspended from 27 February 2024 to 6 March 2024.}}
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Margaret Ewing|Margaret McAdam]]|1983|2006|end=died}}
| parents             = [[Winnie Ewing]]
| relatives           = [[Annabelle Ewing]] (sister)
| children            = 
| residence           = 
| alma_mater          = [[University of Glasgow]]
| occupation          = 
| profession          = 
| cabinet             = 
| committees          = 
| signature           = 
| website             = 
| footnotes           = 
| education           = Loretto School, Edinburgh
}}
'''Fergus Stewart Ewing''' (born 23 September 1957) is a Scottish [[Independent politician|independent]] politician. Formerly a member of the [[Scottish National Party]] (SNP), he served as the [[Scottish Government]]'s [[Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism]] from 2016 to 2021,{{efn|name=Previously titled}} having previously held two junior ministerial posts. 

From 2021 to 2025, Ewing was a perennial rebel in the [[Scottish Parliament]], frequently voting against the SNP leadership and voicing discontent with government policy. This eventually led to a [[Having the whip withdrawn|suspension of the party whip]] in 2024. He has been a [[Member of the Scottish Parliament]] (MSP) since 1999, representing [[Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber]] until 2011, and then its successor seat [[Inverness and Nairn]]. 

Born in Glasgow, Ewing attended [[Loretto School]] in Musselburgh. He graduated from the [[University of Glasgow]] with an [[LLB]] and worked as a solicitor in the two decades prior to becoming an MSP. In the [[1999 Scottish Parliament election|first election to the Scottish Parliament]], which took place in 1999, both his wife, [[Margaret Ewing]], and mother, [[Winnie Ewing]], were elected to the parliament alongside him. In 2011, his sister [[Annabelle Ewing]] became an MSP too. Following the SNP victory in the [[2007 Scottish Parliament election]] Ewing held a series of posts in government until his departure in 2021. After that he became a vocal critic of government policy and was particularly opposed to the SNP's [[Bute House Agreement|cooperation agreement]] with the [[Scottish Greens]]. 

In 2025, he announced that he would stand against the SNP in the [[Inverness and Nairn]] constituency as an independent candidate in the [[Next Scottish Parliament election|2026 Scottish parliament election]]. 

== Early life ==
Ewing is the son of the veteran Scottish nationalist [[Winnie Ewing]], who served as a [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], as a [[Member of the European Parliament]] (MEP), and an MSP.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Obituaries |first=Telegraph |date=2023-06-22 |title=Winnie Ewing, grande dame of the Scottish National Party who served at Westminster, Holyrood and Strasbourg – obituary |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2023/06/22/winnie-ewing-obituary-madame-ecosse-scottish-national-party/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> His father, Stewart, was an accountant who also served as Winnie Ewing's election agent and had been an SNP councillor in Glasgow.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-01-08 |title=Stewart Ewing Stalwart political supporter of his wife and ardent campaigner for Scottish independence |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11906620.stewart-ewing-stalwart-political-supporter-of-his-wife-and-ardent-campaigner-for-scottish-independence/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Brian |date=2023-06-22 |title=Winifred Ewing obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jun/22/winifred-ewing-obituary |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Educated at [[Loretto School]], in [[Musselburgh]], he studied Law at the [[University of Glasgow]] where he was a member of the [[Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biography |url=https://www.fergusewing.com/biography/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Fergus Ewing MSP for Inverness and Nairn}}</ref> At the age of 18, he was employed as his mother's secretary in the European Parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mrs Ewing defends decision to employ son |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/19760920/108/0006 |work=The Scotsman |date=20 September 1976}}</ref> Before his election to the [[Scottish Parliament]] in 1999, Ewing worked as a solicitor for around 20 years and ran his own legal practice.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-26 |title=FERGUS EWING: There are no return verdicts of ‘a bit iffy’ or slightly guilty in Scots law |url=https://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/news/fergus-ewing-there-are-no-return-verdicts-of-a-bit-iffy-o-348984/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Strathspey Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 September 2016 |title=Q&A: Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,qa-fergus-ewing-cabinet-secretary-for-rural-economy-and-connectivity_12344.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

Ewing unsuccessfully contested the constituency of [[Inverness, Nairn and Lochaber]] in the [[1992 UK general election]]. The seat was a four way marginal with only 3.4% of the vote separating the first and fourth placed candidates.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Butler |first=David |title=The British General Election of 1992 |last2=Kavanagh |first2=Dennis |year=1992 |isbn=978-0333569030}}</ref> He was again unsuccessful when contesting the new [[Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber (UK Parliament constituency)|Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber]] constituency in the [[1997 UK general election]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Election Results 1 May 1997 |url=https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/guides/factsheets/members-elections/m15/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.parliament.uk |language=en}}</ref> 

== Early parliamentary career ==
In the [[1999 Scottish Parliament election|Scottish Parliament election of 1999]], he was elected to represent [[Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber]] in the parliament. His mother, [[Winnie Ewing]], and his wife, [[Margaret Ewing]], were also successfully elected to the parliament.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-03-22 |title=Margaret Ewing |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1513615/Margaret-Ewing.html |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}}</ref> He was re-elected in the 2003 Scottish Parliament election.<ref name="session2">{{cite web |date=7 December 2011 |title=Previous MSPs: Session 2 (2003–2007): Fergus Ewing |url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/30671.aspx |access-date=11 October 2014 |publisher=Scottish Parliament}}</ref>

Ewing served in a number of shadow ministerial roles during the first two sessions of the parliament. He was SNP Spokesperson on Rural Development (2001-2003); SNP Spokesperson on Public Services and Finance (2003-2004); and SNP Spokesperson on Transport, Telecommunications and Tourism (2004-2007).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fergus Ewing |url=https://www.parliament.scot/msps/current-and-previous-msps/fergus-ewing |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409024354/https://www.parliament.scot/msps/current-and-previous-msps/fergus-ewing |archive-date=9 April 2025 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.parliament.scot |language=en}}</ref> 

Both he and his mother Winnie abstained in the vote to pass the [[Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000]], the legislation which abolished [[Section 28]] in Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2000 |title=*Decision Time |url=https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-21-06-2000?meeting=4242&iob=28188 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.parliament.scot |language=en}}</ref> In 2001, along with [[Scottish Conservatives|Conservative]] and [[Scottish Liberal Democrats|Liberal Democrat]] committee members, he opposed an outright ban on [[fox hunting]] whilst a member of the Rural Development Committee.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-07-12 |title=Bill to ban foxhunting 'will create more cruelty' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1333681/Bill-to-ban-foxhunting-will-create-more-cruelty.html |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}}</ref>

== Ministerial career ==

=== Minister for Community Safety (2007-2011) ===
After the SNP's victory at the [[2007 Scottish Parliament election]], Ewing was appointed as the [[Minister for Community Safety]] by the First Minister [[Alex Salmond]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-05-16 |title=Salmond announces his new cabinet |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/6663031.stm |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> In this role he served under [[Kenny MacAskill]], the [[Cabinet Secretary for Justice]].<ref name=":4" /> This position involved him working with the fire service and he spoke at the UK-wide [[Fire Brigades Union|Fire Brigade Union]] conference in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Report of Proceedings and Record of Decisions 2010 {{!}} Fire Brigades Union |url=https://www.fbu.org.uk/publications/report-proceedings-and-record-decisions-2010 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.fbu.org.uk}}</ref> He was also responsible for the introduction of the [[FireLink]] system which improved the communication capabilities of the fire service in emergency situations.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2010-05-14 |title=Firelink goes live in Scotland |url=https://www.theguardian.com/government-computing-network/2010/may/14/firelink-scotland-fire-rescue-communication-system-14may10 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 

Additionally, Ewing's portfolio included dealing with antisocial behaviour. In 2009, he announced that the government believed [[Anti-social behaviour order|Anti-social behaviour order (ASBOs)]] should be used "more sparingly" with a shift to focus on prevention and "tackling the symptoms of the problem."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-03-19 |title=Asbos to be used 'more sparingly' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7953571.stm |access-date=2025-06-14 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aitken |first=Mark |date=2010-04-10 |title=Labour want to give locals the power to grant ASBOs |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/labour-want-to-give-locals-the-power-1055895 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Daily Record |language=en}}</ref>

In the role, Ewing opposed the introduction of ID cards proposed by the UK Government saying they posed "an unacceptable threat to citizens' privacy and civil liberties".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-02-15 |title=Ministers reject ID card roll-out |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7890180.stm |access-date=2025-06-14 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2009-06-29 |title=Scottish minister says stop ID cards |url=https://www.theguardian.com/government-computing-network/2009/jun/29/idcards-scotland-opposition-29jun09 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

=== Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism (2011-2016) ===
In the [[2011 Scottish Parliament election]], Ewing was elected to represent the new constituency of [[Inverness and Nairn]] (the successor constituency of his previous seat). Following the election, he was appointed as the [[Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism]], succeeding [[Jim Mather]] who stood down as an MSP.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-05-20 |title=Salmond completes SNP majority government |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-13468304 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> After [[Nicola Sturgeon|Nicola Sturgeon's]] appointment as First Minister in November 2014, Ewing's portfolio broadly remained the same but his post was renamed Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-11-21 |title=Nicola Sturgeon announces new Scottish cabinet |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-30138550 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Ewing was supportive of an increased role for renewable energy in Scotland as well as a continuation of the extraction of [[North Sea oil|oil and gas in the North Sea]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2014 |title=“Massive leap forward” approved for offshore wind |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,massive-leap-forward-approved-for-offshore-wind_14175.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=7 September 2012 |title=Keeping the lights on |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,keeping-the-lights-on_5707.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref> In 2012, he advocated for extracting as much oil from the [[North Sea]] as possible: "To get the maximum recovery from every oil and gas field is the right thing for the planet as well as for a nation’s pocket. How can it make any sense to extract any oil from subsea, to the extent of 30 to 40 per cent and leave 60 or 70 per cent unused?"<ref name=":5" /> However, he also supported an increased use of renewables, stating in 2015 that "Scotland has made great progress in increasing the amount of clean, green electricity in our energy mix."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirkaldy |first=Liam |date=24 September 2015 |title=Tories are putting record renewable generation at risk, says Fergus Ewing |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,tories-are-putting-record-renewable-generation-at-risk-says-fergus-ewing_5859.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref> And, in early 2015, he announced a moratorium on granting permission for [[fracking]] in Scotland while the government consulted on the issue.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-01-28 |title=Block on fracking in Scotland announced by minister |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-31016537 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

During his time as Tourism Minister the [[2014 Commonwealth Games]] took place in Glasgow. Ewing said that "the [[Commonwealth Games]] is not just a world class sporting event - it's also an opportunity to showcase Glasgow internationally as a first-class visitor destination."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-07-22 |title=VisitScotland to spend £2.5m marketing Glasgow 2014 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-23399350 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 2015, he chaired a task force to investigate the future of Scottish steel after [[Tata Steel]] announced plans to close two plants in Lanarkshire.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-10-29 |title=Scottish steel task force in 'urgent action' pledge |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-34662092 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Tom |date=29 October 2015 |title=Scottish steel task force meets |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,scottish-steel-task-force-meets_6023.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref> A new buyer was found in 2016 and the plants were saved.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Rob |date=2016-03-24 |title=Tata Scottish steel works rescued by Liberty House |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/mar/24/tata-scottish-steel-works-rescued-by-liberty-house |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 

Outside of his role as a minister, in February 2014 he voted against the legalisation of [[Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014|same-sex marriage in Scotland]].<ref name="session4">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26041921 |title=Scotland's same-sex marriage bill: How MSPs voted|work=[[BBC]] News |date=4 February 2014 |access-date=4 February 2014}}</ref> This was a [[free vote]], where MSPs were not directed how to vote by their parties.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-02-04 |title=Scotland's same-sex marriage bill is passed |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-25960225 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity (2016-2021) ===
Ewing retained his seat in the [[2016 Scottish Parliament election|2016 election]] and was promoted to the cabinet as [[Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2016 |title=Union Meets New Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy |url=https://www.nfus.org.uk/news/news/union-meets-new-cabinet-secretary-rural-economy |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.nfus.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Jenni |date=18 May 2016 |title=Nicola Sturgeon's new Scottish cabinet |url=https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,nicola-sturgeons-new-scottish-cabinet_7005.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref> At the beginning of his time in post, the UK [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum|voted to leave]] the [[European Union]] and Ewing was later critical of a possible [[no-deal Brexit]] saying that it would have "long-term irreparable consequences."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirkaldy |first=Liam |date=2019-10-04 |title=Interview: Fergus Ewing on the prospect of a no-deal brexit |url=https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,interview-fergus-ewing-on-the-prospect-of-a-nodeal-brexit_9881.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref> In 2017, he suggested that rural issues were some of the most impacted by [[Brexit]] due to the amount of funding Scottish farmers received from the [[Common Agricultural Policy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-03 |title=Fergus Ewing on the future of Scotland's rural economy |url=https://www.holyrood.com/comment/view,fergus-ewing-on-the-future-of-scotlands-rural-economy_7339.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

While in office, Ewing oversaw the creation of [[South of Scotland Enterprise]], an economic development agency focused on the South of Scotland and similar to [[Highlands and Islands Enterprise]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-06-06 |title=New south of Scotland enterprise agency legislation passed |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-48540724 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In February 2020, Ewing gained the tourism portfolio and his post was renamed Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2020 |title=Cabinet Appointments |url=https://www.gov.scot/news/cabinet-appointments/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.gov.scot |language=en}}</ref> He was therefore involved in supporting the tourism sector in Scotland during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]]. In June 2020, he said: "We have had to implement restrictions on liberties which have had a very serious impact on our economy, and our tourism and hospitality sector has been devastated."<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 June 2020 |title=Coronavirus (COVID-19): Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism statement, 10 June 2020 |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/parliamentary-statement-impact-covid-19-tourism/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.gov.scot |language=en}}</ref> He then announced the formation of a Scottish Recovery Tourism Taskforce to try and combat these issues.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 June 2020 |title=Support for tourism industry |url=https://www.gov.scot/news/support-for-tourism-industry/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.gov.scot |language=en}}</ref>

Reflecting on his period as Rural Economy Secretary in 2024, Ewing said that Sturgeon "just let me get on with rural affairs. I don't mean this in any malign way, but she didn't really have a particular interest in it and therefore I could do more or less what I felt was right without interference."<ref name=":4" />

==== Bullying accusations ====
In 2019, civil servants complained to senior managers that Ewing had bullied them. Speaking to journalists Ewing said: "I completely reject all claims against me. A process is underway and that is entirely right and proper when such allegations are made. That process is at an early stage. I will make no further comment while that process is ongoing."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-51571935|title=Scottish cabinet minister denies bullying allegations|work=BBC News |date=20 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/fergus-ewing-completely-rejects-bullying-allegations-1885378|title=Fergus Ewing 'completely rejects' bullying allegations|website=www.scotsman.com|date=20 February 2020 }}</ref> The previous year Ewing apologised to an official for his "forthright" manner, after a bullying complaint was lodged against him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/snp-minister-fergus-ewing-says-13327795|title=SNP minister Fergus Ewing says sorry after bullying allegations|first=Andy|last=Philip|date=29 September 2018|website=Daily Record}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theferret.scot/fergus-ewing-forthright/|title='I can be forthright', says Fergus Ewing on bullying claim|last=Edwards|first=Rob|website=theferret.scot|date=29 September 2018}}</ref> Discussing the allegations in 2022 he said: "I think I got the best out of people on the vast majority of occasions but there are some occasions in life when you just don’t see eye to eye with people and things can escalate and become difficult. This is just as a matter of generality and I will leave it there."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Mandy |date=2022-11-19 |title=Fergus Ewing: It's profoundly wrong to remove sensible checks and balances with GRA reform |url=https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,fergus-ewing-its-profoundly-wrong-to-remove-sensible-checks-and-balances-with-gra-reform |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

== On the backbenches ==
After the 2021 election, Ewing was replaced as a minister by [[Mairi Gougeon]] and became a [[backbencher]]. In a public letter to First Minister [[Nicola Sturgeon]], Ewing said: "In our discussion yesterday, you indicated that you will form a slimmed down cabinet. Obviously, you have had to make some tough decisions and we agreed that this meant I should now step out of Government."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/news/fergus-ewing-says-it-has-been-privilege-to-serve-in-departur-238864/|title=Fergus Ewing says it has been privilege to serve in departure letter to First Minister|date=2021-05-19|first=Gavin|last=Musgrove|website=Strathspey & Badenoch Herald}}</ref>

=== Leadership Critiques ===
Ewing was a fierce critic of the [[Scottish Government]] from the backbenches. In 2024, he said that following Sturgeon's accession to the role of First Minister in 2014 "the SNP almost felt like a cult" and that "gradually, things really started to go in the downhill direction at first. And then after 2021, things accelerated, and Nicola appeared to be obsessed with social issues like [[Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill|gender reform]]."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Dunn |first=Lucy |date=2024-04-30 |title=Fergus Ewing: How Kate Forbes can save the SNP |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/fergus-ewing-how-kate-forbes-can-save-the-snp/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=The Spectator |language=en-GB}}</ref> Defending his criticisms of the government, he said "if my constituents wanted a doormat, they would have gone to [[B&Q]]."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-27 |title=Fergus Ewing loses appeal against SNP suspension |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-68418793 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In both the [[2023 Scottish National Party leadership election|2023]] and [[2024 Scottish National Party leadership election|2024]] SNP leadership elections, Ewing announced his support for [[Kate Forbes]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-03 |title=Fergus Ewing throws his weight behind Kate Forbes as leader |url=https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/fergus-ewing-throws-his-weight-behind-kate-forbes-as-leader-305363/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Northern Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Fergus Ewing: Absurd to allow Green zealots to determine next first minister |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,fergus-ewing-absurd-to-allow-green-zealots-to-determine-next-first-minister |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref> During the 2024 contest he said that Forbes was the "future" and that [[John Swinney]], who was ultimately elected leader unopposed, was "associated with many of the problems of the past."<ref name=":2" />

=== Opposition to the Bute House Agreement (2021-2024) ===
Following the [[2021 Scottish Parliament election]], the SNP entered a power-sharing agreement with the [[Scottish Greens]] known as the [[Bute House Agreement]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-08-19 |title=SNP-Greens deal pledges indyref2 within five years |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58272209 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Ewing later said that after the Greens joined government he: "spoke out against it. I was the only person in my group to do so. I said that we would be tarnished by association."<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-21 |title=Fergus Ewing |url=https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-reflect/fergus-ewing |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Institute for Government |language=en}}</ref>

==== Policy Disagreements ====
On the backbenches, Ewing opposed numerous policies pursued by the [[third Sturgeon government]] and the [[First Yousaf government|Yousaf government]]. He also frequently called for the cooperation agreement with the Greens to end.<ref name=":6" />

In 2022, along with eight other SNP MSPs, he voted against the [[Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-22 |title=Nine SNP MSPs break whip and vote against party's gender recognition reforms |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23209433.nine-snp-msps-break-whip-vote-gender-recognition-reforms/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref> The bill sought to make it easier for individuals to change their [[legal gender]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-22 |title=Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill – What it means and what comes next |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/gender-recognition-reform-bill-what-it-means-and-what-comes-next-3963987 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=The Scotsman |language=en}}</ref> 

Ewing was also a vocal opponent of the [[Deposit return scheme (Scotland)|Deposit Return Scheme]], a [[Container-deposit legislation|container return scheme]] which was the responsibility of Green minister [[Lorna Slater]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Louise |date=2024-05-17 |title=Sketch: Fergus Ewing is on the wind-up |url=https://www.holyrood.com/comment/view,sketch-fergus-ewing-is-on-the-windup |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref> At [[First Minister's Questions (Scottish Parliament)|First Minister's Questions]] on 9 February 2023 he called the scheme "disastrous" and called on Nicola Sturgeon to halt its introduction before it became a "catastrophe."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-09 |title=Ex-SNP cabinet minister warns Nicola Sturgeon flagship recycling policy heading for 'catastrophe' |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/scotland-deposit-return-scheme-ex-snp-cabinet-minister-warns-nicola-sturgeon-flagship-recycling-policy-heading-for-catastrophe-4021498 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=The Scotsman |language=en}}</ref>

Additionally, he was highly critical of government proposals "to designate 10% of Scotland's seas as [[Marine protected area|Highly Protected Marine Areas]]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Highly Protected Marine Areas |url=https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-environment/highly-protected-marine-areas/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.gov.scot |language=en}}</ref> This would have prohibited all forms of fishing in the designated areas.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-02 |title=Why are Highly Protected Marine Areas so controversial? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-65456173 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> In May 2023, Ewing ripped up the HPMA consultation document in parliament and called it a "notice of execution" for the fishing industry.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 May 2023 |title=Angry ex-government minister rips up fishing plan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-65464291 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> The next day, along with fellow Highlands MSPs [[Alasdair Allan]] and Kate Forbes, he voted against the government in a motion on the issue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-03 |title=Six SNP MSPs rebel against Scottish Government over controversial marine protection areas |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/six-snp-msps-rebel-against-scottish-government-over-controversial-marine-protection-areas-4129285 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=The Scotsman |language=en}}</ref>

Ewing also repeatedly backed new oil and gas exploration and drilling projects in the North Sea, claiming that "we need all oil and gas production we can get in the short and the medium term", and that "the transition period away from hydrocarbons will last decades."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former SNP energy secretary condemns 'extreme' Green oil and gas policies |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/former-snp-energy-secretary-condemns-extreme-green-oil-and-gas-policies-3604788 |last=Wilson |first=Paul |date=9 March 2022 |access-date=30 March 2022 |website=The Scotsman |language=en}}</ref> He condemned the Scottish Greens, the SNP's [[Third Sturgeon government|government partners]], whose policies he described as "somewhat extreme".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.stv.tv/politics/former-snp-minister-fergus-ewing-blasts-scottish-greens-and-calls-for-end-to-holyrood-deal|title=Ex-minister hits out at Greens and calls for end to powersharing deal|author=PA Media|date=1 April 2023|work=STV News}}</ref> On 20 April 2023, after a particularly robust intervention from Ewing on the subject of gas extraction during which he labelled the Greens "wine bar revolutionaries", he was reminded about treating fellow members with respect by the [[Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament|Deputy Presiding Officer]], his sister, [[Annabelle Ewing]]. First Minister [[Humza Yousaf]] then quipped that he suspected it was not the first time she had had to tell her brother off.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-65339658|title=SNP MSP Fergus Ewing calls Greens 'wine bar revolutionaries'|work=BBC News|date=2023-04-20|access-date=2023-04-21}}</ref>

==== Suspension from SNP ====
Ewing voted against Green minister [[Lorna Slater]] in a confidence vote on 20 June 2023.<ref>{{cite news |author=PA Media |date=20 June 2023 |title=Lorna Slater no-confidence motion voted down by 68 votes to 55 |url=https://news.stv.tv/politics/lorna-slater-no-confidence-motion-voted-down-by-68-votes-to-55 |website=STV News}}</ref> He was the only SNP MSP to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paterson |first=Kirsteen |date=2023-06-21 |title=Drinks firms thank SNP rebel Fergus Ewing for 'courage' in vote against Lorna Slater |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,drinks-firms-thank-snp-rebel-fergus-ewing-for-courage-in-vote-against-lorna-slater |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref> It was reported the next day in ''[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]'' and ''[[The Scotsman]]'' that Ewing would [[Losing the whip|lose the whip]] because of this.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 June 2023 |title=SNP: Former Cabinet minister Fergus Ewing 'set to lose party whip' after voting against Scottish Government minister Lorna Slater |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/snp-former-cabinet-minister-fergus-ewing-set-to-lose-party-whip-after-voting-against-scottish-government-minister-lorna-slater-4190780 |work=The Scotsman}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=21 June 2023 |title=Fergus Ewing facing loss of SNP whip over 'sack Lorna Slater vote' |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23603711.fergus-ewing-facing-loss-snp-whip-sack-lorna-slater-vote/ |work=[[The Herald (Scotland)|The Herald]]}}</ref> Later that day, his mother, [[Winnie Ewing]] died aged 93.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 June 2023 |title=SNP political icon Winnie Ewing dies aged 93 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-65988094 |access-date=28 July 2023 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Humza Yousaf said publicly that Ewing would not lose the whip, despite his repeated public criticism of the party.<ref>{{cite news |last=Elliards |first=Xander |date=27 July 2023 |title=Fergus Ewing to keep SNP whip after branding party policy 'extremist' |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23684060.fergus-ewing-keep-snp-whip-branding-party-policy-extremist/ |work=[[The National (Scotland)|The National]]}}</ref> 

However, it was announced on 14 September 2023 that SNP MSPs would vote on disciplinary action against him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 September 2023 |title=SNP MSPs to vote on disiplinary action against Fergus Ewing |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23789251.fergus-ewing-facing-disciplinary-action-vote-snp-msp-group-meeting/ |website=The National}}</ref> The MSPs voted to suspend him from the SNP group for one week by 48 votes to 9 (with 4 abstentions).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-27 |title=Ex-minister Fergus Ewing suspended from SNP over rebellions |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-66941281 |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> On 1 October, he announced he would appeal the suspension. <ref>{{Cite web |date=1 October 2023 |title=Fergus Ewing to appeal against SNP suspension |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-66976525 |accessdate=12 October 2023 |website=BBC News}}</ref> On 27 February 2024, Ewing lost the appeal and was suspended from the SNP for one week.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-27 |title=Fergus Ewing loses appeal against SNP suspension |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-68418793 |access-date=2024-02-28 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Following this decision Ewing described the SNP leadership as "authoritarian" and claimed the party "no longer tolerates a conscience vote."<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Libby |last2= |first2= |date=2024-02-28 |title=SNP’s Fergus Ewing urges party to ditch Greens pact as suspension confirmed |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/28/snps-fergus-ewing-urges-party-to-ditch-greens-pact-as-suspension-confirmed |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

=== Post-Bute House Agreement (2024-) ===
Following the [[2024 Scottish government crisis|collapse of the Bute House Agreement]] in 2024, Ewing continued to be critical of the SNP government and to rebel on certain issues. 

In March 2025, along with three other SNP MSPs he voted in favour of Conservative MSP [[Liz Smith (politician)|Liz Smith's]] members bill to introduce a right for every child in Scotland to receive one weeks [[Residential education|outdoor residential education]] during their time at school.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 March 2025 |title=*Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill |url=https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-16789 |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=www.parliament.scot |language=en}}</ref> And in May 2025, he criticised the government's Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act (a [[tourist tax]]) which had been passed in 2024 saying that it "may cause the death knell, the death knell, of many hard-working, excellent bed and breakfast establishments in the Highlands and throughout the whole country" and was an "outrageous and poorly designed tax."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=P. A. |date=2025-05-21 |title=Tourist tax will be ‘death knell’ for businesses, former minister warns |url=https://news.stv.tv/highlands-islands/tourist-tax-will-be-death-knell-for-businesses-former-minister-warns |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=STV News |language=en-GB}}</ref> 

He voted against the [[Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill]], which sought to legalise [[Assisted suicide in the United Kingdom|assisted dying]] in Scotland, at stage one in March 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-13 |title=How your MSP voted on the assisted dying bill |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpw7r0nqg9vo |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> This was a free vote where MSPs were not directed on how to vote by their parties.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-13 |title=Scottish assisted dying bill passes first vote at Holyrood |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp8yn2dd6peo |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In June 2025, he left the SNP after announcing he would stand as an independent candidate in the [[Next Scottish Parliament election|2026 Scottish parliament election]]. This went against the party constitution and meant that, despite not formally quitting, he ceased to be a member.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-20 |title=SNP veteran Fergus Ewing to run as independent in next year's Holyrood election |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25253451.fergus-ewing-quits-snp-run-independent-2026/ |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref>

== As an independent ==
In March 2025, Ewing said that he would not be contesting the [[2026 Scottish Parliament election]] as an SNP candidate, though refused to rule out running as an independent.<ref>{{cite news|title = Highland veteran Fergus Ewing won’t stand for SNP at next election – but may run as an independent|url = https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/6717725/highland-fergus-ewing-snp-independent/|work = Press and Journal|date = 21 March 2025|access-date = 12 April 2025}}</ref> Ewing said that "as a matter of honour, I simply cannot defend the lack of delivery" over key issues like the failure of the [[Scottish Government]] to [[A9 dualling project|dual the A9 and A96 roads]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-21 |title=Veteran MSP Fergus Ewing says he won’t stand for SNP – but may run as an independent |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,veteran-msp-fergus-ewing-says-he-wons-stand-for-snp-but-may-run-as-an-independent |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref> Explaining why he did not stand down from the SNP group in parliament he said: "The party can change and, in my opinion, must do so. Independence is a cause unwon, but it’s not a lost cause. That is why I am not simply standing down now from the SNP group. I honour my own party membership, which I was born into and which is part of my very soul."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-21 |title=MSP Fergus Ewing: ‘The SNP just is no longer the party for all of Scotland, as it has been for most of my 50 years as a member’ |url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/msp-fergus-ewing-to-stand-down-at-the-2026-holyrood-election-377520/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Inverness Courier |language=en}}</ref> The following month, he told the audience of the BBC's [[Debate Night]] that if he stood as an independent the SNP would throw the "kitchen sink and campervan" at him in the campaign, a reference to the [[Operation Branchform]] investigation into the party's finances and a motorhome taken by the police as part of the investigation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bowie |first=Justin |date=24 April 2025 |title=Inverness MSP Fergus Ewing says SNP will ‘throw kitchen sink and campervan’ at him if he stands for election against them |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/6740987/inverness-fergus-ewing-snp-campervan/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=[[The Press and Journal]]}}</ref>

On 19 June 2025, Ewing announced that he would contest his [[Inverness and Nairn]] constituency as an independent candidate in the 2026 election.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bowie |first=Justin |date=19 June 2025 |title=Fergus Ewing will stand against SNP candidate in Inverness and Nairn at Holyrood election |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/6781691/snp-fergus-ewing-independent-inverness-nairn-snp/ |work=Press and Journal}}</ref> Despite announcing his intention to stand against the SNP he declined to resign his membership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-19 |title=Fergus Ewing says the SNP ‘lost trust in the Highlands of many people’ as he reveals he will stand as an independent |url=https://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/news/fergus-ewing-says-the-snp-lost-trust-in-the-highlands-of-ma-385171/ |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=Strathspey Herald |language=en}}</ref> Instead, he stated “I hope the SNP will change. And once again stand up for the interests of Scotland’s people. So, I have no desire to resign my membership – of nearly half a century. But will continue to work within as a critical friend. Indeed, a true friend cannot be other than that."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2025-06-19 |title=Years of SNP ‘failures’ led to Fergus Ewing’s refusal to stand for the party |url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/years-of-snp-failures-led-to-fergus-ewing-s-refusal-to-sta-385163/ |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=Inverness Courier |language=en}}</ref> He claimed the party "deserted many of the people whose causes we used to champion." Namely, in his view: “In oil and gas. Farming. Fishing. Rural Scotland. Tourism. Small business and many other areas of life. Betraying generations who fought for women’s rights."<ref name=":7" />

On 20 June 2025, SNP leader [[John Swinney]] said that Ewing had left the party. The SNP constitution states that "a member may not contest... elections in opposition to the party."<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=20 June 2025 |title=SNP veteran Fergus Ewing to run as an independent |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,snp-veteran-fergus-ewing-to-run-as-an-independent |work=Holyrood Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McAlley |first=Danyel VanReenen, Nicola |date=2025-06-20 |title='Ludicrous' policies kicked SNP independence dream into long grass, says Ewing |url=https://news.stv.tv/politics/veteran-msp-fergus-ewing-hits-out-at-snp-green-coalition-as-he-plans-to-stand-as-independent-in-2026-elections |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=STV News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In October 2025, Ewing voiced concern over UK government plans to house 300 [[Asylum seeker|asylum seekers]] in [[Cameron Barracks]] in Inverness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editor |first=Daniel Sanderson, Scottish Political |date=2025-10-31 |title=SNP should oppose putting asylum seekers in barracks, says Fergus Ewing |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/asylum-barracks-inverness-latest-fergus-ewing-5cvzrrn55 |access-date=2025-11-07 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Political positioning ==
Ewing supports [[Scottish independence]] and was often described as belonging on the [[political right]] wing of the SNP.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kirkaldy |first=Liam |date=23 May 2016 |title=What does Nicola Sturgeon's new cabinet tell us about her priorities? |url=https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,what-does-nicola-sturgeons-new-cabinet-tell-us-about-her-priorities_7032.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Website |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Merson |first=Adele |date=2021-05-19 |title=Fergus Ewing profile: 'Forthright' SNP veteran was fixture in Scottish Government |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/3156046/fergus-ewing-profile-forthright-snp-veteran-was-fixture-in-scottish-government/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Ruth Davidson]], leader of the [[Scottish Conservatives]] between 2011 and 2019, suggested that Ewing was "plausibly to the right of me."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Tom |date=14 March 2016 |title=Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson - exclusive interview |url=https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,scottish-conservative-leader-ruth-davidson-exclusive-interview_6628.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref> And Chris Deerin of [[The New Statesman]] has called him "socially conservative and economically liberal."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deerin |first=Chris |date=2023-09-29 |title=The SNP’s treatment of Fergus Ewing shows its decline |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2023/09/snps-treatment-fergus-ewing-suspended |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=New Statesman |language=en-US}}</ref> Ewing has described himself as a [[political moderate]], saying "I’m not a socialist but I’m not a right-winger. I see myself as kind of in the centre."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Mandy |date=23 June 2015 |title=Fergus Ewing: energy source |url=https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,fergus-ewing-energy-source_11687.htm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Holyrood Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, Ewing effectively left the SNP when he announced he would stand against them as an [[Independent politician|independent]] candidate in the [[Next Scottish Parliament election|2026 Scottish parliament election]].<ref name=":8" /> He critiqued his former party, hinting at his own platform, saying "They used to stand up for oil and gas workers, farmers, fishermen. Now they insult farmers, want to stop fishermen from fishing with no scientific basis, and claim to support oil workers while refusing to allow new drilling."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-21 |title=Fergus Ewing on quitting SNP: ‘I could no longer defend the indefensible’ |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25256628.ewing-who-hand-heart-can-defend-snps-record-/ |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=The Herald |language=en}}</ref>

By the [[6th Scottish Parliament|sixth session of the Scottish Parliament]] (2021-2026), Ewing was one of only three MSPs, along with [[Jackie Baillie]] and [[John Swinney]], to have been elected as a constituency MSP at every general election since the establishment of the parliament in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scotland |first=Ballot Box |date=2019-07-02 |title=The 1999 Club |url=https://ballotbox.scot/the-1999-club/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Ballot Box Scotland |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Personal life ==
Ewing married [[Margaret Ewing]] (then Margaret Bain) in 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dalyell |first=Tam |date=22 March 2006 |title=Margaret Ewing Obituary |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/margaret-ewing-6105933.html |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=The Independent}}</ref> She was the former MP for [[East Dunbartonshire (UK Parliament constituency)|East Dunbartonshire]] (1974-79), and was elected to represent [[Moray (UK Parliament constituency)|Moray]] in 1987. She held that seat until she stepped down in 2001, and represented the [[Moray (Scottish Parliament constituency)|same area]] in the Scottish Parliament from 1999 until her death from breast cancer in March 2006.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Brian |date=2006-03-23 |title=Margaret Ewing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/mar/23/guardianobituaries.obituaries |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

His sister, [[Annabelle Ewing]], was the [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP) for [[Perth (UK Parliament constituency)|Perth]] between 2001 and 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC NEWS {{!}} VOTE 2001 {{!}} RESULTS & CONSTITUENCIES {{!}} Perth |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote2001/results_constituencies/constituencies/455.stm |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=news.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Since [[2011 Scottish Parliament election|2011]] she has been an MSP. First, for the [[Mid Scotland and Fife (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Mid Scotland and Fife]] region and then, from [[2016 Scottish Parliament election|2016]], for [[Cowdenbeath (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Cowdenbeath]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-02 |title=SNP veteran Annabelle Ewing will not stand in next election |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g029l2j49o |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 2008, he had a daughter with his partner Dr. Fiona Pearsall.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Get on your marks for The Old Logging Way |url=https://cairngorms.co.uk/news/get-on-your-marks-for-the-old-logging-way |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Cairngorms |language=en-GB}}</ref>

He was a member of [[Loch Lomond]] Mountain Rescue Team.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Kirsty |date=2003-08-12 |title=Mountain rescue in plea for funds |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/aug/12/scotland.devolution |access-date=2025-06-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=World |first=Geospatial |date=2009-06-10 |title=Mountain map' to the aid of rescuers |url=https://geospatialworld.net/news/mountain-map-to-the-aid-of-rescuers/ |access-date=2025-06-14 |website=Geospatial World |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{SP-MSP}}
*[http://www.fergusewing.com Fergus Ewing.com]{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Official Website

{{s-start}}
{{s-par|sct}}
{{s-new|Parliament|reason=[[Scotland Act 1998]]}}
{{s-ttl
 | title = [[Member of the Scottish Parliament]] for {{nowrap|[[Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Inverness East, Nairn & Lochaber]]}}
 | years = [[1999 Scottish Parliament election|1999]]–[[2011 Scottish Parliament election|2011]]
}}
{{s-non|reason=Constituency abolished }}

{{s-new|constituency}}
{{s-ttl
 | title = [[Member of the Scottish Parliament]] for {{nowrap|[[Inverness and Nairn (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Inverness & Nairn]]}}
 | years = [[2011 Scottish Parliament election|2011]]–present
}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}

{{HighlandsIslands MSPs}}
{{SNP MSPs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ewing, Fergus}}
[[Category:1957 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Glasgow]]
[[Category:Ewing family (Scotland)|F]]
[[Category:People educated at Loretto School, Musselburgh]]
[[Category:Politicians from Glasgow]]
[[Category:Scottish National Party MSPs]]
[[Category:Members of the Scottish Cabinet]]
[[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 1999–2003]]
[[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2003–2007]]
[[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2007–2011]]
[[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2011–2016]]
[[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2016–2021]]
[[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2021–2026]]
[[Category:Scottish solicitors]]