Breast cancer MSP returns

Margaret Ewing is the MSP for Moray

A Scottish National Party MSP warned ministers to "watch out" as she returned to parliament for the first time since she underwent surgery for breast cancer.

The "courage and determination" of Margaret Ewing was praised by party leader John Swinney as she took her seat at Holyrood on Thursday.

The MSP for Moray has also been unanimously re-elected as the convener of the SNP's Scottish Parliamentary Group.

I will never forget the warmth of feeling, the help and the support that has been offered over the last few months

Margaret Ewing

Mrs Ewing revealed earlier this year that she was battling breast cancer.

The 57-year-old, who is married to fellow MSP Fergus Ewing, underwent surgery at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital in April.

Speaking on her return to the parliament on Thursday, she said: "My illness has been a difficult time for all but I'm very pleased to now be back at work fighting for Moray and for Scottish independence.

"Fergus and the rest of my family have been a huge support but I have also been genuinely touched by the good wishes I have received from staff, colleagues, political opponents and particularly from the people of Moray.

"I will never forget the warmth of feeling, the help and the support that has been offered over the last few months."

On the spot

Mrs Ewing also paid tribute to the NHS staff who cared for her.

"I will now be devoting my time to the causes that have dominated my adult life - representing the people of Moray and fighting for Scottish independence," she said.

"On my first day back, I have brought forward a debate on dental services in Moray and put ministers on the spot over the need for an Elgin bypass.

"The executive should take note - I'm back and they had better watch out!"

John Swinney paid tribute to Mrs Ewing

Mr Swinney said it was great to have Mrs Ewing back at Holyrood.

"Margaret's re-election as parliamentary group convenor is a mark of the esteem and respect with which she is held by everyone in the party," he said.

"Her indomitable spirit has long earned her the respect of political friends and opponents alike, but the courage and determination she has displayed during her recent illness has left everyone who knows her inspired."

Mrs Ewing is a member of what is referred to as the "Ewing Dynasty" in the SNP.

Her husband Fergus is MSP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, her mother-in-law is SNP veteran and Highlands and Islands MSP Winnie Ewing, and her sister-in-law is Perth MP Annabelle Ewing.