Irn Bru was first sold in 1901, when Highland strongman Adam Brown featured on the label.

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In recent days, Alex Salmond was to be found advancing the merits of Irn Bru.

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Bad news: we're invaded by a gang of juveniles who've been too heavy on the Irn Bru.

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The proposed merger of Irn Bru-maker AG Barr with rival soft drinks firm Britvic is to be investigated by the Competition Commission.

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However, Erich Merkle, of Irn Inc, said such a move was "improbable".

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She said Symon gave her a couple of drinks from a bottle which she thought had once contained Irn Bru and he had some himself.

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Barr's product range includes Irn Bru, Tizer and Rubicon, while Britvic is known for making Tango, Robinsons, J2O and sells PepsiCo brands under an exclusive licence.

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It said the cuts aimed to improve returns for shareholders and come ahead of a Competition Commission decision on its merger with Irn-Bru owner AG Barr, expected by July.

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Telling one fogeyish group of consumers that whisky should be compared to vintage claret, whilst reassuring another that it is fit to be sloshed around with Irn-Bru, looks a dangerously contradictory message.

ECONOMIST: Scotch whisky