Key Takeaways:
- Irn-Bru has officially ended its nearly 30-year creative partnership with Leith, closing a chapter marked by surreal, distinctly Scottish advertising.
- The brand's final Leith-led campaign promotes two new IRN-BRU XTRA "Legends Editions" flavors, Unicorn Tears and Nessie Nectar.
- Highlighting its proud oddball spirit allows the brand to strengthen its connection with fans as it transitions from its previous agency.
AG Barr's iconic Irn-Bru brand is closing a nearly 30-year chapter with Edinburgh-based agency Leith, releasing two final spots to introduce its latest limited-edition drinks.
The two commercials for Unicorn Rainbow Tears and Nessie Juice were directed by actor, writer, and comedian Seb Cardinal for Leith's in-house studio.
Cardinal, who previously helmed the iconic Scottish soda's award-winning "WeCan" campaign during the 2024 Euros, once again brings a sharply observed comedic tone to the work.
It's a fitting sendoff to one of Scotland's most enduring and distinctive brand-agency partnerships.
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The limited-edition flavors, part of the IRN-BRU XTRA Legends Editions, will hit shelves in May 2025 for an eight-week run.
Nessie Nectar and Unicorn Tears join the XTRA range, following previous flavor successes like Wild Berry Slush and Raspberry Ripple.
In a press release, Irn-Bru Brand Head Kenny Nicholson highlighted the XTRA line's track record of launching enticing flavors.
"We're aiming for even bigger and better with this launch. We want to grab shoppers' attention, create fun in store and get shoppers, and retailers, talking about the category. Our two Legends will definitely do that."
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The new campaign stays true to Irn-Bru's long-standing irreverent tone, built through decades of collaboration with Leith.
It marked a turning point for the brand's creative future.
This attention to brand voice helps the soda stand out amongst a sea of competitors, helping it remain Scotland's favorite carbonated beverage.
Weirdly Scottish, Wildly Funny
The playful campaign leans into Scottish mythology and surreal humor.
One spot follows Angus McLean, a fifth-generation "Nessie milker," as he demonstrates his family's "legendary teat-milking" techniques.
The mockumentary-style hijinks continue in "Unicorn Tears," where Kelly the farmer evokes tears from a sensitive unicorn.
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With a mix of insults, compliments, and movie screenings, she's able to harvest delicious tears that go into Irn-Bru's new offering.
The over-the-top storytelling taps into the whimsical, proudly oddball spirit that has defined Irn-Bru's brand voice for decades.
For brands looking to stand out, embracing offbeat humor and cultural references can foster brand loyalty and differentiate from competitors.
The success lies in consistency, making even the most unusual concepts feel authentic to the brand's DNA.
Earlier this month, Pepsi launched a new campaign featuring football star David Beckham.
