If you've ever loved Irn-Bru so much you'd get it tattooed on your body, this weekend is your moment. And it won't cost you a penny.
To celebrate its 125th birthday, Irn-Bru is taking over Empire Ink on Bath Street this Saturday (March 21) to open the 'Tat-BRU' parlour — a pop-up where fans can get a free tattoo inspired by the brand's refreshed 'Made in Scotland from Girders' packaging. Permanent or temporary — your call.
The parlour opens from 11am to 4pm, with each fan getting a 60-minute appointment slot. Designs are chosen from an exclusive Irn-Bru flash sheet featuring the iconic girder emblem and other brand imagery. No custom jobs — this is pure, undiluted BRU art.
And if you've already got an older Irn-Bru tattoo? The team wants you there too. They're inviting devoted fans to come along and add to their collection with the new designs.
A Fresh Look for a Scottish Icon
The tattoo pop-up is part of a bigger birthday shake-up. Irn-Bru is bringing back the legendary 'Made in Scotland from Girders' strapline on its packaging, along with the classic girder emblem front and centre. The 'molten man' insignia — revived from the 1988 era — is also making a comeback, celebrating the brand's industrial roots with a modern twist.
There are name changes too: Sugar Free is reverting to Diet, and XTRA becomes Zero, though the recipes stay the same.
Kenny Nicholson, Director of Brand at Irn-Bru, said: "For 125 years, Irn-Bru has proudly been Made in Scotland from Girders. To celebrate our milestone we've brought this iconic slogan back, in an evolved look that typifies our industrial roots and the maverick bravery at the heart of BRU."
He added: "We know that many fans already have BRU tattoos, so whether it's a 'tat-two' or a first piece of body art, this is all about celebrating our legendary history, our refreshed look, and the fans who make Irn-Bru so special."
What You Need to Know
When: Saturday, March 21, 11am–4pm
Where: Empire Ink, 207 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HZ
Cost: Free
Booking: Via Eventbrite — slots are limited, so book fast
Age: Over 18s only (valid ID may be required)
Arrive: 15 minutes early for check-in and consent forms
One tattoo per person — chosen from the exclusive flash sheet
Note: Multiple bookings under the same name will be cancelled
First produced in 1901 by A.G. Barr, Irn-Bru has been Scotland's best-selling soft drink for over a century — famously outselling Coca-Cola north of the border. Getting it permanently inked on your skin? That's commitment even the molten man would respect.
