Edinburgh locals rush to get hands on 1901 Irn Bru and resort to Ebay as demand outstrips supply

Irn Bru’s new, limited edition 1901 recipe was released yesterday, but seems to be selling out fast as a lot of Edinburgh Live readers have reported struggling to find the original recipe, full sugar ‘Bru in the capital.

Barr announced their plans to launch an ‘old and unimproved’ version of the iconic drink back in October. IRN-BRU 1901 is based on an authentic recipe from a handwritten book stored deep in the Barr company’s archives for over 100 years.

Robin Barr, who unearthed the recipe, said: “The 1901 recipe has aged beautifully over the last 118 years. For a limited time, we’ll be producing a premium ‘old and unimproved’ Irn-Bru 1901 just as it was enjoyed by our first fans.

“This is Irn-Bru as you’ve never tasted it. It’s a chance to enjoy a unique and authentic piece of Scottish history – but don’t hang about, we don’t think it will be around for long.”

He seems to have been right about that, as some people say they haven’t managed to find one of the glass bottles in Edinburgh yet.

One woman posted about her hunt for 1901 Irn-Bru on Facebook, and her friends recommended trying the Day Today shop in Drylaw. Another said they’d found it in Scotmid in the West End of Edinburgh.

Others took to Twitter, with one man posting:

“Anyone know where to get thon 1901 irn bru in the Stockbridge/Canonmills area of Edinburgh?”

Someone else also recommended the Day Today shop in Drylaw, tweeting a photograph of the haul she got from the convenience store and saying:

“I’m a happy chappy now! Fellow Edinburgh fans, the shop Day Today in Drylaw has LOADS in stock and open until 10pm! Go get your Irn Bru 1901!”

Someone else recommended Home Bargains in Niddrie after drawing a blank at supermarkets.

Millar News in Bonnyrigg had to restrict Irn Bru 1901 to one per customer after a rush. They posted on Facebook, saying: “Original recipe irn bru now in stock @ newsplus (Millar news poltonhall)

“2 per customer RRP by Barrs is 1.99”

The post had 70 comments from locals: many of them tagging friends who had struggled to find it elsewhere. One person tagged their pal and commented ‘go go go!’

And, unsurprisingly, some bottles have even begun popping up on Ebay – for £12.99 a pop. 41 have been sold at that price so far.

One listing reads: “IRN BRU 1901 ORIGINAL RECIPE BOTTLE FULL SUGAR NEW. Condition is New. Dispatched with Royal Mail 2nd Class.

“Price is for ONE BOTTLE

“2 MAX per customer, any quantities greater than this will be automatically cancelled.”

So there you have it. Have you managed to get your hands on one of the limited edition bottles yet? If so, let us know where you go it in the comments to help fellow readers track down some 1901 Bru.

Want to be first to know what’s going on in Edinburgh? Join our Facebook group All About Edinburgh to stay in the loop and share your stories.

To receive one WhatsApp message a day with Edinburgh Live’s headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07899067815. Then add the number to your contacts as ‘Edinburgh Live’.

For more stories from across the Edinburgh area like our  Facebook page , or follow us on Twitter and  Instagram . You can also subscribe to our newsletter: enter your email in the blue box at the top of this article.