SNP minister intervenes as Scottish drinks brand closure puts jobs at risk

AN SNP Cabinet Secretary has stepped in after a Scottish drinks brand announced it would be closing down, putting some two dozen jobs at risk.

Mairi Gougeon, the Rural Affairs Secretary and MSP for Angus North and Mearns, raised concerns about the upcoming closure of Strathmore Water, which was announced by owners AG Barr on Tuesday.

The firm, which is best known for the brands Irn-Bru and Rubicon, reported a 5.1% increase in revenue for the year ending January 25, 2025 – up to £420.4m from £400 million last year.

It also recorded a 15.8% increase in adjusted profit before tax, from £50.5m last year to £58.5m this year.

However, AG Barr said despite the positive figures, the Strathmore Water brand had struggled and was no longer sustainable. The proposal to shut it down “could” see the closure of a production site in Forfar and 24 roles becoming redundant, the firm said.

Intervening, Gougeon said it was “difficult to understand” the decision to look at shuttering the Forfar site considering AG Barr had posted such strong profits.

The Rural Affairs Secretary said she had written to AG Barr, Employment Minister Tom Arthur, and Angus Council to raise concerns.

She said: “This news is incredibly disappointing for Forfar and the wider Angus area. 

“To hear that such a highly regarded employer as Strathmore Water is potentially facing closure, especially when the parent company is reporting strong financial performance, is difficult to understand.

SNP Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon"I have already taken action and written to AG Barr, Angus Council, and the Minister for Employment and Investment, Tom Arthur MSP, to understand the full implications of this announcement and to ensure that all available support is offered to the affected workforce." 

Gougeon added: "We need to explore all possibilities to minimise the impact of this potential closure on the local economy and the community. 

“I will be working closely with Angus Council and other stakeholders to understand what options may be available for the site going forward.”

Euan Sutherland, AG Barr chief executive, said: “2024/25 was a successful year for the company. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my colleagues across the business who delivered these excellent financial results.   

“Looking forward, we have a refreshed strategy centred on growth and are committed to our long-term financial targets.”