Unicorn and Nessie star in Leith swansong for Irn-Bru

The Irn-Bru advertising and marketing account might be moving out of Edinburgh’s Leith Agency to London-based Lucky Generals but it is claimed that the Scottish agency’s final campaign “hits the sweet spot between ridiculous and inspired”.

Created in partnership with Curate Films, the AG Barr-owned brand’s swansong celebrates the launch of two limited-edition flavours, Nessie Nectar and Unicorn Tears.

The first film is set on the shores of Loch Ness, where Angus McLean reveals he is a fifth-generation Nessie milker, and proudly shows off his milking shed, which is adorned with pictures of ancestors “pulling away at that legendary teat”.

Demonstrating his milking technique on some spectacular practice udders, he also shows his loud Nessie-attracting cry, giving an insight into the skills of his unusual trade. Angus ends with wisdom from his father: “It always tastes better when you’ve tugged it yourself.”

The second spot is set at Greetin’ Acres Farm, where Kelly the unicorn tear farmer is busy insulting her unicorn: “No one believes in you, and your teeth are massive”, causing the poor horned beast to weep.

But Kelly is also coaxing out tears of joy to collect, with platitudes and acoustic ballads, while the tears really flow when they watch Titanic together on a tablet. With the rainbow tears collected in pails, there’s just time for one last insult: “Get it oot ya, ya big pink donkey!”

Both films are directed by Seb Cardinal, best known for his work with the comedy duo Cardinal Burns and appearances in After Life and This Time with Alan Partridge.

Curate Films managing director Dan Dickenson said: “This is a campaign only Irn-Bru could pull off. Seb’s direction hits the sweet spot between ridiculous and inspired – just like the brand itself. It’s the perfect swansong to an iconic creative partnership.”

The limited-edition flavours are now available across the UK in specially designed cans featuring illustrations of the mythical creatures.

Lucky Generals will start working on the account in the summer, having won the pitch for Irn-Bru and sister brand Rubicon in January; it beat off London rivals Uncommon Creative Studio and St Luke’s. Leith has handled the account for nearly 30 years.