IRN-BRU is sending a squad of balaclava-wearing grannies on mobility scooters into four UK cities, challenging the public to hunt them down as the Scottish brand marks its 125th anniversary. The campaign, titled 'Catch Me If You Gran', is fronted by national treasure Amanda Barrie, 91, and brings to life the brand's legendary getaway grannies, who have long been notorious for stealing cans and making speedy escapes.
Supermarkets, corner shops and vending machines don't stand a chance when these electric ladies, powered by girders, come rolling into town. Inspired by the famous fizzy drink brand's iconic 2001 advert, the getaway grannies are being brought to life, and the public are being dared to achieve what countless security guards have failed to do – stop them dead in their tracks.
Granny Tourismo Challenge
In a BRU-nique challenge, the first 12 people in each city to track down a granny before she makes her getaway will pocket £125. Granny Tourismo will see the nans hit the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16 respectively.
Lying in wait at secret locations aboard a BRU'd-out mobility scooter, complete with blue flame racing stripes, the grannies will keep members of the public on their toes. A string of cryptic clues will be dropped on social media, pointing eager fans towards their whereabouts somewhere in each city. However, you'll need to be sharp off the mark to be one of granny's favourite dozen.
Amanda Barrie Leads the Campaign
National treasure Amanda Barrie is spearheading the UK-wide 'Catch Me If You Gran' campaign. The Coronation Street star is best recognised for her portrayal of Alma Baldwin in the soap, a role she held for more than two decades. Her television credits also include Bad Girls and Benidorm, and she has recently released her revealing autobiography, 'I'm Still Here'. Now, she's championing the BRU grannies initiative.
Amanda said: "After all those years in the UK's top soap and my Carry On capers, I know a thing or two about causing chaos. Then there was my time reeking havoc in Larkhill Prison, not to mention taking a swipe at Gordon Ramsay on national TV. But even I struggle to keep up with these BRU grannies.
"They've traded shopping trolleys for mobility scooters and they're determined not to be caught. If you do manage to stop one, you've definitely earned your £125."
Scottish Launch and UK Tour
The challenge will launch in Scotland, which is not only IRN-BRU's birthplace, but home to numerous famous grannies, from Craiglang's Isa to Mrs Doubtfire, Lorraine Kelly and everyone's favourite neighbour Christine. Catherine, 74, from Glasgow is prepared to take to the streets as the first leg begins in the city on Tuesday, September 15.
Gran-of-four Catherine said: "The scooter has had a makeover to celebrate IRN-BRU's big birthday celebrations, now it's fully powered by girders and ready to take on the nation. Like any granny, I'm happy to help out and show my generosity, but you'll have to find me first before I'm gone."
A UK-wide tour will bring BRU's beloved shoplifting granny to life. The iconic Electric Lady advert from 2001 featured a sweet, smiling elderly woman gliding through her town on a mobility scooter, before pulling down her tea cosy hat-turned-balaclava and making off with armfuls of BRU cans. To mark 125 years of Scotland's favourite fizzy drink, BRU has dusted off the classic advert.
Kenny Nicholson, Director of Brand at IRN-BRU, said: "To celebrate our anniversary, we've brought to life one of our greatest characters. The IRN-BRU grannies are out in force next week, revving their scooters and ready to hit the road. Fans will need to be quick as they won't be in each of the four cities for long before they make a speedy getaway to the next one. This is one of the many ways we're giving back to the nation as we mark 125 years of Made in Scotland from Girders."
