Irn-Bru sales soar in parliament after SNP election success

Irn-Bru sales in the parliamentary estate have increased by more than 60 per cent since last year's general election took the number of Scottish National Party (SNP) MPs from six to 56.

According to Holyrood Magazine, "bars, cafes and vending machines across the UK parliament sold 8,708 cans or bottles in the financial year 2015-16, up from 5,452 the year before."

Irn-Bru is produced in Scotland by AG Barr plc and is the country's best-selling soft drink.

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Patrick Grady, the SNP MP for Glasgow North, told The Guardian the drink gives politicians "sustenance" through lengthy days in the House of Commons, adding that AG Barr "plays an important role in the economy of central Scotland and the country as a whole".

He continued: "Famously Scotland is the only country where Coca-Cola is not the biggest selling soft drink. But it looks like we're making progress in the House of Commons and perhaps the taste will catch on among MPs and staff from south of the border."

The SNP stormed the election in May 2015 to become the third largest party in Westminster, behind the Conservatives and Labour and ahead of the Liberal Democrats.