SCOTS drinks giant Barr today revealed the firm is to stop paying back 30p for returning its bottles.

Bosses said the company will continue to sell Irn Bru in glass bottles.

However, the firm said the recent eco-friendly push meant the end of the cash refund.

Jonathan Kemp, Barr’s Commercial Director, said: "We know how much our consumers love the taste of their favourite soft drink flavours in our iconic 750ml glass bottles.

This significant investment allows us to continue to offer our consumers their favourite products in glass, well into the future.

With improved kerbside recycling, only one in two of our bottles are now being returned, meaning that the process of handling returned bottles has become uneconomic.

"We will continue to offer the same quality products in the 750ml bottle for the long-term, but the bottle will no longer be returnable."

Barr will continue to accept bottles until the December 31 2015 and consumers can continue to return their bottles to retailers until this date.

Mr Kemp added: "From the beginning of October, information on the change will be carried on the bottle label and we will work with retailers to display materials in their premises to ensure our consumers understand what is planned.

"This exciting investment in the future of our glass filling capability will ensure that our loyal glass bottle fans can continue to enjoy their favourite soft drinks, exactly as they are, for many years to come."