Democracy. Destiny. Ginger fizz. Plus a free Regular Bru for Burns Night
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland. The nation spoke. Cineworld listened. And now every Scottish Cineworld cinema is proudly serving the most defiant soft drink on earth.
To announce the moment, Cineworld has launched a bold new ad campaign in partnership with IRN-BRU, starring its own Scottish cinema teams serving up IRN-BRU with maximum pride and minimal apology. The creative leans hard into classic IRN-BRU attitude – irreverent, cheeky, and proudly Scottish.
Tim Sparrow, Director of Retail at Cineworld, said: “Scotland made it very clear what it wanted, and now IRN-BRU is finally on tap at Cineworld.
Grab a seat, grab a BRU, and enjoy the victory!”
FREE REGULAR IRN-BRU FOR BURNS NIGHT
Sunday January 25, 2026 – Scotland only
Every customer attending a Scottish Cineworld on Burns Night with a valid ticket will receive a free regular IRN-BRU, on us. No small print. No hoops. Just fizz.
To celebrate Burns Night’ 26, Cineworld are bring back two Scottish classics to the big screen for only £5.99 per film when you book online:
The Angels’ Share (2012)
Ken Loach’s whisky-soaked, big-hearted caper.
Braveheart (1995) – 4K Restoration
Big speeches, bigger kilts, now in glorious 4K.
HOW TO GET YOUR FREE REGULAR IRN-BRU
Walk to the counter
Say: “BRU?”
Receive destiny
It’s Scotland on the screen, Scotland in your hand, and Scotland very much in charge.
Scotland, your Cineworld has been BRU-tified.
For terms and conditions for the free regular Iru Bru please visit
Scottish STEM charity, TechFest, celebrates a landmark year of achievement, having reached more than 50,000 people across the UK in 2025 through its education, engagement and outreach programmes.
Throughout the year, TechFest delivered its year-round programme of activities and events, engaging participants of all ages and continuing its mission to make STEM fun, inclusive and accessible for all.
By working in partnership with schools, local communities, education institutions and STEM volunteers, the organisation has inspired learners of all ages to explore wide range of STEM careers and build new skills and confidence while supporting educators and families nationwide.
Dr Martha Gavan, Managing Director at TechFest, said: “Reaching more than 50,000 people in a single year shows huge progress, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. Those are not just numbers but a powerful reflection of the hard work and commitment that goes into everything we do, and of how impactful STEM can be when it’s made engaging, inclusive and fun.”
Scottish STEM charity, TechFest, is celebrating a landmark year of achievement, having reached more than 50,000 people in 2025 across the UK through its education, engagement and outreach programmes.
Over the past year, TechFest has continued to deliver on its mission to make Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fun, engaging and accessible for all, getting 52,559 participants across its year-round programme of activities and events, and successfully reaching 30 out of 32 Scottish educational authorities.
Through work and partnerships with schools, local communities, education institutions and ambassadors, the organisation has inspired learners of all ages to explore STEM subjects, develop new skills and build confidence in their abilities, while also supporting educators and families across the country.
Dr Martha Gavan, Managing Director at TechFest, said: “Reaching more than 50,000 people in a single year shows great progress, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved.
“Those are not just numbers but a powerful reflection of the hard work and commitment that goes into everything we do, and of how impactful STEM can be when it’s made engaging, inclusive and fun.
“As we look ahead to 2026, I am hugely excited about what the future holds for TechFest, for STEM education, for Scotland and the UK as a whole. We have a real opportunity to build on this momentum, expand our impact and help empower the next generation to see STEM as something that’s truly for them.”
This exceptional level of reach has been driven by the success of several flagship programmes. TechFest’s Primary Outreach, a catalogue of STEM school workshops taken across Scotland to help engage pupils in a fun and dynamic way, has proven particularly impactful, reaching more than 15 thousand people.
As well as that, 24 Days of STEM, a festive programme engaging people of all ages with interactive STEM challenges every day until Christmas has also continued to grow in scale, achieving a record number of participants.
The charity’s achievements reflect the dedication and expertise of its staff, volunteers, ambassadors, partners and supporters, whose collective efforts have enabled STEM opportunities to reach communities in every part of the UK.
This milestone year also coincides with a new chapter for TechFest, following the appointment of Martha as Managing Director. With more than seven years’ experience at the organisation, including four as Deputy Managing Director, Martha has played a key role in expanding TechFest’s reach.
As Managing Director, she will build on this momentum, championing engaging and inspiring STEM activities that support young people and contribute to Scotland’s growing STEM-rich knowledge economy.
She added: “With strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose and growing national reach, the organisation enters the coming year well positioned to continue making a lasting difference and ensuring STEM remains exciting, relevant and accessible for generations to come.”
TechFest’s mission is made possible through the vital support of funders, sponsors and partners who share its commitment and passion to inspiring the next STEM generation.
Its impressive reach and impact this year have been achieved through strong partnerships with organisations across industry, education and the public sector.
The charity welcomes new industry partners who are keen to support and inspire the future workforce, and encourages anyone interested in learning more to get in touch with Martha to explore opportunities to get involved.
A new national action plan setting out Scotland’s priorities for suicide prevention over the next three years has been backed by an increased budget of at least £3 million in 2026-27.
Creating Hope Together: Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 aims to reduce suicide deaths, address the inequalities that can increase risk, and ensure anyone affected by suicide can access timely, compassionate support.
It’s the next phase of Scotland’s ambitious ten-year suicide prevention strategy, jointly led by the Scottish Government and COSLA, and focuses on four priorities:
supporting people at greatest risk of suicide, and creating safer environments
building understanding about suicide and capability to respond across communities
ensuring access to timely and compassionate support
strengthening foundations for effective delivery through improved data, evidence and collaboration
The latest official statistics from National Records of Scotland show the number of probable suicides in 2024 decreased by 11% compared to 2023 – the lowest number since 2017.
Total mental health spending is expected to exceed £1.5 billion in 2026-27.
Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing Tom Arthur said: “Every person lost to suicide is a tragedy with far reaching impacts on families, friends and communities. Suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and I am determined that everyone has timely access to the right mental health support. While the latest official statistics show a decrease in the number of probable suicides, there is no room for complacency.
“The suicide prevention funding has increased to at least £3 million in 2026–27, up from £2.8 million. The increased budget will allow us to focus on tackling the stigma of suicide, encouraging people to seek help, and providing a range of support for people affected by suicide.
“The new plan is focused on prevention, early intervention and reaching those who need support most, including young people and those impacted by social inequalities, stigma and discrimination. I want to thank Suicide Prevention Scotland and the many other local and national partners, especially those with lived experience, who helped shape this Plan.”
Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: ““Suicide Prevention cannot be achieved by working in silos. We need to work across government – local and national – and with our communities to address the complex factors involved in creating conditions that can increase suicide risk, as well as harnessing those that promote better mental wellbeing.
“This new action plan is informed by learning from both national and local delivery and emerging practice. It builds on the ambition and achievements of the previous plan, accelerating progress towards our shared vision: that everyone in Scotland can access the right support at the right time.”
Declan Harrigan – CEO – S.M.I.L.E. Counselling added: ““S.M.I.L.E. Counselling warmly welcomes the Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2026–2029 and is hopeful that its ambitions can be fully realised through strong partnership working across the third sector, statutory services and communities.
“The clear focus on children and young people, early intervention, and addressing inequalities reflects what we know is needed to prevent suicide and save lives.
“We strongly support the plan’s emphasis on community-based approaches and believe that increased training and development at a local level around suicide prevention, intervention and postvention is pivotal. By building confidence, reducing stigma and equipping communities with the right skills and compassion, we can work together to create suicide-safer environments and, wherever possible, prevent deaths by suicide.
“We look forward to continuing to play an active role alongside partners in supporting children, young people and families, and in helping to turn this shared vision into meaningful, life-saving action.”
The plan builds on the learning from delivering the first action plan, drawing on academic research, insights from Suicide Prevention Scotland, local and national delivery partners, and the voices of people with experience of suicide, including children, young people and their families.
