Vendor Info Barr's soft drinks business was started by former Chairman Robin Barr's great grandfather Robert Barr in 1875 at Burnfoot Lane in Falkirk. In 1875 Barr's were one of hundreds of soft drinks businesses operating in Scotland; today they are the No.1 independent soft drinks business in the UK. IRN-BRU is seen by many as part of the culture of the Scottish Nation.