the resignation of executive chairman Robin Barr from soft drinks manufacturer AG Barr signals the end of an era.

The 66-year-old, who has been at the Glasgow-based firm for 40 years, will be replaced by Roger White - the first person from outside the Barr family to run the company in its 129-year history.

Mr Barr, who will continue in a part-time role, represents the fourth generation of the firm that began as a home-run business in 1875 in Falkirk.

He joined the company, whose brands include Irn-Bru, Tizer and Orangina, in 1960 after training as a chartered accountant, became a director in 1964 and was appointed chairman in 1978.

Since then, he has seen the business expand from the UK into franchise arrangements in countries including Canada, Australia, Spain and Russia.

Nearly 1,000 people are employed by Barr across the country, from outlets including sites in Kirkcaldy, in Fife, and Bristol.

Mr Barr said the structure of the company had changed enormously over the years.

"The soft drinks industry has changed from a local industry to one that is dominated by the multi-nationals. When Barr started, it was very much a cottage industry. In those days, you made it in the back kitchen in the morning and went out and sold it in the afternoon."

Mr White, 38, takes over as chief executive after joining the company as managing director 18 months ago. He was previously commercial director at Rank Hovis McDougall.