Irn-Bru is changing its recipe to cut the amount of sugar in Scotland's second national drink ahead of a UK Government crackdown on fizzy drinks.

Owner AG Barr, which also makes popular brands including Rubicon and Tizer, announced it will make sugar reductions to 90% of its products by autumn.

It plans to reduce the total sugar to less than 5g per 100ml across its range, claiming the move is in response to changing consumer habits.

The company is grappling with a shift in consumer tastes towards low-sugar drinks and is preparing for the implementation of a sugar tax in 2018.

The proposed levy, due to be introduced next April, is aimed at tackling soaring obesity rates.

The industry tax relates to the sugar content of drinks, with a higher amount charged for the most sugary beverages.

Chief executive Roger White said: "Evidence shows that consumers want to reduce their sugar intake while still enjoying great tasting drinks.

"We've responded by significantly reducing sugar across our portfolio in recent years, through reformulation and innovation.

"Today's announcement builds on this progress and we are now expanding our successful sugar reduction plans to include our iconic Irn-Bru brand."

Mr White said Irn-Bru, the most popular soft drink in Scotland, will retain its "unique great taste", just with less sugar.

In February, the Cumbernauld-based firm said it is on track to meet full-year profit guidance but flagged another challenging year ahead.

Last year, AG Barr announced it was cutting 90 jobs as part of a company-wide revamp expected to cost around £4m.

Changing a classic

This is not the first time a long-standing brand has changed.

A number of attempts have been made to improve or alter well-known products, with mixed results.