Drouthy neibors to quench thirst with Robert Burns Coke bottle

Published on Friday 5 June 2009 14:47

SCOTLAND'S national poet is to become the first person to feature on a commemorative bottle of Coca Cola, it was announced today.

An image of Robert Burns will adorn about one million bottles across the UK in a programme of "Homecoming" events, designed to showcase the best of Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remind our friends and family of everything that makes Scotland unique.

"This unique design for 2009 captures the spirit of that celebration, and is a fantastic way of translating our heritage and identity into the language of popular culture."

Mr Salmond said the drinks company's involvement is testament to the "pulling power" of the Homecoming celebrations, which highlight Scotland's contribution to the world, such as whisky, golf and innovations.

The First Minister was at Gleneagles Hotel to meet the first delivery of the bottles, which will also be stocked by wholesalers and other hotel chains.

The promotional bottle is the first by Coca Cola to be designated to one nation and an individual.

Previous limited edition designs helped promote the Fifa World Cup and Olympic Games.

Coca Cola employs about 400 people in Scotland – in East Kilbride and Aberdeen.

The firm said it intends to email its 70,000-strong global workforce to promote Homecoming.