When animated film the Snowman was released in 1982, it became an instant Christmas hit, capturing the hearts and minds of kids across the UK - .and Glasgow children were no different.
And with today's announcement that Raymond Briggs, the author and illustrator of the festive classic, has died aged 88, we are reminded of the time Irn-Bru paid homage to the English illustrator's most iconic creation.
Appearing on TV screens in the build up to Christmas 2006, the very Glasgow re-telling put a whole new spin on the sorrowful tale for Scots, and is fondly remembered 16 years later.
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The parodied version of Brigg’s famed novel told of a young boy, a can of Irn-Bru and a thirsty Snowman, with comically re-worked lyrics of Howard Blake's Walking In The Air, originally sang by Aled Jones.
Nothing says Christmas is coming quite like the lyrics: “He took my Irn-Bru, and let go of my hand.”
In the advert, a red-haired boy, resembling James from the original animation, opens up an Irn-Bru in a snow covered garden, when the Snowman he's made comes to life. The creation then takes the boy and flies up into the air - so far pretty similar to the original film.
The Snowman continually tries to persuade the young boy to give him a sip of his Irn-Bru, which he is denied. Eventually he drops the boy and grabs the Irn-Bru, leaving him to fall to the ground - ending up in George Square in Glasgow.
In the sequel advert released three years ago, the story picks up where it left off - with the boy running to a plane in hopes of getting his Irn-Bru back. He passes through several Scottish landmarks such as the OVO Hydro, the Falkirk Wheel, and the V&A in Dundee.
He eventually catches up with the Snowman and successfully gets his can back, before it is grabbed out of his hand by Santa Claus. It ends with the boy and the Snowman heading to Lapland hoping to catch Santa.
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Robin Shaw, who directed and animated the parody along with five assistants, recalled making the short film in an interview with Shots in 2017. He said: “The script felt simple - as if it had been waiting to be written.
“We love the Scottish humour, but doubted permission would be granted to parody the original film. I was worried some might think we were cheapening The Snowman and being disrespectful, but I think we pulled it off.”
The fact he thought irreverent humour wouldn’t go down well in Scotland, proves he's no Scot. Arguably, it’s gone on to become Scotland’s all-time favourite advert.
According to sources Ben Robinson, who emulated Aled Jones by providing the vocals for the advert, went on to work as a security guard at an Asda in Edinburgh. We’re curious as to how often he sings the iconic lyrics to Irn-Bru thieves.
When Raymond Briggs was putting pencil to paper back in the '70s, there’s no way he could’ve known the impact The Snowman would’ve had on Scottish culture - but we thank him. If anything, we’re hoping for an upcoming sequel to find out who will eventually get that can of Irn-Bru.
The legendary illustrator, who also created children's favourites Father Christmas and Fungus The Bogeyman, first released The Snowman as a picture book in 1978. The book was turned into an animation four years later, and is now regarded as a festive staple.
In a statement released on Wednesday, his family said: "We know that Raymond's books were loved by and touched millions of people around the world, who will be sad to hear this news. Drawings from fans - especially children's drawings - inspired by his books were treasured by Raymond and pinned up on the wall of his studio.
"He shared his love of nature with Liz on South Downs walks and on family holidays to Scotland and Wales. He also shared his sense of fun and craziness with his family, and with his family of artist friends - at get-togethers, fancy dress parties, and summer picnics in the garden.
"He played practical jokes and enjoyed them being played on him. All of us close to him knew his irreverent humour - this could be biting in his work when it came to those in power. He liked the Guardian editorial describing himself as an 'iconoclastic national treasure'."
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