THE boss of AG Barr saw a big increase in pay during the year which saw the firm controversially roll-out a new recipe for Irn-Bru, writes Scott Wright.

Roger White, who has been chief executive of the soft drinks giant since 2014, received total remuneration of £1.43 million for the year ended January 26, according to the firm’s annual report, published yesterday. His overall pay package was up from £1.29m the year before.

The report shows that Mr White’s total remuneration included a salary of £462,000, up from £451,000, while his bonus increased to £420,000 from £353,000. Mr White also received shares worth £351,000 under a long-term incentive plan, compared with £148,000 last time.

READ MORE: Weather is more important than Brexit, Irn-Bru chief declares

Details of executive pay at AG Barr were disclosed shortly after the company reported a 2.5 per cent rise in underlying profit to £45.2m for the 52 weeks ended January 26. Revenue climbed by 5.6% to £279m.

Speaking at the time, Mr White told The Herald that the firm had been preparing for Brexit by stockpiling ingredients and hedging against current movements. But he said the vagaries of the weather presented more of a risk to the firm than Brexit.

Mr White said: “If the sun shines or there is promotional activity it is far more likely to have a material effect than some further vote in the Houses of Parliament.”