A popular fizzy drink produced in Scotland for decades has been discontinued.

Moray Cup was famous for its bright red colour, cheap price and unusual wrapper.

The fruit-flavoured drink was made in Macduff and remains popular in the north east.

Producer Cott Beverages said it is no longer economical to make the drink and blamed the decision on the sugar tax, which will come into effect across the UK in 2018.

A spokesman for online campaign group Save the Moray Cup called it "sad news".

"It's a much loved drink throughout the country, particularly in the north east and hopefully the decision will be reversed," they said.

"We've seen a big outpouring of support towards the drink on social throughout the last couple of days so hopefully it's owner will decide to continue its production."

A social media post by a north east food vendor revealing Moray Cup's fate has attracted thousands of comments from dismayed fans.

The future of Moray Cup appeared to be under threat in 2012 when Macduff-based drinks firm Sangs went into administration.

The company was bought over by Cott Beverages but the drink reportedly become increasingly hard to find.

A spokeswoman for Cott Beverages said: "We're committed to ensuring that the Macduff production plant continues to be successful in light of the changing dynamics of the soft drinks industry.

"As a result this means that we are having to make some difficult decisions in relation to our product offerings.

"With the UK sugar tax approaching as well as the cost of materials, we have determined that we are no longer able to viably produce the Sangs Moray Cup range of drinks.

"We would like to thank our consumers for their loyalty and we appreciate that the brand will be missed. If at some point in the future circumstances change, then we will revisit our analysis on this range of products."