IRN-BRU announces the ultimate Halloween dating night in Glasgow

Scotland’s dating scene is being haunted by the spread of ghosting with two thirds of Gen Z Scots (16- to 26-year-olds) having experienced the phenomenon, according to new research by IRN-BRU - there’s no better time than Halloween to vanquish this horror.

To rid the nation’s ghosts this October, Scotland’s other national drink has summoned Dan Harry, star of BBC Three’s landmark gay dating show ‘I KISSED A BOY’, as their very own ‘Ghost BRU-ster’ to host the ultimate BRU-themed dating night - and only those who have been on the receiving end of someone cutting off all contact with no explanation are invited.

The term ‘ghosting’ is relatively new in the dating world - and refers to a potential relationship ending when someone stops replying to messages without giving the other person any warning for doing so and disappears.

Dan Harry said: “Heartache shouldn’t haunt anyone’s Halloween so I’m reaching out to spirited singles who have been ghosted to guide them to resurrect their love lives. Together with IRN-BRU we want to hear your ghost(ed) stories to get the chance to exorcise those dating demons and maybe even find a kindred spirit.

“I’ll be on hand to pair up potential matches, helping to banish any would-be ghosts this Halloween.”

A spooky study by IRN-BRU shows two thirds of the nation’s Gen Zs reporting the supernatural experience while looking for love, with 16-percent being ghosted more than three times in the last year. Something which might also cause a fright is 58% owning up to ghosting someone, for reasons as ridiculous as getting the ick from long nails, noisy eating or overusing emojis.

The research found that while 59% of Gen Z are frequent users of dating apps, a whopping 94% voiced they’re eager to swap swiping for real life link-ups but 48% are spooked at the thought of asking someone on a date IRL, so IRN-BRU’s Ghost BRU-ster is here to take away the awkwardness and help give offline encounters a go.

Bringing a BRU-nique twist to Halloween, IRN-BRU is teaming up with Glasgow’s El Perro Negro to host the ultimate halloween party for ghosted daters. The restaurant will be transformed into an enchanting dating night like no other, with tricks and treats, including an IRN-BRU inspired menu and cocktail selection. IRN-BRU pulled pork sliders will be served up alongside veggie deep fried haggis with BRU sauce and Ghost BRU-ster Dan will also be on hand to play cupid in an enchanting venue which will be fizzing with eerie surprises.

Dan wants to hear the nation’s spookiest ‘ghosting’ stories. Anyone who shares a tale of how their potential new boo suddenly left them on read could be lucky enough to receive an invitation for them and their pal to attend IRN-BRU’s Ghost BRU-sters event on Halloween night.

Kenny Nicholson, Head of Brand at IRN-BRU said: “We know ghosting is a big red flag for young people and that finding that spellbinding match can feel a little like the graveyard shift. So this Halloween, our Ghost BRU-ster event is on hand to turn the hunt for that special someone from a chiller into a thriller.”

To share ghost(ed) stories, singletons should visit IRN-BRU’s Instagram or TikTok channels.