“Before I started writing, I'd never read much fiction. I was more interested in non-fiction. I'm taking the same approach to theatre: I can operate from a position of ignorance and make up my own rules instead of being bound by customs and practice.”

Scottish novelist and playwright of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Welsh is best known for his sharp, unflinching depictions of working-class life in Glasgow. His debut novel, *Trainspotting*, became a defining work of contemporary British literature, blending dark humor with raw social commentary. His later works, including *Filth* and *The Acid House*, continue to explore similar themes with equal intensity.