“It's different in Scotland. People who come to readings are more interested in literature as such, but the readership in general is really quite diverse. It's a cliche, but it's said that people who read my books don't read any other books, and you do get that element.”

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.