Irvine Welsh, the Scottish novelist and filmmaker best known for his groundbreaking work *Trainspotting*, recently shared insights into his personal life, creative mindset, and views on contemporary issues in a candid conversation. At 67, Welsh continues to be a vocal supporter of Scottish independence and an ardent fan of the football club Hibernian FC. His latest book, *Can Nothing Save Us?*, is now available, and he is scheduled to appear in discussions at venues in Brighton and London later this month.
When asked to describe his ideal hour, Welsh pictured a quiet summer morning spent on the patio with his wife, enjoying strong black coffee and exchanging thoughts about their latest reading and music. He described these mornings as a time rich with stimulating, spontaneous conversations. Welsh also identified early morning hours—from around 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.—as his favorite time of day, noting their quietness and the sense that anything is possible before the day’s demands set in.
Welsh expressed a commitment to the present era, rejecting any romanticism about past times. “It’s your duty to enjoy the time you’re in,” he said, emphasizing the importance of embracing the current moment despite its challenges.
Reflecting on his youth, Welsh admitted to having been a habitual thief but suggested that such behavior has mostly ceased. He recounted a recent minor lapse, reportedly stealing a sandwich from an airport vendor, joking that this was part of his preparation for a predicted apocalypse. Emotional experiences remain significant for him; he shared that the last time he cried was alone in a multiplex watching *Guardians of the Galaxy 3* in Perth, describing the film as “very triggering.” On a lighter note, he also mentioned shedding tears of laughter after an especially disappointing football match involving his beloved Hibernian team.
Asked about interacting with famous individuals, Welsh dismissed the idea of spending time with people defined chiefly by their fame, noting that the few interesting celebrities he has met were compelling despite, not because of, their celebrity status.
Welsh also discussed his relationship with social media, which he previously checked for work during a train journey from London to Edinburgh. He criticized social media as a tool exploited by the wealthy and unscrupulous to manipulate vulnerable individuals and dismissed it as a pastime for those lacking a personal life.
Looking ahead to longevity, Welsh expressed a rather stark view, suggesting that a prolonged life is not necessarily desirable if it means enduring poor health and dependency in old age. He summed up his feelings about aging with a candid piece of advice he would give his younger self: to stop behaving arrogantly and selfishly.
With his distinctive blend of humor, candor, and social critique, Welsh remains a potent voice in contemporary literature and public discourse. His upcoming appearances are set to offer further opportunities for audiences to engage with his provocative perspectives.