5 h. ago Irvine Welsh slams Nicola Sturgeon for shoving trans beliefs "down people's throats"

Welsh, 66, believes the former first minister was wrong in her attempts to allow people to self-identify as women while she was in government.

Politics

11 h. ago Irvine Welsh: Reality Is Not Enough review – a candid portrait of a literary one

Paul Sng’s documentary finds the Trainspotting author as funny, sharp and unrepentant as ever – from boyhood in Leith to globetrotting fame and a hallucinogenic trip in CanadaNo one would reject the title of national treasure more fiercely, but more good-humouredly, than Irvine Welsh. The brilliant Scottish writer and creator of Trainspotting takes centre-stage in Paul Sng’s documentary with just the same unassumingly athletic ease as in all of his other public appearances. For someone who has done as much drink and drugs and as many late nights as Welsh, he looks very good.This film is a great way to round off the Edinburgh film festival; Welsh is, after all, Edinburgh’s greatest living public figure. His 60s childhood in Leith and Muirhouse was followed by a spell in London, then twentysomething years back in Edinburgh during the 80s, studying at Heriot-Watt and working for the council, during which time he began to write. Continue reading...

Politics

18 h. ago Irvine Welsh says psychedelic drug proves there is 'life before and after death'

The Trainspotting author can be seen taking DMT in a new documentary about his life and career

Events

42 h. ago Irvine Welsh: Edinburgh Festival is great but I’m more excited about Hibs

Reality is Not Enough, a documentary about the Trainspotting author and his take on consciousness, will close the International Film Festival.

Politics

3 d. ago Jodie Whittaker proves there is life after her Doctor Who train wreck... writes CHRISTOPHER STEVENS

Jodie Whittaker 's career was dramatically derailed when she became the first female Doctor Who.

Events

2 w. ago Irvine Welsh, Fringe by the Sea, North Berwick review: 'a sweary lovefest'

At this Fringe by the Sea appearance Irvine Welsh offered his views on Instagram culture, sentimental Christmas movies and the enduring appeal of the Trainspotting crew. Review by Mike Wade

Politics

2 w. ago From orgies to marathon sex scenes: how did period drama get so raunchy?

Non-stop coitus, controversial nudity and shocking sex toys: steamy scenes in costume dramas have changed since Colin Firth got his shirt wet in Pride and Prejudice. Here is an outrageous history of small-screen saucinessOutlander first sizzled our screens in 2014, with Vulture soon declaring that the period drama had “the best sex on television”. Its tale of second world war nurse Claire (Caitriona Balfe) time-travelling to 18th-century Scotland and falling in love with clansman Jamie (Sam Heughan) certainly earned the accolade. The wedding night episode features Claire reaching such an explosive orgasm that it requires smelling salts for viewers to get through. There’s a knee-trembling “castle cunnilingus” scene and, at one point, the extraordinary moment when Claire saves Jamie’s life by masturbating him. It has proved so popular that in 2026 its eighth (and final) season will air.In the last year we’ve had shows such as Carême, about a Napoleonic-era celebrity chef who like...

Events