Irvine Welsh is a Scottish novelist and short story writer, born on 27 September 1958. He gained significant fame with his 1993 novel Trainspotting, which was adapted into a critically acclaimed film of the same name. Aside from novels, Welsh has also written plays, screenplays, and directed several short films.

His works are renowned for their gritty depiction of the darker side of human nature, often focusing on themes of drug use. Welsh writes in his native Edinburgh Scots dialect, adding a unique challenge for readers unfamiliar with this style. His characters, often anti-heroes, small-time crooks, and hooligans, are imbued with a sad humanity that renders them likable despite their flaws.