There were lots of nice people at the Dockers’ Club yesterday for the unveiling of a new mural depicting scenes from old Leith. It was a nice do, with plenty of well-kent faces, many friendly conversations and nobody grandstanding, even though, to my surprise, IW was there to say a few (on this occasion) well chosen words. It was a nice coincidence for me, as I have been drafting up my chapter on the history of Leith at the time the man was growing up, and this is what I had written about the Club: It is in a fine working-class tradition of community self-help through socialising and organising. The function room is a classic of its type: a stage in the corner, a small dancing area in front, and long tables… The club has always been good and generous to many Leith initiatives, including the Trainspotting Tour. I have sat here plenty of times discussing the overdose scene in Trainspotting the film and Renton’s difficult evening here as he makes his first public appearance after doing cold turkey. Now I suppose I will add a line something like: Welsh was made an Honorary member of the Club in April 2014 on the occasion of…
Today’s Evening News’ front page headline tells us what IW’s opinion is on the Edinburgh trams. Who cares what he thinks? He is also asked what he thinks about independence: ditto. I don’t subscribe to this celebrity culture in which, just because he has written a book (OK, he has written quite a few), we are expected to take seriously his opinions on almost any subject. It turns out he is in town testing the water with Danny Boyle, John Hodge, and Andrew MacDonald to do with making Porno the film. Could be interesting.