Who Is Irvine Welsh? Age, Biography and Wiki
Irvine Welsh, born on September 27, 1958, in Edinburgh, Scotland, has made a significant mark in contemporary literature. Best known for his debut novel Trainspotting, which was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film, Welsh's work often delves into themes of addiction, identity, and the complexities of life in Scotland. As of 2025, Irvine Welsh is 66 years old, continuing to be an influential figure in the literary world.
| Occupation | Playwright |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1958 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country |
Popularity
Irvine Welsh's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific body measurements can vary, Irvine Welsh is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His weight is estimated to be around 165 pounds (75 kg). The Scottish novelist maintains a relatively active lifestyle, contributing to his overall well-being and appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Irvine Welsh has maintained a degree of privacy regarding his personal life. Currently, he is believed to be in a relationship, although specific details about his boyfriend have not been disclosed in 2025. Welsh has previously shared insights about his family and relationships through his writings and interviews, often reflecting on the impact of his background on his work. He has been married and divorced, but the focus has shifted to his literary career in recent years.
When he was four, his family moved to Muirhouse, in Edinburgh, where they stayed in local housing schemes. His mother worked as a waitress. His father was a dock worker in Leith until bad health forced him to stop, after which he became a carpet salesman; he died when Welsh was 25.
Welsh left Ainslie Park High School when he was 16 and then completed a City and Guilds course in electrical engineering. He became an apprentice TV repairman until an electric shock persuaded him to move on to a series of other jobs.
He left Edinburgh for the London punk scene in 1978, where he played guitar and sang in The Pubic Lice and Stairway 13. A series of arrests for petty crimes and finally a suspended sentence for trashing a North London community centre inspired Welsh to correct his ways.
He worked for Hackney Council in London and studied computing with the support of the Manpower Services Commission.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Irvine Welsh's estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. His earnings stem from a successful writing career, which includes multiple novels, screenplays, and stage adaptations. Additionally, Welsh has engaged in public speaking and literary events, further contributing to his income.
Career, Business and Investments
Irvine Welsh's career has spanned several decades, with notable works beyond Trainspotting including Porno, Skagboys, and The Blade Artist. His writing often receives critical acclaim, and he influences both readers and aspiring writers. In 2025, Welsh continues to publish new works and is involved in literary projects that explore contemporary issues.
Beyond literature, he has invested in various ventures, including adaptations of his works for film and television, solidifying his status as a versatile creator. His keen sense of business has allowed him to diversify his income sources and remain relevant in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Welsh's prequel to Trainspotting, titled Skagboys, was published in 2012. Set in Leith in the early 1980s, it introduces the Trainspotting characters and follows them as they fall into heroin addiction. Given as a series of linked short stories, the book is also interspersed with brief commentaries on contemporary British politics.
In particular, the consequences of the destruction of industry in the northern cities are drawn for the young working class. His eighth novel, The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins, was published in May 2014 and his ninth novel titled A Decent Ride was published by Vintage Books in April 2015.
The latter work featured the returning character 'Juice' Terry Lawson (previously from Glue and Porno).
Social Network
Irvine Welsh is active on several social media platforms, where he shares insights into his life and works. His presence on Twitter and Instagram allows fans to connect with him on a more personal level. As of 2025, he has amassed a significant following, using social media to promote upcoming projects and engage with his audience.
Irvine Welsh (born 27 September 1958) is a Scottish novelist and short story writer. His 1993 novel Trainspotting was made into a film of the same name. He has also written plays and screenplays, and directed several short films.
Education
Welsh attended the local schools in Edinburgh and later enrolled at Heriot-Watt University, where he studied engineering. Although he did not complete his degree, his time at university was instrumental in shaping his literary voice. His education, combined with his life experiences, has profoundly influenced his writing and thematic choices.
Welsh returned to Edinburgh in the late 1980s, where he worked for the city council in the housing department. He then studied for an MBA at Heriot-Watt University.
