Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh on why he'd be 'delighted' to see Hearts win league
The Trainspotting author has had his say on whether he could stomach Hibs’ city rivals clinching the league title
Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh has had his say on Hearts’ chances of winning their first league title in 66 years.
The Capital writer, who is well-known for his adoration of the Jambos’ bitter city rivals Hibs, was asked the question during an interview to promote Trainspotting: The Musical, which is coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in the autumn.
Depending on how results fall this week, Hearts have a very real chance of becoming the first non-Old Firm side to be crowned league champions since Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in 1985.
Speaking to the Evening News, Welsh said he’d “hate” to see the Gorgie club achieve the historic feat - however, he admitted he’d secretly be quite happy for friends and family who are Hearts supporters.
Welsh said: “You can’t be mean spirited about the whole thing. It’s not my place to pass comment, but I’ve got friends and family who are big Hearts supporters, so even though I hate the idea of them winning the league, I’m sort of delighted for them as well.
He added: “We just need to bear it graciously, Hibs are always going to be the greatest institution in Scotland and nothing can really change that.”
A number of high-profile Hibs fans have faced criticism from sections of the Easter Road support for being open to the idea of a Hearts victory.
In recent weeks, boxer Josh Taylor and tennis stars Sir Andy and Jamie Murray have all suggested that they would like to see the Old Firm duopoly broken or that the league trophy returning to Edinburgh would benefit Scottish football.
With Trainspotting: The Musical set to begin its UK tour at Edinburgh Playhouse in October, before finishing there in March next year, we also asked the author what he loves most about the city he still calls home.
He said: “My favourite thing about Edinburgh is Leith. When I get the train home and get off at Waverley Station you just get a vibe that you’re home. It’s just your friends and family being here, it’s always been my home and always will be.
“I am in London more than Edinburgh, and I love London, but I just feel more at home in Edinburgh than anywhere else.
“Leith Theatre got a modernisation grant of £5 million, so I’d love to see this musical put on there in the future, given it was written round the corner from there. But it’s great it’s going to be on at the Playhouse, which is nearly Leith.”
The UK tour of Trainspotting: The Musical begins at Edinburgh Playhouse from October 19-24 and returns from March 22-27, 2027 where the tour will culminate. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, May 13.