A defining movie of the 1990s, Trainspotting was set in Edinburgh but almost entirely filmed in Glasgow, like Danny Boyle’s previous film, Shallow Grave. The memorable run along Princes Street set the local context, but the majority of the scenes in the movie were played out here, shot in just seven weeks. Locations included Maryhill, Hopehill Road, Firhill, Rouken Glen and Thornliebank.
The premiere took place at the Odeon cinema on Renfield Street in Glasgow in 1996 with Danny Boyle, Andrew Macdonald, Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner, Kevin McKidd, Kelly Macdonald and Robert Carlyle all turning out to launch the movie.
Studio filming took place within the disused Wills Tobacco cigarette factory, on Alexandra Parade. 30 of the film’s 50 locations were filmed in Dennistoun.
A pivotal scene set in a London hotel room was filmed in the George Hotel on Buchanan Street, the site has since been redeveloped.
Cafe D’Jaconelli on Maryhill Road features in one of the most famous scenes, where Spud prepares for a job interview over a milkshake.
Allan Hunter, film critic, recalled: “Trainspotting felt like an explosion of fireworks on a dull grey sky when it arrived.
"Danny Boyle’s bravura direction brings such energy and drive to the story. It made British films (and Scottish films) seem cool. The marketing was so slick and unforgettable. It became the film that everyone wanted to be associated with.
“Following on so quickly from Braveheart, it felt that Trainspotting helped cement the case for Scotland as a filmmaking country that deserved global attention. It certainly felt at the time as if everyone was excited about what might be possible.
"Might we dare to dream of a Scottish film studio? What investment in Scottish production could follow? It raised a lot of hopes and dreams for many people."
Find out more about how Glasgow had a starring role in Trainspotting below.
1. Trainspotting in Glasgow
Based on Irvine Welsh’s novel, Trainspotting, the film was an international success, making stars of its young Scottish cast including Ewan McGregor. Almost all the sets for the movie were built on an improvised soundstage at an old factory in Dennistoun but you can spot the city in many of the film’s most important scenes. Photo: John Irving on Flickr
2. Dumbarton Road
The video shop visited by Tommy and Lizzy in the film was at 312 Dumbarton Road in Partick. | Trainspotting
3. Buchanan Street
A pivotal scene set in a London hotel room was filmed in the George Hotel on Buchanan Street, the site has since been redeveloped for retail across from Buchanan Galleries. | Trainspotting
4. Partick
Volcano was demolished to make way for student flats, in the 1990s it was one of the most popular local nightclubs in Glasgow. | Trainspotting