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.
5. Rouken Glen Park
The park scene with Renton and Sick Boy quoting Sean Connery was filmed at Rouken Glen just outside Glasgow. | Trainspotting
6. Possilpark
The street that Swanney, played by Peter Mullan, lived on was in Possilpark. The conspiculously Glasgow setting can be seen when a taxi is called for Renton. | Trainspotting
7. Dennistoun
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. | Trainspotting
8. Maryhill
The football scene at the start of the movie was filmed at Firhill Sport complex on Hopehill Road. | Trainspotting