Based in the schemes of Edinburgh ‘Glue’ provides an insight to the attitudes, social standings and culture not only on a local scale but also on a regional and national scale in the eras that it is set. It can be related to the other cities such as the council estate housing in Glasgow, that has had its significant problems with drug abuse and gangs.

Throughout the book there is a background theme based on drugs, alcohol and sex. Within the first few sections the book it is clear to point out the personal domestic problems that people face that can eventually degrade their aspirations associated with youth and lead them to the low expectations in this area.

We first meet some of the characters as children in which one situation the father leaves his partner two children and partner distraught without a care in the world for them as he strolls through the pub with his ‘clan of gangsters’ after he verbally abuses an old couple beforehand.

The book also stresses on the poor state of the housing and living conditions quite frequently throughout, for instance Welsh describes the ‘concrete block of flats’ as an ‘overheated greenhouse’ covered in ‘soot and grime for generations’.

In each chapter there almost always seems to be an incident or mentioning of alcohol; once the characters come in from a night out in search for a more adventurous and interesting ending. In the chapter ‘An Urban Myth’ one of the main characters Juice Terry tries to capture the moment with an international superstar by taking her to a pub for further drinking however ends in a debating match with his so called friends about their related gangs and razor blade incidents within the area.

Ay cunts thit pit razor blades on the flumes ay a public swimming pool that wee bairns yaze…..

In the chapter ‘Bitterest Pill is Mine to Take’ hard drug use is used on a regular basis by the characters. It almost seems to be an important commodity of their culture to get ‘pished, drugged and laid’ in order to escape the repetitive and constant occurrences of everyday life.

Kathryn had done loads of coke before at one time, but she ‘d never tried ecstasy before. She felt a sense of trepidation as she swallowed the bitter pill.