A WILD, FREEFORM, RABELAISIAN TRIP THROUGH THE DARKEST RECESSES OF EDINBURGH LOW-LIFE, FOCUSING ON MARK RENTON AND HIS ATTEMPT TO GIVE UP HIS HEROIN HABIT, AND HOW THE LATTER AFFECTS HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS: SEAN CONNERY WANNABE SICK BOY, DIMBULB SPUD, PSYCHO BEGBIE, 14-YEAR-OLD GIRLFRIEND DIANE, AND CLEAN-CUT ATHLETE TOMMY, WHO''S NEVER TOUCHED DRUGS BUT CAN''T HELP BEING CURIOUS ABOUT THEM