IT has been 21 years since the iconic film Trainspotting was released onto the big screen, following the exploits of four heroin addicts living in Edinburgh.

Danny Boyle’s 1996 classic gave viewers a revealing look into Scotland's dark and twisted underworld - full of needle-filled smack dens and dingy nightclubs.

Now the long-awaited sequel is set to be released this Friday, we take a look back at the film's most memorable locations.

The Volcano nightclub, Glasgow

1996

2017

Volcano, the famous spot where Renton first sees underage lover Diane actually shut not long after Trainspotting was filmed.

It was demolished and turned into flats - a far cry from the film's dark and dingy nightclub.

But it's still listed as somewhere fans enjoy visting during a tour of the film locations which, suprisingly, were mostly shot in Glasgow.

Cafe D’Jaconelli, Glasgow

1996

2017

Made famous as the restaurant where Renton and Spud share a milkshake — Cafe D’Jaconelli on Maryhill Road is still serving customers today.

The owner was paid £250 to shut the café down for the film shoot 21 years ago.

And he recently claimed director Danny Boyle wanted to use the café again for the sequel - but later struggled to write in a scene for the eatery.

Crosslands pub, Glasgow

1996

2017

It was Crosslands pub where Begbie caused a riot when he threw a pint glass from the pub balcony.

Despite being a hit with viewers, the establishment relaunched last year - changing its name to Kelbourne Saint.

Bosses say they were paid around £800 when the film crew arrived on set.

“We actually ask people if they have seen Trainspotting during job interviews," general manager James Killen.

"If they say yes we ask them to look around and it’s funny when it dawns on them where they are.

“The people who were drinking here at the time were given £20 to be an extra and the film people put on a free bar.”

Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow

1996

2017

Here in Rouken Glen Park was where Renton and Sick Boy took out their air rifles and shot Skinhead's dog for fun.

The pair bizarrely discussed the work of fellow Scot Sean Connery while trying to make the shot.

It's filmed in the same park where Danny Boyle's Shallow Grave was recorded.

Firhill Complex, Glasgow

1996

2017

Shots of 5-a-side ground pitches were used within the iconic opening scenes as the main characters were introduced.

Firhill complex’s director Gavin Duncan, 43, says film buffs will now stop to take pictures of them having as kickabout.

Princes Street, Edinburgh

1996

2017

In the opening scene of Trainspotting, characters Renton and Spud are chased by security guards after stealing goods from newsagent John Menzies in Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

The scene even has its own themetune, as Iggy Pop’s Lust For Life played in the background.

The John Menzies branch closed two years after the film's release, but it is still recognised - despite now being a Next store.

Now fans are braced to see what Renton (Ewan McGregor), Spud (Ewen Bremner), Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller) and Begbie (Robert Carlyle) have been up to since the credits last rolled.

T2 Trainspotting reveals how the foursome's fortunes have fared - as they catch up more than two decades later.

The Sun's Jamie East describes it as having a slack plot, but an unbelievable script - with the acting and directing following suit.

He adds: "It’s tragic, funny, sexy, sad, violent, foul-mouthed, absurd and utterly, utterly tremendous."

Read his full review here.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqecsKtfZ4RxfZNqbWiemaG6qrrGZqOom5GptrC60mamq6GXnruiuIytqZqhnqi9sMDToqWgZaSnrq%2B%2Fxaippp2UYsCmvdSeo2g%3D