If you're struggling a bit with James Kelman's, That Was a Shiver, these articles and videos provide some context:

A review from The Guardian

Article and Interview, also The Guardian

TEDx talk about Scots language and experience

Gang culture in Glasgow

On the role of race and ethnicity in gang membership, see this article Changing Course

On a lighter note, two language oriented comedy sketches:

Elevator Recognition

Pub Patter