Social class

• "He's a tick man."

  Davie is defined by his job - a debt collector. A thankless, emotionaly draining occupation.
• "Better than being a painter." / "Or a sailmaker." / "Or a tick man"

  Neither Alec nor lan admire what their fathers do - they seem keen to avoid the future of their fathers 
• "You stick in son. Get yerself a good education. Get a decent job. Collar and tie. Never have to take your jacket off."

  Davie, who has lost hope, wants his son to escape a similar fate.
• "You'll get out using your brains."

  Davie recognises that, for Alec, education is his ticket to a better future.
• "Ah'm better on the broo* than daen that, any day."

  Davie feels hopeless. He remembers how unpleasant his job as a tick man was and would rather take benefits than endure it again.