Begbie and his tash are back! Robert Carlyle transforms into his hellraising character as he films scenes for Trainspotting 2

It's one of the most highly anticipated sequels in decades after it was revealed that British blockbuster Trainspotting 2 would start shooting in May.

And now actor Robert Carlyle has been seen sporting a tash similar to his famous character as he arrived in Scotland on Wednesday along with the book's author Irvine Welsh to get to work.

The 55-year-old actor has reprised his role as the psychotic Francis Begbie, the role that made him a household name when the original film was released back in 1996.

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Begbie's back! Actor Robert Carlyle, 55, has grown his own tash just like his hellraising character for Trainspotting 2 as filming continues in Scotland

Robert went for an understated look as he dressed head to toe in black as he arrived on set in Edinburgh.

The actor was dressed down in a black jumper and trousers as he raced up some steps -  while clutching a black bomber jacket with a tartan lining.

Robert was instantly recognisable after beginning to grow his tash like that of his rogue character.

The tash is back! The 55-year-old actor has reprised his role as the psychotic Francis Begbie, the role that made him a household name when the original film was released back in 1996

'You learn a lot about Renton, Sick Boy and indeed Begbie and where their heads are': Robert - pictured in the role of Begbie in Trainspotting - has spoken out about the forthcoming new flick

Meanwhile director Danny Boyle, 59, looked ready for business as he strolled along in a black winter jacket and blue jeans, flanked by his team.

The Slumdog Millionaire director from Manchester walked confidently through the set prior to filming for the long awaited sequel. 

For the sequel Robert has reunited with Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller and Ewen Bremner from the original black comedy - which was nominated for an Academy Award - for the sequel, which is being released 20 years on, .

Boyle's back: Meanwhile director Danny Boyle, 59, looked ready for business as he strolled along in a black winter jacket and blue jeans, flanked by his team.

They'll each be reprising their roles in the dark film, with Ewan returning as Mark 'Rent Boy' Renton, Jonny as Simon 'Sick Boy' Williamson, Ewen as Daniel 'Spud' Murphy and Robert as Begbie.   

Irvine is also set to appear in the role of Mikey Forrester in the follow-up flick, which is based on his 2002 novel Porno.

Robert recently confirmed that filming would be kicking off very soon, and there's no doubt the new photos of them preparing for the movie will incite excitement in fans.

Silver Fox: Robert's hair was peppered with grey and white -  nearly 20 years after he wowed in the original Trainspotting

The actor recently joined Trainspotting's literary author Irvine at The Usher Hall in Edinburgh to mark the film's 20th anniversary.

He explained: 'We start shooting, I understand, in the middle of May and I think it's going to be pretty much 50-50 between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

'I'm basing this on nothing other than the fact that the production office is on Bathgate. There's a clue there. 

'What I will say is that all the characters are exactly where you would want them to be.'

Arrivals: Author Irvine Welsh arrived on the set of Trainspotting 2 in a leather bomber jacket and beanie

He continued: 'The strength of this new script is the fact that the narrative is a bit stronger than it was in the original.

'In the first one, when you think about it, it's hard to remember what they did other than get together, the drug deal at the end, and then it's over.

'This has maybe got a wee bit more to it in terms of what they've been up to through these years.

'You learn a lot about Renton, Sick Boy and indeed Begbie and where their heads are. I think it's an absolutely fantastic script. John Hodge has done a wonderful job, as he did with the original.'

And, despite previously admitting to having reservations about the cast reuniting for another film, he added: 'Fingers crossed people will take it on board and they will enjoy it.'

A gritty success: Trainspotting was shot in Glasgow for seven weeks on a £1.5m budget, but it managed to amass an impressive £48m at the worldwide box office

Back together: Robert is set to re-join Jonny Lee Miller (centre), Ewen Bremner (second right) and Ewan (right) in the second film