Trainspotting 2 takes over Edinburgh's Cav nightclub

Younger versions of the four leads were spotted at the Cav. Picture: Ian Georgeson

And the cast and crew of Trainspotting 2 must be hoping their sequel will be no different as they took over Cav nightclub in Tollcross yesterday for filming.

More than 1000 excited young extras queued from 7.30am for a chance to appear in the long-awaited adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s follow-up novel, Porno.

Told only that they should dress in “80s-style outfits”, some had come from as far afield as Sweden to be a part of one of the biggest film events ever to hit Scotland.

Graham Repper and Chris Proctor get ready for Cav shooting. Picture: Ian Georgeson

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And while officials were keeping plot details tightly under wraps, the appearance of four young actors who looked suspiciously like a teenage Renton, Sick Boy, Spud and Begbie hints that the scene in question may be a flashback to a time when the main protagonists were younger and more carefree.

In the 1996 original, Ewan McGregor’s Mark Renton meets worldly schoolgirl Diane while out partying in a city night spot – only to find out the next morning that she’s just 15.

Marnie Archibald and Eilish MacKinnon outside the Cav. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Yesterday, the colourful and often zany clothes on display kept spirits high despite pouring rain and grey skies, as the queue to get into Cav stretched all the way round the block.

Friends Chris Proctor, 24, and Graham Repper, 22, had travelled down from Aberdeen just for the chance to appear in the film.

They said they were “massive fans” of the original movie, and couldn’t resist the opportunity to be in the sequel.

Hopefuls queue outside the Cav nightclub. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Graham said: “It’s something to talk about. It’s a one-off experience – something for the bucket list. It’ll just be a good laugh and a good dance.”

Students Marnie Archibald and Eilish Mackinnon had sourced vintage gear from Armstrongs Emporium on the Grassmarket in an effort to look the part.

Marnie, 19, said: “We’re just Trainspotting fans and we saw it on Facebook. We thought it would be good fun. It’ll just be really cool to be part of Trainspotting 2.”

Hopeful extras had to apply for tickets through social media – and even then were not guaranteed entry to the club during filming.

As the enthusiastic crowds gradually made their way inside, Robert Carlyle was glimpsed being driven past.

What role he will have in a scene set in the past is anyone’s guess. But one thing’s for sure – millions of fans all around the globe can’t wait to find out.

alistair.grant@jpress.co.uk