SCOTLAND’S First Minister was all-smiles with top actor Alan Cumming on Friday as the pair met up in Edinburgh.

Humza Yousaf and the Good Wife star were photographed at Edinburgh Waverley, as filming got underway for the actor’s new Channel 4 series.

The series, titled Scotland’s Most Luxurious Railway, will see Cumming head on a “trip of a lifetime” on board the Royal Scotsman train.

Each episode will follow the train’s journey around Scotland, showing off the best of the country’s history, landscape and culture. The series will be broadcast on Channel 4 later this year.

After the catch-up, Yousaf praised the vocal independence supporter for his new show.

“A pleasure to welcome the inimitable Alan Cumming to Edinburgh as he tours Scotland filming his upcoming Channel 4 series, showcasing our nation's beauty,” the SNP chief said.

“Public broadcasters play a vital role supporting our screen sector and reflecting a diversity of voices and communities.”

READ MORE: Alan Cumming: Actor to appear at Chain of Freedom independence event

The National: Alan Cumming pictured at an awards ceremony in Beverly Hills last Saturday

Announcing the news last month, Cumming said: “I am a Royal Scotsman super fan and each trip I’ve taken aboard has been magical and memorable, so I’m delighted to get the chance to share the magic with Channel 4 viewers.”

Deborah Dunnett, Channel 4’s commissioning editor, added: “I’m so pleased to be looking after 14th Floor’s first Channel 4 commission. It’s a beautiful piece of access and given Alan’s already a huge fan of these railways, there’s no one better to go behind the scenes and bring it all to life for our viewers.”