Macdonald at Brave's US premiere

Kelly Macdonald and Craig Ferguson hit Hollywood for the US premiere of animation Brave.

The stars were joined by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond - wearing a fetching pair of tartan trousers - on the special green carpet at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.

Brave, created by Disney/Pixar, also features the voices of Billy Connolly and Robbie Coltrane.

The film, which opened the Los Angeles Film Festival, is set in the Scottish Highlands and follows the journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor.

Merida is voiced by Trainspotting star Kelly, who described her character as "an adventurous tomboy and a happy young woman" but who struggles to take on adult responsibilities.

Chat show host Craig also voices a character and said he was blown away by watching the film on the big screen.

He said: "The movie, I think, is a beautiful story and it's an amazing thing to look at as well, it's a visual treat.

"It's quite dark in places and is like a dark fairy story. The press in America are making a big deal about the fact it's a female heroine, but I don't think that's such a big deal, a hero is a hero no matter what their gender is."

Scotland's national tourism body VisitScotland has launched its largest-ever global advertising campaign to coincide with the release of the new animation.

The film will arrive in UK cinemas in August, although its European premiere will be held later this month on the closing night of the Edinburgh International Film Festival.