It is an artwork which has illuminated a Scottish church for more than 100 years.

Now a remarkable fresco by the artist William Hole, which adorns St James Church in Goldenacre, Edinburgh, is to be the subject of a major fundraising campaign that will reach out to one of the most famous men in the world - Sir Richard Branson.

Branson's great-great-grandfather, the Reverend Charles Jenkins, was rector of St James’ from the age of 28, and he went on to found a successful church in nearby Canonmills, which later became St Phillips.

His image is all featured in the fresco which is now in need of repair.

It is not known at present how much the work will cost but it is expected to run into the tens of thousands of pounds.

The current rector of St James’ and St Philip’s, Rev Tembu Rongong, has overseen a series of revamps of what Edinburgh World Heritage call "one of Edinburgh's most beautiful churches" but, in the year marking 100 years since the death of Hole, says a major fundraising effort will be needed to restore the artwork.

The Rev Rongong, who has seen the roof of the church replaced and will this year organise an upgrade of its heating - both works necessary in their own right but also seen as vital preparations for the work on the fresco - said he will attempt to make contact with Mr Branson to try and enlist his support.

Branson is aware of his Edinburgh heritage and his family trees branches in Edinburgh.

A book on St James’ – A Church In Goldenacre – written by Gilbert Cole in 1988 to mark its centenary, describes Rev Jenkins as "legendary. Membership topped the thousand in less than ten years."

The Rev. Rongong said: "We have done a huge amount of work on the roof, this year we will improve the heating and we really need to start work on the mural.

"It is a good time to start thinking about it as 2007 marks 100 years since William Hole's death, but we have needed to make all the improvements in the right order.

"In some places the paint has come off, and a significant restoration needs to be done, although we are not in the position to know exactly what that would include.

"It is an incredible work of art - it comes from the time when people were building churches, and were looking to fill them with beauty and light.

"We love it, and I think it does aid the act of worship."

William Hole lived from 1846 to 1917, and was an English artist, illustrator, etcher and engraver, known for his industrial, historical and biblical scenes.

He also painted the frieze at the National Portrait Gallery in Queen Street, Edinburgh.

A spokesman for Edinburgh World Heritage said: "St. James’s Inverleith is one of Edinburgh most beautiful 19th century churches, designed in the medieval gothic style but brought up-to-date for late Victorian sensibilities.

"William Hole’s highly accomplished murals have been loved by generations of local residents and church goers and should be cherished.

"We are happy to lend our voice to the campaign to have them properly conserved for future generations."

Elizabeth McCrone, the Head of Designations for Historic Environment Scotland, said: "We wish the community well with their fundraising campaign to restore the murals in St James’ Church.

"The murals are an important part of the special interest of the building, which is listed at Category B, as they were painted by the celebrated artist William Hole who was also responsible for the frieze in the National Portrait Gallery in Queen Street."