Sir Richard Branson is investigating how he can help a church in Edinburgh restore an historic frieze which features his great great grandfather.
The founder of Virgin, one of the world's most famous entrepreneurs, has Scottish roots - his relative, Charles Jenkins, was the rector of St James Church in the Goldenacre area of north Edinburgh.
Rev Jenkins, revered in his day, is featured in the fresco by the artist William Hole, which has decorated the interior of the church for the past 100 years.
Now, however, the fresco needs to be restored and the current rector of the church, Rev Tembu Rongong, was planning to reach out to the Virgin chief to see if he could help with the expensive revamp.
After reading of the fresco's condition, Sir Richard is now to enter into discussions with the church to see what money needs to raised to protect the art work.
The costs of the restoration of the frieze, noted for its artistic importance by heritage bodies, is currently unknown but after reading of its plight the Virgin founder, seen this week holidaying with former President of the USA Barack Obama, is keen to find out more information.
A Virgin management spokeswoman said: "Sir Richard is extremely proud of his Scottish roots and he was delighted to learn some years ago that his great-great grandfather, Charles Jenkins, was an Edinburgh church minister.
"We're speaking with Reverend Tembu Rongong to find out more about the restoration of the fresco in St James and the funds needed to restore it to its former glory."
Rev Rongong said it was "excellent" news.
Rev Tembu Rongong, has overseen a series of revamps of what Edinburgh World Heritage call "one of Edinburgh's most beautiful churches" but he says a major fundraising effort will be needed to restore the artwork.
The roof of the building has been replaced this year will see an upgrade of its heating.
Both works necessary in their own right but also seen as vital preparations for the work on the fresco.
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."
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.
Edinburgh World Heritage has said St. James’s Inverleith is one of Edinburgh's " most beautiful 19th century churches" and has backed 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."
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