“I have often felt that the Church should engage more in the business of tourism.”

Scotland’s saints, whose miracles include raising the dead, curing the mad and even saving a queen from execution, could now be asked to perform another miracle – boosting the country’s tourist trade.

With visitor numbers in decline as the recession keeps foreign tourists away, a plan has been put forward to capitalise on the country’s holiest men and women. The Church of Scotland has suggested harnessing the religious significance and fascinating history of the Scottish saints to attract a new wave of tourists and pilgrims.

The move, mooted in the Kirk’s magazine, would certainly answer the prayers of hoteliers, bed and breakfast owners and restaurateurs who have suffered in the recent downturn.

In an editorial of the August edition of Life and Work, Lynne McNeil writes: “I have often felt that the Church should engage more in the business of tourism.”

“At the moment, it is piecemeal and depends very much on local congregations.”

Mrs. McNeil highlights the tourist popularity of lona, St Giles in Edinburgh and Glasgow Cathedral. She adds: “But what about the stories of faith that inspired the buildings and are important to local communities?

“Scotland has a rich tradition of saints and spirituality. However, much of that is rarely promoted outside Scotland.

(Editor’s Note: Anyone with an idea on how to set up a Reformed Heritage Trail is encouraged to submit proposals to The Aquila Report.)

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