A Scottish school teacher has started 3D printing visors for NHS staff after being told about equipment shortages in a local hospital.

Lochaber High School’s digital technology head Stephen Stewart adapted online concepts for the protective kit, which a consultant at the Belford hospital in Fort William highlighted was lacking, before printing and delivering five visors within the first day of starting.

Each takes two hours to print but Mr Stewart is hopeful that can be reduced as the design is perfected.

“I think it’s something as a school we should be proud of that we are able to help out at a time of need,” he says.

“So many people on Twitter are saying it's great to see people from all backgrounds supporting our NHS where they can.

“I’m sure any school would do the same if it has the resources to do it and I will definitely be highlighting the potential use cases for this type of technology to my pupils when we return to school.

“Anyone with a 3D printer big enough can make the model I have shared on Twitter. There are also other designs that larger 3D printers might be able to print faster.”

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