Glasgow schoolgirl's solar-powered blanket to be manufactured by veterans

An award-winning solar-powered blanket designed by a 12-year-old schoolgirl is set to be produced by veterans across the UK.

Kelvinside Academy pupil Rebecca Young first created the blanket as part of the UK Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal competition after seeing homeless people on the streets of the city.

The idea earned her a place in TIME Magazine’s Girls of the Year 2025 and is now set to be manufactured by a social enterprise run by veterans and people with disabilities.

What began as a simple classroom sketch for a UK-wide engineering competition has since developed into a working prototype – and is now set to be produced on a larger scale.

The project started with a challenge, asking pupils to design a product that could help a large group of people.

Rebecca, now 13, told STV News: “I went out in Glasgow and saw lots of homeless people freezing out in the streets, especially during the cold nights.

“Homelessness is a really big issue that’s got so much worse. I felt the need to do something for them, they can’t help themselves out in the cold.

Rebecca demonstrates how the blanket works STV News

“I doodled a design in a workbook; I didn’t expect it to get this far.”

Rebecca hopes the recognition will also inspire more girls to pursue careers in science and engineering.

“It gives girls in STEM more recognition and encourages others to come up with their own designs. I think that’s amazing.”

The blanket works using a solar panel connected to a small battery pack and heating pad. The panel charges during the day, storing energy that can then be used to warm the blanket overnight.

It’s now going into production with Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE), building them at their factories in Erskine and Leatherhead, Surrey.

Former Royal Navy serviceman Carl Baller STV News

The social enterprise provides employment opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities.

Carl Baller, a former Royal Navy serviceman who now works there, said the project has been particularly meaningful for him.

“I served in the Royal Navy for 23 years, but after being diagnosed with cancer the treatment left me in a wheelchair and I wasn’t able to continue my service,” he said.

“Working here has helped me immensely. I feel part of a team again – working with people from similar backgrounds, especially forces backgrounds. We know how to work, we meet deadlines, and we support each other.”

He believes the blankets could make a real difference to those sleeping rough.

“Something like this could give people warmth and hope instead of having to rely on cardboard boxes to try and keep warm. Even a small improvement could make a big difference to someone living on the streets.”

Assistant director Robert Lappin STV News

Carl also says many veterans struggle after leaving the armed forces.

“A lot of people get the ‘thank you’ handshake and then they’re forgotten about. Many of the problems veterans face begin after they leave the service. I don’t think there’s enough support.”

Assistant director Robert Lappin said the organisation immediately recognised the potential impact of Rebecca’s idea.

“When we first saw it, we knew it was something we wanted to be involved in,” he said.

“As a charity we support people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of it. Some of our employees were themselves on the brink of homelessness before coming to work here.

“For people who unfortunately find themselves homeless, being able to charge a battery during the day using solar power and then stay warm at night could make a real difference.”