The A comes from 4 down which was Protuberance is a difficulty(4) Gari?
but then 4 across could be wrong as well which was Bird provides protection for pier (8) Grayling?
Sorry I dont think the bird is land rail. 5 down is a sad duo round up sheep (7) which is anagram of Aoudads (wild african sheep) so the third letter of 4 across is A.
Hi ginge my computer is playing up. Again dont think its brook third letter is def an A.
4 across Bird provides protection for pier(8) ??a?L???. The L could be wrong as I am great at making words up to fit. That clue down is Austere lot upset lazy fellow(5,5) which I put as lotus eater.