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mullingar - if you insert 'IN I' (ie 'in one') into your answer at a suitable point, you should get a word for illumination (as in a book or manuscript).

I wonder if you're overthinking this, williamseal. Having just returned from the naughty step where I was sent for using too specific a term in my previous post, I'm wary of going into too much detail. I can safely say that the perimeter clues need to be solved and then forgotten about. If you've got a full grid using the necessary letters, have sorted out the unclueds and have identified the prototype, then there doesn't seem to be much else you need to do.

🤦‍♂️Thank you

Thanks Will37 - you are probably right! I’ll go back to worrying about Welsh Rugby. This offers plenty of scope.

As you are not familiar with the derivative, a look at the wikipedia page or other source would help.

williamseal - you have obviously completed. The good reviews would refer to the 'context for all the non-perimeter cells' (not necessary for completion or submitting) which confirms the two unchecked letters in the unclued ... counting is involved ..

A general query not related to this specific puzzle. Last year was my first year trying to submit solutions (which I managed most non-maths weeks). In response to the offer in the last 2 weeks puzzles I have requested a personal solving record (twice now) via email but not received anything in response. Is there usually a delay in processing?

This is the first time that an email request has been allowed so nothing to compare it to.

John used to be very prompt in responding to a postal request.

It’s also a change from John to Neil Aspland so that may be causing some delay.

I’m still waiting too

Very late to the party but how good was that?! Unbelievable construction and some super clues.

Ingenious construction. I spotted the derivative in the grid long before collecting all six letters, and thought of the "non-perimeter cells", and thought, no, surely, he hasn't, he couldn't..., could he? He only went and did! Like others I found a few of the clues a shade unnecessarily stretchy, but many of them are fine and some excellent. I found the NW corner tricky, and like will37 found the thematic grid helped me slot the final letters into place!

I'm still struggling to parse two. The definitions are clear, and thanks to the grid I am certain of the answers! But the wordplay is eluding me for 1d, Duck again rising more steeply, soaring clear of a rook, and 4, Scots market Ayrshire course: get first round free. Also, I know what the prototype is by working backwards, but haven't found the fifth letter -- and I don't think it can be from one of these two clues! Can anyone nudge me to full closure?

espebe, I too have requested and not yet received. When the notice appeared in past years, John was all ready to go, but bear in mind there's a new hand on the tiller so a little feet-finding time may be in order. The email address is new, and if requests can be made by email an auto-response so we know our email has actually arrived safely would probably be in order, and may be something we can suggest in due course.