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Teenieleek @12, you asked an interesting question about where the down clues start. Actually, the knowledge that the grid has 180 degree symmetry gives you a very good idea. The first three across clues are 5, 7, 5. That means the last three across clues must be 5, 7 and then 5.

Actually there is only one place after the start where there is a 5, 7, followed by a 5. The final 5 would be clue 22, which would mean an even split, as there are 44 clues. So a good working hypothesis is that the clue beginning “Provide vehicle …” is the last across clue.

And the fact that it’s a 12x12 grid and the first two clues would fill the top line supports it.

Sorry if it sounds technical, but the mention of symmetry is always an invaluable way in

Thank you Quisling. That is so logical and obvious. Didn’t occur to me. I’ll definitely remember that for the next puzzle of this type.

I have persevered and it did all fall into place and I have the device. However I have a gap; the last four letters of 1dn and the first two of 12 ac., the Murray one. I can make words but can’t parse them and the sheep (urial) I can’t parse either. A little help please before I try to find what needs rearranged.

Both tricky. Urial’s wordplay is URI(P)AL, as the P intersects with HAWK(P)INS. A URI is an upper respiratory infection, and fold is lap, reversed.

1d is (P)LAN + the plural of a viol formerly used in the Shetlands. It crops up occasionally.

The “Leaders in singles” clue is two initial letters inside a four letter word for drinks (small amounts). The third letter of that word is extra, and is also given by the P in par, nominal price, in the “Oil at” clue.

Hopefully that ties up the grid

It does indeed, many thanks, and I did enjoy this once I got going. I hate being the dunce in the class but I’m not too proud to ask and learn.

No dunce at all. This is a pretty tough puzzle, by any standards. The symmetry hint should stand you in good stead in future.

I came to say I am EXACTLY at the stage of teenieleek at #23!

So thanks, quisling