Crossword Genius

Brand - first in Scotland listener supports (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sear

'brand' is the definition.
(both can mean to burn)

'first in scotland listener supports' is the wordplay.
'first in scotland' becomes 's' (est letter of 'scotland').
'listener' becomes 'ear' (body part which hears or listens).
'supports' says to put letters next to each other (in a down clue, bottom letters 'support' others).
's'+'ear'='SEAR'

(Other definitions for sear that I've seen before include "Cauterize" , "Burn briefly" , "Cook (quickly at great heat)" , "Burn, scorch intensely" , "Dried-up, parched" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app