Crossword Genius

Fault-finder securing a very strong, raised platform (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scaffold

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'raised platform' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fault-finder securing a very strong' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'strong' could be 'ff' and 'ff' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'scold' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scaffold that I've seen before include "1960s group?" , "support" , "place to hang" , "Old platform for hangings" , "Platform refreshment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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