Crossword Genius

Scottish author with the ultimate in writer's block? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

barrier

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

'block?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'scottish author with the ultimate in writer's' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'author' could be 'barrie' (I've seen this before) and 'barrie' is present in the answer.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for barrier that I've seen before include "Obstacle or obstruction" , "Fence; obstacle" , "fencing?" , "Blockade, railing" , "Stockade - obstacle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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