Western islands supply a lift for sailors (8)
I believe the answer is:
windlass
'a lift for sailors' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'western islands supply' is the wordplay.
'western' becomes 'w'.
'supply' is an anagram indicator (in a supple way).
'islands' is an anagram of 'indlass'.
'w'+'indlass'='WINDLASS'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for windlass that I've seen before include "Pulling devices of rope or chain wound around axle" , "Ship's winch" , "Axle for rope or chain used in hoisting" , "lifting apparatus" , "Winch for hoisting an anchor" .)