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Nearly done now but have no ideas left on:
8a Make red and black tapestry in German town 9
12d Gunner at this needing stiff drink 5-6
Any help appreciated.

Do you not have any of the letters if you've nearly finished?

8a e-----a--
12d --e--/---d-r

First one is EMBARRASS: make red=definition;black =b;arras = tapestry; all inside Ems=German town!

I would never have got that. But it now gives me some letters to help with the last few.
12d now starts with S

...and the second is STERN-CHASER (a gun at the back of a ship).
So one letter of yours is wrong.
I recommend Bradford's Crossword Solver's Dictionary, where you will find the above solution, for instance, under "weapon". It's worth the investment if you do the more difficult puzzles often.

Sorry, it was under "gun", but you take my point!

Thanks, greedykite - will take a look at the book.

And I'd got 'united' instead of 'unites' which was a silly mistake.

Good Shout Greedy Kite - I have just looked up the book I think it will be very useful to me Its on Amazon for around £7 :) I hope it is not considered cheating though !!!