Scotsman Weekend Crossword 27/12/08

[rotovator]

Totally gone astray here today - any help to get me back on track please?

1d) union members celebrate it after over half a century (7,7) --a---- ---d---
8d) racing with ian perhaps found on track (6,8) ---i-- -----m-n
11a) costing nothing where roof can be found (2,3,5) -- --e ---s-
23a) attacking spending on a large scale (7,3) ------- o--
13d) number that is in nunnery nearby (10) -------e-t

sorry there's a few but you can see i have lost the plot tonight (probably due to the youngest having chickenpox so lack of sleep!!!)
Thanks again

[auntflo]

1d diamond wedding

[auntflo]

8d flying scotsman

[auntflo]

11a on the house

[BigDave44]

13d conve n ie nt

[BigDave44]

23a lashing out ??

[rotovator]

Cheers for the answers - just one that is confusing me

17a) extremely sharp instrument (4,4) e-g- t--- I am thinking it is is edge something but not sure what the second part is as i think 16d after celebration contest fight (2,6) could be in battle
CHEERS

[BigDave44]

edge tool

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/edge+tool

[rotovator]

Cheers Big Dave - could not figure out that the one going down was do battle - much appreciated

Thanks again

[BigDave44]

No problem - but I don't get to see this crossword here in Worcestershire, so I couldn't comment on some of your observations !!!