The people to pine, perhaps, for a source of timber? (5)
I believe the answer is:
scots
'source of timber?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scots that I've seen before include "UK northerners" , "eg Glaswegians" , "Northern language" , "from Inverness?" , "Folk from Fife" .)