Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 23/07/2012

Published on 23/07/2012 00:00

Monday’s puzzle...

ACROSS

1 Fulfil a promise to hold onto an old weapon (4,4,4)

8 It’s wrong to pretend to lay it on thick (7)

9 Sound reliable, having to find the answer by the book (7)

11 Create a bit of a stink at part of a stiff final return (4)

12 When left out, agitates to take left-winger back for stretches (10)

14 Proceeding with an excursion may be 19 across, in good order (6)

15 Prisoner in winter needed more heating (8)

17 Was inclined to accept case for old weapons (8)

19 Uncover leak to let the cat out of the bag (6)

22 Stepped in to edit person out (10)

23 Might need to have second excavation, in the end (4)

25 Told secure present was somewhere else (3,4)

26 Makes sure to follow appearances (5,2)

27 Turn out the last stations in a flamboyant manner (12)

DOWN

1 May have to prolong attack in exercise (4-3)

2 West took ten back on trial, in short (4)

3 Send out small number, who returned punctually (2,4)

4 Securing following with little resistance (8)

5 Have a good relationship always, but can’t quite believe it (4,1,5)

6 Go right round garden with a posh school (7)

7 Join forces at the front to pursue a court case (2,4,6)

10 Paving the way to sell up the last station (12)

13 Is opposed to stoppage of pay rises as a precaution for transport (10)

16 Reminiscent of charter having some benefit (8)

18 Turns out old treats (7)

20 At one time, gets hints about small pretences (7)

21 Get a drink from a former Lottery winner (6)

24 Accordingly, left out first individual performance (4)