Compact crossword, The Scotsman - 10/11/2011

Thursday’s puzzle

Across

1 In England, carry off a major robbery (5,7)

8 The second list is barely sufficient (5)

9 With one duty performed, got over-stimulated (9)

11 Racing legend would kill to get back on course (3,3)

12 Organise test runs for delegates (8)

14 Anticipates appearance in front of a boss (5,5)

15 Called into the ranks of the Orange Order (4)

18 Delight at finding good protection (4)

19 Concentrate on a line one’s put into focal point (10)

21 Romantic song collected over a day (8)

23 Having to go up and down to survey Kent (6)

25 Protection provided by cautious night-watchman (9)

26 Was tearful one in the majority? (5)

27 Did Agnes upset a priest with pots of make-up (12)

Down

1 Impressive reading over special order (9)

2 One officer is, in spirit, showing generosity to others (8)

3 Wandering minstrel comes over as a bit lacklustre (4)

4 Comrades have to wait with other workers (10)

5 Is able to have endless light in a deep hollow (6)

6 In return, go for records (5)

7 Elaborate saris got lost by fortune-tellers (12)

10 After some girls clash, they go their separate ways (8,4)

13 Use plain piping first to be worn out (10)

16 A mean ship has join at the centre, in the main (9)

17 Did vendor provide second drinks for staff? (8)

20 Question-mark over periodical, losing an A to Z (6)

22 Transfer common midshipman who lacks energy (5)

24 With pleasure, girl was amused, naturally (4)

Wednesday’s solution

Across: 1 Cataract, 5 Hold up, 10 Careful, 11 Oatmeal, 12 Ounce, 13 Endowment, 14 Too hot to handle, 17 Understatement, 21 Superhero, 23 Sable, 24 Chelsea, 25 Grilled, 26 Tisane, 27 Eton crop.

Down: 1 Cuckoo, 2 Toronto, 3 Refresher, 4 Called to the bar, 6 On tow, 7 Deep end, 8 Palm-tree, 9 Food for thought, 15 Admission, 16 Pussy-cat, 18 Depress, 19 Nebular, 20 Held up, 22 Rosin.