Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 04/01/14

ACROSS

1 Sum a union negotiated whilst in complete agreement (9)

6 Material to pack tightly (5)

9 Plant cricketers inside tower (4-2-3-6)

10 Eccentric autocrat cut out part of heart (5)

11 One gently helping to share out (9)

12 Mounted tirades afresh (7)

13 Some women clasped in embrace (7)

15 Unclear about energy form (7)

17 Vehicles connected with a trailer (7)

18 Romeo tucking into choice fish causing pointed irritation (9)

20 German painter juggling with rents (5)

22 One living round here and regularly found in the pub (5,10)

23 US typist in case includes half the score (5)

24 Fancy-free (9)

DOWN

1 Cupholder hesitantly first produces shadow (5)

2 Round which it is especially cold (9,6)

3 Tending to copy vet, I aim it incorrectly (9)

4 Unleavened food made from grass and soap! (7)

5 Jack’s tall tower? (7)

6 Promise to use bad language (5)

7 Dark lead taken by cheats? (6,9)

8 Hot place to be in before going into the fire, so it is said (6-3)

12 Lady from Poland stopping short found in Maryland (9)

14 Seize the day having most of premedical organised (5,4)

16 How monarchy spent his time (7)

17 Got acne from kinsman (7)

19 Some yokels originally in the Borders (5)

21 Roman emperor short time in smart clothing turning up (5)

Friday’s solution

Across: 1 A bit on the side, 10 Postnatal, 11 Inuit, 12 Torture, 13 Gnasher, 14 Niches, 16 Rousseau, 18 Handsome, 20 Amused, 23 Barrage, 24 Ignoble, 26 Chide, 27 Incommode, 28 By appointment.

Down: 2 Baser, 3 Tonsure, 4 Natter, 5 Hold good, 6 Spirals, 7 Daughters, 8 A pat on the back, 9 At ground level, 15 Congruity, 17 Impetigo, 19 Shape up, 21 Minimum, 22 Oilcan, 25 Brown.