Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 07/09/12

ACROSS

1 Policeman’s dislocated joint? That’s rather a poor excuse for avoiding duty (1,3,2,1,3,3)

10 Bairn gets mixed up with liar, one who puts books in order (9)

11 Beverage with acidity rating is classed as “A” (5)

12 They say autumn deceives birds (7)

13 A painful joint ailment is found in rodents (7)

14 Idols to carry to Marks and Spencer (6)

16 Put off by fight with narcotics carrier (8)

18 None unfortunately suffered piteously when raised to the peerage (8)

20 Cheeps in place of talking (6)

23 A certain sportsperson may appear suddenly out of this (3,4)

24 Sombre procession disturbed by gore etc (7)

26 I’m in a bewildering place — that’s corny (5)

27 Commanding officer has first rate jobs for creatures of the deep (9)

28 The Scots until devolution? Good luck! (4,2,7)

DOWN

2 Sheep-pig will be heard to create Bedlam (5)

3 Eat freely and still have space in cafe (7)

4 I’m originally set to fly round with thin paper copy (6)

5 Includes soup that is a tonic (8)

6 Tie-breaker results in cancellation of performance (4-3)

7 Hope nothing in 3 is impossible to swallow (9)

8 Her time is taken up with old fat man on Hogmanay (3,6,4)

9 Top form meaning to make film (3,5,5)

15 Fruit causing rage when speared with part of fork (9)

17 Mythical monster we are sinking in flow (8)

19 Most forceful champions embrace pensioners (7)

21 A trapper went over the wall (7)

22 Duck when Vespa, say, loses round (6)

25 Please say what covers “comforts” (5)

Yesterday’s solution: Across: 8 Nocturne, 9 Amount, 10 Set off, 11 Strangle, 12 Soul, 13 Contribute, 15 Shudder, 17 Against, 20 Department, 22 Dash, 24 Slippage, 26 Narrow, 27 Escape, 28 Allocate.

Down: 1 Forego, 2 Strolled, 3 Proficient, 4 Sensing, 5 Lair, 6 Hobnob, 7 Inflates, 14 Right angle, 16 Heedless, 18 Indirect, 19 General, 21 Appeal, 23 Shoots, 25 Aped.