Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 12/08/13

Monday’s puzzle...

ACROSS

1 Small pen employed, initially, by old writer (6)

4 Left a first-rate table with port, in the past (8)

9 Draw in a couple of forces before the French (6)

10 In time, press harassed an old maid (8)

12 Place for minister to get staff in the Home Counties (5)

13 Have to 28 across, or take one along to a leader (9)

14 In New York, shortly, clear up theft (7)

15 There’s not much there; in fact, nothing (4)

19 Appeared to have touched the fabric (4)

21 Date for rum to become refined (7)

24 Although not new, a gift had right to respect (9)

26 Is free to discharge, with no strings attached (5)

27 Company man pretended to be calm and collected (8)

28 Get rid of ancient obstruction in the river (6)

29 Set off for college in time (8)

30 Stoppage for second time, warts and all (6)

DOWN

1 If upset by infighting, take off in an emergency (8)

2 Plant about to get more delicate, by the end (8)

3 Bumble-bee veered left into the summerhouse (9)

5 Establish a final group to follow with intent ... (7)

6 ... and a lot have to follow with some brandy (5)

7 Reach ap rimary target before volunteers get in (6)

8 Deserted ancient vessel, and left on the last day in a threatening manner (6)

11 Object to retreat in to yard (4)

16 Understanding reason to have common sense in mind (9)

17 Rest up with poor cavalrymen known to swear a lot (8)

18 I’d led the French to point of unemployment (8)

20 It’s time to eliminate explosive missile (7)

21 Leading man at New Year might be host (4)

22 Rank of one who managed some police officers (6)

23 Outline blueprint for class, at the end (6)

25 Hold a party for all the sailors, on deck (5)