Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 13/02/15

ACROSS

8 2014 was the time to stay real when in trouble (4,4)

9 It’s reported you are succeeding on every bit of appeal (6)

10 Gives out weapons again with stern piece of writing (6)

11 Equally matched fight in a ring? (8)

12 Set off raucous situation for German woman (4)

13 Bowline, perhaps, said to be unavailable in the shops (3,3,4)

15 Make bridge across boats, we hear, with lycra (7)

17 Locks of hair found on beaches (7)

20 Island, for example, I lived on to accommodate students (10)

22 Compassion seen when last padre leaves devotion (4)

24 Go over equator with part of bike (8)

26 One mathematical section is held up as a shining example (6)

27 Agree with current line (6)

28 Internet groomer, say, whose teardrop is phoney (8)

DOWN

1 Home nurse takes first exam in profession (6)

2 Stellar revolution is top of the bill (4,4)

3 This scientist’s uncertainty may be his green undoing (10)

4 Directs compilation of acknowledgements (7)

5 I leave child in shed (4)

6 Is this woman pleased? Yes, extremely! (6)

7 Let blood flow over tough skin, resulting in stripey coat (8)

14 Does he listen to plan for where to spend a wild night? (2,3,5)

16 Draw out leaflet in favour (8)

18 Harm soap by placing in ancient jars (8)

19 Sparta’s shown up by Persian governors (7)

21 Not so much doing in educational session (6)

23 Person making coats uses alternative to bottom of shirt (6)

25 Live with attempt to come to down to earth, initially (4)