Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 13/06/13

ACROSS

1 Was able to have an effect, having created conflict (4,1,10)

9 Was wise to tell a long tale about promises to pay (9)

10 Leaves top ground force in brief response (5)

11 Advice to diner in great Italian restaurant (3,2)

12 Could old maids rip up nets on board ship? (9)

13 Did good turn for prisoner in a forced labour camp (5)

15 Might Red China be in revolt over new embargo? (9)

17 Again inclined to pay up when in the red (9)

19 Go over things yet again to get first crop in harvest (5)

21 Made to stop trading near Irish county (5,4)

23 Volunteers to cook, without discrimination (5)

24 Find ways to stay away from bombardment (5)

25 Firm up first Pacific cruise organised for tenants (9)

26 Took a back seat, at some stage (6,3,6)

DOWN

1 Confusion over green carrier (9)

2 Investigate it, before getting a long numeral (7)

3 A small firm had little time, of course (5)

4 Did one take a good look at square figures? (5)

5 Made a little boy follow the latest craze (9)

6 Recorder had to arrest rig under construction (9)

7 Was old lady enthusiastic about a cotton cloth? (7)

8 Guides facilitate primary school’s manoeuvres (5)

14 Comes together to hear about Sting (7,2)

15 Excavate a 22 down in the open air (6,3)

16 In the past, drives fast trains (9)

18 Be lenient to many in South African church (7)

20 Find cold ice, initially, at the back of the tank (7)

21 About to steal some chocolate substitute (5)

22 Is it hard to get into agreeable position? (5)

23 Have to choose detailed area of study (5)

Wednesday’s puzzle

Across: 1 Enmesh, 4 Freezing, 9 Hitman, 10 Psalmist, 12 Bouquet garni, 15 Treasurer, 17 Imago, 18 Omaha, 19 In the dark, 20 Ugly customers, 24 First aid, 25 In vain, 26 Amperage, 27 Jessie.

Down: 1 Exhibition, 2 Methuselah, 3 SNAFU, 5 Restaurateur, 6 Eglantine, 7 Isis, 8 Goth, 11 Eternity ring, 13 Balaam’s ass, 14 Mock orange, 16 Slaughter, 21 Tense, 22 Offa, 23 Wrap.