Cryptic Crossword - The Scotsman 15/08/2013

Today...

ACROSS

7 In the vicinity of a trial of strength (5)

8 Cold interior about to set the benchmark (9)

10 Performed by getting on to empty set (6)

11 Set a limit to a large urban area with potential to grow (8)

12 Wakes up to find everything burning (2,6)

13 In addition, have to find a capital band (4)

15 Did hostess cook with a recipe card, finally? (7)

17 Tract prepared for type of flat eel (7)

20 Put on alert for major conflict, in the end (4)

22 Spreads all over ancient city meadows (8)

25 Carry on with affair, by deception (8)

26 New degree used to be arranged unannounced (6)

27 Makes allowances for runner in opposing teams (9)

28 On course to move back to Keith, initially (5)

DOWN

1 Beats into shape, being uncompromising (9)

2 Enclose a flat in a single-storey house (8)

3 Did convert have to deal with operation? (7)

4 Prevent bell-boy from going on strike (8)

5 Force car club into a small disturbance (6)

6 Formula needed for annual check to end (6)

9 Leading man in bad amateur dramatics (4)

14 Give notice with regard to testimonial (9)

16 The last grenade thrown by traitor (8)

18 Architects set up society, with little hesitation (8)

19 Turns up with a prime plant bearing fruit (7)

21 Although in first gear, restricted to 4 down (6)

23 Indifferent to call for help getting round (2-2)

24 Pry into old band at work (5)

Wednesday’s solution

Across: 1 Ancestral, 6 Balti, 9 Smoke and mirrors, 10 Psalm, 11 Handtowel, 12 Leather, 13 Rissole, 15 Faux pas, 17 Habitat, 18 Courtyard, 20 Calif, 22 Cable television, 23 Egret, 24 Passenger.

Down: 1 Aesop, 2 Cool as a cucumber, 3 Steamship, 4 Rancher, 5 Laminar, 6 Burst, 7 Look who’s talking, 8 Insolvent, 12 Life cycle, 14 Subscribe, 16 Shake-up, 17 Hedgers, 19 Theft, 21 Finer.