Cryptic crossword – The Scotsman 28/02/14

ACROSS

1 Expansion of power with novice if in charge at ten with no introduction (13)

10 Mineral ores that come in instant overlying shades (9)

11 Transparent material looked disgusting with nothing underneath (5)

12 Nessie seen swimming around with monster’s head _ it proves her downfall! (7)

13 Incorrect term I am using for salty spread (7)

14 It’s grand in high summer (6)

16 If at first you don’t succeed ... see if you can make some profit (3,5)

18 Hated when action included trial (8)

20 Beast takes a very long time in America to get bird (6)

23 Alarm bells are sounding about poisons (7)

24 DDT component used by second class, beset by many voices (7)

26 Arrive at what’s right for all (5)

27 A sterling effort at making up numbers by adding very small quantities (9)

28 Take part of responsibility for rash theme able to be dismantled (5,3,5)

DOWN

2 Note that states least without hesitation (5)

3 Plenty of ways to make the most of flowers (7)

4 Conclusion voiced in certain language (6)

5 Only money upfront will secure this fine material (8)

6 Inn rebuilt near vat (7)

7 Soldiers take one drink consumed to make a start (9)

8 This life full of care makes it hard for us to be patient and show outstanding energy (5,3,5)

9 Be unkind to wayward singles who may be devoid of sense (2,11)

15 Arrive uninvited and unpack crate in lieu of rent (9)

17 Team of emergency personnel, perhaps, experiencing Doppler effect (3,5)

19 Be indecisive within series (7)

21 Sick, for example, with nearly all of black market (7)

22 Heard to sigh at the approach of Grim Reaper’s implement (6)

25 Domain governed by quantity of paper surrounding the letter of the law (5)

Thursday’s solution

Across: 1 Second chance, 8 Storm, 9 Analogise, 11 Pilots, 12 Steerage, 14 Overseeing, 15 Orra, 18 Oust, 19 Maintained, 21 Illumine, 23 Basics, 25 Testament, 26 Opine, 27 Protestation.

Down: 1 Shoulders, 2 Comatose, 3 Neat, 4 Chastening, 5 Adores, 6 China, 7 Psephologist, 10 Stewardesses, 13 Remainders, 16 Rendition, 17 Macaroni, 20 Impact, 22 Laser, 24 Stoa.