Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 30/11/2011

ACROSS

1 Delightful age to have special birthday party in USA (5,7)

8 Tricky situation where the oats were scattered (3,4)

9 Ernest said to be thoughtful (7)

11 Birds do get into state of excitement (4)

12 Signal wage adjustment for one from the city (10)

14 On East Street not coming back (3-3)

15 Guard posted line that had been analysed (8)

17 I’m putting measure in absorbent linen for embrocation (8)

19 Sponge barely used (6)

22 Fish going bad during execution (10)

23 Right man returned (4)

25 Ketch, it bumped into trees (7)

26 Old-fashioned grape-harvest (7)

27 Investigate machine forming computer program (6-6)

DOWN

1 Supply to capacity at a site that needs developing (7)

2 Jug more modern and topless (4)

3 Bird let out scarcely detectable amount (6)

4 At home with little sister, Edward begged persistently and urgently (8)

5 Try out trek as substitute for dance

(6-4)

6 Naturally it is a wearing process (7)

7 Ray has travelled short distance round on aeroplane journey (5,2,5)

10 One employee with newsman found it had been done without help (6-6)

13 Hand on the land (4,6)

16 On a Shetland isle, urge to undo the sewing (8)

18 Never in trouble with soothing drug (7)

20 Warship makes entrance after half-day (7)

21 Rugged one in Paris with archdeacon (6)

24 Against chanting section (4)