Cryptic crossword - The Scotsman 28/05/14

28/05/14

ACROSS

1 Devote oneself to a particular task, wrongly decide to go round a square (8)

5 After end of August, sorceress developed spasm (6)

Solution 27/05/14

9 Man to come ashore first during outstanding event (8)

10 Pair mile back taking exam (6)

12 Distressed loner trapped single lady (6)

13 Pursue mother’s doctrine (5)

16 I adore mischievous one on tour (6)

17 and 20 Normal answer that is used for the purpose of comparison (8,8)

21 Well one is sentimental (6)

23 Book of stamps (5)

25 Attractive lady about to be included (6)

28 In haste, puppet to come forward (4,2)

29 Undignified leading character performing on the air (4-4)

30 To have a regular girlfriend up to now (2,4)

31 Bird food (8)

DOWN

1 Do learners need a toy? (4)

2 Over-performed (4)

3 Grouse disease (9)

4 We turned and left the wrong crowd (6)

6 Earth revolved soundly (5)

7 Newspaper at end of day producing system of telecommunications (10)

8 Successfully reached one’s house before it rained (4,3,3)

11 and 19 Sheer physical strength before court convened, nothing was lost (5,5)

14 Clear scenery for receiver (7,3)

15 Food to be delivered seven times a week (5,5)

18 Cocking the airgun when more badly behaved (9)

19 See 11

22 Smart circle’s strong tipple? (6)

24 Take a back seat (5)

26 Paid to eat? (4)

27 Bird dived in America (4)