Cryptic crossword: The Scotsman, 7 August 2014

ACROSS

1 General handed things down, as usual (11)

9 Bolt right over one old soldier, in short (5)

10 When at sea, turns out for leisurely strolls (8)

12 Northern Ireland artist took the lead in creation of a blissful state (7)

13 Walked over right-back with uneven hands (7)

14 Spread quickly, even with little energy (5)

15 Can be consistent in harmony (9)

18 Are regular fees required to secure some family servants? (9)

20 Put heavyweight in charge of a pick-me-up (5)

21 After short measure, let it out, with style (7)

24 Bring into line in masquerade (5,2)

25 Decline to let a county go, at the end (8)

26 Article on Middle English may be a topic for discussion (5)

27 Deter Pinter composition being spelled out (11)

DOWN

2 May have to withdraw a Bible class pamphlet (7)

3 Are some aged pairs forced to downgrade? (9)

4 Rely on responsibility for property, in confidence (5)

5 Is it wrong to arrive at a result? (7)

6 Having a little credit, I’d be rather bitter (5)

7 Having to sell left-winger? Granted (11)

8 Grow dull with too many actors on stage (8)

11 Tried out pen, etc, which was impounded (11)

16 Is the hearth the nerve centre of the home? (9)

17 Impose a veto on one pen sent into exile (8)

19 Is keen to be strong, if in earnest (7)

20 At last, break the French framework (7)

22 Ripped out hard part of a prickly plant (5)

23 Supply a ship, etc, in a fit of pique (5)

Yesterday’s solution

Across: 1 Bauble, 4 Bracelet, 9 Rialto, 10 Pomander, 12 Indisputable, 15 Web offset, 17 Troll, 18 Laura, 19 Apennines, 20 Do-it-yourself, 24 Outbreak, 25 Annual, 26 Killdeer, 27 Vestry.

Down: 1 Berlin Wall, 2 Up and about, 3 Lotus, 5 Room at the top, 6 Charlatan, 7 Lido, 8 Tern, 11 Substantiate, 13 Lounge suit, 14 Blissfully, 16 Flavoured, 21 Renee, 22 Rock, 23 Et al.