CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: NO. 28,598

Across

1 Loyalty, say, found in union (10) 6 Eccentric succeeded in betting (4)

9 Follow graduate in teaching (5) 10 Best meal cooked around island worthy of praise (9) 12 List of those who could turn out for parties? (9,4) 14 Service care is shoddy – the end for many? (8)

15 Keep quiet about Conservative going after gear that’s tawdry (6)

17 Dwell on pretentious air (6) 19 I cut girl misbehaving regarding ceremony (8)

21 One covers the ground to get the lead and take the gold? (5,8) 24 Northern land in front of Germany? It’s almost a disaster! (4,5)

25 Swimmer in river, then bus avoiding cold (5) 26 Bumpkin left out wooden frame (4)

27 Sight least prepared is most deplorable (10)

Down

1 Helper paid extra in part (4) 2 Member not so intoxicated (7)

3 Serious measures used by group in night-time broadcast? (9,4)

4 Opening of a fresh flower in Yorkshire (8)

5 Provide food bound by intricate restrictions (5)

7 Call promises of repayment questionable (7)

8 Disturbance after a past engagement? (5,5)

11 Showing diversity, it’s taken up sect with posh artist in Scottish island (13)

13 Ten mayors surprisingly holding millions to make clever investment? (5,5)

16 One swimming off boat, maybe, gets on without introduction and alters course (8)

18 Disappointment with TV returned (7)

20 Frankfurter, perhaps, adding energy is suitable (7)

22 Cabaret singer familiarly seen in correct hotel (5)

23 Little ingenuity, we’re told (4)