GENERAL CROSSWORD

▶ Across

1. A meal (6) 4. Clever, skilful (4) 8. Disguised by painting etc (11) 10. A Scrooge (5) 11. Effigy of a man (3) 12. Ornamental central table-piece (7) 14. The briny (3) 16. Slight curtsey (3) 18. A monk (7) 19. Hawthorn blossom (3) 20. Having a film of dirt (5) 23. Dejection (11) 24. Place to build (4) 25. Rye grass (6)

▶ Down

1. Renovates, gives new appearance to (7) 2. Ancient people of NE Scotland (5) 3. Mexican hat (8) 5. Daring (4) 6. Affianced (7) 7. Small whirlpool (4) 9. Surreptitiously (9) 13. Shrub with fragrant waxy flowers (8) 15. Bottomless gulfs (7) 17. List of people receiving wage (7) 19. Fashion (4) 21. Lustre, shine (5) 22. Harbour (4)