CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Stored weed, or other growth? (7,5)

9 Swashbuckler, you see, can swallow beer (9)

10 Treat cut in A&E – it’s serious! (5)

11 Why leave rusty MP to deal with betters? (6)

12 Baathist checked surroundings (8)

13 Measures student in resit (6)

14 You moan about tin surplus (8)

17 Broke up wide roof for fuel (8)

19 Naked animal? (6)

21 Ready for take-off! (8)

23 Measures us on one occasion (6)

25 From top to bottom, and bottom to top! (5)

26 Saudis have nothing on us? Careful ... (9)

27 Operator raps part of airborne force (12)

DOWN

2 Run into battle (9)

3 Covering pre-war policy, initially (7)

4 Frank is available (4)

5 Issue order to a Spanish performer (8)

6 I had nothing to do with Evans’ equivocation (7)

7 You order cabs with special kit (5)

8 Makes one’s mark on Alison’s peers (12)

9 Areas of dispute (12)

15 Reach into part of sanctuary (9)

16 See 18dn

18,16 Elemental prediction (7,8)

20 Review collection (5-2)

22 Operation to catch young dog may come to light (3,2)

24 Concerning (2,2)

ORRAMAN

I LISTENED the other day to the Moderator of the Church of Scotland justifying the Church’s continued support of Government ruling to keep Churches closed. The Free Church of Scotland are appealing this decision and I applaud their courage.

I see no reason, with correct protocols in place, why mainly elderly people should be denied the spiritual comfort of attending church once a week. Stand up and be counted!