CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Diane’s sweet to make one feel embarrassed (9) 6 Gert and I removed the beast (5) 9 Not keen to be outspoken (5) 10 How to go humbly carrying a hat (3,2,4) 11 Accept insult without getting up (4,2,5,4) 13 Win easily despite not being in form (8) 14 Support a Scottish island (6) 16 Previously Leah turned to emit breath (6) 18 It’s instrumental in breaking into wine (8) 21 Costs of athletes’ footwear? (7,8) 23 Down in the dumps when the tide’s out (2,1,3,3) 25 Place in the room a hard-hearted person (5) 26 Bit of a laugh, bit of riding garment (5) 27 Stayed for another 24 hour period (3,2,4)

DOWN

1 Band leader in duet performing his first appearance (5) 2 Room to cook broth? (4,7) 3 Not a rational sort being tested (2,5) 4 Not countenanced (8) 5 Bird, one very gently held is crested (6) 6 Thing to alter later today perhaps (7) 7 Tailless animal in India (3) 8 Communist and German worker no longer required (9) 12 Gaff someone reproduced while playing badly (3,4,4) 13 Get the better of struggling Rev Horace (9) 15 Supply cable Billy heartlessly arranged (8) 17 Displayed on the floor? (4,3) 19 Hastily announce dance cancelled (4,3) 20 Eager desire after article is settled (6) 22 Fashionable vehicles turned up (5) 24 It’s worn by cleric during papal blessing (3)