£50 PRIZE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 The sort of brace thrown at the Highland games (5)

4 A little farmland or ranch in a tiny country in the Pyrenees (7)

8 Will use detective to reveal it’s overworked and maltreated (3-4) 9 Ted must leave the derelict old thing (5)

10 A terrible toady for the 24-hour period before tomorrow (5) 11 Bungle part of madame’s supper (4,2) 14 Herb that’s an essential ingredient in a healthy meal (5)

16 It’s by wee Ronald, the “mad, bad and dangerous to know” poet (5)

18 Paths taken by the posties, for instance, are sure to change (6) 21 Gets weary of the assistant referees’ offside indicators (5) 24 This famous Milan football team needs some sprinters… (5) 25 …the list being kicked around shows a Scottish club (7)

26 The big ape is involved in the gang – or I’ll apply (7) 27 Tandoori breads for the grandmothers, by the sound of it (5)

DOWN

1 A piece of fried food always found in a casino (4)

2 Repairing the only cab? Yes, Juliet found Romeo under it (7) 3 Affirm again, regarding Alabama or Alaska, for example (7) 4 A political assistant like Dominic Cummings is a stupid idea (4)

5 The mournful song delighted Ingrid – Robert got enraged initially (5) 6 Annoys little Cyril especially (5)

7 Once a pal turned into a gangster in the United States (2,6) 12 Bashful? Yes, but makes a throw-in at the football match (3)

13 The runaway girl isn’t in the old capital of Scotland (8) 15 Something at the front door from hapless Hancock, we hear (3) 16 Gail and Ben arranged to see someone from Antwerp (7) 17 Seasick at great racing event for boats or yachts (7)

19 Set out the roulette after Leo leaves – and say the word (5)

20 Bill or Neil must head north shortly and join the club (5)

22 Up the ante in a hot spot in Sicily (4) 23 Barrels of beer are stored in the back – e.g Stella (4)