The Herald crosswords

ACROSS

9 Frank had a meal for applicant (9)

10 Clear air distributed there (5) 11 Rep is to arrange counterattack (7)

12 Loved taking in top of nightgown to be decorated (7) 13 Besiege poor rebel containing fever (9)

16 Passage through a little piece of land (5)

17 Following the trend, to a

certain extent (5,1,7)

20 Oarsman carried by hero, we

recall (5)

21 Rush to the spring to get

pretty plant (9)

24 Verify prisoner stable (7)

25 Suspended writer with

depression (7)

27 Oozes, it’s said, given Welsh

vegetables (5)

28 Terrifying dream of dark

horse (9)

DOWN

1 Crabs wandering round a beetle (6)

2 Break vessels up (4)

3 Feast I set out for a carnival (6)

4 Time for fruit (4)

5 Pater irate, confused – send him back home (10)

6 One patch prepared for monument (8)

7 Rock at the bottom of river produces imitation gem (10) 8 Restrains new wives left inside (7)

14 Socialist remaining constant complainer, but not hothead (4-6)

15 Modest amount invested in using an alternative (10)

18 Peer I briefly estimate to be the first to arrive (8)

19 Thorn put right in the relish (7) 22 A noted eccentric to give (6) 23 Refuse the young animals (6) 25 Quiet time for attendant (4) 26 Former morning test (4)

ACROSS

1 Pioneer (11)

9 Fertile area in a desert (5)

10 Hair soap (7)

11 Farm dog (7)

12 Book or film’s name (5) 13 Confirm (6)

15 Nursery (6)

18 Bagless vacuum-cleaner brand (5)

20 Calculated according to how much is done or used (3,4)

22 Exudation (7)

23 Take illegally (5)

24 Round of professional talks (7,4)

DOWN

2 Hold in high esteem (7) 3 Added small photo (5) 4 Wicker container (6) 5 Electrical joining device (7)

6 Person living overseas (5)

7 Pungent root used as a condiment (11)

8 To be expected (11)

14 Variety of soft icing (7)

16 Grand French country house (7) 17 Come into view (6) 19 Beleaguering of a town (5) 21 Beginning (5)