Across
1
Difficulty opposing what’s upfront? (8)
5
Shuts down shabby stores Scotsman has in centre (6)
9
Heavy drinkers they say are quite rich (8)
10
Being a bit pious, a blessing can work (6)
12
Starting out, vandal expects real trouble, that’s clear (5)
13
Price regulations Spooner said have no hope (4,5)
14
Unsaddle foal bucking around without warning (3,2,1,6)
18
Unofficial book for everyone showing where the public can’t swim (7,5)
21
Wolverine perhaps making our sheep restless around river (9)
23
Meticulous old deed (5)
24
Expanding state benefit by two days is an easy task (6)
25
Select fish for preserving (8)
26
Most reluctant to give positive response in bed (6)
27
Useless criminal sheds load, dumping heroin (8)
Down
1
Earth cover lifted revealing some stimulating objects (6)
2
Son immersed in drink is good for nothing (6)
3
Trace crime farmer reported (9)
4
Unloved, obese revolutionary is a lethal agent (6-1,5)
6
Graduate, as presented, is pretty ordinary (5)
7
Comes back with note on limits (8)
8
Embarrassing display by United in passage of play (5,3)
11
Keep out of sight and dodge bill (6,6)
15
The solution has four such letters – that’s not verified (9)
16
Broadcast is copied in sequence (8)
17
Flat casually put together in a bright way (8)
19
Have a go at trendy old Italian snack (6)
20
Extremely smart acting enlivens where it’s performed (6)
22
Force abandoning weapons causes annoyance (5)