CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. How one may quash a rumour with some spirit (6)

8. It may damage the loot (5)

9. In total, can’t get confused by such a holy place (7)

11. Sort of car to dash hither and thither in (8)

12. Nicked something one could wear over one’s shoulders (5)

15. Such sorry mounts as one keeps on at somebody about (4)

16. In great excitement, one had a meal (3)

17. To start preparing fish, skin it (4)

19. In a muddle about me, says a loss occurred (5)

21. Any quad can be about right if in a fix (8)

24. And it appears in Sarah’s collection of footwear (7)

25. Objects worshipped in solid form (5)

26. Not even in turning red will one potter like this (6)

Down

2. It may be cunning as a skilled occupation (5)

3. Likely to laugh when prodded, though the situation is awkward (8)

4. The time belongs to you and to me, one is told (4)

5. How to try a formal composition (5)

6. Thus it is repeated, though it’s only moderate (2-2)

7. One must be drunk to follow this ink mark (4)

10. Sure, let me be wrong if their charges are stubborn (9)

12. Will get to the bottom of what’s found in the kitchen (4)

13. Dip lends it a different form, and that’s magnificent (8)

14. Dole out about fifty for drama (4)

18. Poet who will do it up and sit around (5)

20. Hail a remedy (5)

21. The pound given pro quo in retaliation (4)

22. Wide-eyed, open-mouthed, a Guildhall giant appears (4)

23. There’s a three-foot space beside the house (4)