This crossword No. 26777 clues and answers were published on Mon 11 Jan 2016 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 26777 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Member leads groups with signs of mourning : ARMBANDS
5-across – Pet for the ancient mariner : SEADOG
9-across – Hard to fathom why corruption engulfed good man and king : ABSTRUSE
10-across – A vital change for a country : LATVIA
12-across – Love food? : MUSIC
13-across – Such a discussion gives opportunity for falling out : OPENENDED
14-across – Educated at home? : HOUSETRAINED
18-across – Craftsmen with inflationary effects on their products : GLASSBLOWERS
21-across – Most agree it could be a useless eyesore : GASOMETER
23-across – Flinch when college head tucks into port, say : WINCE
24-across – Albion maverick may be released : ONBAIL
25-across – Her rank prohibits one’s admission : BARONESS
26-across – Parts of firearms? : PIECES
27-across – On the way had an urge and joined up : STITCHED
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Intimidates the French surrounded by weapons : ALARMS
2-down – Brood about one’s ill-treatment : MISUSE
3-down – Terrible actor in trouble with debts : ATROCIOUS
4-down – Record playing in the small hours — Mood Indigo? : DISCONSOLATE
6-down – Note overdue transport : ELATE
7-down – A product of good stock : DIVIDEND
8-down – Excellent publicity arranged by family members : GRANDADS
11-down – A despatch note? : DEATHWARRANT
15-down – Missile base and plant : ARROWROOT
16-down – Mature pop band, all as old as each other : AGEGROUP
17-down – Good enough to get by? : PASSABLE
19-down – She gets tangled with men to become engaged : ENMESH
20-down – Poetically skilful : VERSED
22-down – State of the sea, say : MAINE
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.