1877
It turns out that the first prize, a pianoforte valued at thirty guineas, in the drawing of the freemasons of Arbroath, has been won by Mrs Margaret Myles, or Carmichael, a self-reliant widow, ‘ in a sma’ way of daein’, ” as they say on Borthick side, of a little provision shop which she has conducted for many years in Cellardyke. Margaret has had a lifelong pull against the stream especially after the death of her guidman, many years ago, and her windfall has been naturally hailed with lively sympathy by her neighbours. The ticket, which cost a single sixpence, was one of a lot distributed by Brother Wallace, late RWM of Old St Ayles. Lodge Anstruther.
1880
No little excitement was raised on Cellardyke shore, towards two o clock on Thursday afternoon, by an outbreak of fire in the well-known warehouse of Messrs Sharp and Murray, general merchants. So far as we can learn it originated in a lighted match falling upon some spilt turpentine on the floor of the sunk cellar under the shop. Of course it was a spark to the mine, and next instant the fire was running along the cellar, which was piled with merchandise of all kinds including turpentine, tar, &c, and other substances scarcely less explosive than gunpowder. It was a critical moment, but fortunately many of the fishermen were standing about, and a fire brigade at once active and willing being enlisted on the spot, and, with the flowing tide to draw from, water was poured so quickly and so plentifully into the cellar, that the fire was subdued before it gained mastery, which in a few minutes it must have inevitably done. For a time, however, the clouds of smoke which enveloped the scene excited the liveliest fears of the bystanders, and when the fire was subdued it was found that only less damage had been done by the salvage on the dry goods also stored in the cellar, though but for the cause referred to, the most serious consequences must have happened not only on the premises, but probably to the contiguous street.
1881
During the dense fog of Wednesday morning, the Cellardyke boat ‘Useful’ Thomas Boyter master, was run into by the steam trawler Fredrick James. The boat was riding by her drift, with a regulation light burning, but the steamer was scarcely her own length distant before the cry of the fishermen on the lookout attracted the notice of those on board. The helm was shifted but the sponsoon struck the bows of the boat so violently as to smash in the stem. Eventually the drift was hauled in, when the disabled craft was towed by the Fredrick James to Anstruther harbour,
1889
While off the May island on Saturday Afternoon, the Cellardyke boat Tomasina KY 378 was struck by a fierce gust of wind and her mast carried away. In falling it tore up about 14ft of the deck on the port side and broke a spare yard. The boat was drifting hopelessly when the Cellardyke boat Onward came to her assistance and towed her into Anstruther. The damage is estimated about £12
1891
‘The Scottish Cyclist’
The summer before last there came a company of cyclists, supposed to hail from Dundee, amongst them were some amateur photographers, who took a few snapshots round about, one of the views, being a small fishing yawl lying in Cellardyke harbour, in which a small boy was seated. Last year the lad was lost at sea, and this was the only photo ever taken of him, his bereaved parents are extremely anxious to procure a copy of it and have been trying for some months unfortunately without success. Anyone who can give a clue to the photographer will confer a very great kindness by communicating at once with Mr Thomas Cunningham, Harbourhead Anstruther. We trust that this appeal will be the means of satisfying the boy’s parents.
1903
Robert Keith, carter, West Forth Street and George Moir, carter toft terrace, appeared at Cupar today on a charge of having, on the 4th February, within the shop as 21 John Street, Cellardyke, occupied by Albert Morris, confectioner, committed a breach of the peace, and caused Morris and his wife to run out of the shop in terror, whereupon Keith took possession of the shop, locked the doors and destroyed a quantity of fried fish and chipped potatoes. The complainant further set forth that Keith assaulted Helen Morris, by striking her on the breast with his fist and knocking her down, and that Moir assaulted Albert Morris by striking him a blow on the chest with his fist and knocking him down. Keith pleaded not guilty while Moir admitted the charge and said it was the first time that he had been in court. The Fiscal said that Moir was very much less guilty than Keith. The Sherriff passed sentence of a fine of 15s or seven days imprisonment. Keith’s trial was fixed for Tuesday 24th inst