1861
Naval Volunteers.- On Monday last information was communicated to the Naval Volunteers for the coast defences in this, neighbourhood to hold themselves in readiness for immediate service. This unexpected intelligence, as might be expected, excited not a little sensation in the fishing towns of Cellardyke, Pittenweem and St Monance where nearly a hundred of the fishermen are enrolled in the force. Amongst the mothers and wives of the Volunteers, the alarm and uneasiness natural in the circumstances was very generally manifested; the men themselves, however, viewed the matter in quite a different aspect, and the prospect of active service was hailed with lively satisfaction; and, when the summons to duty arrives, it will be promptly and cheerfully obeyed. They are all young spirited fellows, and when last on board the exercising ship were highly commended by the officers for their expertness and steadiness. Noted also for their fearlessness and daring, there is little doubt, in ‘whatever position they may be placed, their conduct will be such as to reflect credit on themselves, and advance the honour and glory of their country.
FISHING Notes. —……We understand it is contemplated some enterprising fishermen in Cellardyke to equip a vessel to prosecute the cod fishing at Rockall in the ensuing summer. Should this speculation succeed as it deserves, no doubt many more will be induced to embark in similar venture, there is no lack either of spirit capital in that community.
1863
Melancholy Occurrence.—On Monday afternoon, a deep and painful sensation was occasioned here by the announcement that young man of the name of David Gellatly, a fisherman belonging to this place (Cellardyke), had been drowned by falling overboard from the fishing-boat “Laurel,” of which Alexander Watson is skipper. The boat, it appears, bad sailed with the rest of the fleet from the harbour about one o’clock that morning, and everything had gone on prosperously until she had reached the fishing ground—about twenty miles seaward of the Isle of May—a little before dawn, when, on more sail being made preparatory to casting the lines, the distressing event occurred, under the following circumstances” —Gellatly was assisting to hoise the foresail, and being of active and daring spirit, was standing on the edge of the gunwale, when the purchase-plate or bolt to which the haulyards are attached to the boat gave way, and the tackle in consequence becoming suddenly disengaged, he lost his balance and fell into the water. The boat at the time was sailing quickly before a steady westerly breeze but every possible exertion was at once made by the rest of the crew to render him assistance; and the other Cellardyke boats, which were a short distance astern, were hailed for the same purpose. All their exertions, however, proved unavailing, and the poor fellow was never seen again—the chances of rescue may add, being greatly lessened in the darkness and also the manner which fishermen are attired, their heavy clothing and long sea-boats preventing them, to a great extent, when in the water from doing anything for their own preservation. Nothing further was done that day by the rest of the crew the way of fishing operations, and with heavy hearts arrived in Crail harbour to communicate the sad news, which soon circulated over the district. The unfortunate young man was an only son. He was about twenty-three years of age, and unmarried. He was of very quiet and amiable disposition, and many are there amongst who join with his afflicted parents mourning the untimely fate of one of the most esteemed and promising young men in our community.
1865
WANTED, Two Good NET WORKERS on Machines. Apply to Sharp and Murray, Cellardyke.
1869
Before the (Town Council) meeting separated a resolution was submitted, and unanimously carried, that the thanks of the community, and especially of the fishermen, were due Captain Rodger, of Glasgow (a native of Cellardyke), for his disinterested kindness removing from the fairway of Cellardyke Harbour several rocks and obstructions to the traffic there, and also for the free grant a plot of ground at the east end of the town whereon to beach the boats during winter.