1900
Downings Bay , County Donegal – Our fishing began about the middle of August, but it was well on into September before there were any heavy catches. The fleet comprises about thirty-four large boats, three of which belong to local men and three come from Cellardyke; the rest are the property of the Congested Districts Board. Before going any further I may say that it was the Cellardyke fishermen who first introduced this class of boat into this bay. Alex. Pratt and William Watson. both belonging to Cellardyke, brought their own boats to Downing, six years ago, and have fished there each year steadily since, and both have had no cause to regret coming, as they have each done well. Owing to the scarcity of herring on the Scotch coast this year prices at Downing’s have been very high, ranging from 28s to 35s per cran and 0n several occasions they have gone as high as 36s.
COLLISIONS AND CONGESTION AT YARMOUTH
Partly owing to the extreme congestion of Yarmouth Harbour, consequent upon the presence of over 400 Scottish herring boats, some mishaps have occurred to a few local craft, which has kept them in the repairers’ hands during the chief part of last week. The Anstruther steam liner, Isle of May, manned by a Buckhaven crew collided with the Montrose boat Mon Ami, the latter having her gunwale smashed up and deck started. The Camellia, of Montrose, in entering the harbour collided with the North Pier, smashing her stem, and the Vesper, of Cellardyke, in dropping up the harbour came into contact with the foreign brigantine Cvon Platen, and took a good deal of damage, for which she went into dry dock. Fortunately, there has this year been no serious losses of nets, as there was last year. Considering the boats are lying four and five deep on either side of the river, and that tugs come in and takeout strings of six and seven fishing boats at a time, the wonder is that accidents are so few.
1901
ALTERING PLANS OF NEW PREMISES WITHOUT PERMISSION.— ( This is John Martin & Co’s Factory Later known as Carstairs’ on East Forth Street)
Mr. H. Elliot attended at Cellardyke Town Council on Tuesday night, and reported that there had been an alteration on the plans of Mr Leslie’s new factory. An erection was being made on the east side to apparently be used as washing houses.
The Provost —His attention has been called to this several times and he knows he has no right to alter the original plans passed before asking the sanction of the Council.
Bailie Williamson—They seem to put the Council aside and do what they like.
Bailie Butters—Can we do anything.
The Provost— We can take action if we chose.
The Clerk— According to the Act he has rendered himself liable to a penalty of £5. and the Council can order him to take down the building if they care
Bailie Williamson —According to the plan the whole front portion was to be built of brick but it is mostly of wood, and no plan was submitted about that alteration. After some further discussion the Clerk h instructed to demand an explanation from Mr Leslie.
1902
Disastrous Fire in Cellardyke
The usually quiet fishing village of Cellardyke was the scene of unusual alarm on Saturday forenoon through the burning of one of the largest business premises the place, with almost the whole stock. The premises alluded to are those owned occupied by the old-established firm of Messrs John Martin & Company, oilskin manufacturers, and were almost new, having only been occupied for about six months. They were situated about the centre of East Forth Street, and were in close proximity to dwelling-houses and the Forth Street Hall. Being partly built of brick and the larger pact wood, with galvanised iron roof, combined with the inflammable nature of the material manufactured, the premises were soon wholly in blaze, causing consternation amongst the neighbouring occupants. The fire broke out about 10 o’clock forenoon through some oil boiling over. After the alarm was raised the Cellardyke and Anstruther firehoses were put into operation, but it was soon evident that save the factory impossible, and the efforts of the numerous willing workers were directed to saving the front shop, office, and the adjoining properties. During this period the fire assumed so alarming proportions that it was thought advisable to wire for the assistance the Andrews Fire Brigade. Meanwhile the neighbouring tenants, assisted numerous staff, commenced emptying the houses, and this they did not do in careful fashion, much of the furniture, crockery, clothing, etc., being ruined in the removal. The scene during this period was almost indescribable. The hoses, however, continued to play, and in about an hours’ time it was evident that the further spread of the flame had been prevented. Soon after this, the St Andrews Brigade arrived; but their services were not required. The damage, which included the factory, with the valuable machinery, large stock, etc., amounts about £5000, and is, we understand, only partially insured.
1903
CELLARDYKE HARBOUR EXTENSION. Another Appeal to Fishery Board.
Kilrenny Town Council at a meeting last night, resolved to make another appeal to the Fishery Board for Scotland to give further grant with which to complete the reconstruction of Cellardyke Harbour. The Board contributed £1300, and the amount contributed was £537 8s, making total expenditure of £1837. But in order to insure and the safety of the craft, it has been resolved to add small jetty the length of the east pier. The estimated cost of this fully £300. and the Fishery Board is be asked contribute the sum. The Clerk was instructed to draw up a memorial, and ask H. Watson, banker, Anstruther, member of the Board, to support it, the view being urged that were this extension grained the harbour would greatly relieve the congestion m Anstruther Harbour during winter fishing, as many of the smaller class of boats would likely go to Cellardyke.
DESIRABLE GENERAL MERCHANT’S BUSINESS FOR SALE. For Sale by Private Bargain, that Excellent and Old-Established DRAPERY, GROCERY, and FISHING GEAR BUSINESS, so long carried on by MESSRS SHARP & MURRAY, and latterly by the now deceased Mr THOMAS SCOTT, at 83 George Street, Cellardyke. The Shop, Dwelling House, and other Premises, which are very commodious, are adjacent to the Harbour, which has recently been re-constructed, and may be either Let or Sold. The Stock will require to be taken over at Mutual Valuation. For further particulars apply to Jamieson & Guthrie, Solicitors, Anstruther, with whom Offers may be lodged on or before 1st December
THE STREET WELLS. A complaint was made about a street well in John Street, and on the suggestion of Mr Marr the Streets Committee were entrusted with powers to consider the advisability of removing these wells in Cellardyke if they were considered a nuisance.