1905
Last Friday morning, two Granton trawlers were captured by two Cellardyke fishing boats trawling within the limits. The trawlers were neatly caught. They were trawling between Caiplie and the May Island and as the two boats made up to them it was observed that the numbers and names of the trawlers were covered with sacks which were soaked in water to prevent the wind blowing them about, and also with the lids of fishing boxes. In the act of turning the trawl nets got fixed round the propellers, and the trawlers could make no headway for a time. The two fishing boats came upon the trawlers, and passing close to them, and even speaking to the crews, took the names and numbers. They made a complaint to the police, who reported the matter to the Cupar authorities with a view to a prosecution on two separate charges, trawling within the limits and covering up the names and numbers.
FIFE FISHERMEN WANT PROTECTION AGAINST TRAWLERS. meeting of Cellardyke, Crail, Pittenweem, and St Monans fishermen was held at Cellardyke on Saturday night Provost Black in the chair —to protest against the amount of illegal trawling which has been going on in the Firth Forth, especially near the May Island. A number of fishermen spoke of the loss suffered the operations the trawlers, one man asserting that the whole coast had lost hundreds of pounds within the past two months. It was complained that the Fishery Board cruiser Brenda was too seldom on the grounds, and that it ought to be stationed for three months near the Island of May. It was suggested that the Fishery Board. should get another cruiser and man her with local fishermen. It was also suggested that the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners should be approached to give instructions to the lighthouse keepers on the island to report all cases of illegal trawling, and that the fishery cruiser should be removed from Granton to another port, as the trawlers were made aware every time she entered and left Granton Harbour. It was unanimously agreed to appoint a deputation to meet with the Fishery Board at their next meeting, and lay all the facts of the case before the Board, and Skippers Jack, Wilson, and Gardner were appointed for this purpose.
1906
For Sale, the Boat, Livelihood. K.Y. 508 belonging to Cellardyke, length 58 feet and all Appurtenance’, which are in good order, and ready for sea. For further particulars apply to DAVID BROWN (MURRAY), Fowler Street.
Fatal accident Inquiry at Cupar
THE PERILS OF THE DEEP. Two of the inquiries had reference to accidents of fishermen. Both were returning home from the fishing ground at the May Island, and were engaged tacking the sails, when a heavy sea caused their boats to lurch, and plunged the unfortunate fishermen into the sea. The names of the deceased were Peter Boyter, Cellardyke, who was on board the Elizabeth Keay, and Alexander Gowans, Cellardyke, who was aboard the Balmoral.
1907
Launch of a Steam Drifter
On Monday afternoon, in presence of a large turn-out of spectators from all parts of the district, Mr Miller, shipbuilder, Anstruther and St Monans, launched a steam drifter which he has built to the order of Messrs Melville & Sons, fish-curers, Cellardyke. The launch was successfully accomplished at 4.30. Miss Melville, daughter of the owner, gracefully performing the christening ceremony, and naming the boat the Primrose. Unfortunately on going across the outer harbour, she came into collision with a Buckhaven boat the crew of which had failed to sail outside, and were coming back to reset the sail. A small hole was knocked In the Buckhaven boat’s stem, and a small part of the gunwale was knocked away. No damage whatever, was done to a drifter. The Primrose was very much admired, her fine model being a subject of very favourable comment by the fishermen and others, She has been built of the strongest materials, and the workmanship put into her has been of the best. The dimensions of the Primrose are similar to the other three drifters Mr Miller has launched since September, and other three orders from local owners are still on hand, along with a trawler for the Belgium Government. The Primrose is to be taken to Leith shortly to be engined, and is expected to be ready for the great line fishing in April. After the launch, Mr G. Melville invited a number of friends to a champagne banquet in his house in Shore Street. Mr R. Melville presided. Mr James Bonthron, in a few appropriate remarks, wished all prosperity to the Primrose, and hoped she would not be the last to be ordered and owned by the owners. Mr R. Melville acknowledged the compliment, and said he was always anxious to do his best to encourage local industries, as he was convinced that the Anstruther shipbuilders could build the best boats. He proposed the health of the builder, and Mr Miller responded, saying he was glad the owners were satisfied with the model and workmanship of the boat. Short speeches were also made by Mr Miller, South Africa, Melville, Mr W. S. Bonthron, and Mr Martin Gardner. The health of Miss Melville, who christened the boat, was also proposed in suitable terms.
HERRING NETS PICKED UP.—On arrival at Granton of the trawler Challenger on Saturday, the master, Edward Forbes, reported having picked up about 50 herring nets, with 13 floats attached, on Friday afternoon about four or five miles east of the North Carr lightship. From the marks on the floats it is supposed that they belong to Cellardyke fishermen, and were abandoned during the gale which prevailed last week. The nets were heavily laden with herrings. The letters C. D, are common to all.
THEFT AT CAPLIE – Albert McCourt, a labourer with no fixed residence was brought before the Sheriff Court at Cuper on Saturday, charged with stealing a pair of men’s worsted drawers from a house at Caiplie Toll on the previous Thursday. On the Anstruther policemen being informed of the theft, a search was made, and the drawers found on accused. He was sentenced to five days’ imprisonment.
1908
THE GOOD BEHAVIOUR OF KILRENNY SCHOOL CHILDREN. —A correspondent signing himself “One who saw,” writes— The thanks of those attending the funeral of the dear little boy on Monday to Kilrenny Churchyard are due to Mr Forsyth, who had the scholars all drawn up in a line as the remains of their late companion were borne along. It touched a sympathetic chord in the hearts of those who witnessed it, and it speaks of the excellent discipline maintained in the school when such was possible. It was such a contrast of what is seen at Cellardyke school, which is painful to witness.
1909
CELLARDYKE FISHERMAN CLAIMS AGAINST ADMIRALTY FOR LOSS HIS NETS. Major Anstruther Gray asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether had received claim from David Parker, of Cellardyke of the fishing boat John & Agnes (ML. 95), who lost the whole of his nets to the value of £25, having been cut away by the ships of His Majesty a fleet between 3am and 4 am on the 3rd inst. Whether he would favourably consider his claim, and would, further, compensate him for the loss of his time while deprived of his means of livelihood; and whether he could now see his way to take any steps towards safeguarding the lives and property of the fishermen in the Firth Forth
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