1824
HERITABLE PROPERTY SITUATED WITHIN, ANDBELONGING TO, THE BURGH OF KILRENNY, FOR SALE.
To Sold by public roup, within the Town-house of Kilrenny, on Monday the 7th day of June next, between the hours of noon and afternoon,
ALL and WHOLE that PIECE of Vacant GRO RIND, lying near the Harbour of CELLARDYKE, on the South side of the street, extending to thirty two feet or thereby, immediately to the eastward of David Morris’ house. This piece of ground is well adapted for the stance a dwelling house, and from being close to the harbour, its situation is for suitable for carrying on business.
For further particulars application may be made to any of the Magistrates of Kilrenny, or to M. F. Conollv, Town Clerk, any time betwixt and the day sale.
1825
PROPERTY AT CELLARDYKE, FOR SALE.
To be Sold by public roup, within the Town-house of Kilrenny, on Friday the 3d day of June next, at one o’clock afternoon
ALL and WHOLE the SUBJECTS at the SHORE of CELLARDYKE, formerly occupied by Messrs James and Peter Davidson, fish-curers, Dundee, consisting of a large fish house, yard, and smoking house, with sundry conveniences.
From the advantageous situation of the premises, being close to the harbour, and from Cellardyke being now one of the first fishing stations in Scotland, this property is well adapted for carrying on the fish curing business, and well worth the attention of such as are concerned In that line. For further particulars application may be made to Mr Miln, Union Bank, Dundee, or to M. F. Conolly, writer in Anstruther. 16th May, 1825.
One week later
NOTICE. THE PROPERTY at CELLARDYKE, formerly occupied by Messrs James and Peter Davidson, fish-curers in Dundee, which was advertised for public sale in last week’s Herald, has been Sold by private bargain.
1829
CONTRACTORS. THE Commissioners for the Herring Fishery have it in view to ENLARGE arid EXTEND the BOAT HABBOUR at CELLARDYKE, in the county Fife, and also to ERECT A BOAT HARBOUR at the COVE DUNGLASS, in thee county of Haddington. Estimates are therefore wanted for executing the said works, the plans and specifications of which may he seen applying to Mr Dunsmure, Secretary to the Commissioners, at the Fishery Office, Edinburgh.
Intending Contractors are requested to understand that ample security for performing the works within the prescribed time will be required, and that the Commissioners do not hold themselves bound to accept the lowest estimate, unless otherwise eligible.
Sealed offers, to be lodged with the Secretary, on or before the 20th day of June next. Office for the Herring Fishery, Edinburgh, May 20, 1829.
1832
SPECIFICATION OF THE BOUNDARIES OF BURGHS, &c., … The Bill to settle these boundaries has accordingly been printed, and we present our readers with such parts of it refer to this county, DISTRICTS TO RETURN ONE MEMBER EACH.
Easter Anstruther —From the point at which the Dreel Bum joins the Firth of Forth, up the Dreel burn to the point at which the mill-dam of the mill of Anstruther branches off; thence in a straight line in the direction of the spire of Kilrenny church to the point at which such straight line cuts the Cunzie burn; thence in a straight line to the point at which the Cellardyke’s burn crosses the road to Upper Kilrenny ; thence down the Cellardyke’s burn to the point at which the same joins the Firth of Forth; thence along the shore of the Firth of Forth to the point first described.
Kilrenny
From the point at which the Cellardyke’s bum joins the Firth of Forth, up the Cellardyke’s burn to the point at which the same crosses the road from Anstruther to Upper Kilrenny ; thence in a straight line to the Skeigh stone; thence in a straight line to the point at which the Gelly burn meets the Well of Spa burn; thence in a straight line to a point on the Crail road, which is distant 400 yards, (measured along the Crail road,) to the north-east of the bridge on the same over the Gelly burn ; thence in straight line to a point on the Gelly burn, which is distant 300 yards (measured along the Gelly bum) below the said bridge on the Crail road ; thence down the Gelly burn the point at which the same joins the Firth of Forth; thence along the shore of the Firth of Forth to the point first described.
1839
NOTES AT THE PERTH CIRCUIT. April 1839. ………
Archibald Williamson, shipmaster, Cellardyke, claimed to be exempted from serving, on the ground of his being manager for the burgh of Kilrenny, in Fife, discharging all the duties, except judicial functions, which a magistrate can exercise.
The Advocate-Depute (Innes) answered—That Mr Williamson was not entitled exempted from serving as a juror. The Burgh of Kilrenny bad been disfranchised: Williamson is only manager of its funds, deriving his appointment from the Court of Session. He is not a magistrate of a royal burgh elected by the Burgesses of Council, and is bound to serve.
Lord Moncreiff was of opinion that Mr Williamson, being only a manager, whose duty it was to look after the funds and affairs the burgh, and not being a magistrate, and, as admitted by himself, neither taking oaths nor declarations, nor judging in causes, objection could be granted. Objection repelled.
1842
The herring Trade from the John O Groats Journal
The English markets are completely shut. A friend from Liverpool informs me, that he has on hand 400 barrels of red herrings, and cannot get a barrel off at any price, and adds, “What may be done next season remains to be proved, but fear it will be very bad here and elsewhere for the curer.”—The Glasgow and Greenock markets are even worse than Leith. Gutted herrings there are not worth more than 12s. to 14s., the greater part of which cost per 20s per cran in the Highlands.—The boats that are engaged this season are fortunate in having done so before the budget was revealed. Those that are yet to engage, will not get within 2s per cran of the former. One of our principal curers, while in Cellardyke last week, was hunted through the streets by several crews of fishermen, praying to be engaged to fish the North at any money.
They are panic-struck at the prospect this season in the Frith of Forth, and not without cause, if all was known. They have suffered by staying at home the two past years, having made barely a living of it, and even that was obtained from the French -boats buying the few herrings which they caught at a high price, disregarding si2e or quality. That market for them is at an end. The French boats are no longer allowed to come here; and the native crews, with few exceptions, are not inclined to embark the Forth fishing this season, unless at a low price, say 7s to 8s per cran. They paid dear for their whistle last summer. It expected that about double the number Frith beats will be at Wick this season to what was the last, principally from Cellardyke; they are agreed with at 10s. 6d. per cran, and perquisites.
Licensing courts
Jane Boyter, Cellardyke – Had been refused because the justices had been under a misapprehension that the license was asked for a new house, whereas appellant only wished to come in room of her husband, dead a few months ago -Granted.
- James Brown, Cellardyke – Had been refused because a new house. Appellant had formerly had a license, but had voluntarily given it up, finding his employment as a fisherman sufficient to support him. Owing to having been afflicted with disease, he was now unable to labour as a fisherman—and on that consideration he hoped the court would restore his license. – Refused.
1844
Approx. 23rd May The Boat was called the ‘William’
CELLARDYKE. Eight Lives Lost—On the afternoon Thursday last our fishermen put out to sea in gay spirits —the weather being fine, and the prospect beautiful sea and land. About eleven o’clock p.m., however, while still on their way to the deep-sea-fishing, the wind, which had hitherto been gentle, rose furiously, and, descending from the north like the rushing of a mighty torrent, caught a number of the crews by surprise, and, striking their sails aback, placed them in the greatest jeopardy. On this occasion, are sorry to say, one of the crews, with their sails all set were quite unprepared for the trying emergency, being, with the exception of young man at the helm, all fast asleep at the bottom of the boat, little dreaming they were soon to sleep ” the sleep which knows no waking.’ A neighbour boat, in passing, called out to them to strike their sails, but no sign was returned of their being sensible of the approaching danger. The consequence has been that they have not been heard of since; and there is no doubt the boat was immediately upset and swept out to sea, and that all hands perished. Six of the men were married, and have left wives and families in helpless circumstances. Their names were—George Smith, jun., boat skipper; James Smith, his brother George Smith, son of James; James Watson ; James Salter; Robert Mackay; John Sutherland, jun. ; Wilson Brunton.—Fifeshire Journal.
The Sentinel states—” It has often surprised us that our adventurous fishermen have not availed themselves of the means which modern science and ingenuity have placed within their reach, at the cost of a few shillings, of floating the person in the water for an indefinite length of time. Mr Carte’s invention, composed of cork, and not exceeding a small dressing-case in its whole bulk, costs twelve shillings. Belts of inflatable Macintosh, equally efficient for floating but less certain to resist damage, can be had at about the same expense. Then there Mr Carte’s admirable life buoy, which on an emergency could support four persons in water, besides other ingenious appliances for the same purpose. Considering their proved efficiency, their convenience, and cheapness, it seems little less than mindless folly for men accustomed to be at sea to want them—a folly as great it would be to despise having linch-pins in a carriage, or a hearth-stone and fender save a house from taking fire.”