Author: cellaradmin

1900

Cellardyke School was closed for the holidays last Friday, when the annual exhibition took place. Long before the hour, large crowds had gathered at the doors eager for admittance, and in a few minutes after the doors were opened the large infant room was filled, very many of the visitors having to content themselves with standing room. A long programme was submitted, and although it took nearly three hours before it was finished. the interest was unabated. The senior divisions, both in singing and drill, reflected great credit on their various teachers. Special notice may be made of ” The Song of the Bells,” “Fairy Moonlight,” “Hurrah for the Flag,” and a medley, which was very spiritedly sung by a class of tiny girls. Last year in the recitations the place of honour was given to Master Alex. Smith, and this year also his claim was undisputed. In his recitation of “Soldiers of the Queen,” he gave a truly martial rendering, and acted his assumed part of ” Bobs ” to perfection, a fact Mr Barbour did not lose sight of when later on in presenting him with a special prize he remarked that ” Bobs” at home had done his work as well as “Bobs” abroad. The dancing and other exercises of the little ones were watched with great interest, and elicited warm applause. At the close, Mr Black, on behalf of himself and the Board, congratulated the teachers on the completion of another year’s work, and expressed the very great pleasure he had in being a spectator, but thought they made a mistake when asking him to speak. There was one thing that always came into his mind from year to year as he looked upon the children, and he always asked himself the question— What will those boys and girls become. Will they be useful and good citizens, some of them rising to eminence, or would they falsify the hopes of friends and teachers. For his own part on considering the different methods in use now, to what were prevalent when he was a boy he had no wish to lessen or curtail the expense incurred by their Board in not only supplying their teachers with everything that would facilitate their work, but he also believed in making the work itself a pleasure. The Board in their past endeavours had tried to keep this aim and end in view, and he was sure that in the future as in the past they would try to keep their school up to the high standard of excellence at which it now stood. (Applause.) Provost Thomson proposed a vote of thanks to the teachers, and expressed concurrence with Mr Black’s remarks, and thanked the friends and parents who had come out, he hoped, as much to show their sympathy with the teachers in their arduous work, as to show their interest in the children, and expressed the hope that their Board, who he considered had been very mean in the way of prize money, would be more liberal in another year. (Applause.) A very interesting feature of the work done under Miss Rennie was the Kindergarten and brush work, while upstairs the display of needlework and knitting was no less attractive. Mrs Jamieson as in former years gave the prizes for sewing, and Mis Leslie, St Myles, also gave foul prizes for efficiency.

Rev. Thomas Cunningham, Scottsdale, Tasmania, a brother of Mr Alex Cunningham, Cellardyke, was inducted to the ministry of the Presbyterian Church at Scottsdale on the 24th of May, Mr Cunningham has officiated in the denomination upwards of 35 years as a missionary in Ceylon, South Australia, and during the past 9 years in Scottsdale. About 2 years ago the Presbytery were approached with a view to his being then admitted into full standing in the Church. but circumstances did not permit of it being accomplished. Since then, however, the difficulties have passed away, and a course of study prescribed. The examinations thereon were successfully negotiated with credit, and the culminating point was attained on 24^th May by receiving ordination and induction in presence of a large gathering of the congregation and friends of all denominations.

1901

At a meeting of Kilrenny Town Council at Cellardyke last night, Mr Alex. Black, net manufacturer, Cellardyke, was unanimously elected Provost in room of Peter Thomson, resigned. His brother, Mr Geo. Black, was elected councillor “ad interim” in room of ex-Provost Thomson.

1904

CELLARDYKE FISHING BOAT ASHORE AT PETERHEAD. —On Saturday afternoon the herring fishing boat Good Design K.Y. 303, went ashore on the North Head, on account of the absence of wind, and the strong tide that prevailed. The boat stuck fast for a time, but the drifter Research of Buckie went out of the harbour and towed her off little the worse of the mishap. The boat had 60 crans of herrings on board.

AN ALLEGED DISTURBANCE AT A FARM.— Catherine Hunter or Cation wife of David Cation, farm servant, Kilrenny Mill, was charged before Provost Black on Tuesday, with having on the 16th and 17th May, at the farm steading Kilrenny Mill created a disturbance. She pled not guilty, and was defended by Mr A. M. Cook. Sergeant Mitchell said the complainer, Kinnear, came to the office and lodged the complaint, and said he could not get peace to walk about the place. William Kinnear, ploughman, who was very deaf, stated that accused used very bad language, while Mrs Kinnear said the disturbance was very bad on the 17th. The Fiscal claimed a conviction, but Mr Cook held that there was not sufficient evidence to convict. The offence was very trifling. The Provost found the charge not proven, and accused was dismissed.

The Dux of the Waid.—Mr Robert Gardner, Cellardyke, is the “dux” of the Waid Academy this session. It is understood that Mr Gardner will proceed to the University of St Andrews.

PITTENWEEM. Addition to Fleet. The fine newly built fishing yawl. Be in Time, built in Cellardyke for Skipper James Bowman (Spinks), was brought round to the Pittenweem Harbour Saturday, and has been fitted out with all appliances ready make her first trip to the small line fishing this morning. Of smart model and excellent finish, the craft promises to be a serviceable one for the calling in which she is to be engaged.  – Built by Alexander ‘Lummy’ Thomson

DAVIDSON & CO., James Street, Cellardyke. Are showing a new range of CORSETS for the Term Trade. The Corset is a perfect Corset, nothing to equal it for comfort and durability . Once given a trial Ladies will not wear any other Corset. Umbrellas, Gloves, and Blouses. Another delivery of French Sailor Hats. Black and Coloured Chiffon Hats. Children’s Coats and Pelisses. Children’s Hoods and Hats. A nice lot of Prints and Ginghams for Blouse and Wrappers. Gent’s Ties, Scarfs, Braces, Bats, and Caps. Boys’ Ready-made Trousers and Suits. Grave Cloths all sizes in Stock.

1925

East Fife Line Fishing. The deep-sea line fishing is now practically finished as far as the East of Fife fleet of steam drifters is concerned. A few might have been kept the great-lines, but prices for all classes of fish have fallen that a change to the herring fishing has been forced upon skippers

As an instance, the Cellardyke drifter, “Agnes Gardner” (Skipper John Gardner) may be cited. This vessel arrived at Anstruther on Saturday from Shields, where a catch of over 100 score of all kinds of fish were landed. The market proved disappointing, a generally recognised valuable “shot” only realising a little over £100. Considering the running expenses of ten-days’ trip to and from the fishing grounds, it will be seen that the crew ore not too well paid often for their hard and ~for such small craft as those engaged in that method of fishing are —dangerous work.

1926

Some very fine specimens of fossilised tree trunks may be seen near Caplie Farm, Cellardyke. Doubtless they are the remains of an ancient forest which grew there thousands of years ago.

ACTION AGAINST PERTH MOTOR MECHANIC. Echo of Road Accident. Sheriff Condie Sandeman has issued his decision an action at the instance of James Tarvit, (Stewart), share fisherman, 22 Fowler Street, Cellardyke. against James Adam Carnegie, motor mechanic, Keithick Place, Perth. Pursuer sued defender for £40 for loss earnings and personal injuries sustained through the negligence of defender in running him down on the high road between Pittenweem and St Monans on 20th June, 1925. Sheriff Substitute Skinner found that the defender was guilty of negligence in failing to keep sufficiently to his own side when passing the pursuer and his companion, and awarded pursuer £39 of damages with expenses. The defender appealed to the Sheriff Principal, who in refusing the appeal and finding defender liable in expenses, states that he is entirely satisfied with the reasons given by the learned Sheriff Substitute and has nothing to say. Agents for pursuer, Messrs Guthrie and Maxwell, solicitors. Anstruther, and R. Macgregor, Mitchell and Company, solicitors, Perth, for the defender, and Mr Thomas Macpherson, solicitor, Perth.

1928

CELLARDYKE. New Joint Stock Company. — Robt. Watson & Co. (Ltd,. 11 George Street, Cellardyke, Anstruther (private company), has been registered to acquire the business of waterproof manufacturers, carried on by Robt. Watson & Co.. at Cellardyke and at Newburgh, Fife. Capital, £15,000 in 10,000 preference and 5000 ordinary shares of £1 each.

MOTOR PARADE AT CUPAR COURT. For failure to have two independent brakes in good working order on their motor cycles the following were fined 10s at Cupar Sheriff Court yesterday: —Alexander Cunningham, farmer, Easter Pitcorthie Farm, Anstruther; Alexander Harris, ploughman. Farm Cottages, Bannafield Farm, Stravithie, Dunino; James Aitken Watson, locomotive fireman, 28 Cunzie Street, Anstruther; For a similar offence James Tarvit, joiner, 29 Rodger Street, Cellardyke, was fined 15s.

1930

DOIG.—In loving memory of my dear husband  Sergt. James Keay Doig, who died on 1^st July at the R.A.F. Depot.. Dirigh Rd, Karachi, India, late of Cellardyke. —inserted by his widow.

FIFE GOLFER WINS U.S. TITLE BRILLIANT PLAY IN INDIANA CHAMPIONSHIP A Cellardyke man. Mr John C. Watson, who is engaged as a golf professional in the United States, has achieved a distinct success in the land of his adoption by winning the Indiana State open championship. That Mr Watson, who is the sixth son of Mr and Mrs Wm. Watson, 21 James Street, Cellardyke, is a brilliant golfer can be seen from the fact that he won the Indiana open crown with score of 281 for 72 holes. The figures for the individual rounds were 69, 71, 73. 68. His score, in addition to being four strokes better than that of the 1929 champion, is one of the lowest scores ever recorded in a State open championship in America. Mr Watson is present professional to Erskine Park Club, South Bend. Indiana, and is the first prof, to bring the State golfing crown South Bend. Within two months he has won two pro-amateur tournaments, and been runner-up in a third . Mr John C. Watson received his schooling at Cellardyke, and on leaving school secured a job as a joiner in Pittenweem. Professional at 18. He is nephew of Mr H. Duff, a St Andrews man, who is at present professional at Nashville, Georgia, and when 18 years of age he decided to cross the Atlantic and accept a post as assistant to his uncle. That was 10 years ago. He met with immediate success, and it was soon evident that he would make a name for himself in golfing circles. He went on to Louisville with his uncle, and within a short time decided to start on his own by accepting a post at Wanasee, where he remained for two years. Later he became professional to the Marion., Ind., club, and for the last four years has been professional to the Erskine Club.

Played With U.S. Stars.

He has played with many of the American stars, including Bobby -Tones and Walter Hagen. He had a thrilling tussle with Hagen on one occasion, and only lost on the last green. . _ . . No doubt Watson will be over in Britain within the next few years as an additional U.S.A. challenger for the British Open Championship.

GOVERNMENT BUYS FIFE BOAT – Anstruther’s Onaway for Research Work

The Ministry Agriculture and Fisheries, London, have purchased from Bailie Carstairs, Anstruther, the motor boat away for experimental and research work.

To replace her. Bailie Carstairs has now contracted with Messrs Forbes, of Sandhaven, for the building of new and much larger vessel, which is 75 feet long and of the cruiser stern type. The boat is to have installed 140 h.p. crude-oil full Diesel engine, starting from cold, and it is expected that the new craft will do somewhere about10 – 10 ½  knots. Great interest, being taken in this new pattern, and the boat will a handsome addition to the Anstruther fleet. The part owners of the Onaway—Messrs James and John Watson, Cellardyke, are also to be part-owners of the new boat. When completed the craft will one of the most remarkable vessels prosecuting the fishing, not only from the point of view of type and speed, but also because of many novel features. Bailie Carstairs was one the witnesses who gave evidence London before the Economic, Advisory Council set by the Government, to inquire into, the present condition the fishing industry, and that Council was greatly interested in the practical solutions which he put forward with regard to the economy which would be effected the introduction of fishing vessels of the type he has had built.

1932

EAST FIFE MIEN’S CANADIAN HONOUR. PRESENTATION OF HUMANE SOCIETY MEDALS. News has been received from Port Dover, Ontario, of the presentation of awards from the Royal Canadian Hamann Society to Mr Alexander Gardiner, son of Skipper John Gardiner, Cellardyke; and to Mr George C. Ingram, youngest. son of Mr C. lngram, fishcurer. Anstruther. Messrs Gardiner and Ingram figured prominently in life-saving attempt. and their gallantry was brought to the official attention of the Canadian Humane Society representatives. – In handing over the medals and parchment of the Society, Mr H. E. Watermann, secretary, said Messrs Gardiner and Ingram had proved themselves heroes, and the awards were the Victoria Crosses of days of peace.

1936

Drifter Launched Broadside on A gathering of about 2000 spectators witnessed the launch of Provost W. W. Carstairs ‘ new diesel-engined drifter at Cellardyke Harbour yesterday afternoon. A special attraction was the fact that the vessel was launched broadside on. The vessel is a new type of drifter with cruiser stern, and she is fitted with all the latest appliances, including an electric capstan. Electric light is fitted throughout, along with other modem fittings. She is 69 feet overall, with 18 ft 3 ins beam, and 8 ft draught. She was named Royal Sovereign by Mrs Hogarth, wife of Mr George Hogarth. Chairman of the Scottish Fishery Board, of which Provost Carstairs is a member. A function followed in the reading room of Cellardyke Town Hall, when Provost Carstairs presented Mrs Hogarth with a memento of the occasion.

1938

SWIMMING NOTES. (By Step Rock Amateur.) Arrangements are now completed for holding a gala at Cellardyke Pool on Thursday of next week at 6 p.m. On the invitation of the Cellardyke Pool Improvement Committee, the Step Rock A.S.C. are carrying out a full programme of swimming, diving, water polo, and novelty events. A ‘bus will run from St Andrews, and all S.R.A. swimmers taking part in the gala will have their expenses paid. Swimmers wishing to take part please notify the S.R.A. Secretary as soon as possible.

FISHERMAN DIES AT SEA

David Christie- (60), a member of the crew of the motor fishing boat Good Hope, KY. 165, meantime fishing from Fraserburgh harbour, and whose home address is, 26 Roger’ Street, Cellardyke, collapsed and died while at work in the hold of, the vessel. The skipper immediately cut the nets and hailing another boat in the vicinity, asked her to haul them later. He made for port as quickly, as possible, and arrived in Fraserburgh at 12 . 45 yesterday morning. A doctor was called, and pronounced life -extinct, death being due to natural- causes.

1939

CANOEISTS RESCUED BY MOTOR BOAT Two Men Have Narrow Escape Two Cellardyke men had narrow escape from drowning when a canoe in which they were paddling capsized in the Firth of Forth about half a mile off Cellardyke Harbour. The men were rescued in the nick of time by James Watson, 55 George Street, Cellardyke who dashed out in his motorboat, Day Dawn, which was lying Cellardyke harbour. Anstruther lifeboat crew stood by, but the lifeboat was not launched. Principal figures the adventure were George Nicolson, painter. Shore Street, Cellardyke, and Thomas Murray, mason, Dove Street, Cellardyke. On bending over the- side of the canoe to retrieve a paddle which had dropped into the water, Nicolson capsized the boat. Both were thrown into the water. Nicolson managed keep himself afloat holding on the boat. Murray, meanwhile, swam around, keeping to the canoe. Their plight was observed by people on the shore, and a woman ran to a telephone kiosk and put a call through for Anstruther lifeboat. Shortly afterwards the rockets went off, summoning the lifeboat crew Meanwhile, James Watson, who lives in the vicinity, put out in his small motor boat. He reached the canoeists after they had been in the water for about 25 minutes. The men were in an exhausted state, and had to pulled aboard the boat which then took the canoe in tow and returned the harbour. Nicolson and Murray soon recovered after a hot bath.

1905

The wife of a fisherman residing in Rodger Street, Cellardyke, gave birth to triplets, all sons, on Tuesday, but the children only survived an hour.

PARISH CHURCH—RECENT GUILD COMPETITION. —Five girls belonging to Rev. Mr Ray’s Junior Bible Class competed in the recent Guild examination in connection with the Church of Scotland. The results have just come to hand, from which it appeared that the girls have done better than was stated in the “Record” a few weeks ago. Not only have all the girls won certificates, but one of them has so distinguished herself as to receive a certificate of merit. The names of the girls are: — Certificate of Merit – Maggie Muir, 67 ½  per cent. Pass Certificates—Jemima Corstorphine 61 per cent; Maggie Gardner 58 ½ per cent; Betsy McLeod 52 per cent; and Lizzy Bett 42 per cent.

THE MOTOR FISHING BOAT. LEAVES CELLARDYKE FOR LONDON

The Pioneer, the Cellardyke fishing boat which has been fitted with the , with the “Don” motor made her trial trip on Thursday, and with a choppy sea and light wind made  good progress steaming at about five knots an hour. In the course of her trial, the boat went close to some fishing smacks, and the crews of were much amazed see a fishing boat making good headway with no sails set, and, as far as they could see, none of the usual gear or machinery associated with a trawler or drifter. Surprise got the better one of the skippers who left the wheel and called his crew on deck to witness the strange sight of a craft of the kind moving through the water without visible means of propulsion.

The boat left on Saturday morning for London, where she will be inspected by the secretary for Scotland and members of Parliament who are interesting themselves in the experiment. Her departure for the South was witnessed by a large number local fishermen, and comments were made on the appearance of the boat and the speed obtained.

Crail – On Monday forenoon before Bailies Scott and Morris, two Cellardyke men were charged with having fully a month ago, entered the garden of Mr Sime, Temple Crescent, and maliciously destroyed a number of plants by pulling them up. One of the accused admitted guilt, while the other denied the charge. The evidence given proved conclusive, and both offenders were fined 10s or 7 days imprisonment.

1906

SERIOUS ACCIDENT. -An accident attended with very serious consequences took place last Thursday afternoon in one of the backyards off James Street. Mrs John Fleming was engaged in banging out some fishing nets belonging to her husband on the gallows, which are so prominent a feature of Cellardyke gardens, when the rung of the ladder on which she was standing broke, and she was precipitated to the ground. Her cry as she fell brought a neighbour to the scene, and Mrs Fleming was found lying huddled up between the wall and the gallows, quite unconscious. She was taken indoors and medical assistance speedily procured, when her injuries were found to consist of a severely fractured skull and dislocation of the shoulder bone. Although a week since the unfortunate accident. Mrs Fleming’s condition is still highly precarious.

1907

PRICE OF HERRING NETS RAISED. —The net manufactures have just intimated to the merchants that the price of herring nets has risen by one-third. The action is understood to be owing to the enhanced price of cotton, and the increasingly heavy demands of the cotton spinners. This increase seriously affects the Scottish and English herring fishermen. It adds 10s to the price of each net, or £30 per boats’s float, and will mean an additional yearly tax of thousands of pounds, and proportionately affects English fishermen. The steam drifters will be severely hit.

Gratifying success was met with at the various herring fishing’s in which the Anstruther district fleet was employed, and the mean gross earnings realised were the highest recorded for the district. This success did not, however, extend to the prosecution of the line fishing, the results of which were unsatisfactory, although slightly less so than in the preceding year. The average gross earnings at the great summer herring fishing amounted to £1045, or nearly three times as much as those of the district sailing boats — about £380; while there was an even greater disparity between the mean total earnings of the two classes of craft at the herring fishing off the English coast, those of the steam-driven vessels reaching £710, and those of the sailers amounting to only £200. During the year four vessels were added to the fleet. and at its close orders had been given for the construction of about twenty, by crews belonging to Cellardyke, Pittenweem, and St Monance.

PORTGORDON – Mr Wm. Geddes launched another fine steam drifter from his yard on Saturday morning in presence of an interested gathering. The vessel was built for Mr Henry Bett, Cellardyke, and the christening ceremony was gracefully performed by the owner’s daughter, who was presented by the builder with a gold watch. The new vessel is named the Alices, and her dimensions are–85 ft. keel, 18 ft. 6 ins. beam, by 9 ft. depth. The Alices was taken to Portgordon harbour prior to being towed to Dundee where she will have compound engines and machinery installed by Messrs Cooper & Greig

SPOTTED FEVER IN FIFE the only two cases of spotted fever in East Fife which have under treatment in the District Infectious Diseases Hospital at Ovenstone since the first of May last, one of them, a boy named Gourlay (5 ½ ). from Cellardyke, succumbed to the attack on Saturday evening. The other, a boy named Patrick, from Anstruther, still under treatment. (could be typhus or meningitis)

1908

Three small boys from Cellardyke were brought before Sheriff Armour at Cupar on Tuesday, charged with maliciously throwing stones at and breaking a quantity of glass at the vinery at Croma House. They all pleaded guilty. The Fiscal said this was one of the worst pieces of mischief that had come under his notice. The affair was very deliberate and destructive. The Sheriff said he had great difficulty in refraining from sending the oldest boy to be birched, but as his father had already punished him, he would let him off this time. The other boys were too young for that punishment.

1900

David Ross, fish hawker, Cellardyke, was charged with having on Saturday, 16th instant, in the lodging house in Card’s Wynd, occupied by Mrs Mayes, committed a breach of the peace by cursing and swearing, making a great noise, and challenging one of the male lodgers to fight. He pled guilty. The Fiscal said the police heard the noise another street while on duty, and on going to Card’s Wynd they saw a large crowd outside the lodging house. On going inside the lodging-house accused was found with Lis coat of, challenging one of the male lodgers to fight. He was cautioned and warned to leave. Accused—l sold them a few fish that week, and I went up there to see about it. L am in the wrong. I haD some drink in me, and when I have drink I am rather quarrelsome, but when sober nobody can say I interfere with them. I hope you will be lenient. The Provost—You have 8 previous convictions against you. You say you had drink, but that is no excuse, and the community is not to suffer because you take drink. You will be fined 15S or 14 days. I hope that as this conviction makes the ninth in your case, yon will try and reform and not come back here again.

William Smith, cabinetmaker, was charged with having on Saturday, 2nd instant, at the same place as the last, assaulted a plasterer belonging to Cellardyke, by striking him a blow on the mouth, cutting his upper lip to the effusion of blood, and also committing a breach of the peace. He pled guilty. The Fiscal said this young man was also before the Magistrates along with the last accused a month ago. His conduct on this occasion was of a similar nature to the last, and he also behaved in a very disorderly manner. He also was the worse of liquor. The Provost reprimanded the accused, and fined him 10s 6d or 10 days imprisonment. He hoped he would make this his last appearance at that Court. Fine paid.

1901

Sudden Death.—On returning home from church on Sunday afternoon, Mr Andrew Ireland, Cellardyke, suddenly expired. He was in his 88th year. He was joiner to trade, and had been in business for more than 60 years in Cellardyke.

1903

STEAM CAPSTAN and PROPELLOR FOR FISHING BOATS. We have much pleasure in calling attention to MACDONALD’S IMPROVED STEAM CAPSTAN, and to their New and Highly Satisfactory PORTABLE PROPELLOR for FISHING BOATS. The Propellors, which can be fitted into any boat, have surpassed all expectations, and are capable of driving a boat at six knots without interfering with her as a sailing craft. We shall be glad to give particulars to interested parties regarding this most important invention to Fishermen. AGENTS– JOHN MARTIN & CO., CELLARDYKE:

Bailie Williamson presided at a Police Court on Saturday when three cases of defaulting children were brought up at the instance of the School Board, Mr Watson prosecuting. The mothers in two of the cases appeared, and explained their husbands, Michael Doig, and Alexander Gourlay, were away in Shetland at the fishing. Mr Watson explained that the School Board were very much annoyed by the children of fishermen at this season of the year leaving the school, and they were determined to put a stop to the practice. As the fathers in these three cases were away, and had not got the summons, he must carry out his instructions and ask for a warrant in the usual way. He had no desire to put the warrants in force until the men came home Mrs Doig said she did not think there was any harm in taking away her child when the examination was over, and when she was to be sent to school at Fraserburgh. Mr Watson said the irregular attendance was previous to the 15th instant. He had nothing to do with Mrs Doig’s intention as to the future. The girl had only made 20 out of a possible 42 attendances for the month. Bailie Williamson granted the warrants in all the three cases, and warned the parents that they must keep their children in regular attendance all the year round until. the vacations. It was a loss to the community not to do so. Mr Watson said the School Board wished it distinctly made known that no child can be taken away from school before 14 years of age.

On the occasion of Mr Williamson’s funeral last Saturday, the bells in Chalmers Memorial Church, Anstruther, and in Cellardyke Town Hall were tolled for an hour, while on the different public buildings, and on the liners in the harbours, the flags were flying half-mast. (Stephen Williamson ex MP for the area who had also invested in many fishing boats, partially paid for Cellardyke Town hall, Chalmers Church and the Waid Tower)

It was decided to ask the Postmaster-General to extend the telephone lines to the district, and to have exchanges in Cellardyke and St Monans.

A SATURDAY NIGHT BRAWL. —Before all the Magistrates on Saturday. William Stophina Carrol, lodging house keeper, and Robert Keith, carter, Cellardyke, were charged with having on Saturday night, the 13th instant, in High Street, committed a breach of the peace, by using foul and disgusting language, quarrelling with each other, whereby a large crowd was collected. Both pled guilty. The Fiscal said the scene was a most disgraceful one. For about 20 minutes the men used disgusting language to each other, and the police had ultimately to separate them. As they were both under the influence of drink. He knew nothing about Carrol’s history, but Keith had a bad record from 1892 on to February last when he was sentenced at Cupar to 30 days. Carrol said Keith was the aggressor, and Keith said he had nothing to say for himself. Carrol was fined 10s or 7 days, and Keith 20s or 14 days, the Magistrates stating that they were determined to put down these Saturday night brawls.

KEEPING A DOG WITHOUT A LICENSE. —At a J.P. Court in Anstruther on Saturday morning, David Pattie, carter, Cellardyke, was charged with having on 20th March last, kept a dog without taking out a license. Accused pled guilty, but wished to know why, when he took out the license, he got a letter asking for payment of 2s 6d extra The Supervisor of Inland Revenue explained, that his Commissioners offered the respondent the privilege of a compromise penalty of 2s 6d on condition that he took out the license.

Yesterday MR Miller launched boat 70 feet length for Skipper Brodie Cellardyke

1904

The news came to hand yesterday of the death of Mr George Fowler, late of Cellardyke, at Evansville, America. Mr Fowler was for many years a very successful fishermen, and gave up the fishing a good number of years ago going out, with some of the other members of his family to his son, who has built up a very prosperous business in America. Mr Fowler was in his 80th year, and many friends in Cellardyke will learn with regret of his demise. He was a man of a very quiet disposition, and always held in great respect.

1875

TEMPLAR EXCURSION “The Band of Hope,” in connection with the Good Templar Lodges in Anstruther Cellardyke, had a holiday to the romantic uplands of Airdrie Saturday last. The interesting party was accompanied by not few the veterans, as  we may call older friends of the temperance army, and in half -a dozen well packed carts stole merrily up the sunny hillside, filling the sweet green fields at every turn with the touching melody of voice and heart. But let us glance betimes at the memorable associations of the chosen part of the excursion. Airdrie, that is the king’s height, was the royal chase in the days of St David; but the turreted old ,ansion house which gives its salient feature to the landscape as we see it to-day, is a relic of its ancient masters, the Lumsdaines, who built in 1586 just before they shared, like other lairds of the East Neuk, the wild scheme to settle a Fife colony In the Hebrides, which stript them of house and land, till the old Covenanter, Sir James, of Innergellie, and his brother, the heroic governor of Dundee, once more restored the fortunes of the family. But Airdrie was never a tithe so grand before or since as in the days of General Philip Anstruther, who made the old house the glory of Fife with its lofty wings and matchless decorations, but more than all the princely dining hall, on which Italian masters wrought for years. The memory of the gallant soldier had been blackened by the popular voice, as how else could it fare with the wise and patristic magistrate, who was the terror far and near of smugglers and smuggling, and whose loyalty to the best interests of his country was less conspicuous in his intrepid and valuable services to the Government in the Jacobite conspiracies his day. Pavilions and statues have disappeared long ago; but the stately trees which everywhere enliven and diversify the glorious prospect are all memorials of General Anstruther, and now in all the pride of a hundred and fifty summers, these venerable boughs gave a pleasant resting place to our youthful excursionists, who likewise found a kindly welcome from the respected tenant farmer, Mr Gentle. A short breathing time was only needed, however, to see the interesting party busy as the bee as merry as the cricket on the errand of pleasure—which, if all sought, none missed the overflowing gladness and glee of the sports of the green, which, at a happy interval were notably relieved by the children being allowed by turns to climb to the top the old tower, where the magnificent panorama of sea and shore was of course, enthusiastically enjoyed by old and young. Nor were the creature comforts forgotten, a run the hillside giving, as may supposed, a double relish to the well-served tea and the other bounties of the occasion, and so time flew past on golden wings till, at the appointed signal, the company, with a ringing three times three for Mr Gentle, bade farewell to the beautiful scene, and were duly once more with their friends on the coast, though assuredly each and all will not soon forget the happy summer day at the old house of Airdrie.

1876

SALE OF BOAT-BUILDER’S EFFECTS AT CELLARDYKE.

To be SOLD by Public Auction on SATURDAY the 17th instant,

THE WHOLE of the REMAINING STOCK. of MATERIAL and PLANT belonging to the Trust Estate of Mr John A. Millar, Boatbuilder, Cellardyke, consisting of Spars for Masts and Oars and other useful wood: – The Plant consists of Steam Engine (Four Horse Power), with Upright Boiler easily removed; 2 Circular Sew Benches; 1 Vertical Saw for Cutting Circles, with Shafting and Belts and other fittings, all in good working order; the Sheds in which these are situated; Turning Lathe, 5in. Heads, Small Pump. Cramps, Vice,  and tongs, one Large and one Small Shed capable of holding the Largest Sized Boat; upwards of 16 cwt of Nails, suitable for Boat-building; Wheel Barrow ; Grinding Stone; and Sundries.

The Sale to commence at Mr Miller’s yard in Cellardyke at One o’clock Afternoon.

 James Bowman. Auctioneer, Anstruther 6^th June 1876

ESTIMATES IN CELLARDYKE —The erection at once to be proceeded with a handsome range of business premises for Marr, general merchant. The designs were prepared our local architect, Thomas Brown, who is also the contractor for the mason work £398, the joiner’s estimate being in the hands Bailie John Lumsden, total cost being about £800. Mr Brown also prepared working plan cost of a slip at Cellardyke harbour, to facilitate the beaching of the large boats. At present this is a most laborious operation, owing to the steepness of the incline, in which also the carriage wheels under the load of the big boats sink at every turn to the axles. The undertaking has been resolved upon by the Town Council, and the expense will be met by the rents paid as boat stances on the beach, which like other vacant ground in the burgh, is in virtue of the charter granted of old by the lairds of Kilrenny—the unquestionable property of the inhabitants as part of the common good of the town.

1877

The remains of the late Alexander Rodger, who died at his residence in Newton Place, Glasgow, on the 6th inst., were conveyed to their last resting place in the Necropolis on Saturday afternoon, in presence of an assemblage of his friends. Captain Rodger was native of Fifeshire, having been born at Cellardyke, the parish of Kilrenny, the year 1802 He was educated at the parish school, and passed the first nineteen years of his life in his native village. Like most of the young men of the place he was born a fisherman; but at the age of nineteen shipped on board a coasting vessel – His promotion to the position of second mate took place within year, and two years thereafter he obtained command of a brig in the Mediterranean trade. In this ship, the Hind, of Port Glasgow, he sailed from the Clyde to Australia, being the first ship of any considerable tonnage from Glasgow to the Antipodes. His next command was the Helen, named after his daughter. With this vessel he, as mister and part owner, made many successful voyages to and from China, mak.ng some of the fastest passages on record, even up to the present time. Failing health, however, compelled him to seek rest on shore for a time, but he could not remain long idle. The gold fields in Australia caused great excitement about this time, and Captain Rodger organised a company of young men from his native village, which he conducted with singular success. He himself, however, soon returned home, and soon afterwards set about a scheme he had long contemplated of building a line of clipper ships for the China trade. The ship was the Helen Rodger, the next the Kate Carnie, and the Min, Lah-100, Kaisow, and Taeping soon followed. These ships were the pioneers of a new era in the tea trade, and made passages to and from the East with the celerity and punctuality of steam ships. Captain Rodger never forgot his native place, Cellardyke, where he will long be remembered as one who took great interest in the welfare of the old town and its inhabitants. Some few years ago, with a view to improving the approaches to its harbour, he raised a sum of money for that purpose and superintending the operations himself, effected a great improvement. He also presented the town with a field for a bleaching green free from all encumbrance, and, in acknowledgment, a new street which opened up was named after him. In Glasgow, where he resided for many years he was much esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was ever ready to lend a helping hand to young seamen from Fife who were striving to push their way in the world. So much was this the case that he was familiarly known as the Consul in Glasgow for the ‘Kingdom of Fife.'” Captain Rodger was many years an elder in the Church of Scotland. About three weeks ago his constitution gave way under an attack of congestion of the liver, and his end was peaceable and hopeful. Captain Rodger, who was in his 76th year, has left four daughters to mourn the great loss they have sustained.

New BOATS FOR THE HERRING at the end of last week Mr J. A. Millar launched a fine new fishing boat, which has been named Cedric the Saxon, for Skipper John Pratt. Mr Jarvis has two boats nearly ready for launching, which will make eight he has built this year. A new boat was also bought from Pittenweem for a Cellardyke owner this week, and other three are being built at Montrose.

1879

NARROW ESCAPE AT SEA.—One of those startling accidents which illustrate the peculiar danger of the seaman of the seaman’s lot occurred the other day in the North Sea. The Cellardyke fishing craft, the “Refuge” was running before the breeze, when one of the crew, Mr Alex. Rodger, son-in-law of Provost Watson, while on duty at the tack, was thrown overboard by the jibbing of the sail. Providentially, Mr Rodger retained his presence of mind, and at once struck out for a piece of lumber wood which one of his boat mates threw as the lively craft darted on her course. It was a painful and exciting interval, as the boat had to be worked to windward, the poor mariner all the while clutching for life to the piece of driftwood; but eventually, though not till the lapse of about thirty minutes, the “Refuge,’ as she indeed proved, ranged alongside, when he was caught and saved by a friendly hand. Notwithstanding his long immersion, a little rest—thanks to the comfort and convenience of the cabin with which the deep-sea boats are now provided—he was soon restored to the active duties of the fishing cruise.

1870

Alleged Theft of Timber.— Last Friday, before Sheriff Bell, Joseph Walker and James Walker, fishermen, Cellardyke, were charged with stealing larch fir, measuring forty feet in length, from a plantation in the parish of Kingsbarns. From an explanation made by Mr Davidson, it appeared that they had been in the habit of using the wood in the plantation for great number of years back, and had never been interfered with. They were dismissed.

KILRENNY. THE CHURCHYARD IMPROVEMENT. – Since the holding of the meeting on Saturday the 21st ultimo, and the appointment of the committee to collect subscriptions for effecting the proposed improvements on the churchyard of Kilrenny, the matter has been responded to by the inhabitants of Cellardyke and others in a manner very creditable to themselves, and worthy of the object in view. The total amount of contributions up to this date is about £37, which includes the handsome sum of £10 from Captain Rodger of Glasgow, and £5 from John Williamson, Esq. of Liverpool. These gentlemen sent their contributions entirely unsolicited, having read in the “Record” an account of the public meeting, and deeming the object well worthy of their consideration. Both of them have certainly shown, by many former acts of their beneficence, how much they have the welfare of their native places at heart ; and in the present movement they have set an example of liberality to those resident in the place, and who have been blessed with the means, which should have the effect of realizing such an amount as will most effectually convert the hitherto neglected churchyard of Kilrenny into a most delightful cemetery or place of sepulture for the inhabitants of the parish. It can hardly be expected that the fishermen of Cellardyke, in the present state of the fishing, can be able to do so much as they would wish—at least until the end of the herring drave; but such of them as have already contributed have done so with a willingness and liberality which do them honour. The sums contributed by them have ranged from 3s.to 10s. each.

1871

ACCIDENT TO CELLARDYNE FISHING BOAT. —On Tuesday morning, while the boat belonging to Mr William Smith (Scott), Cellardyke, was going up the Tyne on its return from the salmon fishing, the steam-tug Robert Scott,” coming down the river, ran into and capsized it. Smith and his son were thrown into the water, but another boat, belonging to Mr John Montodore, Cellardyke, which was close at hand, and which also ran a narrow escape, succeeded in picking them up. On reaching Tynemouth, the aid of a steam-tug was procured, and on proceeding to the spot where the accident had happened, the boat was soon recovered, hut was found to have sustained considerable damage. The nets were recovered when the accident occurred, but some sea-clothing which was in the boat was lost.

1872

Mr Thomson, fishcurer, Leith, was in Anstruther last Friday, and engaged ten or eleven of the Cellardyke boats to fish at Aberdeen and Peterhead during the Lammas herring fishing at 20s per cran.

Mr Jarvis has two other boats nearly ready for launching, one for Skipper Adam Watson and the other for Skipper Robert Stewart, Cellardyke.

Reward for Gallant Conduct-The boat crew who so gallantly ventured from Anstruther in the hope of rendering assistance to the “Matigorda” of Aberdeen, wrecked on the Isle of May on the night of 3^rd of April, having made the usual application to the Humane fund and the National Lifeboat Institution, the authorities instructed our respected Custom’s officer, Mr Andrew Keay, to inquire into all the circumstances and report the same to the Board. The superintendent of the Lighthouse Mr Agnew, and his assistant Mr Withers, had given valuable help to the shipwrecked sailors, but no claim had been made on their behalf. Mr Keay, however took care to correct this omission in his report, with the result that on Monday H. B. Mackintosh Esq, the honorary secretary to the Institution, had forwarded to him the sum £5, with instructions to pay £3 to the lighthouse keepers, and £2 to Skipper Alex. Watson and the six men who were the boat. They all belonged to Cellardyke, and were allowed 5s each.

1873

CELLARDYKE. Numbering the Houses. —The Police Commissioners are about to take steps to have the houses numbered, so that every residence may be readily traced out and recognised in whatever part of our long and somewhat intricate streets it may be situated. Dr Robert Chambers, in his interesting account of Buckhaven saw it in 1833, tells us that there were then 160 families in the village, but with only about a dozen surnames. He says there were no fewer than 71 families of Thomson, 19 of Deas, 15 of Logies; but to prevent confusion the neighbours christened one another with nicknames, and that “in this way one was called ‘Fancy,’ another ‘Black Harry,’ one is ‘ Caledonian,’ Rose,’ one ‘ Laird,’ and so forth, and these styles are used on post letters and even on law papers, as Henry Thomson, commonly called Black Harry.” In Cellardyke, there is also curious singularity names. For instances, in the list of voters for last year there were seven James Watsons, six William and five David Watsons, and five James Smiths; but here the custom of the place is more kindly than the method referred to by Dr Chambers, as it is usual to add the wives’ name by way of distinction, though no little trouble, inconvenience, and, we may add, vexation, will be saved by the houses being numbered, as agreed to by the Police Commissioners.

At a Burgh Court held here on Saturday —all the Magistrates on the bench—William Watson, fisherman, Cellardyke, was charged with committing assault by striking George Watson, another fisherman, a blow on the face with tar brush on the East Green, on the 30th ult. He pleaded not guilty, but evidence being led, he was found guilty, and sentenced to a fine of 7s 6d, which was paid.

Birth St Adrian’s Cave. — ln the course the last week or two band of gipsies have been “camping” out in the neighbourhood, though certainly with nothing of the romance and poetry which the popular fancy loves to associate with the swarthy and fortune telling tribe. Indeed, a more squalid and miserable crew could scarcely be supposed in a civilized land— dirty, ragged, and unkempt, hawking or rather begging away their tin ware by day, and sleeping under the midnight stars on the bare sward of some common or stray corner, just as chance or necessity may have led them thither. The gang consisted of two men and two women, with a motley group of young children; and they seem to have continued their rambles cheered, however, all propitious occasions by the “wee drappie drink”— till one of the matrons, who was in a state of advanced pregnancy, was taken ill, in the end of last week, while the party were lurking amongst the herring boats at the green of Cellardyke. With that kind and sisterly feeling for distress which ever forms such beautiful characteristic of the seafaring life, some of the housewives spread a bed in the adjoining washing-house for the poor stranger; but some circumstance or another induced and her people to remove a mile or two along the shore to St Adrian’s Cave at Caiplie, where, the gossips tell truly, in the cell, and resting on the altar at which the holy Bishop of St Andrews is said to have prayed exactly one thousand years ago, before he was martyred on the Isle of May, the gipsy mother gave birth to male child on Sabbath last. There are few more interesting spots to the archaeologist than the cave of Caiplie; but for all that a more wretched place could not well be for a lying-in hospital; though, nevertheless, the swarthy mother and the “little saint,” whose first hymn wakened up the grand old the holy cell, prospered well as if they had been surrounded by all the delicacies and comforts of palace. Her partner in love and lot took the place of midwife or doctor; but we may add that a mother’s agony was no sooner at a close than a panacea was next instant found in the darling “black cutty,” which, with true conjugal spirit, passed from her husband’s lips to her own; and so well did she improve that in the course of a single day or two she and the tribe were once more on the ” trail.”

1874

At a meeting of the Scotch Education Board held in Edinburgh on Thursday last week, a memorial was read from certain ratepayers in the parish of Kilrenny, protesting against the proposal to erect a new school at Cellardyke. The Board were ofo pinion, on a careful reconsideration of the whole circumstances, of the case, that no satisfactory reasons had been adduced why they should reverse their former decision.

1905

DESTITUTE CELLARDYKE COUPLE. Consideration was next given to the case of James Watson and his wife, Cellardyke. The Chairman said the man had been going to the crabs, but recently he was laid up. There were three sons, and the case had been up before when they wanted relief, and the Board felt that they could not consider the case on account of the three sons, who, it was thought, should keep their parents, and there was the same objection now. There were also daughters, but they had no claim on them, while the sons say they were as poor as their parents. He had seen the old folks that day, and they were annoyed that the family were not making arrangements to give them the food for which they were in desperate need. He thought they wanted their rent paid. It perhaps might be agreed to give them something, and let the Clerk try and recover it from the family. One or two of the family expressed themselves willing to contribute to their support if the others would do their share, If they even gave 1s a week each it would do. Mr Barbour considered that the Clerk should see the family first and find out if they would do anything. Mr G. Downie thought that the Council should give a weekly sum and sue the sons for it. The Chairman was in favour of the quieter way first, and suggested that the matter should be entrusted to the Clerk and himself, they might agree to pay the old folks rent, which was £3 a year. Mr Barbour —Leave it to the Chairman and Clerk to see the sons, and if not successful give them  a small sum. Mr G. Downie—But there is the question of rent that required immediate attention. The Chairman—We pay the half rent, and the Clerk and myself could make the best arrangement we can with the sons and report. Mr Barbour—Suppose the sons give nothing. I think the Chairman and Clerk should be left with the matter. If the rent were paid that would relieve the old people, and if not successful with the sons they might grant a small sum weekly until next meeting.; This was agreed to, that the rent be paid 2s 6d per week allowed, and the Chairman and Clerk to see the sons.

1906

MORE NEW HOUSES AT THE CADDIES’ BURN. —Bailie Williamson, at the Council meeting on Tuesday, reported that he had got orders to build another two houses at the Caddies Burn. They wore just to be a continuation of the houses he was at present building, and he wished to know if he would have to submit another plan, or  would the old plan do. The Clerk said the procedure followed in such cases was to be content with the first plan, but the Bailie would have to sign another petition for them. Provost Black expressed hie gratification at seeing more new buildings going up, and said they would give every encouragement to new houses being erected within the burgh. Mr Marr re-echoed the Provost’s sentiment., and hoped that many more would be built until the whole street was taken up.

CONTRAVENTION OF THE FACTORY ACT. James Leslie, senior partner of the firm of Messrs John Martin & Company, waterproof oil clothing and fishing material manufacturers, East Forth Street, Cellardyke, was prosecuted—before Sheriff Armour at Cupar on Tuesday—at the instance of Mr Wm. Buchan, Hie Majesty’s Inspector, on a charge of employing three girls, “young persons,’ under 18 years of age, after the statutory working period. The girls ought to have worked not later than 7 p.m., on the 18th April last, but they were until five minutes to nine o’clock. A plea of guilty was tendered, and a fine of 30s. with 8s expenses was imposed.

1907

The Trial Trip of the S.S. Primrose The steam drifter Primrose, built some time ago by Mr Miller, Anstruther, and owned by Messrs Robert Melville & Sons, Cellardyke, which has been engined at Leith by Messrs Cran & Co., underwent speed and sea-worthy trials in the Firth of Forth on Tuesday, when in a run from Leith to the Forth Bridge and back speed of 11 knots was obtained, great satisfaction being expressed by the owners, who brought the vessel down to Anstruther on Wednesday, where she is now being prepared for prosecuting the early herring fishing.

Launch of a Steam Drifter.—On Wednesday afternoon Mr Miller successfully launched from his yard at the middle pier another steam drifter for a Cellardyke owner. The vessel is of the same dimensions as former drifters launched at Anstruther this year, and she left the ways the name of “Venus” was imparted to her. She will be towed immediately to Leith, there to engined by Messrs Cran & Co. Miller has at present another drifter on the process of completion, which has been built the order of Skipper Robert Hughes, Cellardyke. As soon as the vessel is launched, keels will be laid for a trawler for the Belgian Government and a steam drifter for Skipper Henry Bett, Cellardyke.

1908

FISHING BOAT FOR SALE. The Boat “HAWARDEN CASTLE.” ML. 56. of Cellardyke. Length 57 feet with Steam Capstan, A Bargain as must be sold. Apply to WATSON. & MURRAY, Solicitors, Anstruther. Anstruther, 2nd June, 1908.

1909

SAD DROWNING —On Saturday forenoon quite a stir was created in Cellardyke when it became known that a young child. about two years old, the son of Robot Moncur, fireman on the drifter Vanguard, had been drowned in a tub. It appears that the mother had been doing some washing and the boy was playing about beside her. She had left him for a few minutes and had returned to find the unfortunate child immersed in a tub of water. Medical aid was summoned and Dr Wilson was soon on the spot, but although artificial respiration was tried for about two hours. it was of no avail. Mr Moncur, who was with the Vanguard at Aberdeen, was wired for, and the vessel left immediately for home. The sad event cast quite a gloom over the community, and much sympathy was expressed for the parents.

The Admiralty have settled another claim made by Cellardyke fishermen for loss and damage to gear, caused by the vessels of the Fleet sailing up and down the Firth of Forth.

1900

DEATH OF FIFE SOLDIERS IN AFRICA. — A more insidious enemy than the Boer is now thinning the ranks of the British army in South Africa East Fife has given two victims to the scourge of the climate, enteric fever. One of these was Private James Bayne, of Cellardyke, a lad who gallantly volunteered from the local Rifles into the Black Watch, on the first call. He left Perth in February last, going to Southampton. Ever since he landed in South Africa, he had been unwell, and it is supposed he must have contracted cold on the railway journey between Perth and Southampton. Deceased was in his 25th year. He was of a bright and cheery disposition, and was a great favourite among all classes. The second is the son of our townsman, Mr Alexander Grieve, gardener. His son James, who was only 21, enlisted in the Army Service Corps some years ago, and his steadiness won him two steps up the ladder. The sad records from the hospitals form to-day the only cloud upon the march to Pretoria, and amid the national rejoicing there is extended a tender sympathy to all the relatives of those who are cut down. (James Cameron Bayne, son of William Bayne baker, lived at 35 Rodger Street, Cellardyke, he died at Bloemfontein Hospital, on 28th April of pneumonia)

THE PATENT SLIP AT ANSTRUTHER —As formerly reported in our columns, a Limited Company was formed some months ago to construct a slipway for repairs of boats and other vessels at the Harbour. The slip has been in course of construction for some months at the east harbour. The length of the cradle, on which boats vessels are placed, and which runs up and down on rails, is 90 feet, while the breadth of the slip is 19 feet. The slip rails are 245 feet in length. An engine of 8-horse power has been fitted up to work the cradle, but it has gearing equal to 30-horse power. From the gentlemen who took part in the formation the scheme was bound to prove a success. The construction of the slip was entrusted to Mr James Miller, boatbuilder, and he has carried it through in a most thorough and satisfactory manner. Mr W. Balfour, Ovenstone, has acted as engineer for the work, and with his usual and well-known resource has overcome all difficulties. The only delay in completion has been the tardiness in delivering the boiler, which, however, was unavoidable owing to the brisk state of the iron market. The work is now, however, quite complete, and steam was got up by the middle of last week. On Friday last., the first boat was placed on the cradle, and successfully hauled up in presence of a large turnout of onlookers. The first boat to be placed on the slip very appropriately bears the name “The Reform”—belonging to Mr Alexander Rodger, Cellardyke. The boat, after being guided on to the cradle, crept up noiselessly, but slowly and surely, and was placed in position for repairs without a hitch. Mr Millar manned the boat, and Mr Balfour the engine, both in a masterly manner. The slipway will be a great convenience to fishermen for getting their boats cleaned, caulked, or repaired, and will save them much expense by rendering it unnecessary to go to distant ports for such accommodation. The Company has been floated with a capital of £1100, and it is expected the shareholders will get a fair return. The Chairman of the Company is Mr John Marr, and Mr H. Watson, solicitor, is the interim Secretary.

1901

In Anstruther last Friday night, a very enthusiastic reception was accorded to Private F. Grubb on his homecoming from the war in South Africa. Accompanied by the Volunteers and Pipe Band, a procession was made through Anstruther and part of Cellardyke, and all along the route vast crowds of people gathered and heartily cheered the Private.

1902

Through the energy and enterprise of the Streets Committee the top of the Tolbooth Wynd has been partly concreted and steps put in, also with concrete. It looks very well, and it is to be hoped it will encourage the Committee to further improve the ancient burgh. The wynd is also to be laid with causeway blocks instead of metalling as at present.

A Case of Smallpox – Some consternation was created in the district last Friday night, when it became knows that a fisherman suffering from smallpox had been conveyed from Rodger Street, Cellardyke, to Ovenstone Hospital in the ambulance waggon. The particulars are that a St Monans boat (Jane and William, skipper, Robert Meldrum), manned by a Cellardyke crew, arrived from Shields. where they had been fishing for a few weeks, on Friday forenoon. One of the crew, George Murray (Geddes), had been complaining since Tuesday previous, and on being taken home, and Dr Ferguson railed, it was found that he was suffering from smallpox. The Doctor lost no time in notifying the hospital authorities, and the ambulance waggon arrived in the evening, and took the patient to Ovenstone. The other members of the crew were immediately vaccinated, and the usual precautions taken by the sanitary authorities to prevent any spread of the disease. On Saturday morning, Dr Nasmyth, the medical officer, arrived from Cupar, and saw to the fumigation of the boat as it lay at the middle pier, while the houses of all the crew were also sprayed with fumiline. On Monday night, the ambulance waggon was again sent to Cellardyke, this time to take away the clothes of the patient. The presence of the ambulance sent a rumour abroad in Anstruther and Pittenweem, that another case had occurred, but fortunately this was not the fact. The case in hospital is a mild one, and there is every hope that the disease will not spread.

1903

ACCIDENT AT THE HARBOUR.—An accident, which might have been attended with more serious consequences for the victim, occurred at the harbour on Wednesday afternoon. James Scott, eldest son of Mr John Scott, grocer, Cellardyke, while engaged on board a fishing boat received a pretty severe wound just below the instep with an adze. A small artery was severed and a good deal of blood lost. Dr Ferguson was called, and the patient was removed home.

DEATH OF THE OLDEST INHABITANT. Yesterday the remains of George Watson, aged 92, and the oldest inhabitant in Cellardyke, were laid to rest in Kilrenny Churchyard. Deceased, who was a very tall man, and tailor to trade, was familiarly known as ” the long tailor.” addition to his own occupation, deceased acted for a considerable number years as Procurator-Fiscal for Kilrenny. In his early days he was a. prominent figure both at political and municipal election meetings.

1885

Our townsman, Councillor Jarvis, of Norwich renown, is about to launch another dashing North Sea clipper. She is to the order of Skipper Alexander Cunningham, of the “Scotch Lassie,” of Cellardyke—the famous model of the Royal Lifeboat Institution. She was built in the September of 1867 or all but eighteen years ago, by that prince of the trade in his day, Bailie Christopher Pottinger, who opened this now thriving at Anstruther. Here we meet with a mile-stone as it were, in the path of progress, for this time every requirement or provision was held to be met for a deep sea boat in dimensions as follows to wit :—Length 43 ft. 6 in. ; breadth, 16 ft, 10 inches of hold 7ft 41n. ; that is, 51 tons o.m. The grand idea of the Institution, however, was to make the deep-sea fleet un-submergible in the event of a disaster at sea, and, which, in the case of the Scotch Lassie was provided for, exactly as in the water tight chambers of a life boat. But as you only have to compare the once boasted model with the Cellardyke deep sea fleet of today, to realise the great stride that has been made in the energy of the coast.

At a Burgh Court of Cellardyke on Saturday—Provost Skinner and Bailie Smith on the bench Robert Watson pleaded guilty to what appears to have been a neighbour’s quarrel on the evening of Friday, the 24th ultimo, in the course of which he, being under the influence of liquor, kicked the door, and broke one of the panes in the window of Alexander Wood, for which he was fined in 10s 6d. Two young fishermen, John Henderson and George Tawse, were accused of a breach of the peace by being noisy and quarrelsome in drink at an early hour on Sabbath, the 26^th  alt. Two convictions—the one in the spring, and the other in the mid-summer of last year—were recorded against the first, and one in the winter of 1883 against the second. Pleading not guilty, a lively scene followed over the hearing of the evidence. Police-Constables Martin and White deponed to the libel; while two comrades, John McRuvie and William Watson, did so in exculpation, with which the sympathies of the crowded Court were emphatically in accord that the bench sustained the charge, and fined each of the panels 12s 6d.

1886

At the Burgh Court of East Anstruther on Monday a hopeful carter youth of Cellardyke, rejoicing in the name John Huggins, was accused of having kicked and otherwise molested the door of the Mason’s Tavern on Saturday night, till his drunken outcries were quelled in the lock-up. Pleading guilty, he was fined, after a pointed admonition, in 10s 6d. A strapping cooper belonging to the town, William Pattison, aged about six and twenty, was charged with having stolen an ornate case of bottle of raspberry vinegar from the same hotel. It appears that the gas had mysteriously gone out; but a Iucifer was ignited in time to discover the prisoner within the rail—a hint that sufficed to put Police Constables Martin and White on the trail. The Prisoner, with the missing bottle in his pocket, was apprehended at his poor old grandmother’s, and so,, hermit-like, his Sabbath day musings took place in a cell. As he showed every sign of shame and penitence at the bar, the Magistrates so far sympathised with his situation that be was released paying a fine of 7s 6d.

1887

The Local Authority will now have to consider what charge they are to impose on each fisherman for barking his nets, and the course they adopt will doubtless be regarded as a precedent to other fishing localities, where a similar rate will be found necessary. When the water is introduced into Anstruther, a charge will likely be imposed on the Cellardyke fishermen for taking the water from Anstruther wells, and it will only be fair and just that this should be done, since the two communities are to have two separate supplies.

New Improvement on Fishermen’s Overalls . ln addition to the two patents, which Messrs Duncan & Black, Cellardyke, have taken out for buoys and sea boors, and which have proved a decided advantage to the fishing community throughout Scotland, they have just secured a registered design for the improvement of fishermen’s brooks. Formerly it has always been a complaint by the fishermen that when hauling their lines or nets in stormy weather, they are often drenched into the skin by the water getting in at the side of the trousers. Owing to the construction of the flap, water is admitted freely, and in order to obviate this Messrs Duncan & Black have put on what they term ” flap-guards,” that is a piece of cloth sewed in at the sides, and when the brooks are buttoned up these guards are so placed that any sea water striking a fisherman will at once run off, and thus keep their inside clothes thoroughly dry. The brooks have now been appropriately named ” Keep-me dry,” and a number of fishermen, who have seen them, have given orders for them, and speak highly of the advantages that will accrue to their class by wearing them

On Friday evening last about 7 o’clock some alarm and excitement were created in Cellardyke by report that a boat had gone ashore on the rocks to the westward of Cellardyke harbour. It seems that there not being enough water to get into Anstruther harbour, the James Ritchie-Welch (Skipper, James Smith), was bringing up to lie until the tide flowed, when, being close inshore, the swell carried her on to the Busses rocks lying to the west of Cellardyke harbour. Assisted by the flowing tide, however, she was soon got off, not much the worse of the mishap.

1888

The crew of the Cellardyke boat Maggie Reid had an exciting adventure at sea. While the gale was raging like whirlwind the big mast snapped by the deck. “God be praised,” might well rise on thankful lips for the escape of boat and crew, but as the recovery of the spar was the one chance of regaining the land, it wis anxiously watched by Skipper Henderson and his crew, till the storm was far spent that they were able to hoist it on board. A carpenter and his tools were needed, but like the old fathers of Cellardyke, who when cast away on desert island, built a boat from the wreck of their ship, and so escaped to a friendly port, the crew in this case, with no better implement than the steerage axe, fashioned the broken mast to the step that they once again set sail to reach their own firesides Sabbath.

1889

The ladies and others associated in the Cellardyke soup kitchen met in the Council Room on Saturday afternoon to receive the report of Treasurer Thomson. It appears that in the bi-weekly relief between the 8th February and the 19th March there had been 1428 free rations of soup and bread, at a cost of twopence each. 906 had been sold at a penny or half-penny below prime cost. The donations and sales amounted to £17 8s, or ¼ d less than the expenditure. Provost Martin, who was in the chair, thanked the ladies for the sacrifice they had made from week to week in this labour of love. A very appreciative reference was also made to the services of Treasurer Thomson.

Skipper Cunningham of the “Seagull,” of Cellardyke, reported that, in tacking for Shields in the end of the-week, he espied a derelict schooner 85 miles from Tynemouth, and about a hundred miles from the May. It was a mournful sight—masts and bulwarks being gone. The hull rose and fell like a coffin in the surf, without a sign of life on the deck ; and, though the boat was steered does to the taffrail, no name or device was to be seen though it was evident from her paint, &c., that the vessel belonged to a foreign port. From its situation, the wreck was the cause, of no little peril, especially after nightfall, to vessels sailing along the coast. According to the latest advices, she is fast drifting to the north, as she was seen on Monday little more than thirty miles from the May full in the track of ships on their way to and from the Firth.

It is expected that the boats at present going to the deep-sea fishing will leave off next week, and make preparations for Shetland. About 100 boats from Cellardyke will be engaged at Shetland, so that very few will be left at home in the course of three weeks.

1880

On Friday Mr Jarvis launched from his building yard on the west quay a beautifully-modelled carvel-built fishing boat, 49 ½  feet long, for Skippers James and Adam Watson. The boat was named the “W. E. Gladstone”, in honour of the Premier. Mr Jarvis has another boat ready for launching, and also one building, both of very large size. On Monday, Mr Millar, West Anstruther, also launched a strong and excellent carvel-built boat at West Anstruther harbour. It was made to the order of Skipper Thomas Smith, Cellardyke, is 47 feet long, and named the ” Olive Branch.”

THE NEW BENEFIT SOCIETY CELLARDYKE. The Society was formed the other week, under the name of the Fishermen’s Union and Benefit Society.

1881

ESTIMATES WANTED, for the JOINER, PLASTER, PLUMBER. and GAS-FITTINGS of TWO DWELLING HOUSES to be Erected in Forth Street, Cellardyke. Plans and Specifications to be seen with Mr WALLACE, Builder, Anstruther, with whom offers will be received up to Wednesday, 18th. The lowest offer may not be accepted.

The Cellardyke Young Women’s Missionary Society, – in connection with the “Hall” Sabbath School, held their first annual sale of useful articles in the Town Hall on Friday last. This Society was formed in November last, with a twofold object- 1^st. That the members might meet together once a week for sewing, knitting, &c. and for mutual and pleasant intercourse, one of their number, during the time the others were working, reading something interesting and instructive, suitable for their improvement, interspersed with singing with harmonium accompaniments. Materials are provided for the members free, which are deducted from the proceeds of the annual sale. The Members number about 40. 2^nd. That the proceeds of the sale, after deducting expenses, should be devoted to some missionary object. The sale on Friday last amounted to upwards of £9; and after deducting the price of the material they had upwards of £4, which they have voted this year, one-half for building mission premises among the Jews at Breslau, and the other half for the native pastor aid fund, under the charge of the Rev. Narayan Sheshadri, India. Great credit is due to the members for their patient and persevering efforts in this good work, and so hope that the success which attended the sale on Friday will prove a stimulus to greater and yore extended exertions next winter.

The Shetland squadron is at last doing well. The “Jessie” of Cellardyke had eight tons at a take the other day; but more than one half of the boats from the Scottish main had lost heart and gone home ere the favourable change in the weather, which was and is alone needed to make the harvest complete. The herring fishing at Howth is not to be deserted by our East of Fife crews, on the contrary, two boats, are being fitted out from Cellardyke, and three from Pittenweem, but no departures are spoken of for the Hebrides.

1882

BOOTS AND SHOES. ROBERT GRAY respectfully announces to his Customers and the Public that he will offer the Whole of his Large Stock of BOOTS and SHOES at the Lowest Prices. All repairs done on the shortest notice. 3 SHORE STREET, CELLARDYKE.

WANTED, a Smart Active lad as an Apprentice to the Drapery Trade. Apply to R. WATSON & CO.. Cellardyke.

WANTED, an APPRENTICE to the GROCERY Business Apply to John Butters, Cellardyke.

1883

The International Fisheries Exhibition at South Kensington – opened By the Prince and Princess of Wales with the rest of the Royal Family in attendance

…………The platform, when the Royal party had got seated, presented a brilliant spectacle, the gay uniforms and decorations harmonising well with the crimson background of the dais, the sides of which were draped with fishing nets supplied Messrs Sharp & Murray, Cellardyke. These formed a very attractive and graceful drapery, and their colour contrasted well with the elaborate decoration the throne, bearing the Royal cypher, the outer framework being constructed of tridents with trophies of flags, while overhead was a canopy of nets of a very fine mesh, suspended from “Neptune’s” crown. The seats were elaborately upholstered in crimson and gold, and the flooring was covered with Turkey carpet, the groundwork of which was garter blue. All the surroundings were filled in with profusion of tropical plants and flowers in full bloom, the scent of the roses overpowering all else. From here, too, the best view could be got of the brilliant decorations of the promenade with its suspended bannerets and trophies, its flowering palms and plants, and the expectant and interested crowd with their many coloured dresses.

Another correspondent

…I noticed how elegantly the nets, furnished by Messrs Sharp and Murray, Cellardyke and Aberdeen, lent themselves for the purpose of decoration indeed, their effect was equal to that of real old lace, and was more in keeping with the nature of the Exhibition.

1884

Several splendid additions that have been made in the course of the last few days to our coast fleet. Two were built by Mr Weatherhead, of Cockenzie—the one for Mr John Ovenstone in St Monance, and the other, the ” Lilias Scott,” for Mr John Gardiner, Cellardyke, who sold a fine boat of the same name the other month to his townsman, Mr Alexander Doig. These craft are after the well-known Eyemouth type—wedge-like in the ends, with a rising floor, which old sailors, used to describe in the famous controversy over the navy clippers as the peg-top bottom. There is no mistake of their witch-like performance when “close hauled” on a summer sea. Opinions, of course, differ; and thus the admiration on all sides over the dashing craft, built with a special eye to the storms of the winter sea, on lines like a lifeboat, by the builders of the East of Fife. We refer to the “Ocean Herald,” built to the order of Mr William Aitken by Councillor Fulton, of Pittenweem, the “Mary Anderson,” of that part, launched on Monday; and the ” Onward,” of Cellardyke, on Wednesday, by Councillor Jarvis, who has now turned out from first to last over a hundred and fifty fishing vessels of the first-class since beginning business about sixteen years ago at Anstruther. The “Mary Anderson,” which is to the order of Mr George King Anderson, is in the meantime, at least, the admiral ship of the coast. She is fifty-eight feet long, but we also note with interest that she is rivetted through and through with half-inch bolts, as in the case of vessels designed for freight or cargo. Her steerage will be used as a kind of store room; the cabin, 16 feet long, being situated abaft the hold, which measures at least four and twenty, fitted up on the most approved principle for the stowage of fish or herrings, as well as the immense sea tackle carried to-day by the boats of the coast. Much has been said of late about the rig of fishing craft; but our fishermen, who are surely the best judges, still cling to the old lug sail, with the addition of mizzen and jib, which, in the case of the “Mary Anderson,” will represent at least 532 yards of canvas.. When our parcel left on Thursday afternoon the boats were only arriving at the pier. The fleet, it seems, had failed to fish bait at the outset, and the baffling winds which followed had thus long delayed the errand of the week. The weather had been bleak and squally, and the trip, as a whole, is one of the mast disappointing of the season, especially in view of the low markets obtained at Scottish ports in the end of the week. The haddock fishing continues to be prosecuted by about a hundred yawls in the offing. We do not know whether the Buckhaven fisher is right or not in his opinion, “No a fin can get leave to soom the sea, freend,” but crew after crew are working as many as five thousand hooks without always getting a hundred fish. It deserves notice, however, that when the herring is used for bait instead of the mussel or the clam, the take rises from perhaps two or three to six or seven baskets, as we saw the other day at St Monance. The crab and lobster fishing is proving less productive, though you can overhear such a message while waiting the arrival of the Crail train, ” Jack Murray has twenty dizzen the day.” The Fife coast between Buckhaven and Cellardyke has now sent twenty-eight boats to fish the herring at Kinsale. The letters thence are all in the same tone—” We have made a good start, but as yet there is no news to send though a large shoal has been seen outside the Bay.” About a score of boats will sail from the East of Fife in the course of next week for Shetland. The white fishing has been rarely, if ever, so successful at the islands. The Cellardyke boat, “Rob the Ranter,” landed cod and ling the value of £50 in one week, and the herring is now likewise so abundant that telegrams are urgent both for nets and men.

SEA LUCK.—The old saying that ” there are as good fish in the sea as were ever taken out of it ” was curiously verified on Anstruther pier the other day. It seems that the ” Benjamin ” on board the Cellardyke boat ” Vivid ” was beguiling the watch while fishing for herrings in the North Sea with the ” murderer “—that is, a long plummet bristling all round with hooks, and worked precisely like the well-known gig on dandy line. It became entangled with what proved to be a magnificent halibut weighing about 70 lbs. The prize, coming, like the rest of the take, under the hammer of our worthy townsman, Mr Bonthron, realised to the youthful captor the tidy little sum of £1 2s 6d.

NEW MACHINE FOR MAKING BARRELS. —Mr Thomas Cormack has just had fitted up this week in his premises at Cellardyke, by Mr Balfour of Ovenstone, a new machine for trussing herring barrels, which will effect a considerable saving of time in the making of them in future. The machine consists of two cast iron halves hinged, and the barrel, after being raised with two service hoops, is put in with the wide end in. The half cone, in which are three iron hoops put into grooves, is then closed by a hand wheel, to which a screw is attached, and the platform on which the barrel stands is forced up with a pressure of six tons. After one end of the barrel is finished, the platform goes down at once and the other end put in. The machine is driven by means of a friction pulley, so that it can be stopped at any moment. A barrel can be trussed in a minute and a half after being taken off the heating cone. At present a cooper is understood to make five barrels a day, but by the aid of the machine it will now be possible to make three times that number. The machine is similar in construction to those used in different parts of England, and is the first that has been made by Mr Balfour. It will be of great advantage in turning out a large number of barrels, and after its merits become known will doubtless come to be generally used in the district. On Wednesday a trial was made of the new machine after it was properly fitted up, and was found to work exceedingly well in every particular, and gave every satisfaction. It bespeaks much credit to the enterprise of Mr Cormack that he has been the first to introduce this machine in the East of Fife, and thereby increase the facilities for turning out work in his rapidly increasing business.