1860

THE REVIVAL MOVEMENT FIFESHIRE.

The awakening at Cellardyke still continues to progress in the most satisfactory manner. The meetings are crowded, and numbers of inquirers, both old and young, present themselves every evening. At Pittenweem there has been a movement among the young people attending the Sabbath schools, which last week assumed a more decided character. A visit was paid last week to St Monance by some of the Cellardyke people, the effect of which was instantaneous. Crowded meetings have been held every night since…

Revival Movement. St Andrews—It was announced at the end of the week that at least two of the converted fishermen from Cellardyke were to address audiences in the old Fishers’ School on the afternoon and evening of Sabbath last. For some reason or other not yet explained, they did not however make their appearance at cither service, and the crowds assembled, especially in the evening, had, under their evident disappointment, the high privilege of listening to the valued ministrations of Mr Monroe, the indefatigable local coast missionary stationed here.

Leven – Revivals. —On Sabbath evening last, three fishermen from Cellardyke, took part in devotional exercises in the Free Church here, and gave an account of the progress of the revival movement in the East of Fife. The church was densely crowded, and their statements showed that much good had resulted from the movement.

1861

Ferryden

The scarcity of all kinds of fish during the last six weeks has been unprecedented. Various reasons have been assigned for the falling off in the supply; but the prevalent belief is that our fishermen themselves are at fault, and that they are not so persevering and industrious as their brethren in other places. They maintain that there is unusual paucity of fish the coast; but that assertion has been far refuted by the arrival here of two heavily-laden Cellardyke boats, the crews of which received the sum of £40 for their previous night’s fishing. Of late, a large majority of the fishing population of Ferryden have been depending chiefly upon the charity benevolent individuals for support.

1863

In Cellardyke, two houses have been erected by the Building Company, what may regarded as model plans for fishermen’s dwellings, as not only his own and family’s comfort have been carefully attended to, but ample storage has been provided for the materiel of his vocation as well. The Company have named their property Ellice Street, in honour of the worthy M.P. for the St Andrews Burghs.

Several boats are this season proceed to Stornoway, to prosecute the herring fishing, which, for the past year  or two, has proved so successful. The greater facilities which this district affords for prosecuting the fishing, as also the superiority its markets, from the number and enterprise of its curers over the rest the Firth, are many and obvious. Frequently, in consequence of these advantages fishermen from other localities have been desirous of removing here, but the difficulty of obtaining houses has hitherto proved insurmountable. Amongst the many applicants for the new houses in Cellardyke were several from Buckhaven.

Launch – on the afternoon of Saturday last, a large boat designed for the deep sea fishing, was launched by Mr. C Pottinger ship and boat builder. The ceremony of naming the vessel was performed by a youthful daughter of her enterprising builder, and amidst the resounding cheers of the numerous spectators the ‘Alexandra’ glided smoothly into her future element. She is a trim weatherly-looking craft, with long sharp lines; but her bottom, to adapt her for our shallow harbour is flatter than the Yarmouth Luggers, on the model of which she has been constructed. The tonnage is over sixty, old measurement. She is to be manned with a crew of ten Cellardyke fishermen, under the command of an experienced and energetic skipper and from the active manner with which the necessary preparations are being advanced, it is expected she will be ready for sea in the course of a week or two. In the meantime she is to be employed in the great line fishing on our own coast, but in the autumn she is to be dispatched to Yarmouth to prosecute the herring fishing.  The vessel is owned and fitted by a company of local gentlemen; and should the scheme- which is altogether of a tentative nature- be successful, others of a similar description will shortly follow.     

1864

FISHING LUGGER FOR SALE- THE “ALEXANDRA,” now lying in Anstruther  harbour. Launched 1863, Register Tonnage 27 64-100, Length 56 2-10 Breadth 17, Depth 5 9-10, Draught of Water 6 feet 3 inches. Carvel built!  Well found, and Sails very fast [3904

For further particulars, apply to Messrs. Sharp and Murray, Cellardyke, near Anstruther, Scotland

Montrose

Shipping.—The schooner Hero, of Whitby, Captain Hall, from Middlesbro’ for Tain with a cargo rails, was assisted into this port on Saturday last, in a leaky condition, by a Cellardyke fishing boat, for which assistance £20 has been paid. The vessel had to unload in order to get repaired. She the property of the captain, and, we believe, not insured.

1865

Stonehaven

Large “Takes” of Fish.—Three south Firth fishing crews came to our harbour on Tuesday with excellent “takes” of deep-sea fish.—Ling, skate, turbot, &c. —which were speedily bought up by a local curer. We wonder our fishermen do not follow the example of these Cellardyke men, who, we have no doubt, by the enormous quantity these three boats landed, have netted well on to £100 by their venture.

1866

Anstruther Burgh Licensing court

Mr Oliphant submitted to the bench a memorial, signed by thirty one boat Skippers -of Cellardyke, petitioning the magistrate, to permit one public house on the shore to be opened during the night for the sale of spirits for the benefit of fishermen returning from the sea.  Mr Oliphant ably supported the memorial by showing that such a privilege was sanctioned by the public houses act he also stated that the arrangement had been tested and found to work satisfactorily at Buckhaven, Newhaven &c After giving the memorial their favourable consideration the court remitted the matter to the clerk, who was instructed to inquire and report on the working of the practice elsewhere.

WANTED, a Good second hand Sewing MACHINE, State Maker’s name and lowest cash price. Apply to John Martin, Waterproof Clothing Manufactory. Cellardyke.

1902

Proposed East of Fife Boat Insurance Company.—A representative meeting of fishermen from Cellardyke, Pittenweem. and St Monans, was held in Cellardyke Town Hall on Saturday night, when it was unanimously agreed to form local Boat Insurance Company on the joint-stock principle, with capital of £10 000, of which £5000 in £1 shares will be subscribed in the meantime. From a preliminary canvass of the three towns, £2625 had been raised, and it was resolved that each skipper of a boat should ask his crew to join and take shares, so that the concern might be wholly, or nearly so, a fisherman’s company. It was agreed to give the fishermen and others another fortnight to become shareholders.

WANTED. Causeway-Layers to pave two streets in Cellardyke; Start Work Immediately. Apply Personally Cellardyke, Fife, New Streets Works.

1903

Anstruther Rangers bagged the Martin White Cup. Cellardyke Bluejackets gave them a red face for it, but it was seen when the teams lined that the trophy really lay between the first and second elevens. Some of the latter promoted into the first string would strengthen it. The Rangers’ triumph has kindled the heather the east of Fife, and to cross the path of the victors will involve the transgressors in a heavy reckoning.

1904

RUN DOWN BY A GUNBOAT. INQUIRY INTO FIFE FISHERS’ DEATHS. CELLARDYKE AND CRAIL MEN DROWNED.

Sheriff Armour and jury at Cupar to-day heard evidence in two fatal accident inquiries, one on the sinking of a fishing boat in the North Sea by H.M.S. Speedwell. This was the first case, and the evidence led showed that Robert Smith, fisherman, James Street, Cellardyke, Anstruther, while engaged fishing three miles east of Crail in the boat Cornucopia, of Cellardyke, about four o’clock on the morning of Saturday, 25^th February, was accidentally drowned in consequence of the boat having been run into and sunk by His Majesty’s ship Speedwell.

The second inquiry was connection with the death Andrew Cunningham, junior, fisherman, 34 Shoregate, Crail, who was accidentally drowned while fishing on board the fishing boat Ten Brothers, of Crail, in the Firth of Forth, half a mile from the harbour at Crail. He was accidentally washed overboard by a wave which passed over the boat. In both cases formal verdicts were returned.

1907

ANSTRUTHER. The trial trip of the steam drifter The Maggies, belonging to the Messrs Gardner Cellardyke, took place from Anstruther on Monday afternoon when a crowd of 200 people had a pleasure sail round the May Island and Bass Rock. The drifter maintained speed of ten knots, and the owners were highly delighted with her.

Launch at Anstruther – Mr Miller, yesterday afternoon launched a steam drifter to the order of Skipper George Anderson, Cellardyke. This is the fifth vessel launched since last August, and other three are to be built. The drifter was named Integrity by a niece of the owner. The dimensions are the same as the others. 85 feet in length, 18 feet beam, and depth of hold 9 feet. The engines are being made by Messrs Cran, Leith

1908

An enquiry into sourcing water for St Andrews suggested that it could come from Dunino reservoirs and the following question was raised…

Mr Wilson, K.C., cross- examining, asked witness if he knew that in connection with the net factories at Cellardyke an enormous amount of water was used . Witness said that using a domestic water supply for washing nets seemed to him a curious waste of public money. Why (witness continued ) should they not wash their nets with the bad water which was so prolific there ? (laughter) Mr Wilson—We need not argue about that .( laughter)

Another report

THE OBJECTORS Referring to the opposition of the various objectors, counsel said that the County Council had an interest in Dunino special water district, which was on the proposed St Andrews water system below the Lochty reservoir. The population of the special district was only 134. It was really a clause opposition. (Counsel for The County Council, Mr John Wilson, here dissented.) Continuing, Mr Scott Dickson said the serious opposition was from the burgh of Kiirenny, which included the fishing town of Cellardyke, There were also petitions from the three adjoining burghs, Anstruther Anstruther-Wester and Pittenweem. The main point here was that north of the watershed the flow was towards St Andrews; below, was to the south, the flow was down to the Firth of Forth. All the area 8t Andrews proposed to take was upon their own side —the north side of the watershed. The water on the north side naturally and physically belonged to St Andrews, and unless there was a very special reason no community outside that area should be allowed to take the water away. Kilrenny’s population was stationary, and so were the populations of the other opposing burghs. St Andrews was quite willing that Kilrenny should keep certain water which was used in Kilrenny’s Balmonth reservoir, though St Andrews thought that that water, to a large extent, would, if left alone, have gone into the Lochty burn. They were also willing to let Kilrenny take water which would find its way into the Dunino barn. The Balmonth area was ample for Kilrenny’

1909

RELIGIOUS REVIVAL IN CELLARDYKE.

During the last few weeks a remarkable series of evangelistic meetings have been held the Cellardyke Town conducted by Mr and Mrs Cowe, of Fraserburgh, assisted by some of the local ministers. The result has been surprising, all the meetings being largely attended, and a wave of religious fervour aroused.

There has been no artificial and unnatural excitement, or extravagant displays of religious mania, but a deep feeling which was always manifest at all the meetings. Since the commencement of the Mission over persons have passed through the inquiry” room.

 The present situation recalls similar experiences which have been undergone this district. In 1860 and again in 1874 there were revivals in Cellardyke which left their effects for many years, and it is maintained that the present revival will prove as beneficial as the previous ones.

1910

A representative meeting of the fishermen Cellardyke, Pittenween, and St Monans, was held in the Council Chamber, Cellardyke, on Saturday. Mr J. Duncan Millar, M.P. for the Andrews Burghs, was present, and took part in considerable discussion on prominent fishing questions. The principal item was connection with the regulations issued the Board of Trade, compelling skippers or second hands steam drifters and liners to obtain a certificate of competency or an authority to act in such capacities. The fishermen maintain that the application of the regulations will inflict hardship upon them, as cases may occur in which the skipper and owner of drifter might not be allowed step aboard his own boat, even although he had many years of practical experience in his trade. Mr Millar, who has been taking an active Interest the matter, urged that deputation should be sent to the Board of Trade, and the desirability of adopting this proposal was remitted a Committee.

COMPANY MEETING

UNITED FISHING BOAT INSURANCE COMPANY (LIMITED) , ANSTRUTHER . —The shareholders met at the annual’ general meeting, held in Cellardyke on Saturday evening. The company has again had a successful year. The profits earned for the year are £1087, 5s 9d, and of this sum the directors propose to place to reserve £918, 10s. 9d. (bringing the reserve fund up to £2528, 8s. 2d), and recommend a dividend to the shareholders of 6 % per cent. The report was adopted, and directors appointed in place of those who retired.

1912

LAUNCH OF DRIFTER FOR CELLARDYKE.

Messrs A. Hall and Co. launched from their yard at Footdee a fine new drifter to be used in the herring fishing at Cellardyke. The vessel, which the order of Mr Martin Gardner and Sons, was named the Plough. She is 86 feet in length, 18 feet inches beam, and 10 feet in depth [moulded). The vessel will engined with the usual type of triple expansion engine, and to have a boiler working at 130 lb. per square inch.

A number relatives and friends were present the launch, and were afterwards entertained at the office of the builders at a cake and wine banquet. Amongst these present were Mr Martin Gardner, sen., and Mr Martin Gardner, jun., Mr Bonthron, fish salesman, Messrs John Thomson and Henry Gardner, Cellardyke, Alexander Walker and William Webster, Aberdeen; Mrs Martin Gardner, Mrs T. Gardner and two daughters, Mrs J. Gardner, and Miss Lizzie Gardner, performed the launching ceremony. Representing the firm were Messrs Donald McIntosh and A G. Emslie. Mr McIntosh proposed “The King,” and also “The ship Plough and her owners.” Martin Gardner, sen., suitably replied. Mr J. Bonthron proposed “The health and the success of the builders,” and McIntosh replied. Mr McIntosh then proposed health of Miss Lizzie Gardner, daughter Mr Martin Gardner jnr. Her father replied. A gold bangle, case, was presented young lady as memento of the occasion.

1913

FIFE SKIPPER’S SMART PERFORMANCE SAVES TWO BOATS FROM GOING THE ROCKS AT EYEMOUTH. Sheriff Armour  Hannay, at Cupar yesterday, gave judgment in the salvage actions, raised by James Hutt, fisherman, St Monans, skipper of the steam drifter Lizzie Hutt, and others, against John Watson, fisherman, George’s Street, Cellardyke, skipper of the steam drifter Pride of Fife, and against Robert Davidson, fisherman, Shore Street, Cellardyke, skipper of the sailing fishing boat Guide Me, for £430 and £100 respectively for salvage services rendered in Eyemouth Bay September 4. 1912. The defence was that the services rendered were towage services, customary for Fife fishermen to render to each other when their vessels were in difficulties. His Lordship finds as a matter of law that the services rendered by the Lizzie Hutt were salvage services; assesses the same at £250 in case of the Pride of Fife and £50 in the of the Guide Me respectively; apportions the total sum of £300 as follows:—£150 to be paid to the owners, £50 to the skipper (James Hutt), and £100 to the remaining eight of the crew in equal shares, and accordingly; refuses the motion to apportion the aforesaid sum of £300 between the services; rendered in saving life and those rendered in salving property. Pursuer gets expenses on the higher scale. In the note attached to the interlocutor; his Lordship says:—”Or September 3, 1912,, the sailing fishing boat Guide Me of Cellardyke, was towed into the anchorage at Eyemouth Bay in a helpless oondition with split foresail. She anchored under the lee of the land, but shortly afterwards the rope which was attached to the anchor broke, and she began to drift towards the Hettle Scar rocks. “The steam drifter Pride of Fife, also from; Cellardyke, was coming into the roadstead,  and was hailed for assistance. She came, and, with the Guide Me in tow, steamed to the weather side of the anchorage, and both vessels then let go their anchors, this time, Guide Me using a chain. Both began to drag, and by the time the Lizzie passed them they were close to the Scar rocks and in a position of great danger. ” I have accordingly no difficulty holding that the services rendered by the Lizzie Hutt were salvage services, and I would add they seem by the evidence to have been performed in a smart and seamanlike manner by the skipper, James Hutt.” For pursuers—Mr T. D. Murray, solicitor. Anstruther: for defenders—Mr James Brown, Messrs Mclntosh & Watson, Anstruther).

1870

CELLARDYKE. Crab Fishing.- Although the season for this fishing has arrived, the start, it is expected, will not be made for fortnight yet, owing to the extreme coldness of the weather. The fishermen of Crail and Kingsbarns have commenced, but as yet have caught nothing, The engaged price this year is 1s 4d a dozen, 3d above last year’s rate. There are upwards of a dozen yawls fitted out for here, and as many in Anstruther, all owned by old fishermen whose day has now gone for long sea voyages, but whose failing strength and ripe experience is still utilised in the training of their youthful crews—the fishermen in embryo of a year or two hence.

1871

The Herring Harvest.—In the course of last week no fewer than 2000 barrels of herrings were landed at Anstruther; 1200 at St Monance; and about 500 at Pittenweem, giving a yield for the East of Fife of some 3700 barrels, which, added to the previous take of the season, gives a grand total of 24,000 barrels – a result so gratifying as to make the spring fishing of 1871 by far the best in the history of this fishery. There were only about 150 boats on the coast last week—nearly the whole being local crews – as the Buckhaven men lost the harvest in celebrating the royal marriage. Skipper Thomas Birrell, of Cellardyke, landed last week in three takes nearly 130 crans; indeed, on Friday the harbour, with the many boats laden with herrings that glanced like silver in the sunlight, and with the stir and bustle in packing and carting them to the railway station, presented such a picture life and animation to recall all the glories of the ” Auld drave” that did so much enrich the coast better days. On this occasion, however, the fishermen have gained comparatively little from the large takes ; and if rumour speaks truly the buyers still less, for though the herrings only sold at the pier from 5s to 10s barrel, yet so poor were the sales in some of the English markets that many packages did not realise the cost of carriage. A curious illustration of the fluctuating character of the fishing may here be related. The chief reason for prosecuting the herring fishing thus far in the season is to procure bait for the cod fishing, and last week yielded, of course, an abundant supply, but owing to a severe gale which drove the boats back from the sea on Monday morning, the crews had to dispose of the herrings as being too old and tainted for their purpose, when they were sold for manure 6d the basketful, but next morning the demand was so eager for fresh herrings that they reached as high  as £2 10s per cran, while only a few days before boatloads could have been bought for less than a sixth of the money.

1872

Curious Story of Fisher Yawl.—One of the busiest of the little fleet that sunrise every morning swarm like bees from Anst’er pier to gather honey the shape of crabs and lobsters, is antique-looking boat, which has now sailed the seas for nearly 90 years. She was cradled in one of those old grey Norwegian seaports, which a thousand years ago launched those grim red-painted warships that, with an open-mouthed dragon for figure head, and packed full with hungry pirates swept more dreadful than the hurricane along the Scottish seas; but the world had mightily charged, and Mr Shirra’s prayer on Kirkcaldy sands had blown the last pirate visitor, Paul Jones, out of the Forth, by the time the little skiff was cast ashore as the long boat of foreign galliot wrecked at Montrose more than eighty years ago. Dr Tennant describes the folks of Crail hurrying on the Anst’er Fair as:

“Some are flushed with horns of pithy ale,

And some are fierce with drams of smuggled gin;

While to augment his drouth, each to his jaws

A good Crail capon holds at which he rugs and gnaws.”

For the purpose of catching these very capons of which the poet like everybody else was so fond, the skiff was brought to Crail, where, after many a lucky fishing day at the “hirst,” she was sold to “Skimfie” that is the little rock-girt creek of Cellardyke After much rough usage, and being well known for twenty years as the face of the famous town drummer, the boat once more returned to about the time when “partans,” instead of being caught only for fish bait, and when a dozen of “big taes” could be bought for the bairns for a single penny, were beginning to be worth sending the market; but after tarrying for a time in the East Neuk, she came back again to Cellardyke, when curious enough, master and boat were almost of the same venerable age  Her owner was Mr Robert Anderson, the Father of Cellardyke – when she became so much of a favourite through the kindly indulgence of worthy veteran, that she was christened the “Boys’ Delight,” though from her peculiar construction she was better known, as sometime happens with well as boats, by the nickname of the “KittlekeeL Here we may explain the usual method of fishing crabs, which in the case of a small boat is done some grey-bearded fisher, assisted by two or three boys who are allowed the produce of their own particular creels. The old fisher thus receives his share, net divided and sub-divided as at the herring fishing, but in full, to use one of the singularly pithy phrases of dear old Robert’s, “It’s my ain pie Jock” After a faithful companionship of twenty years, the skipper, who still rejoices in hale old age at the patriarchal years of 86, sold the boat to Mr Alex. Jack with whom the little ark appears to be lucky as ever, and being in good repair, ” the oldest boat” on the coast is likely “to ride the ford” for years come.

Cellardyke. Sale and Exposure Property.

A few years ago a house in Cellardyke was scarce to be had for “either love or money;” and if one happened to be let, it was nothing unusual for dozen inquiries to be made after it, and, as a matter course, the competition for property was equally intense; but of late the tide has very much slackened, and in not a few cases the supply would appear to exceed the demand. This is particularly true with regard to the sale of houses – several of which have been again and again exposed without obtaining a buyer. On Saturday, however, a large old property, consisting of a two storeyed tenement, with small house attached, sometime occupied as a reading-room, and situated to the west of the Tolbooth – which has been for a considerable time in the market – was sold by public auction for £225- being an advance of £15 on the upset price – to Mr James Skinner, merchant. This subject formed the last of the once extensive property of the late Capt. Henderson of Anstruther, the sale of which, within the last three or four years, has led to the erection of so many fine commodious houses on sites either vacant or covered with ruinous buildings belonging to occupations which, as in the case of the maltster, no longer exist in our community. Two new houses belonging to Mr Smith, writer, were also offered their situation in Dove Street at the upset price of £250 each, but offer was made. The fact curious, showing the rapid and rather unparalleled extension Cellardyke, that it was only in 1855 that Mr Smith offered the Dovecot Park, now the site Dove Street, for feuiug purposes, but within the last fifteen or sixteen years accommodation has been provided for about forty families, while in East and West Forth Street  within the same period the increase has been more than doubled, though the key to lay open the altered demand is to be found less in the extent of the building, remarkable as this has been, than in the pressure of the times.

1873

…As in so many other cases the boats are advancing in price, though builders appear to think that contracts are unremunerative, owing to the great rise in price for wood and iron. The cost of a first class boat is thus perhaps fully ten percent more than it was last spring; but Mr Jarvis of Anstruther, who is a favourite builder, sold a splendid new boat the other day, to Skipper John Salter of Cellardyke, for the respectable sum of £135 , including, however some iron fittings.

1874

The crew of one of the Cellardyke fishing boats caught a large shark while engaged at the deep sea fishing. The fish measured nearly 14ft in length, and it was sold to one of the local curers for 31s It was afterwards purchased by a speculative Glasgow auctioneer.

1875

THE CELLARDYKE FISHERMEN AND THE ALLEGED DEPREDATIONS FRENCH CREWS.

The fishermen of Cellardyke recently sent memorial the Fishery Hoard, representing that while they were prosecuting the herring fishing on the east coast of Scotland last season, they had been obliged at times to abandon their nets from stress of weather, and that these occasions bad been used by large vessels, especially French luggers, to take possession of the nets by means of their small boats ; and praying that, if possible, the use of small boats by such vessels might be prohibited, and the protecting gunboats ordered to cruise more at sea than they do, A reply has now been received from the Hon. B. F. Primrose, Secretary the Board, in which he says :

 I am directed to explain to the petitioners that the use of small boats by vessels sea, especially by the French fishing luggers referred to, cannot prohibited by any statute of the British Legislature, they being foreigners, with their own rights and privileges upon the high seas, and not subject the jurisdiction of Parliament except when they come within the three mile boundary, and then only convention ; but the crews of these vessels are liable to punishment for using their boats for the purpose of theft if it can be proved upon them. With respect the gunboats the commander have instructions to cruise for the carrying out their superintendence, and do cruise; but for them to cruise in bad weather when the fishing boats are driven off the fishing grounds must depend upon the fitness and power of the vessels to cope with the weather, and must in every case be left to the discretion of the commanders responsible to the Admiralty for the safety of their ships, and their conduct of the service committed to them. The Board, however, will not fail to let the commanders of gunboats know before next fishing season what is stated in this petition as to the loss suffered by British fishermen, and the alleged cause of it, and urge them to all in their power to watch against such causes complaint, and check any malpractices at the fishing grounds which exist and can detected It is right that the petitioners should know that last year as in every previous year, French fishing vessels, against the crews of which complaints were made of having stolen nets, were searched by the British cruisers, but none of the missing nets were found them ; and that, besides this, they were also sometimes searched by the cruisers of their own nation, the commanders of which evinced an anxious desire aid in the detection of depredations, and the presence of their countrymen on the coasts of Great Britain should be attended with injury to the native fishermen.

1915

FORTY-ONE FIFE FISHING SKIPPERS FINED. FISHING IN PROHIBITED AREA,

Forty-one skippers motor and sail fishing boats, from Fife ports and from and Eyemouth, appeared before Sheriff Armour- at Cupar on Tuesday, charged with having, between sunset 2oth and sunrise on 2^nd  February, fished with nets in prohibited area in the Forth, contrary to the order of the Admiral commanding Rosyth. The accused were: John Allan, jun., skipper the motor fishing boat Johan, St Monans; Peter Dunn, skipper of the motor fishing yawl Ivanhoe, St Monans: John Ovenstone (Allan), skipper and owner the motor fishing yawl Janet Ovenstone, St Monans; Alex. Wood, skipper the motor fishing yawl Clunas, St Monans; Robt. Mair. Skipper of the sail fishing boat Protect Me, St Monans; Charles Smith, skipper the motor fishing yawl Diligent. St Monans; Jas.Hutt, skipper of the motor fishing yawl Charity, residing at Hope Place, St Monans; Jas. Hutt, fisherman, St Monans; Alex. Hutt, skipper and owner the motor fishing yawl Better Luck, St Monans; Geo. Davidson, skipper and owner of the motor boat Ebenezer, St Monans ; Chapman Tarvit, skipper the fishing yawl Frigate Bird, St Monans; Alex. Lothian, skipper of the sail boat Snow Flight, Cellardyke; Thos. Bett (Fowler). Skipper of the motor fishing boat Cornucopia, Thomas Bett, skipper of the steam drifter Scott, Cellardyke; John Muir (Keay), skipper of the steam drifter Camperdown; Leslie Jack, skipper of the steam drifter Suffolk County, Cellardyke; William Smith (Jimie), skipper of the steam drifter Olive Leaf, Cellardyke; Jas. Bowman (Duncan), fisherman, skipper the motor fishing boat Blossom, Pittenweem ; Andrew Bett Watson, skipper the motor fishing boat Maggies; Geo. Horsburgh, skipper of the motor fishing yawl Preston Horsburgh, ; James Hughes, skipper of the steam drifter Magdalen, Pittenweem; Thomas Lawson, skipper of the sail fishing boat Margaret Lawson, Pittenweem; Robert Keay (Watt), skipper of the fishing yawl Bauldie Sperio  Mererio, Pittenweem ; Wm Wood (Paterson), skipper of the motor fishing yawl United, Pittenweem; Robert Black (Bowman), skipper of the motor fishing boat Golden Sunshine, Pittenweem ; James Hughes Wood. skipper of the sail fishing boat Never Can Tell, Pittenweem ; Wm. Moyes, skipper of the motor fishing yawl Sceptre, St Monans; Robert Wood, skipper owner of the sail fishing boat Barbara, St Monans; Robert Mackay skipper of the sail boat Clan Mackay, St Monans; Robert Aitken, skipper of the steam fishing drifter Camellia, St Monans ; James Allan, skipper of the motor fishing boat Golden Queen, St Monans;  David Marr, skipper of the motor fishing boat True Vine, St Monans; David Grieve, skipper the motor fishing boat Vesper, ; Robt. Dunn, skipper the sail fishing boat Columbia, St Monans; John Wilson, skipper of the sail fishing boat Ruby, Cellardyke; Alex. Muir, skipper of the fishing yawl Nymph, Cellardyke; David Stewart, skipper of the fishing yawl Jane Stewart, Cockenzie; John Thomson, skipper of the fishing vessel Homeland, Eyemouth; George Dougal Skipper of the Fishing vessel Jeanie, Eyemouth; Wm Collin, Skipper of the fishing vessel, Marion Garwood, Eyemouth; Richard Collin, Skipper of the fishing vessel, Alan and Isabella Eyemouth.

Mr T. W. Davidnon, solicitor, Cupar, who appeared for the accused, said that the same explanation applied in practically all the cases. The weather was hazy when they had gone out. They shot their nets within the area in which they were entitled to fish, but the flood tide carried them along faster than they realised. They could not exactly tell their bearings, and the offence had been more the result of misadventure than of intention. The point which he wished to emphasise, Davidson said, was that the accused were really the same position as those who had been previously dealt with, inasmuch the offences had been committed before his Lordship issued his warning from the Bench.

Mr George Brander (county fiscal) said that this was the night when the patrol boat broke her propeller running among the nets.

The Sheriff asked if any further offences had been committed since he issued his warning.

Mr Brainier— I sorry to say five or six cases have been reported.

The Sheriff—We will know how to deal with these five six. I take it that these cases refer to a time previous to my warning, and though it may be erring on the side of leniency, I propose to impose the same modified penalty as before—£3, or 15 days.

All the accused pleaded guilty, with the exception of Thomas Bett, Cellardyke, and John Wilson, Cellardyke, and their trials were fixed for 6^th  April. The others were each fined £3, or 15 days’ imprisonment, a month being-granted in which to pay.

Mr Davidson explained that number of the men considered that they had not been within the prohibited area, but to avoid expense they had decided to plead guilty. Owing to the fishing season having closed and the crews having scattered, it would be almost impossible for them to obtain witnesses, and to avoid further trouble they would plead guilty.

The belief on the part of a number of the accused was that they were innocent gave rise to a number of amusing incidents. Jas. Allan said he “would just have to plead guilty to please the Admiralty.” Another of the accused refused to plead guilty, but said he would pay the fine. “It would a lie for me to plead guilty,” he said, “and my conscience would not allow to it. How many days will I have to go jail?” (laughter.) Accused ultimately said he would pay the fine.

1916

DEATH OF A FIFE POLITICAL ORGANISER. Alexander Smith, Unionist organiser for the St Andrews Burghs, has died in nursing home. Deceased who was 51 of age, had been in bad health for some tune.

A native of Cellardyke, Mr Smith carried on a grocery business for some years, but ten vears ago he was appointed Unionist organiser, his intimate knowledge of the fishing industry and the fishermen being of considerable value in his political work. Mr Smith was an ardent Freemason, being a P.W.M. of Lodge St Ayle.

1917

HARDSHIP IN KILRENNY CAUSED BY THE WANT OF A POST OFFICE. Since the retiral of Mrs Dewar Postmistress at Kilrenny the Post Office there has practically been closed. The nearest available is either Cellardyke or Anstruther, one mile distant from the village, and as may be supposed, this is causing great inconvenience.

This was taken notice of at a meeting of Kilrenny Town Council, Bailie Butters stating that great hardship was being caused especially to old age pensioners, some of whom were unable to go as far as Cellardyke or Anstruther for their pensions. He also emphasised that if a Post Offiice was considered to be necessary in a small village like Kilrenny sixty years ago it was surely more necessary now, and he proposed that the Council petition very strongly to have this grievance remedied.

The other members concurred and the depute Town Clerk was instructed to communicate with the General Post Office, Edinburgh with regard to the matter.

1918

SCOTTISH SOLDIERS WIN MILITARY MEDAL FOR CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY IN THE FIELD. In a long list of Military Medal awards to non-commissioned officers and men published last night occur the names the following Scotsmen:

345749 L.-Cpl. (A. Cpl.) J. Black, Royal Highlanders (Dundee);

37928 Pte. A. W. Brown, M.G. Corps (Cellardyke):

9333 Sgt. R. Brown, Worcester Reg. (Tayport);……..

1921

ANSTRUTHER COMMITTEE THREATEN TO STRIKE. A PEAR TREE PUZZLE.

Unless Fife Education Authority’s Master of Works (Mr (George Sandilands) explains satisfactorily the reason why he ordered the pear tree to be removed from the Kilrenny Schoolhouse walls the members of No. 7 Anstruther District School Management Committee are to go on strike.

This course was resolved upon at a meeting last night, when the action of the Mister of Works brought forth severe criticism from the Committee.

Mr H. H. Edie, Cornceres Farm, explained what had taken place. The .Master of Works had ordered man who was engaged by the schoolmistress to prune the trees to cut them down. His excuse was that they were dead, and the stumps would make excellent stands for flower pots. The trees had been cut straight across, leaving about two feet from the surface. Mr Edie considered they should more than protest against the way the Master of Works was using this part of the country, and that an apology should demanded.

Provost Black, Cellardyke, characterised the action a savage attack. For long he remembered the trees had been there. They in the Kilrenny district had already had experience of Mr Sandilands’ actions, when chairs were removed from Cellardyke School, apparently without authority. He supported Mr Edie. A long discussion followed, during which Mr Charles Gardner asked if the Committee could not go on strike if they did not receive a satisfactory explanation. Finally it was agreed to appoint a committee to draw up a strong protest to demand an apology, and failing satisfaction to strike.

1922

13 March

LOOKING OUT OVER THE FORTH.

Kilrenny Parish War Memorial, which has been erected on a commanding site at the Town’s Green, Cellardyke, overlooking the Firth of Forth, was unveiled on Sunday by Lieutenant-Colonel T. D. Murray, D.S.O.

Previous to the unveiling a memorial service was held in Cellardyke Parish Church, when an address was given by Professor Arch. Main. Rev. J. MacNaughton, M.C., and Rev. James R. Lee also took part the service.

At the ceremony at the memorial Provost Black, J.P., presided. A hymn was sung by Cellardyke School children, and, following the unveiling of the memorial, Rev. J. R. Lee gave the dedicatory prayer.

Ex-service men, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Brownies, and representatives of the various public bodies and of Lodge St Ayle (No. 95), Anstruther, formed a conspicuous part of the large gathering at the ceremony.

The Memorial.

The memorial has a triangular base 11 feet wide, surmounted on each side by two panels, the one above the other. On the lower panels are a laurel wreath and crossed swords, a figure of Black Watch soldier with fixed bayonet, and a navyman throwing a rope. On the panel above the crossed swords is the inscription: In proud and reverent memory of those connected with the parish who laid down their lives in the Great War, 1914-1918.” The panel above the soldier gives the names of those who fell the army, and the panel above the sailor gives the names of those lost in the navy. The double panels rise to height of about 10 feet, and above them rises a circular pillar, on top of which is a large polished granite ball. The whole monument stands 23 feet high, and is made of beautiful Doddington stone.

The names the fallen are: • Nary— 1st Engineer Mitchell Anderson; Deck Hands John Bett, George Brown, Alexander Brown, Alexander Corstorphine, and James M. Gourlay; Skipper Andrew Henderson, jun.; Mate Alexander C. Keay; Deck Hand David Reid; Trimmer Wm. Tarvit; Mate Robert Wallace; Skipper Alexander Watson; and Deck Hand David Wilson, R.N.R.T. Second Engineer John Christie, Seaman James Dick; Seaman Robert Gardner, Stoker James A. Moncrieff; Seaman Wm. Reekie; Leading Seaman Robert Thomson; Stoker Wm. Watson; and Seaman John M. Wood. R.N.R. Master Mariner John Thomson, R.T.S. Army—Privates David Bell, Alex. Bisset, Alex. Boyter (Brown), Alex. Boyter (Smith), Alex. Boyter (Bowman), George Corstorphine, George M. Cunningham, Andrew H. Dick. John Doig, Angus Mac- Kay, C. M. Parker, Robert Sherriff. and James Black Watch; Lance-Corpl. Wm. B. Watson, Ptes. Alex. Watson and Robert Watson, Black Watch; Corpl. Charles Elder, Pte. Wm. Moncrieff, Second-Lieut. Thomas Smith, and Pte. John Smith, Royal Scots; Ptes. Andrew Halcrow, Wallace Low, and George Moncrieff, Gordons; Ptes. John Herd and Alex. Moncrieff, and Sergt. George Wilson, Canadians; Sapper Andrew Black and Sergt. D. Allan Clement, R.E.; Captain George M. Black, R.D.F.; Lieut. James Cairns, R.A.S.C.; Gnr. W. L. Cairns. Canadian Artillery; Pte. P. H. Keay, Canadian Engineers; Lance-Corpl. John Moncrieff, Seaforths; CorpL James Murray, Canadian Highlanders; Second-Lieut. P. O. Ray, R.F.C.: Pte. David Robertson, Scots Guards; Pte. Andrew Robertson, Labour Corps; Lieut. Robert Smith, M.G.C.; Lance-Corpl. John Thomson, A. and S.H.

1923

Tenders wanted

Fife Education Authority

Offers are invited for alterations at the Following Schools

….

Cellardyke New Latrines

Excavator and brick, Carpenter and Joiner, Plumber Slater and Painter works

…..

Schedules of Quantities may be obtained on application to Mr George Sandilands, master of Works, Education Wemyssfied, Kirkcaldy, on or before 30^th march 1923,  on receipt of a deposit of £1 1s which will be returned in all cases where bona fide offers are submitted.

1924

ANSTRUTHER CHOIRS TRIUMPH.

Philharmonic Society Excels Itself.

What generally regarded as the musical event of the season in the district —the annual concert of Anstruther Philharmonic Society—took place in the Town Hall last night, when a crowded audience assembled lo hear Dvorak’s “At the Foot of the Cross” and Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise.” The choir, trained and conducted by Mr J. Harrison Cooper, Kirkcaldy, numbered over 120 voices, and was augmented J. Watt Jupp’s orchestra from Edinburgh. …….. Altogether the Anstruther” “Phil.” has reason to be proud of its achievement. The organisation of the concert was in the capable hands of a committee, with Rev. Jas. A. Paterson, Anstruther Wester, hon. secretary, and Bailie W. W. Carstairs, Cellardyke, hon. treasurer.

ANSTRUTHER SHEDS IN FLAMES GAS WORKS AND HOUSE THREATENED

Horse Rescued in Nick of Time

Damage amounting to several thousand pounds was caused by fire which broke out yesterday morning in the fishcuring premises situated in East Green, Anstruther, and tenanted Mr Charles Ingram. The premises occupy a long stretch of ground on the main street in close proximity the Gas Works.

About one o’clock the alarm was raised, and the Anstruther, Cellardyke, and St Andrews Fire Brigades were summoned, but by the time they reached the scene the flames had got a firm hold. Within an hour the whole of the sheds, which were constructed principally of wood, were a mass of flames.

With assistance Mr Ingram succeeded after strenuous efforts in liberating his horse which was stabled in the premises, and which when released was in a state of exhaustion.

Meanwhile the firemen directed their efforts to prevent the fire from spreading in the direction of the Gas Works. The flames had reached the ice house, which is between the Gas Works and the curing sheds, but eventually the ample supply of water played over the walls brought success to the firemen’s efforts.

Furniture Removed.

At the rear of the sheds a house tenanted by Mr Wood was in great danger, and as a precaution all the furniture and belongings were removed to safety, although luckily the house was saved. The premises, which belong to Mrs Thaw, Anstruther, are understood to be insured, but the stock belonging Mr Ingram was only partly insured. This included large supplies of kippers, numerous barrels, and the usual fishcuring requisites. The fire is supposed to have started in one of the kippering kilns.

1910

Bakers van for sale, almost new, apply William Birrell, Baker, Cellardyke

PATENT CANVAS BUOYS.

THE FIRST. THE BEST,

Made off Cotton Canvas of the best quality material, manufactured under the personal supervision of the Patentee and lnventor, who, after years of experience, can offer with confidence the only reliable PATENT CANVAS NET BUOY. . .

Manufactured at CELLARDYKE OILSKIN FACTORY,

31 – 39, JAMES STEET, CELLARDYKE, FIFE.

Telegrams —Cellardyke Factory. Telephone No.22

N.B.-We hold Large stocks round or Square

1911

CELLARDYKE FISHERMAN DROWNED OFF THE MAY ISLAND.

Robert Moncrieff, the acting skipper of the Cellardyke herring boat, Guiding Star, KY.677, stepped ashore at Montrose on Thursday night last week to dispatch home the mournful news that John Moncrieff, a member of the crew, had been lost at the fishing grounds in the small hours of the morning. The night was pitch dark, with a steadily freshening breeze blowing off the land, and the sea rising. At two o’clock those on board were shifting the net, about four miles E.N.E. off the May Island, when Moncrieff was suddenly missed. The Guiding Star was heaving a bit, and each man was engrossed at his own particular task.

Moncrieff was working aft, and it is supposed that had been reaching over the stem to get the rope over the end of the mizzen boom when he overbalanced himself and fell into the sea. He was neither seen nor heard, and in the blackness of the night his mates were powerless to do anything. Deceased was highly-respected man, about 46 years of age, and leaves a widow and four of a family, residing at Cellardyke.

The Guiding Star came north before the breeze, and was brought into Montrose with difficulty. Her signal for a tug could not be responded to, there being now no towage facilities at the harbour, and the idea of utilising the lifeboat was mooted, the passage of the bar being invested with not a little danger. The Ferryden fishermen, however, went off in one of their skiffs and assisted the Fifers to get inside the river. Once there a rope was taken ashore, and the Guiding Star was hauled along the riverside in the teeth of a boisterous south-west gale. The members of the crew were somewhat fatigued after their thrilling experience.

CELLARDYKE. Scarcity of Water. —For some time back the community of Cellardyke have suffered through the water failing to rise certain portions of the town. For the last month the water has been shut off daily from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The cause of this is not the want of a sufficient supply, but owing the smallness of the pipes. This matter was before the Town Council some time ago, and the Council agreed at that time to enlarge the pipes, and were about to proceed with the work when the Local Government Board called the representatives of the various Councils along the coast burghs to a conference in Edinburgh, where joint scheme for the whole of the burghs was proposed. Owing to this, Cellardyke have been unable to proceed with their own proposed scheme. Matters have, however, become so serious that a special meeting of the Council has been held, at which it was resolved call upon the Local Government Board to fulfil their promise without delay, or the Council would proceed at once with their proposals enlarging their pipes, &c. At the meeting, over which Provost Black presided, the whole of the members expressed their opinion that the matter could longer be delayed. Not only was the state of matters a great cause annoyance and inconvenience, but it was also pointed out that should fire break out or an epidemic set in, a serious state of affairs would result. Eventually the Clerk was instructed to ask the Local Government Board to act without delay. The Clerk was further instructed to ask the Local Government Board if they would either send a man down at once to the town, or receive deputation.

1913

FIFE FISHING VESSELS IN DIFFICULTIES. Proof was led at length at Cupar yesterday —before Sheriff Armour Hannay—in two salvage actions. Mr T. D. Murray, Anstruther, was for the pursuer, and Mr James Brown, Anstruther (Messrs McIntosh & Watson) for the defenders.

James Hutt, fisherman, St Monans; Chapman Innes, St Monans; and Elizabeth Davidson Hutt, Markinch, registered owners of the steam drifter Lizzie Hutt, ML. 122, sued John Watson, fisherman, Cellardyke, the owner of the steam drifter Pride of Fife, KY, for £430 for services rendered on Sept. 4 at Eyemouth in a westerly gale.

The Pride, it was contended, was in danger of being wrecked on the Hettle Scar Rocks. The Harbourmaster of Eyemouth said that Mr Davidson was a very well-pleased mail when he got safely into harbour. The value of the vessel was about £2200.

The other action was for £70 for the salvage of the fishing boat Guide Me, skipper and owner Wm. Davidson. Davidson said his boat was worth £350, and he was three-fourths insured. He was satisfied that the Lizzie Hutt saved his craft from destruction and probably loss of life. The debate on the evidence was fixed for Tuesday, 25th inst.

1914

Fishermen and National Insurance

SKIPPER AND PERSEVERANCE. Martin Gardiner, Forth Street, Cellardyke, said the skipper of a boat engaged his crew. Witness paid no “arles” in engaging his crew. After certain expenses had been deducted from the gross earnings the balance was divided into shares, one-third going to the ship, a third to the crew, and third the nets. The food bill off the fishermen’s share and the nets’ share. In the event of deficit the crew had to pay their share. In the great line fishing in which everyone had a share of the gear. It was share and share alike. If there were a deficit, of £21 and seven drew each member of the crew would have to make up. He could give a case that happened the line fishing last year. There was loss, each man being 15s in debt. The same crew were shipped to the Yarmouth fishing, and each man made up the 16s. He had never had an instance of a loss where any of the men on board owned no gear. The skipper had power to dismiss a man who was not qualified or was guilty of bad behaviour. He had not, however, so great powers over crew as had the skipper of merchant ship. In the fishing the crew took a great deal of say in regard to where the nets should be shot.

By the Solicitor-General —He and his brother were co-owners of boat. He had never had a case where the half-deals men made up loss. It was very seldom in Cellardyke that they had loss. In Fifeshire 4-10ths to the boat, 3-10ths for the nets, and 3-10ths for the crew was a common arrangement of sharing the earnings on drifters. It was generally the co-owners who put in the nets in Fifeshire. He did not recollect time when the hired men were paid by fixed wages.

There is deal of luck fishing, is there not?—l don’t believe in luck. (Laughter.)

I suppose you have been always lucky ?—I have been very fortunate. (Laughter.)

You believe, I suppose, the skill of the skipper —I believe in perseverance and plenty of good pear. (Laughter.)

And also skill in knowing when to shoot and how shoot?— Yes.

Lord Mackenzie—l suppose the man who has nets longest in the water will get most fish» —No, my lord. (Laughter.)

Mackenzie—That is true about the rod (Laughter.)

Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands – Wednesday 18 March 1914

THE SCOTTISH LAND COURT. ASSIGNMENT OF BURRAY CROFT. In an application made by Hugh Mackay, Little Cellardyke. Burray, for leave to assign the holding of Little Cellardyke, Burray, to his nephew, Robt. Mackay Guthrie, the applicant, in his statement of acts states that he is a statutory small landholder occupying the holding of Little Cellardyke on the island of Burray. The area of the holding is 51 acres, and the present rent £1 5s, which was fixed by the Crofters Commission by order dated 11th July 1891 Applicant is 76 years of age, and owing to awl and infirmity is unable to work – the holding. He has no family of his own, and desires to assign the tenancy of the holding to his nephew, who resides with him at Little Cellardyke The Land Court have now issued the following order:

Edinburgh. 12th March 1 14.—The Land Court having considered this application subscribed by the applicant and the intended assignee, along with answers for the respondent marked A/1526 Find that the assignment craved is reasonable and proper : Therefore grant leave to the applicant, Hugh Mackay, Little Cellardyke, Burray, Orkney, to assign the holding possessed by him under the Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts, 1886-1911, at Little Cellardyke, Burray, aforesaid, described in the application, to his nephew, Robert Mackay Guthrie, residing with him at Little Cellardyke. Burray aforesaid, as at and from the term of Martinmas nineteen hundred and thirteen, or such other term of entry as the parties may agree upon, to be held by the said Robert Mackay Guthrie in like manner as a landholder under the said Acts.

Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands – Wednesday 17 February 1892

ASSAULT AND BREACH OF THE PEACE AT BURRAY. —A t the Orkney Sheriff Court, Kirkwall, on Monday, before Sheriff Armour, Andrew Nowland, travelling tinker, of no fixed place of residence, was brought up in custody and charged with having committed a breach of the peace at the farm premises of Cellardyke, Burrey, in the occupation of James Bruce, crofter, on the 27th of January last. He was further charged with having assaulted John Bruce, fisherman, at the same time and place. The prisoner, against whom a number of previous convictions were libelled, pled guilty, and urged that he had experienced great provocation. He was sentenced to 60 days’ imprisonment with hard labour.

1900

THE MISSING TRAWLERS. SUPPOSED LOSS OF 50 LIVES.

There are still no tidings at Aberdeen of the five missing trawlers. None of the trawlers that have arrived at the port this week have sighted any of the vessels, and H.M.S. Jackal, which went in search of the trawlers, is reported to have found no trace of them. There seems little doubt, therefore, as to their fate. All the vessels were manned by Aberdeen fishermen except the Bernicia, which belonged to Shields, and which had crew of Cellardyke men. The probable loss of life is estimated at about 50 men, each vessel having a crew of nine or ten hands.

1902

Launch, There was launched from the boatbuilding yard of Mr Miller on Monday. A first class fishing boat built to the order of Messrs David and Leslie Brown, Cellardyke. As she left the weighs she was christened Otway by miss Chrissy Birrell, daughter of Councillor Birrell, Anstruther. The boat is of the large size and her dimensions are 68ft over stems. 21ft beams and 9ft depth. Mr Miller is to proceed immediately to lay down a keel for a similar craft to the order of a Shetland fisherman.

Football

Crail Union have Cellardyke Bluejackets their guests in a Martin White Cup tie. The Union are the present holders, and ousted the Bluejackets last season by 3 to 2 in the semi-final, so that latter will strive their utmost to turn the tables on this occasion.

1903

LIFEBOATS ON FIFE COAST. FISHERMEN LOSE CONFIDENCE IN A CRAFT. At a public meeting on Saturday night in Cellardyke Town Hall strong comments made on the unsatisfactory state of the lifeboat at present stationed at Anstruther. Two experienced coxswains, who were present—Skippers James Pratt and James Jack—declared that it was impossible to pull the boat out of the harbour in heavy wind either from the southwest or south-east, and that under canvas it was useless to attempt to beat the boat off a lea shore. The boat was not only useless, but dangerous, and there was every probability that if the present craft was kept the crew would lose their lives. Many of the fishermen were declining to go out in the boat as they had lost all confidence in her sailing abilities. Dissatisfaction was also expressed at the position the lifeboat house and the state of the launching slip. was unanimously resolved ask the Lifeboat Committee to convene a public meeting of fishermen and others with the view of having a strong request addressed to the parent Institution London to provide a new lifeboat for Anstruther.

1904

PROPOSED AMALGAMATION OF EAST FIFE BURGHS.

The three towns of East and West Anstrutlier, and Kilrenny, or Cellardyke, form practically one community but are distinct Royal burghs with Royal charters. Surprise has often been expressed that they should have continued so long as three distinct municipalities with separate Town Councils and the various offices connected with municipal corporations. At last, the question of amalgamating the burghs has been brought up. At a meeting of West Anstruther Town Council last night, Provost Penney said he had been approached by a number of ratepayers, and urged to take some steps to have the matter discussed. His suggestion was that a committee should be appointed to meet committees from East Anstruther and Kilrenny, in order to consider the matter, and see if a basis understanding could not be arrived at on which to unite the burghs. Amalgamation would be a great benefit to all concerned from a financial and economical point view. The conference would only be preliminary to begin with. One or two members expressed themselves against the proposal, on the ground that the taxation was lower in West Anstruther than in the other two burghs, and they did not see that their burgh would be benefited. Ultimately the Provost’s suggestion was agreed to, and the Provost, magistrates and Councillor Dickson were appointed the committee to arrange a conference with the other burghs.

On Saturday night a lady was attacked by two men in a street in Cellardyke, and robbed of a purse containing £5.

1905

SHIP SUNK BY A GUNBOAT. A Leith correspondent telegraphs :-A collision occurred on Saturday morning off Anstruther between the gunboat Speedwell, which was proceeding from Cromarty to Queensferry, and the drifter Cornucopia, Thomas Bett, master. The gunboat struck the drifter on the port-quarters, and the crew were thrown into the water. Three men were rescued by the gunboat’s crew, and three clung to the gunboat, but the seventh man, Robert Smith, fisherman, Cellardyke, was drowned. He leaves a widow and family. The drifter sank almost immediately, about two miles off the North Carr lightship. The six survivors were landed at Leith by the gunboat.

1906

THE PERILS OF THE DEEP. Two of the inquiries had reference to accidents to fishermen. Both were returning home from the fishing ground  at the May Island, and were engaged tacking the sails, when 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.

The Sydney Daily Telegraph of February 12^th just to hand, contains a long account of the murder at Newtown, Sidney, of Constable John Wallace, member the Sydney police force and eldest son of Skipper Robert Wallace, Rodger Street, Cellardyke. A Kanaka, whose name was William, or Tommy Tanna, was employed by a lady named Fenwick. He demanded more money, and being refused, attacked the inmates of the house, eventually gaining the upper hand and holding them at bay with tide and revolver, from which be fired several shots. The police were rent for, and Constable Wallace was among the first to arrive at the scene of the affray. On entering the lobby of the house, he was shot at by Tanna, the bullet entering his abdomen and rendering him unconscious. The Kanaka afterwards, although wounded by shots from the other constables who had arrived, eluded them all, and locking himself in a room, shot himself dead. Constable Wallace died immediately after admission to the hospital, never having regained consciousness. Constable Wallace was a moat intelligent and conscientious officer, and a useful member of the force. He was 41 years of age.

1907

Mr Miller Boatbuilder, Anstruther, on Monday Afternoon launched from his yard a steam drifter, built to the order of Messrs R Melville & Sons, fish merchants, Cellardyke.  The vessel was christened Primrose by Miss Melville. Several boats had been unable to sail out of the harbour on account of the westerly wind, blowing right in the cut mouth, and one of them, the Wellspring, of Buckhaven, was returning to the inner harbour to reset the sail, when the Primrose in leaving the  ways, crashed into her Port Bow, holing her to a slight extent. The drifter was undamaged. After the launch a champagne banquet was held at the house of Mr G H Melville in Shore Street, when several toasts were proposed and acknowledged, and congratulatory speeches made and replied to. The Primrose is to be taken to Leith immediately to be engine, and will make her debut at the great line fishing. Mr Miller has three other drifters to build in addition to a trawler for the Belgian Government, so that the carpenters in Anstruther are assured of employment until the end of August at least.

1908

HERRING FISHING. Anstruther , Wednesday.—

…. Among the best fished boats were Alices, Cellardyke, 92 crans; Jane and Maggies, Cellardyke 80 crans; Ina Cook, Cellardyke, 65 crans; Glenyarrow. St Monans, and Families’ Pride, Cellardyke. 40 crans each; Fisher Lassie and New Samaritan, Crail, 20 to 25 crans each. A considerable portion of to-day’s catch was bought for the German export trade.

1909

A FIFE FISHERMAN’S CLAIM . Major ANSTRUTHER . GRAY asked the First Lord  of the Admiralty whether he had received any claim ‘from David Parker of Cellardyke, skipper of the fishing boat “John and Agnes,” ML. 95, who has lost the whole of his nets to the value of £25, having been cut away by the ships of His Majesty’s Fleet ….

1872

Anstruther – ln the course of Wednesday morning several Cellardyke and other boats, while their crews were taking some needful timeat home between the toils of the night and the opening of the sales at daylight, were pillaged of part of their herrings—some crews having about a cran stolen—the loss, so far we hear, amounting in all to about £10. These heartless depredations being committed under the cloud of darkness, and with the shore quite solitary and deserted, their detection is consequently matter of great difficulty; but it does seem suspicious on the part of some stranger crews to visit the harbour during the night, ostensibly for the purpose of buying bait for the cod fishing, but to leave without either making a purchase, or the ordinary harbour dues.

THE PARISH CHURCH VACANCY AT CELLARDYKE. MEETING OF MEMBERS. A meeting of the members of the Parish Church of Kilrenny—convened by the Kirk Session, and intimated by tuck of drum—was held in the Infant School, Cellardyke on Saturday evening, to consider what steps ought to taken in reference to filling up the vacancy in the Church, caused the death of the Rev. George Dickson. There were about fifty present.

Mr Philip Oliphant, writer, Anstruther, one of the elders of the church, having been called to the chair, and the divine blessing having been asked by James Smith, another member of the Session, The Chairman rose, and after a passing allusion to the death of the late lamented incumbent, referred at some length to the great importance to the parish of having an approved successor, one, he said, who was not merely able and impressive preacher, but who, by his affectionate and familiar intercourse in their homes, would be the friend and counsellor of the people, whether in their day of gladness or sorrow………….

Cellardyke. Paving the Streets.—At a meeting of the Police Commission of the burgh of Kilrenny on Monday, it was resolved to pave the street from the Town Hall west to the point already causewayed, with greenstone rubble blocks; and the Clerk was instructed to intimate to Mr Young, of Cupar, that his estimate of 3s 10d per square yard had been accepted. This improvement will entail an outlay of £192—the balance in hand of the Commission being about £100. It was intended to have completed the paving of the main street from end to end, but the remaining section east of the Hall has been deferred in the state of the funds.

1873

“THE SORROWS OF THE SEA.” Mrs Reid, one of the most remarkable women ever connected with the Scottish shore, died in Cellardyke on Saturday in the sixty-ninth year of her age. There is many a mournful tale of the sea—”the cruel and remorseless .sea”—but few have had so much cause to lament over the weary waters as the aged pilgrim who has just entered on her rest. Mrs Reid, or Agnes Birrell to give her maiden name, belonged to one of the best reputed as well as one of the numerous families of Cellardyke of our day ; but her father, strong limbed, clear-headed, sea-faring native of Kinghorn, was the first of his race in the East Neuk, where he had taken to himself a wife from that fine old stock, the sailor Robertson’s of Anstruther. Agnes, as the strapping fisher lass, married her promising townsman, James Davidson, and a happier young couple never crossed the old Kirk style of Kilrenny, but the sun was to go down on the very morning of their joy. On the 24th of September 1828, her husband, as one of her father’s crew, as was the custom at that time with the fishermen, had gone round with the boat to the Eden for mussel bait, and -was lying ready to sail in the river, when the wind rose violently from the westward The older hands wished to remain at their moorings, but the young men were impatient to be again with their wives and sweethearts, and though one of the crew predicted the coming disaster he stepped on board “There’ll mussels skauppet the day whaur they never were before”- the sail was hoisted and the boat dashed out to sea. The little craft reeled gallantly through St Andrews Bay, and tacked to windward the Carr; but while crossing the stormy “Hurst” she was struck by a dreadful sea. It was the old sad, sad story: the boat rolled over on the weather side, and lay embosomed and helpless to the next stroke of the waves, which rushed like cataract everywhere over the gunwale. “She is sinking!” and a long, wild cry rose over the hoarse roar of the storm as the poor fishermen cast their farewell look on sea and shore; but James Davidson and his father, as lovingly and trustingly as in the old days of childhood, and as if death could never divide them, clasped each other round the neck, and so sunk together into watery grave. His old uncle was saved to tell the affecting story, which made deep impression at the time on the public mind, though it could fall on no ear with the same heart-crushing misery as on that the young widow who nursed her new born child in the silence of the night, with the saddest of all music, the wail for the loved and lost. But time softens every grief, and as years rolled the widow became once more a happy wife and joyful mother of five fine children. Her second husband, Thomas Reid, was enterprising fisherman; and his fine new boat, the “Nancy,” of Cellardyke, had only been a fortnight sea when she foundered during the memorable gale on the night the 23d April 1846, about fifteen miles, as it was supposed, from the Isle of May, when all on board perished, “with no ear to pity and arm to save.” There were seven of a crew, and six widows and fifteen fatherless children were left to mourn their untimely fate. But the widowed Mrs Reid had other and no less poignant affliction to endure. Her handsome brother, Thomas, was one day accidentally drowned at sea. But on the of 8^th December 1859 she had a more bitter cup to drink to the dregs, by the loss of another Cellardyke boat, with her gallant brother William, and her own eldest son—the child of her first love, James Donaldson – who perished like the rest of the crew, with the exception of one survivor, who was spared on that fatal occasion to tell with what martyr-like constancy brave men could meet their fate. Three brothers of Mrs Reid’s second husband had years before met a similar death; but the afflicted widow again participated in no common measure in the last distressing calamity which befel Cellardyke, when her son Thomas—the Benjamin of her household—and her two sons-in-law, suffered with all hands by the foundering of their boat in the North Sea on the stormy night of the 10th of May 1865. By these accumulated disasters Mrs Reid has lost two husbands, two sons, two sons-in-law, two brothers, and three brothers-in-law, or to include nephews and other connections, more than twenty near relations have perished by the sea ; and was it then strange that after all these manifold afflictions the bereaved wife and mother should love to linger where she could gaze out on the far away German sea—”the weary sea,” as she would say—and listen so wistfully now the soft summer gloaming the voice of the waves in its low hymn-like murmurings; or, again, the night of gathering storm when the billows trampled the shore fierce and loud as the feet of the Destroyer—for both to her was full of meaning—sadder it could not be, yet falling on the quivering heart with all the kindred pathos of the dirge song to the mourner sitting the lonely grave. But while mourning long and truly for the dead, she never forgot her duty to the living. There is no situation in the ordinary life where woman is more truly the helpmate of man than the fisherman’s wife, for she is not only the companion of his home and the mother of his children, but in all the multifarious operations of the busy year, her industry as her thrift is the secret of his prosperity. Mrs Reid was one of these people you never find idle; but her nimble fingers were not confined to the common duties of his sphere, for in her earlier years she handled the tar and paint brush on her husband’s boat with all the skill of a tradesman, and this activity of disposition may be said to have remained with her to the last, as only this winter she was to be seen gathering limpets from the rocks as bait for the fishing line. The old heroine was also remarkable for her sterling Scottish independence, and ungrudgingly toiled from sunrise to sundown on a long summer day, in order, she said, “neither to be obleeged either to frien’ or frem;” and so her life past on with exemplary diligence and usefulness, till she was struck down a few months ago by paralysis ; but it is pleasing to know that as the evening shadows deepened around her—the heralds of the coming change—her spirit rejoiced in the hope of the better and brighter day.

Exciting Scene at Anst’er Harbour- About seven o clock on Friday Evening loud cries of distress were heard at intervals through the storm by the bystanders on the East shore. It was only too evident that some disaster had happened at the entrance of the harbour. Several boats were known to be at sea, as was to be anticipated, the most intense excitement spread like wildfire through Cellardyke where the alarm bell was at once rung to call out the fishermen. Nor was the appeal in vain, for men, women and children, heedless of everything but the stinging thought that near and dear ones might be perishing in the sea ran in all haste to the piers, when the worst fears were confirmed by seeing a large boat beating in the surf at the back of the western breakwater. The stranded boat proved to be the “Six Brothers” belonging to John Dickson of Cellardyke, and under the circumstances the crew were all together at the mercy of the cruel waves, but a band of heroes were immediately at work for the rescue of life and property, and a number of volunteers gallantly sprang from the pier into the boat, which was at once cleared of ballast; while others, no less undaunted in the case of humanity, secured a chain to the opposite pier, to which a pulley and ropes being attached, the hundreds of willing hands on the western breakwater completed the generous task by dragging the boat from the surf beaten skerries to the shelter of the pier, when, notwithstanding her immediate precarious berth, she was found to have sustained comparatively little damage. The incident, as will be seen elsewhere from our columns has caused an almost unprecedented degree of excitement in the seafaring community, but the facts of the case, so far as we can glean them are as follows – The Six Brothers, manned with a crew of young men, the skipper being on a visit to some friends in England, had gone to sea to draw their great or cod fishing lines, expecting to find an easy entrance in all states of the tide as they had reason to do. The young men started within an hour of low water for the shore. The boat was worked with a seamanship worthy of the oldest mariner, but in bearing away as to avoid the breakers on the east pier, the keel unfortunately stuck on the outlying “buss” or insular rock in the fairway, when being no longer under control of the helm she was swept down on the stormy lea, where but for the prompt assistance as we have said, she would have become a total wreck. The night was extremely dark and the pier being as yet unlighted, many hairbreadth escapes were made by the crowds who hastened to the scene, and one young fisherman William Brown, fell over the breakwater, but miraculously escaped with a few bruises. Skipper Dickson was on his way home from the train when he encountered the general alarm, and was thus one of the first to recognise his own boat, in which his two young sons were also on board. The boat was only launched from Mr Millar’s yard in the course of last summer, and her value, without reckoning the fishing gear was about £300.

The Scotsman – Wednesday 19 February 1936

FEARS FOR LEITH TRAWLER

Wreckage Driven Ashore in Shetland

CREW OF TEN MEN

It is feared that the trawler May Island has been wrecked in Shetland. The May Island is owned by Messrs Thomas H. Scales & Sons, Newhaven, and is registered at Leith. Her crew consists of ten men.

A considerable quantity of wreckage was driven ashore yesterday at Norwick, at the north-eastern end of the island of Unst, Shetland, during a gale. The wreckage gave the name and registration indices “May Island, LH 194.

It was stated in Unst that whistling from an unknown vessel had been heard at 3 am

CREW FROM FORTH PORTS

No information was available last night as to what had happened to the crew, who belong to Leith, Cockenzie, and Anstruther, though it was suggested that the vessel might have been wrecked on a lonely part of the island. The May Island was in charge of Skipper Tarvit, Anstruther.

“I have been in contact with the coastguard on the spot and he could give me no definite information,” Mr Thomas H. Scales told The Scotsman last night.

“He said that the weather was bad, and that the wreckage had come ashore, but they were hoping the crew would be safe.”

BOAT IN WRECKAGE

The wreckage which was driven ashore includes a wireless set, a lifebelt, fishermen’s clothing / a lifeboat, and a mass of other material, including fish boxes. The May Island left for the fishing grounds, north of Shetland, last Friday, and was not expected back until the end of this week. A sister trawler was reported to be lying at Balta Sound, not far from Norwick, yesterday. The May Island was built by Hall, Russell. & Co. (Ltd.). Aberdeen, in 1911, and was of 195 tons gross

Aberdeen Press and Journal – Wednesday 19 February 1936

It is feared that the Leith trawler May Island has been lost off Unst, in the Shetland Islands. The May Island carried a crew ten

Sheffield Independent – Wednesday 19 February 1936

OWNERS MYSTIFIED

A reporter learned last night from the owners Messrs. Thomas Scales and Sons, Newhaven, that word had been received of an accident to the vessel. The owners are at a loss to understand the reports, as they have been informed by another ship that the May Island was 200 miles from the Shetlands yesterday. …… A Lloyd’s message states that a spar noticed at Lamba ness Norwick, was apparently attached to a wreck 50 yards from the shore. There was no trace of the crew. The sea remained rough.

Nottingham Evening Post – Thursday 20 February 1936

…..The discovery of wreckage at Norwick, on the Island of Unst, in the Shetlands, the previous day, gave rise to fears that the trawler, May Island, of Newhaven, Edinburgh, had been wrecked. The May Island (195 tons) left last Friday for the fishing grounds north of the Shetlands, carrying a crew of ten. Wreckage found included a lifebelt, a ship’s lifeboat, a wireless set, and a large quantity of fish boxes. Some of it was marked “May Island, LH, 194.”

The Scotsman – Thursday 20 February 1936

LEITH TRAWLER’S FATE

 No News of Crew of May Island

No definite news as to the fate of the Leith trawler May Island and the crew of ten men has yet been received by the owners of the vessel, Messrs Thos. H. Scales & Son. Newhaven. It is feared the trawler has been wrecked off Shetland during a gale. The owners were in communication yesterday afternoon with the Inspector of the Coastguard at Unst, and he stated that two masts’ , believed to be those of the trawler, had been seen near Norwick, but that owing to the south-westerly gale it was impossible to get near the spot to investigate. There was no word regarding the crew .

As reported in The Scotsman yesterday a considerable quantity of- wreckage, bearing the name and registration indices “May Island, LH 194.” was driven ashore at Norwick at the north-eastern end of the Island of Unst, Shetland.

THE CREW the following are the members of the crew: —

James Tarvit (31). Single. 22 Fowler Street Cellardyke. Master:

John Tarvit (39), James Tarvit’s brother 8 Fowler Street, Cellardyke, mate:

David Birrell (31). 42 West Forth Street Cellardyke. Fisherman:

David Young, Jun. (27), Bracklinn, Station Road, St Monance , deck-hand:

John Blaikie (28). Married. 9 Edinburgh Road, Cockenzie, deck-hand:

Graham Alexander (39), married. 12 Winton Park. Cockenzie. Second engineer;

Scott W. Herd (26), 5 Bowling Green Street, Leith, fireman:

James Herd (married), engineer. 47 Albany Street, Leith .. brother of Scott W. Herd:

D. Auchinleck (41), 29 Admiralty Street, Leith, trimmer: and

R . J. Searle (42) , married, 12 Perth Street, Edinburgh, cook,

Scott W , Herd, a young married man has no family. His brother, James Herd, engineer on the missing vessel, is married, and has two children, a boy of eleven years and a baby of six months. Mr James Herd took the place of another brother. Mr Alexander Herd, who was unable to sail on the May Island owing to illness. The brothers have been engaged in seafaring work for many years.

Falkirk Herald – Wednesday 12 August 1936

LOSS OF LEITH TRAWLER

Story of Last S.O.S. from Doomed Vessel.

MATE’S “GOODBYE” MESSAGE  

A dramatic story of the last S.O.S. message from the Leith trawler, May Island, was told at the inquiry at Lerwick into the loss of the vessel, with her crew of ten men, on February 18 last.

The disaster occurred during a gale off the coast of Lamba Ness, Unst, Shetland.

John J. Liston, marine superintendent to. Thomas Scales & Son, Ltd., Newhaven, owners of the trawler, gave evidence to the effect that she was thoroughly Seaworthy when she left on her last voyage and that her skipper was a competent and experienced seaman. The May Island was equipped with wireless telephony, a direction finder, charts, and flares. During last year £150 had been spent on overhauling and repairing the trawler, and the previous year the expenditure on her was about £2000 including the installing of a new boiler. The vessel was insured for £1000.

Mr Liston identified pieces of wreckage, etc., as belonging to the May Island. James E. Anderson, master of the Aberdeen trawler D. W. Fitzgerald, said was one of 50 trawlers sheltering to the lea of the island of Unst on the night of February; 17. After changing the watch at 3.30 a.m. on the 18th, he turned on his wireless and heard the message “May Island on Flugga Rocks.” He heard it twice and then summoned all hands to keep a look-out- for flares. His trawler searched the Flugga coast twice unsuccessfully but never right round the south side of Lamba Ness. The red sector of Flugga light would have been visible only two or three miles that night.

FOUR BODIES WASHED ASHORE

Local witnesses from Unst described the spot where the wreck occurred and the wreckage which drove ashore and also spoke to four unrecognisable bodies being picked and buried.

Mrs Blaikie, Cockcenzie, widow of John. Blaikie, one of the drowned men, identified a petrol pipe lighter found in the trousers on one of the bodies as belonging to her husband.

Daniel Begg aged 15, Dunnet, Caithness, said he picked up a bottle 13 miles from Thurso containing the following message “ Island gone, no hope, off Shct!and, Goodbye.”

Stuart Tarvit, Cellardyke, testified that the writing on the message was that his brother John Tarvit, mate of the trawler and brother of the skipper.

Other evidence was to the effect that a high intervening hill prevented the men on the local coast watching station from seeing a vessel close at Lamba Ness.

The jury returned formal verdict.,

Additional info from inquest

Henry W. L. Hunter and other local witnesses detailed the spot where the trawler struck, and spoke of four bodies being found. The weather that night was the worst they had ever known.

1890

Betsy and Isabella – Anstruther, Feb. 4. 6 30 p.m. Fishing boat Betsy Isabella. KY 1784. of Cellardyke, put into Anstruther to-day disabled  having been on fire about three miles NW by N from May Island; foresail. foreyard, and spare gear and fore part of boat damaged to the extent of £14 Crew all safe. (Skipper David Wood Cellardyke)

1892

Cellardyke Boys’ Brigade.-This Brigade held their first march out on Saturday afternoon. To the number nearly 100 the Brigade assembled at their Drill Hall in James Street, and accompanied by a piper, marched through the town of Cellardyke, a large crowd people turned out to witness the march of the Brigade, who were under the command of Captain G. Black, Lieutenants Watson, A. Black, and Thomson, and Drill Instructor Grainer. Among those who were present were Provost Martin, Honorary Captain of the Brigade, and others. The boys showed a marked improvement in their drill, and marched quite steadily. They looked very neat and trim in their uniform, and their movements were followed with keen interest by the onlookers.

1894

Aberdeen The liners that went out on Monday of the present week almost all returned yesterday. Ten steam liners entered together, and of that number six reported having sustained damage in some aspect to their lines. Among the Cellardyke boats which arrived and reported haring left their lines at sea were Maggie Lander. William Tennant, and Alice. These boats stated that when the rough weather came they unshipped their lines and, marking them with distinctive floats, left them about sixty miles off the coast of Aberdeenshire.

KILRENNY CHURCH AND KIRK SESSION. (To the Editor.) SIR, —The few lines in reference to Kilrenny Church, which you have in last week’s issue of your widely-read paper, puts the minister in false light, which, I am sure, is not your intention. The church was closed for five weeks, having been in the hands of successive tradesmen for cleaning, painting, and decoration. It was closed by the unanimous agreement of the elders, ten of whom were present at the meeting of Session. The elders and parishioners were one as to the need of having the work done, and the church was re-opened immediately after the tradesmen completed their work. The minister, consequently, could neither occupy the pulpit himself nor make pulpit supply. A suitable place could not be had in the parish in which the congregation could worship together. Our minister has never on any occasion neglected his pulpit nor his parishioners, but is most faithful to all his duties. Doubtless, services might have been held in the Town Hall of the burgh, which is in Cellardyke; but as it is almost next door to the quod sacra church of Cellardyke, it was considered unbrotherly to have our minister preaching at the door of another minister of the same denomination. Apologising for trespassing on your space, I am, &c., John Baton, Session-Clerk Kilrenny.

At Anstruther the gale was very sever, and was accompanied with heavy rains. A tempestuous sea was running in the Forth, and huge waves broke over the east pier. A flag was hoisted to warn the boats and liners from entering the harbour, but at eleven o’ clock as several were seen to be making the attempt, it was thought advisable to launch the lifeboat. Hundreds of people congregated on the pier, and watched the boats which came in amid great risk. About noon a most exciting scene occurred. The boat Jessie Hughes, belonging to Cellardyke, had almost reached the pier head when she was struck by a mountainous wave and sent behind the west pier into a most dangerous position. She struck against the pier but by means of the lifeboat and the crowd of people she was dragged into the harbour. The damage done to her was considerable. Several other boats had narrow escapes, but ultimately all got in.

1895

The Boundaries Question. – ln reference to the inquiry which is to be made by Sheriff Henderson, Cupar, on Saturday, a petition this this week been numerously signed in Cellardyke and Kilrenny against the petition by Anstruther to have a portion of Kilrenny parish disjoined and added to Anstruther parish. A good deal of feeling has been evolved, and the inquiry Saturday will probably be a prolonged one.

1897

THE NEW STEAM FISHING COMPANY FOR DUNDEE. THE MANAGER CAREER. Thomas Cunningham, who has been appointed manager new fishing company for Dundee, he comes of a race which for generations has been associated with the traditions of Cellardyke. He, however, did not follow the calling which his forefathers and schoolmates turned to but entered the warehouse of Messrs Robert Watson & Co., net manufacturers, merchants, and drapers. Here he obtained his first insights into business, a training perfected by a sojourn for some years in Glasgow. A number years ago he returned to his native town and opened a flourishing ship chandler’s shop the head of the Central Pier. About seven years ago the proposal form a steam line fishing company was put forward, a time when the industry was at a low ebb, and he was one of the first to perceive the possibilities of the project. Since then he has been an active promoter and keen worker in the series of new companies which have grown up. He is a gentleman who, enjoying the respect of the community and the fullest confidence of the fishermen, was at home with both shareholders and workers, and his selection as manager of first one and then another affords a testimonial to his ability and knowledge. The flourishing condition and auspicious financial position of each show that the business capacity of the manager is of a high order, and that the confidence the Directors has not been misplaced. There are about a dozen registered companies having head offices Anstruther. Each possesses one two boats, and of these concerns Mr Cunningham is manager of the half. The companies are the most profitable investments which have yet been connected with the coast, and the only bar to their further development at Anstruther is the lack of harbour which can reached at all of the tide. The Dundee company are be congratulated on their choice of manager.

TO BOOT RETAILERS.

THE K.Y. BOOT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., CELLARDYKE, FIFE, Hold the Largest Stock, and are the Largest Manufacturers of SEA BOOTS in Scotland. They Defy Competition in any of their Various Makes of DECK BOOTS, KNEE BOOTS, AND LONG SEA BOOTS

In Pegged, Hand-Sewn, Standard-Screwed, and Machine-Sewn. Retailers not stocking these well known Makes of K.Y. Sea Boots do not keep up with the times.

ALL CLASSES OF Wellingtons Also in stock

 Sample Pairs sent Carriage Paid on receipt of Reference with Order.

1898

At meetings of the Aberdeen Free Established, and U.P. Presbyteries on Wednesday, a joint committee representing the various denominations in the city presented report on the question of Sunday observance. In regard to Sunday trawling it was stated that of the 81 steam trawlers fishing regularly from Aberdeen, there was only one the Faith (KY.) belonging Cellardyke, which did not fish on Sabbath. The Fifeness, belonging also to Fifeshire, very frequently fished from Aberdeen, and in this case also there was no work on Sabbath; but so far as Aberdeen was concerned, there was not a single vessel owned and managed in the city which did not systematically violate the sanctity of the Sabbath.

1899

On Sunday morning, at ten o’clock, the body of Wm. Brown, 43 years of age, a fisherman, who had been employed on the steam line fishing boat Kilrenny, of Kirkcaldy, presently berthed at the Market Street end of the Albert Basin, was found beside the boat lying on a shelf below the wharf, the body being covered by a foot of water. It is supposed that the unfortunate man had missed his footing and fallen into the water when getting on board the vessel in the dark. The body was taken possession of by the police, and removed to the mortuary in Lodge Walk. Deceased was married, and resided, when at home, in John Street, Cellardyke.

The body of the fisherman, William Brown, who was drowned in Aberdeen dock on Saturday night, was brought to Anstruther on Monday night by the steam liner Kilrenny, of Anstruther, of which he formed one of the crew. The remains were taken to his house in John Street, Cellardyke, and were accompanied a large number of fishermen, among whom he was highly respected. It was between 11 and 12 o’clock at night ere the liner arrived at Anstruther, and as soon as the remains were brought ashore the procession was formed. The funeral takes place today to Kilrenny Churchyard. Out of respect to his memory the steam liners in Anstruther Harbour on Monday and Tuesday had their flags suspended half-mast high.

1886

The Royal Society

… The First Obituary notice referred to the late Mr Joseph Mitchel. C.E who for nearly forty years had the whole of the highland roads and bridges system under his charge, who as Engineer to the Scottish Fishery board designed and superintended the execution of many useful harbours Burnmouth, Coldingham, Buckhaven, Cellardyke, Dunbar and Lybster

A letter to Aberdeen Press and Jounal

Sir, good deal correspondence has recently appeared in the papers in reference to the use of boracic acid in preserving fish. From what has been written it would appear that the use of this acid has only been known during the past few weeks, and that we are indebted to Messrs .lames McCombie & Co., Peterhead, and Mr David Murray, Cellardyke, for the knowledge thereof. But this is not the case. James S. Wood, fishcurer, Peterhead, was about year ago in Norway, and saw this acid being used, and brought some it to this country, and for more than six months has been using it extensively. He seems to have been the first that used boracic acid in Scotland for preserving fish in a fresh state. Its virtues may great, and may turned to some practical account, but something different will be required to raise the fishing industry out of its present depressed condition and place it on a sounder and healthier basis.—Yours, &c. Peterhead, 4th Feb

Furious Driving.—James Moir, carter, Cellardyke, was accused before the East Anstruther Magistrates on Monday with breach of the 251^st  clause of the Lindsay Act, by driving his curt to the danger of the lieges in the new Road on Wednesday. Pleading not guilty, Constables Martin and White deponed to the charge, and likewise that they had again and again warned the panel, who speaking for himself denied that he was any worse, if so bad, as his neighbours. Moreover, this occasion he was only doing his duty in trying to overtake the train, and in conclusion he appealed the Bench to remember that was the only support of his widowed mother. Being his third conviction, however, he was fined in 15s, with the option of fourteen days Cupar Prison.

1887

CANNIBALISM IN A FISHING BOAT. A man named David Walker, years of age, a fisherman on board the Jessies, of Cellardyke, Presently lying in Dunbar Harbour, was apprehended yesterday morning on a charge of having seriously injured two men by biting. It appeared he had been on shore and got drunk, and on coming on board a quarrel ensued, when be seized one man who was his bunk and bit a piece clean out of his cheek, and spat it out on the deck. He then seized the forefinger of another man, who came to the rescue, stripped all the flesh off the fore part of it. The wounded men had their wounds dressed.

N.B the Jessies was owned by James Brunton (I think she was registered KY 336)

Fatal Accident at Anstruther Harbour. – A sad accident happened at the harbour this morning, by which a boy named Thomas Watson, son of Alex. Watson (Barony), Cellardyke, lost his life, it appears that while the boat in which his father sails -KY 75, commanded by Geo. Watson—was being discharged at the Quay on Monday afternoon, the boy being seated on board, boat listed, and the mast breaking fell on him. He was immediately conveyed to the doctor’s house, who, although applying every remedy, evidently thought that would not survive. Death ensued yesterday. The accident caused another boat—KY. 1929, James Salter, skipper—falling over on one side, driving before it the boat in which the boy was seated. The masts of both boats broke, but no one was hurt by the fail the latter.

N.B KY 75 was the Grace Lovie and KY1929 was the Pride of Fife

1888

INTERESTING ACTION TO FISHERMEN.

FISHING BOAT COLLISION.

At Cupar Small Debt Court on Thursday an interesting action to fishermen came up for proof. Alexander G. Walker, fisherman, Torry, Kincardineshire, master of the Olive Branch Fishing boat, raised action for damages, restricted to £12, against David Corstorphine, sometime residing Foot dee, Aberdeen, and now Cellardyke, caused by defender’s fishing boat, KY 223, corning into collision with his in the fairway in Aberdeen Harbour August last. John Thomson, the first witness examined, deponed that he had been one of the crew of Branch the time the collision. They were coming down the fairway in the ordinary channel when they were struck by the defender’s boat, who bore down from the pier opposite very quickly. It was only about 25 yards from the quay. They saw the boat bearing down, but could do nothing, they were lying powerless, having no way on the boat. The Olive Branch was on right the tack, and the men shouted when they were about 30 yards’ distance, and they could be perfectly seen, was between two and three o’clock the afternoon. The defender had plenty of time keep out of the way, and he had two men on the look-out, the position of the sail prevented steersman from seeing forward. He knew the rule of the road at sea. his boat was on the starboard tack, which was the right one, and the other was on the port tack, which ought to have kept clear of all boats on the starboard tack. The collision caused considerable damage, and they had beach the boat, began fill rapidly with water- The boat was afterwards temporarily repaired, and had been again sea some time thereafter. Scott Henderson and Wm. Morrice, fishermen, corroborated. Mr Lewis, boatbuilder, Aberdeen, who was called on to repair the boat, described the damage sustained by the boat temporarily repaired the boat at an expense of £5, and considered that it would require a sum of £18 put the boat the same condition it bad previously been. His experience went to show that the rule of the road sea was observed Aberdeen Harbour. David Corstorphine, the defender, alleged that the pursuer’s boat came down with a flowing sheet, and was going much faster than his own, and he was of opinion that the pursuer’s boat was in a much better position to have got out of the way than his. He had put down his helm, and did everything his power avoid coming into contact with it. Anderson Thomson having given similar testimony, parties’ agents addressed the Sheriff, who decerned favour the pursuer, assessing the damages £8, with £7 6d of expenses.

1889

On Tuesday morning the Cellardyke fishing boat Queen the Isles KY 1925was struck by sudden squall of wind, and her sail tom to pieces. This rendered the boat almost helpless, but fortunately another Cellardyke boat, seeing her disabled condition, went her assistance and took her in tow. After about ten hours she was brought into Anstruther.  Owner 1889 Charles Marr Cellardyke

On Saturday morning, while the Cellardyke boat Reform KY238 was entering Anstruther Harbour during a strong breeze with heavy blinding snow showers, she collided with the Cellardyke boat Mayflower KY159 , which had just entered the harbour. The Mayflower was struck amidships on the starboard side and cut down to the water’s edge, while the Reform was only slightly damaged.