Author: cellaradmin

1870

LIGHT CASE. John Adamson, manager of the Anstruther and Cellardyke Gas Co., sued George Peebles, tailor, Anstruther, for the sum of 11s 2d, for gas consumed by him. Defender stated that his reason for refusing to pay the amount was that he considered it a gross overcharge. He handed the gas-book to his Lordship, remarking that he would see the great difference in the quantity of gas burned in the other quarters, while he (defender) was of opinion that he had burned less instead of more. From the evidence of the pursuer and another witness, if appeared that the meter in defender’s house had been taken out and repaired. The meter was examined on the 4th of February 1869, indicating at that time 300 feet, which was paid for at the time. It was again examined on the 4th of May, when it indicated 1900 feet, being a consumption of 1600 feet, the price of which was now sued for. The Sheriff said as the meter seemed to have been going regularly enough after it had been repaired, it would never do for him to decide against the company on such slight grounds as a comparison of the quantity consumed in former quarters. Decree for pursuer, with 4s 7d of expenses.

LICENSING COURT. —A court for disposing of applications for certificates for the sale of excisable liquors was held here on Tuesday—Provost Martin and Bailie Watson on the bench. The only application was from Alexander Gourlay, fisherman, Cellardyke, for a grocer’s licence. There being no objections, the certificate was granted.

1871

A Cheap Sloop.—The other week reported that an Anstruther herring boat had been offered for five shillings and failed to find a purchaser ; but that incident fully found a parallel on Friday last, when a smack of fifty tons burthen fully equipped for sea, was sold public auction at the harbour for £14 10s. The smack was the well-known coaster ” Maggie Lauder ” which has been owned for some months past South Shields, but, in consequence of the dull state of the times her owner determined to sell her here at any sacrifice. upset price was named but a Cellardyke shipowner made offer of £5, which led to a short but spirited competition that resulted the vessel being knocked down to the figure already stated to Mr David Anderson, slater, St Andrews. This sloop is of great age, having been built at West Anstruther in 1790, but her history is most remarkable. Through a late owner. Captain Ebenezer Watson, this small vessel of 29 tons register, Capt. Watson contrived, by thrift-and industry, to earn a large sum of money, and become the proprietor of other vessels of much larger tonnage. This was a time when intemperance was only the too common characteristic of the coasting skippers; but when some his neighbours would be four days on the journey between St Andrews and Anstruther, never rising from a public house for nights together, and squandering their freight in shameless debauchery, Capt. Watson would be steadily attending his work, and gained by perseverance and forethought what the idle and profligate ascribe to mere luck. The old sloop was, however singularly fortunate, and it was often a jocular remark that the wind would become fair when the “Maggie Lauder” was ready for sea ; and though she often embarked on a London and Caithness passage, and that at a time when no Bell Rock light- or even serviceable beacon any kind cheered the mariner as he toiled along the dark and dangerous coast, the little Dutch-looking smack out-braved all perils, and is one of the last the numerous fleet of coasters built at Anstruther, which, indeed, in the end of the last and beginning of the present century, was the principal ship-building seat the Firth.

TOTAL LOSS OF THE CLIPPER SHIP TAEPING. Intelligence has reached Liverpool, by telegraph, from Hong Kong, of the total loss of the celebrated China tea clipper ship Taeping, for many years the favourite ship in the great race from China. Crushed out of the tea freights to England, in consequence of the competition of steamers via the Suez Canal, even the celebrated clippers have been forced to take “cross freights” and at the time of her loss the Taeping was going from Amoy to New York, with a full cargo of tea. She is reported lost on Lord Reef—a dangerous reef in the China Seas. The master and 11 men had been landed at Saigon; remainder of crew (officers and 13 men) missing. Her Majesty’s ship Teaser had left Saigon to look for them, and to see if any cargo could be saved. The Taeping was a composite ship of 767 tons, was built by Steele, of Greenock, in 1863, and owned by Rodger & Co., of Glasgow. She was built in almost faultless lines, and her dimensions, according to official returns, were :—Length, 183 ft. 7in. ; breadth, 31ft. lin. ; and depth, 19ft. 9itt. She was commanded by Captain J. Dowdy, who has commanded her since 1867. We understand that a telegram was received in Cellardyke on Wednesday from Alex. Rodger, Esq., Glasgow stating that of the three boats in which the crew of the Taeping had taken refuge, one had arrived at Saigon and the other at Batavia. A young lad named John Watson, son of Mr James Watson (Salter), formed one of the crew, and as it is not known whether he is in any of the boats which have turned up or in the one still missing, some anxiety is naturally felt for his safety.

OPENING OF A TELEGRAPH OFFICE.—Although the telegraph wires have been extended to the Post Office here for some time back, it was not until Wednesday that the office was formally opened for the despatch of messages. On that day, four telegrams were sent off, which, taking into account the dull state of trade at present, may be considered very satisfactory for a commencement. This office, however, does not as yet deliver messages, those arriving at Anstruther for persons residing in Cellardyke being delivered by the message boy at the former place. This materially detracts from the benefit the opening of the office was expected to confer, but it is to be hoped that the Post Office authorities will favourably consider the representations of Provost Martin, who, ever attentive to the interests of the burgh, has already taken steps to endeavour to have messages delivered as well as despatched from the office here.

STABLE ON FIRE.—About eight o’clock on Wednesday night, a fire broke out in a stable occupied by Mr Alex. Myles, it appears that a boy had gone in to supper the horse, and while doing so had laid the lantern on the floor, when by some means or other the straw got ignited. The alarm was at once given, and in a few minutes a large number of persons turned out, by whose assistance a part of the roof was taken off, and the fire soon subdued. The horse was got out of the stable immediately after the fire commenced, but some pigs which were also in it received a slight scorching. The stable, which was insured, is not very seriously damaged.

1872

CELLARDYKE FISHING BOAT ASHORE AT YARMOUTH. —Last Thursday afternoon, as the fishing boat belonging to Skipper Robert Keay, of Cellardyke, was proceeding to sea with a strong breeze blowing, she struck the ground at the side of the river. Fearing that they were in danger, the sail was let go, and the boat made fast to the side of the quay. The crew then made fast thick ropes aft and forward to the shore, in order to keep the boat from being driven down by the tide, which runs very fast. While in this position, one of the beachmen let go the stern rope, and immediately ran off, and the boat then went down the river until she went on shore at the north bank. The sea was running pretty high at the time, and breaking over the boat; which soon filled with water. The assistance of other Scotch fishermen at present at Yarmouth was obtained, and the boat hauled up as far as possible, but it was not until four o’clock next morning that she was got up at the back of the quay, with her ‘ gibber strikes’ split, and her bilge ropes off. It is to be hoped that the beachman who played the dastardly trick to the crew will be discovered, and receive the reward he so richly deserves.

1873

A storm of unusual severity commenced here on Sunday night, and continued to rage with unabated fury until Monday morning. About six o’clock a dismasted schooner was observed beating about the entrance to the Firth of Forth; and shortly after that hour a Cellardyke yawl (manned by veteran Cellardyke Pilot Thomas Cunningham) went off in the gale to ascertain if any assistance was required. The vessel proved to be the Isabella, of Arbroath, bound for Grangemouth, with a cargo of coals. Both of her masts had been carried away by the gale, but the master only requested that a telegram might be sent for a steam tug. About midday the lifeboat was launched, manned by an intrepid crew of Cellardyke fisherman, George Moncrieff coxswain as with fore and main sheets tightened to the blast, the noble boat sped like a bird on her errand of deliverance and mercy towards the disabled hulk. The Piers and every look-outpoint were crowded with anxious spectators, but before the lifeboat could reach the schooner, two tug steamers fortunately came and by their united agency —though with difficulty— she was towed to Leith.

1874

Sea Doings, —The boisterous weather in the end of last week and beginning of the present has seriously checked the labours of the hardy mariner. Last week the fleet steered for the fishing ground, but being overtaken by the gale from the south-westerly were forced to return to land, which several crews only reached after great toil and difficulty. A number of boats from the other harbours of the Forth also encountered the storm, and were glad to flee for refuge into Crail and the nearest shore. This week our gallant fishers had another buffeting, but they succeeded in working their gear. The haddock takes ranged from ten to fifteen basketfuls and sold from 14s to 15s a hundredweight. A mishap occurred to the Cellardyke deep sea going boat of Skipper David Watson at the fisking ground, when the mast snapped by a sudden lurch of the boat, but the crew were so fortunate as to reach Crail under a jury rig without further disaster. The storm continued over Wednesday, but the favourable change on the following day saw the brave little fleet once more merrily dancing over the sunny wave. As may be inferred, from over fifty of the boats of Cellardyke being engaged in the herring fishing on the Norfolk coast, the weather appears to have been equally unfavourable at Lowestoft and Yarmouth as in the Forth and although a trial has been made, comparative little has been done by our East of Fife crews. There is likely, however, to be a keen demand for engaged boats next Lammas on the east coast of Scotland, as owing of course to the very profitable returns to the merchants this season, offers are already being made to the Cellardyke skippers by agents or curers from the north.

“The Battle of the Brae”  

The Magistrates of East Anstruther held a Criminal Court on Monday— Provost Tod and Bailie Darsie on the bench—when Henry Williamson, a native of Fisherrow, but at present fishing from Cellardyke, and Skipper Peter Murray (Reekie) were placed at the bar charged with having committed an assault by striking and kicking Alex Parker, a son of the harbour pilot, at the Brae, on Thursday evening; and also with having caused a breach of the peace at the same time and place. Harry pleaded guilty under circumstances, as he said , “of strong provocation”; but Skipper Murray, with ringing emphasis, put in a plea of “not guilty”. Evidence was then led, when the complainer Parker, deponed to having been struck by the panels in Mr Anderson’s Public-house, and afterwards, as stated in the charge till he was insensible. Mr Anderson, vintner stated that there was “row” in his house between Parker and Williamson, when he put them to the door, when he heard a great noise, but on going out he saw the complainer lying on the ground but he saw no case of assault whatever, John Hepburn, cooper, swore to the assault as charged against Williamson, but he did not see the Skipper interfere. Robert Culbert an apprentice cooper corroborated this evidence, but said that he distinctly heard Skipper Murray say to the other “give it him if he could.” Sophia Parker, sister of the complainer, deponed that she saw Williamson kicking her brother, when the Skipper called out “ Stick it to the ——” There was no exculpatory evidence, and the Magistrates having found the case proven, Harry was sentenced to a fine of 30s or thirty days in prison, and Skipper Murray, in consideration of his being less directly implicated was fined 20s or twenty days in prison. Skipper Murray indignantly protested against his conviction, declared that the complainer, Parker, was the drunkest amongst them; but Harry Williamson had given way to a violent exhibition of anger and excitement, in the course of which he was tossing down his  fine like a man who had been cheated in a bad bargain,  when he was seized by the constable in the act of leaving the Court, and being once more being placed at the bar, was there and then fined 10s, with ten days in prison, for contempt  of court this being 40s in his case. The fines were paid. ( The Pub was the Forth Tavern)

NARROW ESCAPE OF YOUNG WOMAN.—Yesterday morning a young woman, a daughter of Mr John Muir (Anderson), Cellardyke, had a very narrow escape from being run over by a cart. She was turning the corner at the entrance to Cunzieburn Street, just as two carts loaded with barrels full of herrings were passing, when her dress got entangled among her feet, and she fell with her head right in front of one of the carts. The carter was on the other side of the cart at the time, and did not observe the occurrence, but the young woman succeeded in raising her head just as the wheel was about to go over her, although so narrow was her escape that the side of her face was slightly bruised grazed by coining into contact with the wheel.

Wanted Two Boys for the Boatbuilding trade. Good Wages and Short Apprenticeship. Apply to J Millar, Cellardyke

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1905

FRIED FISH and POTATOE SUPPERS can be had at 26 James Street, Cellardyke, on and after THURSDAY, 28th Met., from 6 p.m to 12 p.m. except Saturdays from 12 noon to 12 p.m., and Sunday, 12 noon to 10 p.m., at 3d per plate.

RESIGNATION OF TOWN OFFICER. —The resignation of Mr John Mitchell, town officer of Cellardyke, will no doubt be heard with deep regret by his many friends and acquaintances. Mr Mitchell has held the post of town officer for the long period of 22 years, during which time he has been a familiar figure to all who had occasion to meet him, privately or officially. Always cheery and having a greeting for all, John was universally liked and respected. For a long number of years he led a seafaring life, having been nearly twenty years on Messrs Currie’s boats in the Leith and Hamburg trade He sailed on the ” Forth,” the old paddle steamer engaged in the Anstruther and Leith trade, and afterwards on the “new” screw steamers on the same line of sailings. The Anstruther and Leith steamers claimed his services for nearly 20 years, and he also acted as their porter on shore, for a long time collecting the money due to the steamship company, in which capacity he was well known along the coast from Elie to Crail. He commenced his duties as town officer 22 years ago under the late Provost Watson, who only held office for a fortnight after Mr Mitchell’s-appointment. During these 22 years, he has served under no less than five Provosts, viz., Provosts Watson, Skinner, Martin, Thomson, and Black, the former three having long since joined the great majority. John has, in his official capacity, attended no less than 789 funerals, including those of several local personages. Between 50 and 60 marriage suppers have been held in the Hall during his term of office, and for soirees, well—” he couldna say, there’s been that mony, it wisna easy mindin’ them a’.” John never got anything but praise for his services, and he never heard anyone say anything against him. All who know him will heartily concur in this and wish him and his worthy spouse quiet and comfort in their well-earned retirement.

FOR Sale four Whippet PUPS. Apply Fowler East Forth Street, Cellardyke.

FOR Sale Horizontal STEAM ENGINE and Upright BOILER, BORING MACHINE, and TURNING LATHE. Apply to George Dick, 2 Dove Street, Cellardyke. Can be seen at the Factory, Windmill Road.

1906

MR George Smith, son of Skipper William Smith (Black), Cellardyke, has passed the Board of Trade examination as seam 1 mate at Victoria, British Columbia.

THE FISH WORKERS FOR THE SOUTH. —Last Friday night about 60 female fishworkers from Cellardyke, Pittenweem, and St Monans left with the evening train for Yarmouth. The workers were accommodated in two corridor carriages, and their luggage packed in two vans. There was a large attendance of their friends to see them off at three stations. They arrived all right at Yarmouth on Saturday afternoon, and began work on Tuesday.

1907

FIFE FISH-WORKERS FOR YARMOUTH. Last night a contingent of some 120 fishworkers, drawn from Cellardyke, Pittenweem, St Monance left by special train composed of corridor carriages for Edinburgh direct, where they were to be joined on to the south-going trains for Lowestoft, Yarmouth, &c.

1908

SUCCESS OF A WAID SCHOLAR

At the recent bursary competition for entrance into the Divinity Hall of the University of St Andrews, Mr Robert Gardner, son of Mr Alexander Gardner, Urquhart Wynd, Cellardyke, succeeded in winning the first place. The bursary he receives, amounts to £4O annually for three years.

MUSICAL SUCCESS.

ln connection with the London College of Music examination in pianoforte playing, held in the Waid Academy in June, Helen Anderson John Street, Cellardyke, has been awarded the Fifeshire County Prize for excellence in pianoforte playing (intermediate section). She is a Waid Academy pupil, taught by Miss Bryce, and the prize is awarded to the candidate who obtains the highest percentage in the county.

KILRENNY. DEAD BODY FOUND AT CAIPLIE

On Friday afternoon, the body of a man found on the shore about half a mile to the east side of Caiplie farm, was interred in Kilrenny Churchyard. The body appeared to have been in the sea for a month or two, and the features were entirely unrecognisable. It appeared to be that of a man 50 years of age, 5 feet 9 inches in height, stout of build, and dressed in a three quarter length dark overcoat, dark jacket, black corded vest, and dark cloth trousers, dark stockings and lacing hoots. He had a blue muffler round his neck. The right arm was deformed from the elbow, and had only two fingers on the right hand. Nothing was found to lead to identification, and the remains were buried by the district authorities.

1909

FREE TRADE MEETINGS IN EAST FIFE.

A series of meetings, under the auspices of the Scottish Branch of the Free Trade Union is being held in East Fife during the present week. On Monday night a meeting was held in the Public Hall, Upper Largo, when the Rev. lan Bruce presided, and Messrs J. C. Haig and R. B. Ditch spoke on the question of Free Trade. Mr Haig, illustrating the benefits of Free Trade, gave a striking local example. He told how some 60 years ago two brothers left the little Fifeshire village of Cellardyke, where their father kept a miscellaneous store in which he sold “treacle, tar, and testaments,” to quote his own description. The brothers went to Adelaide, South Australia, which was then a small township, and while there the sons thought there were certain goods which their father sold which would fetch very much higher prices in Adelaide than in Cellardyke, and that on the other hand there were certain goods which could be bought cheaply in Adelaide which would fetch good prices in Fifeshire. So they sent out a small consignment of Australian goods and received a small consignment in exchange, and was the beginning of a profitable intercolonial trade, and the two brothers founded the great firm of D. & J. Fowler, Ltd., the largest in S. Australia. Free Trade tended to foster international trade, whilst so-called “Tariff Reform” tended to check. it.. Several questions were put and answered. Other meetings will be addressed by the same speakers this week at Leuchars, Tayport, Newport., and Ladybank.

MISSING BOATS AT THE SOUTH.  Considerable anxiety was felt in Cellardyke last Saturday and Sunday in consequence of no word having been received of the whereabouts of six boats belonging to Cellardyke, which had been fishing from Yarmouth. Frequent telegrams were passed between the South and Anstruther, and on Sunday morning word came that three had come in all safe. The others turned up at night, the crews having ridden out the storm and gale at their nets. The satisfactory news of the safety of the boats gave much relief to the anxious ones at home.

AN OLD AGE PENSION POINT. —An old woman named Mrs Sutherland, Cellardyke, applied for an old age pension to Kilrenny Town Council. Her claim was approved, but was refused by the pension officer on the ground that her husband received parochial relief and that she participated in it. The Local Government Board ‘ upheld the officer’s contention, and the claim was refused. Questions were put in Parliament, and representations made to the Board on the subject, with the result that another pension officer was sent to Cellardyke to investigate. He has now admitted the claim, finding out that she did not participate in the relict granted to her husband, and the Board have decided that she is to be paid the pension of 5 s weekly from the 1st of August last.

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1901

A DISPUTED ACCOUNT. For some time action has been pending in the Debts’ Recovery Court of Berwickshire, at Duns, at the instance of John Martin and Co., manufacturers, Cellardyke, against William Paterson, fisherman, Eyemouth. Pursuers sued the defender for £16 6s 9d, being balance of an account for goods supplied. The defender pleaded that he was not the debtor in the account, the business being his wife’s, for which he was not responsible. Sheriff Dundas gave judgment against the defender, who appealed the Sheriff Principal. His Lordship heard the agents in the appeal at Duns, and allowed the defender to lodge any accounts or receipts granted by the pursuers in name of Mrs Paterson, and made avizandum of the case. He has now pronounced the following interlocutor : Melrose, 27th September, 1901.—The Sheriff having considered the whole cause: Recalls the judgment of the Sheriff Substitute of 15th August last: Finds that the defender and his wife were married on 1st July, 1887: Finds that his wife, after the marriage, took over shop business in Eyemouth which had been previously carried on by her mother: Finds that the pursuers in their dealings with the defender’s wife in the s hop business during the currency of this account, beginning in October, 1894, invoiced their goods to her and took payments from her in her own name: Finds that upon her lately negotiating with her creditors for a settlement composition, the pursuers sent the account now sued for in her name, but, being dissatisfied with the composition offered, they now seek recourse against tae defender as the true principal in the shop business : Finds that though they have proved the defender, who is a fisherman, to be the tenant the premises, part which is used for the shop, they have not proved that the business was carried on by him or by his authority as principal but on the contrary it appears on the evidence to have been carried on by his wife on her own account, and as separate venture of her own: Finds in law upon these facts that the defender is not liable in the account sued for, and Assoilzies him accordingly: Finds the pursuers liable to the defender in expenses, which modifies to One Pound ten shillings stg., and decerns therefor against the pursuers. (Signed) R. VARY CAMPBELL.

Note. I cannot say that the evidence is clear satisfactory; and I must be understood ac proceeding, in this particular case, upon the facts brought before me by the parties, who, on being asked, did not desire re-open the proofs. When man and his wife, as here, are living together in the same house, she is agent for him as to all household expenses. But the account sued for is not of this class and I cannot agree with the Sheriff Substitute that the Acts of 1877 and 1881 have produced no change in the legal position husband and wife directly affecting a claim such as this. The wife is now free to carry on business for herself and on her own account; and no creditor is entitled to assume without enquiry and as matter of course, that the husband is liable for her business debts. The fact that her shop was in premises let in the husband’s name would not be conclusive that the business was his, in the case, say, of a washerwoman or dressmaker. Here, no doubt, the general store business the wife is not specially feminine; and the tenancy by the husband raises a certain presumption against him, but I think the presumption is removed by the sufficient proof that the course of dealing between the pursuers and the defender’s wife was throughout in her name. It was only after she got into difficulties that the present attempt was made to make the husband liable as the true principal with the wife as agent. I think the pursuers have to prove this relation between the spouses in business as in any other case of recourse upon some other than the person with whom they all along dealt. They have failed, in my opinion, to do so; and I believe on the facts before me. that the wife continued and carried on her mother’s business as a separate venture of her own, on her own responsibility, under the statutes relating to married women and their property. (Intd.) R.V.C.

Agents: For the pursuers and respondents, Mr Penton, solicitor, Stirling; for the defender and appellant, Mr C. Ewart, solicitor, Eyemouth.

At Macalpine’s Temperance Hotel. Road, Edinburgh, 26th ult., Rev. A. G Macalpine, Chalmers Memorial Church. Anstruther, assisted by Rev. John Bruce. Pietermaritzburg (uncle of the bride), James Bruce, law clerk, Cellardyke, to Jessie Martin, eldest daughter of James Leslie, manufacturer, Cellardyke.

1902

There was launched from the building yard of Mr James Miller on Wednesday, a first class fishing boat. The launch was successfully accomplished about high water. The craft was built on spec and is over 68 feet in length. As she lay in the yard her fine model and other qualities attracted attention and eventually she was sold to Mr David Davidson, a Cellardyke Skipper. She is to be fitted up with all modern appliances, and will be available for all branches of the fishing, she is to be named the Sceptre and will shortly be taken to Anstruther. Probably her first trip will be to the winter herring fishing.

There was also  successfully  launched  from the building ground of Mr John Robertson, at the West Pier, a boat of the same class (first Class), built to the order of Mr Thomas Smith Cellardyke. She is 67 feet in length, and is a splendid model. She is named the Harvest Home, is to be fitted up in the same style, and when ready her first trip will be to the herring fishing in England.

DEATH OF A SCOTTISH FISHERMAN AT SCARBOROUGH. Andrew Reid. fisherman, Cellardyke, Fife- shire, died at Scarborough last week. The body was removed to Scotland on Monday. A collection taken for the parents amounted to £23

Upwards of a score of young women from Cellardyke and Pittenweem left last Friday night for Yarmouth with the 7.7 p in. train. Half a dozen special trains from Aberdeen, Peterhead, Wick, and Fraserburgh arrived at Yarmouth on Saturday, bringing Highland girls for the herring fishery. The girls numbered about 3,000, the 600 mile journey from the North occupying from 14 to 16 hours. Three hundred Scotch boats have also arrived, the crews totalling 2,000. The 5.000 Scots will find occupation for about eight weeks.

1903

DRINK DID IT.—Before Baillie Wilson and Dalzell at a Burgh Court on Monday, William McLeod, labourer, pled not guilty to the charge of a breach of the peace committed in his mother’s house in Haddfoot Wynd. Evidence was led John McLeod, Cellardyke, said that at ten o’clock his brother was in the house drunk, and very noisy. He threatened his mother, and said he would put him out. Accused sent for the police to apprehend the witness, but when they came his mother asked them to remove accused, as she was frightened for him. Annie McLeod said there was a disturbance on Saturday night in the house. Accused sent for the policemen, and when they came, the old woman asked them to take him away. Janet McLeod corroborated, and the Fiscal said although his most important witness was not able to come, he had led sufficient evidence. Accused had no witnesses but called the sergeant, who said McLeod was under the influence of drink when he came asking them to apprehend John McLeod. When he got to the house, he found it was the accused who had been creating the disturbance. The Fiscal urged the magistrates that unless McLeod promised to behave himself in future they should put him under a caution to keep the peace for months Accused said he was going out of the place altogether. The bench imposed a fine of 10s or 7 days’ imprisonment.

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1915

The lighting arrangements in Anstruther and  Cellardyke are causing a good deal of comment. In Anstruther a certain number of the street lamps are lit, but the neighbouring town is in total darkness. This somewhat stupid condition is accentuated by the fact that several householders’ whose window blinds allow the slightest ray of light to appear, receive a call from the police to “douse the glim,” which time the street lamp burns brightly. If there is any good at all in having the lights subdued, the effect is lost when a uniform rule is not observed. Perhaps it might be as well if the military authorities, who are supposed to have ordered the restrictions, were to issue some definite instructions for the whole district, and put an end to the absurd conditions that presently exist.

Local Man Wounded. – News came to hand yesterday that Colour-Sergeant George Moncrieff, 4th Black Watch, has been severely wounded during the fighting on Saturday by shell fire. Colour-Sergeant Moncrieff, who served his apprenticeship with Messrs Guthrie & Maxwell, solicitors, Anstruther, was in Tal-tal, Chili, in the employment of Messrs Balfour, Williamson  & Co., shipping agents, when the war broke out, and came home to volunteer. His parents reside in West Forth Street. Many friends in the town will anxiously hope that the Colour-Sergeant’s wound may not prove so severe as the brief notification indicates.

1916

Sudden Death.—A rather sudden death occurred in Cellardyke last Thursday morning. It appears that Mr David Keith, fish merchant, James Street, has not been very well for some time and was under medical treatment, but on Wednesday night he ventured out for a time. On returning he became seriously ill, and passed away early next morning, the cause of death being attributed to heart failure. He was 63 years of age and unmarried, and was well known not only in the immediate district, but through business connections in a wide area. The funeral took place on Saturday, and was largely attended.

CELLARDYKE OFFICER WOUNDED. Mr William Smith, skipper the steam drifter Olive Leaf, Cellardyke, received telegram stating that his son, Second -Lieutenant Thomas Smith, Royal Scots, was missing. This was followed shortly afterwards another telegram stating that it had been ascertained that he had been wounded in action, and was now in a Red Cross hospital. Second-Lieutenant Smith is only 19 years of age, and an old Waid pupil. He was attending classes at St Andrews University when he enlisted into the Royal Scots and obtained a commission. It only about a month since he went to the front.

STEAMER ASHORE AT CELLARDYKE. During severe north-easterly gale the East Fife coast yesterday morning a steamer was driven ashore on the rocks opposite Kilrenny Mill, near Cellardyke. She turned out to be the steamship Streathan, which was proceeding up the Firth to Rosyth. The crew reached the shore in their own boat, and were taken care of by the coastguard. The vessel lies high and dry close inshore, but it is hoped that she may yet be got off.

1917

Return Visit of the Rev James Ray.  On Sunday, the services in Cellardyke were conducted by the Rev. James Ray, Portobello, in fulfilment of a promise he made when leaving Cellardyke. There were large congregations at both services. During the week-end, Mr Ray found time to visit the relatives of the crew of the local drifter blown up recently by coming in contact with a mine, several of whom belonged to his old congregation. ( this was the Jane S, Andrew Henderson, his two sons and two other crew members lost on 14^th August)

1918

Killed – Pte Alex. Bissett (21), R.H., third son Alex Bissett, cabinetmaker, Kilrenny—formerly a grocer with Mr Fowler, Cellardyke.

1919

FOR sale. yoke, chestnut cob, 14h.; good worker in all harness and quiet; float and harness all good. Wm. Woodward, James St. Cellardyke.

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1910

FURS & COATS: AT FORTUNE’S, CELLARDYKE and ANSTRUTHER – Before buying your Winter COATS and FURS, you would do well to look through our stock, which at present is large and varied. Having just visited the Markets we are in a position to give you the VERY LATEST, and at prices to suit all purses. For Special Display See Windows 44 SHORE STREET, ANSTRUTHER. AND 9 GEORGE STREET, CELLARDYKE.

EAST FIFE LIBERALS AT DUNFERMLINE ARE ADDRESSED BY DUNCAN MILLAR, M.P. About five hundred members of the Anstruther and District Liberal Association held an excursion to Dunfermline.  The party coming from Anstruther, Cellardyke, Crail and Pittenweem. A visit of inspection was made to the old and new Carnegie baths, where social privileges were provided by the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, The Abbey and Palace ruins and other places of interest. In the Afternoon the trippers enjoyed tea at the Pittencrieff Park Teahouse, on invitation of Mr J Duncan Millar. MP for the St Andrews Burghs, by whom they were joined in the afternoon.

YOUTH’S ANNOYING TACTICS AND THEIR SEQUEL – The first juvenile court for the burgh , was held on Saturday before Provost Black and Bailie Butters, when James Smith, a lad between 10 and 12 years of age, son of James Smith, carter, 63 John Street., was charged with having, on Wednesday, 31st August, wilfully and wantonly disturbed Walter Myles, grocer, John Street, by knocking at the door of his shop. The mother of accused, who was present, pled guilty on the boy’s behalf. The Fiscal stated that several boys were annoying Myles by knocking at his door with sticks and disturbing him. Myles threatened to throw a pail of water over them, but without. effect. It was a boyish game, and he thought a severe reprimand would meet the ends of justice. The Provost, addressing the lad, said he must learn not to disturb anybody, but to behave himself. If he was up before the Court again, he would not get off. The lad was then dismissed. The sequel to this case was heard immediately after, when Walter Myles, grocer, 28 John Street, was charged with having, on the same day, assaulted James Smith, son of James Smith, by throwing a poker at him, which struck him on the left eyebrow to the effusion of blood. The Fiscal said there had been some difficulty in bringing the case into the burgh court. The Chief Constable held that as Myles had used a lethal instrument, he should be tried in the Sheriff Court. He had written to the County Fiscal stating the facts, and pointing out that as Myles had only thrown the poker at the boy, and had not “hammered” him with it, he thought the case could be dealt with by the Magistrates. The County Fiscal concurred in this view, but Myles had had a narrow escape from going before the Sheriff. There was no doubt that Myles had been annoyed by the boys, and that he had no intention of injuring any of them. He had taken the first object that came to his hand. At the same time, it was a risky thing. He left the matter entirely in the hands of the Court. Myles said he had never any intention of harming the boy. He had warned him three times to stop annoying him, and had at last taken up the first thing that came to his hand and thrown it. Provost Black said that taking into consideration the aggravation Myles had received, the Magistrates had decided to deal leniently with him. The consequences of his action might have been very serious, both to the boy and to himself. A sentence of 6s or 3 days was passed. Myles asked how the boy had been treated, and on being told he had been admonished, began saying that he did not see why the boy should get off and be should punished. In the middle of his protest he was told to hold his tongue. The poker which he had thrown at the boy was produced in Court. ” Watty ” was so displeased with the verdict that he refused to accept the poker, although he signed a receipt for it. He left the Courtin a ” huff.” The fine was paid.

MARRIED. STEVENSON —DOIG. At 22 Queen Street, Edinburgh, on the 22nd instant, David Stevenson, third son of David Stevenson, Cellardyke, to Bella May, eldest daughter of Michael Doig, Cellardyke.

1911

FORTUNE’S GREAT REMOVAL SALE HAS BEGUN

HAVING decided to remove to the more Central Premises at 44 SHORE STREET, ANSTRUTHER, the whole of the large Stock in Cellardyke will be exposed for Sale. SWEEPING REDUCTIONS IN EVERYTHING. FLANNELS, PLAIDINGS, FLANNELETTES, COTTONS, BLANKETS, SHEETS, QUILTS, BEDCOVERS, BED LINEN, TABLE COVERS, TABLE NAPERY, DRESS GOODS, PRINTS, BLOUSE LENGTHS, CRETONNES, READY-MADES, &c., &c. NOW is YOUR time to buy; never before has such a golden opportunity occurred to have your Winter Needs supplied at such a cheap rate. James Fortune 9 George Street Cellardyke.

DRAPER’S SHOP, TAILOR’S WORKROOMS, &C., IN CELLARDYKE, TO LET. To Let, those commodious premises. N0. 7 George Street, Cellardyke, so long occupied by the late Mr James Fortune, draper. The shop is one of the best in the district both as regards situation and fittings, and will he let either in whole or in part. for further particulars apply to MACKINIOSH & WATSON, Solicitors, Anstruther.

FERRYDEN FISHERMAN DROWNED.—information was received in Anstruther on Tuesday by Mr Thomas Cunningham, of the death by drowning of William Duncan, fisherman Ferryden, who is married to a Cellardyke woman. Rev Mr Ray was asked to break the sad news to the mother of Mrs Duncan. Deceased was on hoard, a motor boat, and sailed from Hartlepool on Monday, and it is supposed he was washed overboard on Tuesday morning. From additional information received, it appears that Duncan who was sailing the boat Annie Mearns:—was standing for’ard in the boat when he was struck by the sail and knocked overboard. The motor was flying before a rather stiff breeze at the time, and before the distance to the spot where Duncan fell had been retraced all signs of him were gone. The body was not recovered. The Annie Mearns reached Montrose yesterday.

1912

WASHED UP BY THE SEA. A wine bottle, tightly corked, with a paper inside, has been washed up from the sea and found on the beach at by Mr T. Whylie during the week. The paper is in good state of preservation, and contained the following: list of names ” Peter Murray. Peter Carstairs, William Smith, Tom Tarvitt, George Tarvitt, James Barclay. Angus McKay James Murray, Harry Seely. Smith. 41 James, Street, Cellardyke, Fifeshire, Scotland; the crew of the Venus. August 16th”

1914

Bravery Award – There was a fairly well attended meeting in the Town Hall, on Saturday afternoon, when Mr Thomas Watson, cooper, Dove Street. was presented with the Royal Humane Society’s parchment for having gallantly rescued a young lad from drowning. Provost Black presided, while Bailie Marr and Mr Henry Watson were also on the platform. The Prevost said that while they were reading of courage on the battlefield, they had before them that day an example of every day courage that was ready for all dangers. He had much pleasure in asking Mr. Thomas Watson to accept the Society’s parchment, which set forth that on the 22nd May last. Mr Watson gallantly rescued a young lad, William Mason, from drowning, at a point off the east end of Cellardyke. Mr Watson briefly returned thanks for the parchment. Mr Henry Watson congratulated him on being the recipient of the parchment for such a brave deed. On the call of Bailie Marr, Mr Henry Watson was cordially thanked for reporting the case to the proper authorities. and so securing the award.

Last night, a recruiting rally was held in Cellardyke Town Hall, Provost Black presiding. The meeting was addressed by Capt. Stevens, Chief Recruiting Officer for Fife, and Capt. T. D. Murray. The last named made a rousing appeal to the fishermen to volunteer. Even for the sake of their wives and children they should come forward at the present juncture, as their trade had been completely cut off. After describing the Kaiser as a “bloody ruffian,” Capt. Murray said he would only have been too pleased to go to the front, but as he had retired in June, he was not accepted. Mr Munro, headmaster, also spoke, while the Rev. Mr Patterson, West Anstruther, regretted that his eyesight would not permit him offering his services. On the motion of Mr H. Watson, both the speakers and Chairman were thanked. A number of young fishermen were enrolled at the close.

PATHFINDER WRECKAGE. During the past week a considerable amount of wreckage from the ill-fated cruiser Pathfinder has been washed ashore on the Fife coast. Near Cellardyke, the articles included a Bible, two caps, and two water bottles. At Pittenweem, on Friday. Mrs John McPhie and Mr D Flett, High Street, handed over to P.C. Melville two parts of a log signal book, which they had picked up in the vicinity of the bathing pond. P.C. Melville at once communicated with the Coastguard officials, and acting on instructions, the book was forwarded the following day to the Admiralty.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Pathfinder_(1904)

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1885

Alarming Accident.—As Alexander Donaldson, baker at the East End of Cellardyke was serving his customers in West Anstruther on Friday evening, the pony, a fiery little animal, from some unexplained cause bolted before he had well taken his seat in the van. Dashing full career, it took that most dangerous of all angles, the Buckie House corner, so quickly as to upset the van by the Town Hall. In the meantime Mr Donaldson’s boy of fourteen leaped from the back of the vehicle, and thus escaped with no more serious hurt than the spraining of his foot; but Mr Donaldson, himself was thrown with such tremendous violence against the wall and footpath, as, with other injuries, to break his collar bone and three of his ribs—at the moment, indeed, the impression of the bystanders was that he was killed on the spot, but on being conveyed home and attended to by Dr Macallum, with his assistant, Dr Lynch, his friends had every encouragement to hope well of his convalescence.

WRECKAGE AT SEA. telegram from Vlaardingen, Sept 7, says A vessel’s nameboard, blue, and masked in gilt letters with the vessel’s name, “Cellardyke,” was picked up, Aug. 29, lat.55.58 N, by the fishing lugger Jorge Gerard, has been brought in here (North Shields).

CELLARDYKE. PROPERTY SALE—One of the dwelling houses recently erected by Mr Jas. Henderson, in the new street and adjoining Rodger Street, Cellardyke, has this week been sold to Skipper David Anderson for £345.

THE HALLELUJAH ARMY. The Treasurer reported that application had been made to him by a Cellardyke fisherman for the use of the Town Hall for the Hallelujah Army. The Provost considered that a different charge from last year should be made. It was given cheap last year, as they posted it would only be occupied for a short time. They could not allow it to be occupied for that purpose without being paid for it. He had spoken to several people on the subject, and there was a strong feeling that the Hall should be better paid for than it had been. The Treasurer mentioned that the Cellardyke people were charging 3s 6d each night, with 1s 6d to the officer. Mr Thaw suggested that they should charge £1 for two nights in the week, and for a third night if required, 5s. This was agreed to, and it was understood that the Army were to have the Hall during the pleasure of the Council.

1886

Serious Accident.— On Saturday afternoon, one of the Cellardyke fishermen, David Moncrieff, was sitting on the parapet so well known at the “Man Trap,” at the foot of the opening to the East-green, he lost his balance and fell into the Harbour, The height was little more than 10 or 12 feet, but, his head alighting on a sharp stone, he received such terrible injuries that the cry arose that he was killed on the spot. As it was, his skull was fearfully fractured, and though, on being removed to his home at the Harbour head of Cellardyke, everything was done for his relief, he still lies in very precarious condition. The spot at which he fell has been the scene in recent years more than one fatal accident. The unfortunate man is about forty years of age and unmarried.

PAINFUL ACCIDENT.— Alexander Doig, one of the crew of the Cellardyke boat ” Refuge,” had his hand terribly mutilated by the wheel of machinery upon which he was engaged working. One of the forefingers was completely torn away. Dr Craig attended to the injured man.

BOAT for SALE; Length, 45 feet ; Built in 1874, and in good condition, just as she has been at this Lammas Fishing. Apply to Wm. Gardner Skipper, 59 John Street, Cellardyke.

1887

DUNDEE – AN EVENING DIP.— About midnight last night, while John Walker, a fisherman from Cellardyke, was walking along the West quay of King William Dock he accidentally fell into the water. Being a swimmer he succeeded in reaching the steps at the North-West corner, and was assisted out by a couple of policemen.

ABERDEEN – THEFT OF A WATCH.—,James McVay, fisherman, Ireland pleaded guilty to having on 1st or 2nd September stolen a silver watch from the fishing boat, Evening Star, of Cellardyke, presently lying at Point Law. He was sent to prison for 20 days.

Successful Hatching.— Mr Thos. Thomson, Cellardyke, has just been successful in hatching chickens by means of an incubator of his own design and make. The outer case is square and made of wood with air holes in the sides. The shelves upon which the eggs are laid is placed above a small tank, which contains four gallons of water. The water is heated by a current of hot air, which passes over it from a pipe led in from a paraffin lamp. The cost of paraffin is only halfpenny per day. The work of hatching is going on satisfactorily, one tiny fledgling already having made its appearance.

FATAL CASE OF BURNING IN FIFESHIRE. A lamentable accident occurred in the west end of Cellardyke Monday. About 8 a.m., in the absence of her mother on some domestic duty, a girl named Janet Murray, the daughter of Thomas Murray (Blyth), fisherman, stepped so near thew grate as to set fire to her chemise. A wild scream brought her mother, without the loss of moment to her side. She was enveloped in flames, but these were so speedily extinguished that it was hoped that she had not been fatally or even seriously injured. Unfortunately the nervous system had received such shock that, despite every care and attention, she expired this side of midnight. She was a fine, bright girl of about seven years of age, and much sympathy is felt for her family.

1888

A young Cellardyke fisher, Thomas Tarvit, was accused of throwing a big stone so as to strike Police Constable White on  the heel towards the midnight of Thursday. He explained that it was a bit of brick—he did not mean to strike the constable, but a Pittenweem man who had injured him. He was fined in 7s 6d

THE HERRING HARVEST. INCIDENTS OF THE SEASON, &c. After a pleasant spin over Rattray Briggs, the last comers arrived in the first of the week. But there is no holiday in the fisher home; in fact, the one voyage nowadays runs into the other that the shore will continue as bustling as a fair till the big wing is again spread for the south. The veterans are, of course, fighting the battle over again at the bulwark. We caught the echoes the other evening, and so we learn that the king fisher, not of Cellardyke only, but of the Forth, is the son of a brave old race, Skipper David Watson, of the Providence, fished no less than £350 at the Dee between the 10th July and the end of August, so that, after paying the expenses—that is, the victuals account, &c.—he divided all but six-and forty pounds to hand, or three-and-twenty pounds to a half deal. Buttoning such sum in the tobacco pouch, do you wonder at the grin of delight and the exclamation, “Hech, it’s worth the fechtin’ for.” Skipper David Parker, of the Thistle, Cellardyke, fished £340, but perhaps a third it was in the early days of the season at Shetland. The skipper of the Prospects Ahead, of Pittenweem, reported in with £300, but if you believe the greybeards at the Braid stepping up the Bread Wynd the other day we were told the best o’ oor folk is Willie Reekie o’ the Lavonia. They say he has £250, but our venerable informer assured us that it was one of the poorest draves he ever remembered at ST Monance. ” Maist o’ oor folk, like the Dykers,” he went on to say, with a sorrowful shake of his head, “lived in the boat to save lodgings, but they havna a’ pairted twa or three notes tae a hand.” In the course of the week the engines have been again busy pulling boats to the green, but many skippers prefer to winter them at such points as Leven Dock and the fine bight at Ferry-Port-on-Craig. The brilliant weather of the week is most opportune for drying the tackle previous to stowing it in the attics, well as for getting the big boat in trim, though there will be little, or rather no breathing time, in order sail with the first fair wind the long and hazardous run to Yarmouth. Two of the Cellardyke fleet, the Onyx and the Twins, sailed on Thursday to Scarborough, from which they will return at the close of the season, but many of the Fife boats will only tarry there for a week or two on their way to the south. Thus in ten or twelve days the Fife coast will be again be as deserted as ever ; indeed, not a single deep sea boat will be left for the time being between Cellardyke and St Monance. The number, so far as we can learn, will be scarcely fewer than 150, in consequence of the little encouragement with hook and line the Forth. In referring to the close of the herring campaign, in which about 1000 landsmen assist our hardy skippers, it is pleasant to dwell on the fact that there have been exceptionally few commitments by the police. Here and there, it is true, a luckless wight has acted the principle of allowing “the tow tae gang wi’ the bucket,” but as a rule the strangers left with the first train, when it was so agreeable to observe the cordial handshaking by way of farewell. No doubt there was case here and there of vile ingratitude—for instance, when the skipper and the mate were left wash the nets and steer the boat to land, while big lubberly half-dealsmen looked sullenly on with folded arms. As a set-off to this, hundreds have left all the happier that they are return, if spared health and strength, as to old friends on board the herring fleet of Fife.

Marriages.—lf the whisper is true in the milliner’s shop, the bridal song will not be in full chorus till the return of the boats from the south, but on Sabbath there were no fewer than four proclamations in the Parish Kirk of Cellardyke, Thera was time when such an announcement would have fired Fiddler Easson with ecstasy. The forty or fifty couple, every fisher lad in his spruce sea jacket, and his rosy partner like a ship about to launched, with ribbons of every hue, passing along to fill the streets with a gush of sunshine, and then the feast and dance, so to make the rafters dirl with the joy of the young heart. But, alas ! for all that has come and gone, like a tale of long ago, seeing that in these degenerate days the event passes without even the next door neighbour always knowing of the occurrence.

1889

Yesterday morning at 6 o clock the body of a man was found washed ashore at Arbroath, a short way east from the harbour. It was dressed in fisherman’s clothes, bluish trousers, with a large patch on the left knee, fisherman’s boots, extending well up the thighs,  a worsted jersey, stripped shirt and oilskin coat. The body must have been a considerable time in is the water, as on the head nothing remained but the skull, and the flesh of the hands was also gone, No one is missing from Arbroath. On the 6th August last the crew of the Cellardyke boat, Black Prince, which arrived at Arbroath that-day, reported that one of their number, James Brodie, a native of Stonehaven, was lost overboard a quarter of a mile north of the North-of Carr Lightship.

SALE of FISHING TACKLE &c.—The outfit for sea of Skipper James Cunningham (Doig), who is about to leave Cellardyke for Australia, was exposed for sale on Saturday. Some eighty nets realised from 12s to 22s. Other tackle was also in fair demand. The first-class boat, “Isle of May ” was exposed for sale. This tidy little craft was built by Mr Miller some ten or twelve years ago, but she failed to get an offer at £40.

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1880

On Sunday morning, it was discovered that the padlock of the shop of Messrs Sharp & Murray had been tampered with, and a further examination showed that a pane of glass in a window facing the west pier had also been broken. The police were own communicated with, and made a minute inspection of the premises, but it did not appear that the depredators had succeeded in making an entrance, as everything inside was in its usual order. Police-constable Black, however, made sure work by visiting a lodging house in the burgh, but found nothing which could connect the occupants with the matter, and it is still a question to be solved whether it was an act of malicious mischief or an attempt at breaking into the shop.

The fishing may now be regarded at a close for the season. Our district boats have fully participated in the success of the north, and, the opinion of some who are presumably authority on the point, the average is more than £200 a boat—rising in some cases to nearly £500 – being a measure of prosperity altogether new in the annals of the coast. The deep sea banks in the offing of the Forth have yielded well, but in the estuary itself the season has been again a barren one, owing, the old fishers do not hesitate to say, to the steam trawlers who nightly sweep the old familiar track of the herrings. When, notwithstanding the large delivery from the deep sea, the total catch is scarcely better than the half of last year, the heaviest take at Anstruther being the magnificent haul of a hundred and sixteen crans, which were landed the end of last week the Cellardyke boat Catherine Edie, the price being 11s cran. The last of the fleet are expected to arrive on about Saturday, the contracts then come to end. It invites notice, showing the general embarrassment of the trade, that not few our crews are only receiving a payment account till sales are effected or returns come in from the Baltic ports. As a rule, however, the halfdealsmen are being settled with in full, and many a son of toil is hastening homeward with from £20 to £30 for the work of the season. The following is the catch for the week ending Thursday : —187 ; previous catch, 3840; total for the season, 4027.

A Curious Vistitor.—A fine specimen of the locusta migratoria—the locust of the Scriptures was found amongst some old walls in Cellardyke on Friday. It is nearly three inches long, and is beautifully mottled both in body and wings, though when first seen by its youthful captor it was mistaken for a bat. Like other rare finds, it was quickly put into the hands of Dr Woodcock, who attempted to nurse it with tender leaves, but the interesting stranger only survived till Thursday this week. It is a curious coincidence that the mother of its captor, Mrs David Meldrum, at the gas works found one of the very few specimens of the locust ever seen in the East of Fife. This was some thirty years ago, and the situation was an old house in the “Cards Wynd,” into which it came flying through the open window. We remember it was given to Dr Black.

1881

Gale at Wick – The heavy rollers in Wick Bay on Friday morning showed what the state of affairs was outside. Rain had been falling for several hours, and the wind still blew strongly, but it had veered round to the north-east, a circumstance which induced some of the boats to run for the Moray Firth, where comparative shelter would be found after passing Clyth Head. Nine boats lay at anchor on the north side of Wick Bay, and though the crews knew best what was the most advisable course to follow, the spectators on the shore were unanimously of opinion that they ought to have made for the Firth. About ten o’clock a white sail hove in sight, and it was supposed that this boat was proceeding to the sheltered side of the bay to anchor beside the other nine. To the general surprise, however, she made straight for the harbour entrance, a proceeding which was looked upon as extremely hazardous, for besides the huge rollers which had to be encountered, a good deal of broken water had to be passed through. Steadily onward the white sail came, sometimes almost out of sight in a deep trough, and the next moment bounding lightly over the crest of a billow. The scene was full of excitement, and people held their breath, until, to the general relief of everyone, the brave and admirably steered craft, favoured by a lull in the storm, came sweeping into the harbour without the slightest damage having been sustained by boat or crew. She turned out to be the Cellardyke boat, KY. 1593, James Brunton, skipper. This boat has several times been heard of this season in connection with some of the largest takes of herring ever landed in Wick. She had now four crans on board, and had brought away all her nets. It was rather hazardous to take the harbour at that particular juncture; but the crew not being well acquainted with the Firth considered that the course which they adopted was the safest one. The boat belongs to the largest and best-modelled class, and is thus fitted to come through difficulties from which some other craft would be compelled to shrink. About one o’clock, when the gale had slightly abated, the boats at anchor in the bay showed signs of activity. Masts were set up, and one having hoisted sail, made for the harbour. There was still a heavy surf, and it required both courage and skill to steer for the entrance, but the effort was successful, and the achievement, as in the case of the Cellardyke boat, was greeted by the spectators with hearty cheers. This proved to be an Orkney boat, KL 1707. The Pulteneytown boat St Clair, WK. 555, came next, and six others followed in rapid succession. One was still left at anchor, but the crew came ashore in a neighbour’s boat, and thus the exciting episode reached a satisfactory conclusion.

TWO CELLARDYKE BOATS ASHORE AT ABERDEEN —During a terrific south-easterly gale on Thursday night last two Cellardyke fishing boats, which were making for the harbour, were driven ashore on the beach, and the crews would have inevitably perished among the breakers had it not been for the prompt assistance of the Bonaccord lifeboat, which was launched under the direction of Coxswain Paterson, and rescued the men, who were stranding in the water. The names of the boats were the Polar Star, skipper Alexander Gardiner, and the Gladstone, skipper James Watson. They had both crews of six men each.

On Wednesday night a company of five fishermen, belonging to Tongue and Orkney, landed at Granton from Cellardyke by the Granton and Burntisland ferryboat. One of them, named Colin McKay being the worse of liquor, was taken in charge by the Granton police, and yesterday morning, when he had become sober, he found he had lost the whole of his money, to the amount of £9. Suspicion falling on one his comrades, named Donald McKay, he was apprehended by the Granton police. On being questioned, he denied all knowledge of the matter, but on being searched the whole of the money alleged to belong to Cohn was found in his stocking. He will be brought before the Sheriff to-day. The whole party were in company to take passage for home from Leith by the North of Scotland Company’s boat.

THE SWARM OF HAWKERS—With the return of the fishermen from the north we have had in Anstruther and Cellardyke the periodical visitation of hawkers. A number of the good house-wives who were induced to purchase are now sorry at making their “cheap – bargains, and will probably in future pay a better price for an article which, if not satisfactory, may be returned without touch trouble. Most of the complaints made are quite unnecessary, for the simple reason that people have themselves to blame.

1883

OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT.—Wm. Lyall begs to inform the Public that he has now Opened a General Store in Rodger Street, Cellardyke, and by keeping Good Articles at Moderate Prices, he hopes to merit a share of Public Patronage.

DR AMERIC FLAXMAN, B.A., Oxon, formerly resident at the East London Hospital for Children, and the Clinical Assistant in the Department for the Treatment of Diseases peculiar to Women and Children. Middlesex Hospital, London, has commenced Practice in CELLARDYKE and ANSTRUTHER at Mr ROBERTSON’S, Rodger Street, Cellardyke. Consultation daily from 9 to 10 A.M. Teeth, etc

A telegram was received in Cellardyke see Friday forenoon bearing the, melancholy message that Walter Peat, the skipper of the fishing boat “Summer Breeze.,” had perished at an early hour that morning in Peterhead harbour. The details are peculiarly touching. The boat had come in gunwale deep on the previous night. The crew had already discharged some sixty crans, which completed their ” compliment” or stipulated number to the merchant, and had gone to their lodgings for some needful refreshments before putting out the remainder—some thirty crams or so. We can easily suppose the pride and pleasure with which the hardy mariners would resume their task, as they were doing about two in the morning when the unfortunate skipper, in the act of leaning over the gunwale, lost his balance, and fell into the sea. The crew, who included his father and brother-law and his own brother—a boy of tender years—sprang to the rescue. Rope and oar were thrown to the spot; but, strong swimmer as he was, he failed to reach them, and as the last mournful wail rose in the darkness he was swept away by the current which reins with resistless force at this part of the harbour. Shipper Peat, who wax thirty years of age, was a native of Pittenweem, but he removed about a twelvemonth ago to Cellardyke, where he leaves a widow and four children to the care of Heaven. His career has been a short one, but he, was from first to last one of the most self-reliant and enterprising fishermen of the coast, trusted and esteemed by all that knew him; and his melancholy fate, has touched, as we have seen before, the regret and sympathy of the fishing communities of the East of Fife.

The body of Skipper Waiter Peat, of Cellardyke boat Summer Breeze, was recovered on Friday evening in the Peterhead harbour, not far from the spot where he unhappily perished just eight day’s before. The boat in the meantime had sailed for Fife, but sympathising neighbours were ready to see to the last sad offices for the dead; when the coffin was taken on board the Pittenweem boat Summer Cloud, David Black master, which arrived there, after a somewhat boisterous passage on Sabbath forenoon. Soon after a little procession was on its way with the melancholy burthen to the house of mourning in Rodger Street, Cellardyke. The interment took place on the following when almost every seafaring man on the coast who could conveniently do so joined in the last tribute of respect to the remains of the unfortunate skipper, as dust was committed to dust by the side of kindreds and friends in the old churchyard Pittenweem.

A movement is on foot to provide a bell for the new Parish Church. The cost, including the expense of suspending it in the tower, is estimated at about £35. Donations are invited, especially from the young friends of the Church. Situated midway between the belfries of Anatruther and Kilrenny, but so far sequestered from both, the new monitor, as it may called, will be a great boon, not only to the congregation but to the community at large, guiding every foot and warning every ear, however the worshipper may turn, with the message never so sweetly, so persuasively, told as by the “Sabbath bell.”

1884

PETERHEAD — Novel Capture of a Fishing Boat.—A proceeding of a somewhat unusual character connected with legal steps taken against the skipper of a herring boat occurred at Peterhead on Friday morning. The boat Pheonix, of Cellardyke was late in on Thursday night, arrested and dismantled at the instance of three hired men, a dispute having arisen between the skipper and the men as to the amount of wages due under their agreement. It appears that the skipper had received payment from the curer for his catch, but had delayed settlement on the hired men’s terms, and was intending to leave on Friday morning. At ten o’clock on the previous night the process of dismantling was effected, the mainsail and rudder taken ashore and deposited in safe keeping. Early on Friday morning the Phoenix was conspicuous by its absence in harbour, as a mainsail having been borrowed, the crew had gone out to sea, The tug Pride of Scotland was sent out in pursuit with Mr James Selbie, sheriff officer, on board,  and the boat was duly captured and brought back to the harbour. We understand that later in the day the hired men were settled with. The amount due to them was upwards of £90, and all the incidental expenses have also to be paid by the skipper. This is the first time that an ingenious procedure of this nature was ever adopted in Peterhead for the recovery of a debt. Mr Gray (of Messrs A, & W Boyd solicitors) was agent for the hired men in the proceedings.

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1876

The mallet and the chisel is finding a merry echo amongst the fisher homes of the East of Fife. Some notable improvements are course in Cellardyke, in the shape of new dwelling houses, merchant’s store, and a beaching slip the harbour.

On Wednesday (says the Peterhead correspondent of the Daily Review) 400 fishing boats went out, notwithstanding the fact that the wind was blowing strong. Some of them, had got far as the fishing ground before anything arose which made the fishermen think of returning. Before the night was far advanced. however, the strength of the wind intensified. Most of the fishermen who were not far off the shore at once set sail for home and the boats continued to come into port during the whole night. Early on Thursday morning considerable interest was entertained by friends of those fishermen who were still at sea. and many hundreds of men and women kept a constant look-out for the sons and husbands who had not yet returned but nothing a serious character occurred until the forenoon. when the first of the unfortunate disasters began. A boat was seen a good distance from the land, and as she appeared to be unequal to the storm. those on shore made preparations to assist the crew. But their efforts were all in vain. The craft, it was observed, same from Cellardyke, A. Watson skipper, and was now attempting to get into the south harbour. But something about the sail went wrong, and she ran direct on to the rocks, and was smashed to pieces. Four of the crew and a boy managed to jump on the rocks and were rescued, but an old man, who got entangled among the nets, very nearly lost his life while the sea was washing over him. A young man named John Davidson, a cooper, went to his assistance at the risk of his own life, and succeeded in getting him to dry land safely. By this time the shore was crowded by spectators and the excitement was intense, as several other boats were still in sight of land.

1877

Herring Fishery Commission

Mr David Murray, of the firm of Sharp & Murray, fishcurers and net manufacturers, Cellardyke, deponed. I am stationed here at our curing station. The fishing has been improving here. I was a fisherman in my younger days, and my opinion is that the trade should be left free as it is. I would have no legislative regulations whatever. Then is no decrease in the herrings, and so nothing is required. The netting is a simple matter, in my opinion, and could be regulated by the traders. It is done now by the curers, who, when engaging boats, generally look for those wide meshes. I have a large station at Great Yarmouth, and I consider that to legislate only for our Scotch fisheries would be a great hardship to the English fisheries. The net is gradually getting larger, as it pays best. If Parliament restricted the size of the mesh, it would have no effect whatever on herrings!, but would seriously affect the garvie fishing. At Pittenweem Traith, where trawling is carried on, I have hauled up hundredweights of herring-spawn in the latter end of September. Some of the spawn might have been killed; but years after that the herring came back, and were as plentiful as ever, although they had now left it again. In 1804-5 there were no herrings in the Firth of Forth, I have heard my grandfather say, and there was no beam trawling then. They left the Forth for twenty-five years. I never heard any reason assigned for that. I close my ear to all the statements about garvie fishing, and would leave everything free.

1877

LOST AT SEA. —THOMAS WATSON, of the Boat “Scotia,” KY. 1383, Cellardyke, has Lost all his Drift of Nets. Any Person finding them will be Rewarded.

Singular accident to a fishing boat. -Yesterday in the afternoon the fishing boat Violet, of Cellardyke, marked 1346 KY. and commanded by David Keay left her berth at the Upper Jetty, Pointlaw, in tow of the tug Knight Templar, for the purpose of prosecuting the herring fishing. While proceeding down the old channel, the Violet struck against some piles which line the outside of a large bank situated above the ferryboat station. There she became so firmly wedged amongst the stakes that all the efforts of the tug to get her off were ineffectual. The accident happened shortly after full tide, and as the water in the channel receded, the boat settled down upon the stakes four of which penetrated her timbers, and at low water the craft literally hung on the piles. Last night efforts were being made to get the boat out of this position. The craft is a valuable one, and the damage done is very considerable.

1878

Aberdeen Press and Journal – Sudden Death.— On Saturday a lad named John Jack, son of a fisherman from Cellardyke, and residing in Duke Lane, while employed gathering nets in a field the farm of Derbyhall, suddenly put hand to his head and complained violent pain in his breast and want breath. He fell down, and without uttering word expired in about fifteen minutes. Dr Napier was sent for, and stated that death had been caused heart disease.

1879

PONY (Grey) for Sale – 14.1 hands ; 9 years old; quiet every way, and a good worker. William Leslie, Merchant, CELLARDYKE

The Magistrates of Crail held a Burgh Court on Wednesday evening, when John Scott, cadger, Cellardyke, was charged with assault, in so far that he dealt Mr George Morris, fish merchant, a violent blow on the mouth, and being convicted, was fined in the sum of 12s 6d.

FISHING. SPLENDID HERRING PROSPECTS ON THE FIFE COAST. Our Anstruther correspondent writes :—The large herring shoals which have been gathering in or near the Forth have now taken ground, and the most extraordinary harvest of recent years is being reaped by the fishers of the coast. There was stirring luck the offing of the Billowness on Saturday, but the grand rendezvous is now the Auld Haikes,” near Fifeness. The following graphic notes are supplied by a friend in Crail – Herrings in the Haikes being reported on Saturday morning, immediately all was stir at Crail Harbour. Garrets were ransacked for nets, and number of yawls started off as soon as possible for the formerly famous spawning ground. The crew of the regular fishing boat Unity also proceeded the ground yawl with a number of nets, and returned later on with their large-boat and netted 30 crans, which were landed at Crail about nine o’clock, and despatched overland to the fishcuring premises of Wm. Cormack, Cellardyke, to whom the fish belonged by right of engagement, all in time to bring the full engaged price. Some of the yawls landed small quantities in the afternoon, and returning to the fishing ground immediately landed early on Sunday morning takes from 10 to 25 crans, one yawl (Skipper P. Davidson) being fortunate enough to land two takes amounting together to about 40 crans, while the yawl Skipper A. Black landed fully 50 crans between Saturday night and Monday morning. The nets of the crew of W, Jenkins on Saturday night about eleven o’clock were so heavily fished that after taking the herrings from one net and proceeding to haul another which was full of herrings, the yawl unfortunately shipped some water and sank to the bottom, when, in addition to the skipper, the others of the crew—George Guthrie and Alex. Bonthrone —were left struggling in the water. Their cries were heard by the crew of John Spinks, who, having just hauled 10 ½ crans out of one net, immediately cast off from the remainder of their nets, and proceeded to where they heard the cries of the unfortunate men, and, after considerable risk, succeeded in saving the three, and took them to Crail. The herrings—about 80 crans —landed on Sunday were bought by G. Morris, and having undergone the process known “rousing,” were left to gutted on Monday. The body of herrings is very large and dense, and on Monday morning numbers of yawls were hauling large quantities, and landing them at Kingsbarns. Fifeness, and Crail, most them being too heavily laden to venture further with them. The Unity, Skipper J. Watson, landed a second take of crans at Anstruther for Mr Cormack. Large crowds of people visited the East Neuk on Sunday evening to witness the unusual sight of the yawls drawing loads of herrings, and large numbers awaited the arrival at Crail of the several shots. The most energetic preparations are being made by fishers and curers from and St Monance for this windfall to the shore. In particular, the screw steamer Stornoway, belonging the Leith firm of Messrs James Methuen & Co., has arrived at Anstruther with salt from the Merg, and the local merchants are bringing here with all despatch their surplus stock from outlying stations. The price of the herrings is well maintained at from 18s to 20s a barrel, the quality being excellent.

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1895

FATAL ACCIDEDNT TO A FISHERMAN. Aberdeen – The next inquiry was directed to find out the cause of the death of David Moncrieff, a Cellardyke fisherman, who was killed on board the fishing boat Providence, KY. 263, of Cellardyke, on 13th August, while at sea, about 20 miles off Aberdeen. Deceased’s father was present; and Mr Kellas represented the Board of Trade. David Watson, master of the boat., explained how the accident was caused. The crew had been engaged putting out the jibboom, when it suddenly swung round. Deceased was knocked violently against the stern post and killed, while other two men were knocked overboard, but managed to hold on, one of them by his feet. The evidence of the rest of the crew was to the same effect. Dr Robertson stated that death was caused by fracture of the base of the skull by a violent fall. deceased’s father said he knew perfectly how the accident must have occurred. They were all liable to make mistakes, and he thought there must have been some neglect somewhere. The jury found that Moncrieff died of fracture of the skull, caused by being accidentally struck against the stern post by the jibboom swinging round while lie was engaged with the rest of the crew in setting the big jib.

While the herring fishing boat Mizpah (KY. 398) was about ten miles off Aberdeen yesterday afternoon, young fisherman named George Watson fell overboard and was drowned. Watson belonged to Cellardyke

Many of the inhabitants of the Anstruthers, from the two Provosts downwards, are pure ” Dykers ” by birth, or if denied that honour, have done their best to remedy their misfortune by taking unto themselves wives of the daughters of the fishers of Cellardyke. In fact a quorum of the Anstruther-Easter Parish Council could be made up of those members of it who first saw the light in the ” fishing town of Cellardyke.”

1896

Late last Thursday a telegram was received by the Rev G Anderson, Kilrenny, stating that Thomas Gerrard, living in James Street, one of the crew of the Lilian Maud had been drowned that morning. The facts so far as are known follows; – In the beginning of the week the crew had gone as usual to fish, but had lost their lines, and on searching for the signs of the “jack”, Thomas Gerrard, had in trying to get a better view of the water, put his foot on a rope which he had thought was securely fastened. Unfortunately the rope gave way and he was precipitated into the water. It is feared he struck the propellor, and was stunned as he never rose to the surface again. His father who is skipper of the liner, at once had a boat lowered, but no trace of the young man was seen, when they reluctantly gave up the search and returned to port. Deceased was a particularly quiet, sober, young man, and much sympathy is felt for his parents. He only left the Hibernia a fortnight ago to help his father in the management of the liner.

WARNING TO FISHERMEN. In Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday—before Acting Sheriff-Substitute Brown Alexander Gardener, residing Cellardyke, Fifeshire, master of the herring fishing boat Seven Brothers, KY. No. 105, present fishing from Aberdeen, was charged with contravention of the Sea Fisheries Acts, 1868 and 1883, having, on 10th inst., failed to have painted on the mainsail of his boat, immediately above the close reef, the initial letters of the port to which the boat belonged the registry number of the craft. A plea of guilty was tendered.  Mr John S. Watt, advocate, on behalf of the accused, stated that the sail was numbered and lettered in September last year, before accused went to the English coast fishing, and shortly before coming to Aberdeen this year the sail was barked in order to preserve it, with the result that the letters and numbers were almost entirely obliterated. When the crew started for the fishing at Aberdeen the sail was still wet, and his lordship could easily understand it was difficult to get paint to adhere to a substance that was wet, and he could also easily understand that when the crew got to Aberdeen they were very busy with the fishing. Upon Monday, the 10th, they were fishing two miles north the Girdleness, when they were hailed by the Jackal and told that they must get the letters and number put on. This was done when the boat reached port Wednesday. This was the first case of the kind that had been brought before that court, and there had been a good deal of neglect to the numbering sails. The intention of the prosecution evidently was to secure that the matter should belter attended to future. Accused had pleaded guilty, and in those circumstances, seeing that the letters and numbers had now been put on, and that the object of the prosecution had been attained by attention being called to the matter, (Mr Watt) thought that nominal fine would meet the ends of justice. He would point out that the omission of the number of the port of registry on herring boat was not so great offence as it would be in the case of a steam trawling boat, which do injury to the properly of other fishermen, and therefore there could be no object on the part of the accused in this case to evade the law.

Mr Wilson, procurator-fiscal, said he admitted all that had been said by Watt, with the exception of one statement, and that was with regard to what happened when the boat was hailed by the Jackal. When the Government steamer went alongside this and another boat the crews were told to return to port at once; but, in spite of the orders given, they both proceeded to the fishing ground. The Sheriff said the Act which the charge was brought was an old one. and apparently had not been enforced in that sheriffdom since it was passed. The object of the prosecution was to remind people of its existence. A nominal fine might have been imposed except for this, that when the accused got definite orders from the Jackal to return to port he proceeded to sea. A fine of £2, with the option of 14 days’ imprisonment, would be imposed. James Gault, Lossiemouth, skipper of the herring fishing beat Tulip, INS. 1637, present fishing from Aberdeen, was charged with similar offence committed also on 10th August. He pleaded guilty, and was also fined £2, with the option of fourteen days’ imprisonment.

1897

Mr. Pattison, Crail, has resigned the organistship of Cellardyke Parish Church, but as there exists a strong feeling in his favour he has been asked to remain. Mr Pattison’s resignation has been given solely on the ground of inconvenience to attend the services during the winter months.

1899

REOPENING OF CELLARDYKE CHURCH—To admit of cleaning and painting this Church was closed six weeks ago, and the congregation have been worshipping in Forth Street Hall, which was kindly lent to them by the Trustees. The managers of the Church accepted the offer of Mr P. Elder, Anstruther, and have had no res- son to regret their decision. It is impossible to speak too highly of Mr Elder’s work. He was given pretty much a free hand, and all who have seen what he has done are unanimous in their praise of the taste and skill he has displayed. Indeed several visitors have expressed surprise that such hue workmanship could have been executed by anyone outside of Edinburgh.

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1865

CELLARDYKE. The Lifeboat. In the course of the last week Captain Robertson, RN., visited Anstruther and met with the local lifeboat committee in reference to a site for the boathouse and other kindred business. The site at the Cross was considered the best, but as some of the neighbouring proprietors objected to it, the committee resolved to erect the house at the East pier as originally proposed. It has not yet been decided whether the building shall be of wood or of stone, but as the lifeboat is expected early in October, commencement to it will ere long be necessary. Captain Robertson, we understand, expressed very much surprise at the absurd proposal that had been made to erect the boat-house at the ropewalk. The intermeddling of some of our officious neighbours having come under the gallant Captain’s notice, he stated that the lifeboat was not at all to be considered .. belonging to Anstruther, but that it was to be understood as the Cellardyke Fishermen’s Lifeboat, as it was by their gallantry and heroism alone that it was to be anticipated the boat would fulfil the noble purpose for which it had been stationed in the district. He also made a suggestion, which we believe will be carried into effect, that a general meeting of the fishermen should be held at the close of the herring fishing for the purpose of appointing an efficient coxswain and crew for the lifeboat.

Anstruther -Lynch Law in the East of Fife. -In the early part of Monday afternoon, the west end of the neighbouring town of Cellardyke was the scene of a most extraordinary and singular occurrence, so far, at least, as the East Neuk is concerned. At the time in question, a notorious character, of the name of James Haggart, better known by the sobriquet of “Abernethy,’ was seen entering the town of Cellardyke, where public feeling was running very strongly against him in consequence of his being implicated in a case of a peculiarly bad and heartless nature. Whether the matter had been preconcerted or not, we are unable to state, but no sooner had he made his appearance than the women in the neighbourhood gathered together and began to give unmistakable expression to their anger and abhorrence by hooting and pelting him with stones. Quailing before the fury of his assailants, the craven attempted to beat a retreat, but he was no match for his nimble- tongued, nimble-limbed pursuers, who continued to shower upon him whatever of hard missile or foul epithet that came readiest in the way. In this manner he reached the top of the road at Caddies Burn, when he was either struck down by a stone, or, what was more probable, he pretended to be under the influence of liquor, and so cast himself, in apparent helplessness, on the ground. This clumsy appeal, however, to move their compassion, was treated with utter disdain by his female adversaries — who had now increased to hundreds— for, amidst a perfect Babel of mingled screams of laughter and yells of execration, they crowded around the prostrate wretch. In a twinkling he was almost buried beneath a mass of potato stems and earth, which were brought by right willing hands from the adjoining field, and a cooling sedative was also now and then administered m the shape of sundry bucketfuls of water. The noise and confusion drew large numbers to the spot, but the graver portion of the community, when they saw that neither life nor limb were in any great danger, moved quietly on when they ascertained the cause, or remained the passive, if not amused, spectators of the extraordinary hubbub. The sympathies of some Highland halfdealsmen were, however, more active than those of the townsfolk, for after a vigorous attempt these “children of the mist” at length succeeded in rescuing the drenched and forlorn- looking outcast from the vengeance of the “Lynchers,” many of whom seemed half mad with frolic and excitement. The assistance of the bobbies was ultimately obtained, and under the safe escort of those liveried footmen of the law he was majestically marched off to the lock-up, followed of course by an immense train of men, women, and children. While on their triumphal progress, the heroines who made themselves so conspicuous in this rough and ready administration of justice were vociferously cheered by the large groups of half- dealsmen and others lounging about the shore – a compliment which bashfulness did not prevent them from returning with gratitude and effect. So far as we can learn, no bodily injury was sustained by the victim of popular rage, although it is to be hoped that the sharp reproof which he has received will have the effect of making him a wiser and better man for the future, and that it will also be a warning to others that the inhabitants of Cellardyke will not with impunity allow their town to be insulted and dishonoured by practices that make the cheek of humanity blush with shame and resentment.

1866

The Herring Fishing.—The discouraging nature of the fishing on this coast, since itscommencement five or six weeks ago, was pleasantly diversified on Friday, when large quantities of herrings were landed at the various stations of the district by boats which had returned from the “White Spat,” that now celebrated fishing haunt which is situated about twenty miles in the offing of Kincardineshire. The anxiety and gloom which previously depressed the spirits of all interested in the fishing then gave place to the pleasure and exultation natural to the altered and brightened position of affairs. The comparative silence and desertion of the streets and harbour were quickly changed into noise and excitement, and the quays and fish-curing yards, so empty and neglected before, were in the course of a few hours the scene of bustle and lightsome labour. During the day it is computed that about 1000 crans were landed Cellardyke, 800 at Anstruther, over 500 at Pittenweem, and at St Monance— the total quantity landed these stations being about 3200 crans.

1867

Warning to Carters. -At a Justice of Peace Court held in St Andrew’s on Wednesday Alexander Gardiner, carter, Cellardyke, was charged- with contravention of the Turnpike Act, in so far Sunday the 4th inst., he allowed his horse to graze the side of the turnpike road leading from Anstruther to Kilrenny. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced pay the sum 5s 6d in name of fine and expenses.

1868

IMPROVEMENT OF CELLARDYRE HARBOUR.—In the course of the late spring tides good service has been done to this harbour, and through it to the community of Cellardyke, by the removal of the worst of the remaining rocks, such as the ” Bellman,” &c. As some peculiar difficulties lay in the way of blasting the rocks, it was thought advisable to try the experiment of dragging them out of their beds by means of chains and crab winches, which proved exceedingly successful. These useful and important operations have been carried out under the direction of Mr Pottinger, boatbuilder, Anstruther, and the expense we believe will be defrayed from a fund which was sometime ago raised by a subscription amongst the fishermen themselves, and also by a balance of one of Captain Alexander Rodger’s donations to his native town. As Cellardyke harbour will be more than ever resorted to, the removal of these dangerous obstructions is naturally regarded with the greatest satisfaction by all concerned.

1869

Arbroath …. There are two curing firms which have agents at this port this season – Messrs Johnston and Sons Montrose and Messrs Sharp and Murray, Cellardyke

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