The Cellardyke Echo

1882

ROBERT GRAY respectfully announces to his Customers and the Public that he will offer the Whole of his Large Stock of BOOTS and SHOES at the Lowest Prices. All repairs done at shortest notice. 3 SHORE STREET, CELLARDYKE – East of Fife Record – Friday 17 February 1882 p1

GROCERY AND SPIRIT BUSINESS FOR SALE AT CELLARDYKE. FOR SALE BY PRIVATE BARGAIN, THE STOCK-IN-TRADE and SHOP FITTINGS of the Grocery and Spirit Retail Business, successfully conducted in Cellardyke, by the late Mr Robert Davidson. and afterwards by his widow, recently deceased. The Shop and Business Premises, and also the Dwelling house, or part of it, if required, will be Let to the Purchaser. Apply to DAVID COOK, Writer, Anstruther  – The business was at 25 James Street –

East of Fife Record – Friday 17 February 1882  p1

1883

LOSS OF TWO LIVES-HEROIC CONDUCT AND EXCITING SCENE. Nowhere the coast did the storm strike with more severity than at the entrance of the Forth. Night closed in Tuesday with the breakers flying like spindrift at the lash of the tempest, and daybreak there was the same anxious tale tell of the conflict of the night. Such was the prospect when a vessel was espied with sails spent and drifting like waif before the storm, some miles from the shore. and by a large steamer was seen to sail round and round the wreck, which, however, was soon abandoned to her fate. Continuing to near the rocks the Coastguard at Crail telegraphed to Anstruther to have the lifeboat ready in case of an emergency; and the first signal a volunteer crew of Cellardyke fishermen, with Mr Martin Gardiner coxswain, sprang to the rescue. As it was impossible to make headway by sea in the teeth of the gale, spur and whip were applied to send the boat with all speed along—the first relays being provided on the spot, and the second, consisting of no fewer than six prime horses, being contributed with his usual generosity by Mr Clark, at Kilrenny. Two others were put into harness Mr Edie, Corn ceres, and thus with every man at his post the boat was sped the mission of mercy to Crail; but long before her arrival the tragedy had been played out on the fatal shore. The vessel, which proved to be the Welsh schooner Savant of Beaumaris, with pig-iron from Middlesbro’, was driven by the surf about ten o’clock or about two hours after low water, on the black reef to the eastward of the harbour. Till now the thousand spectators could only look on with folded arms, but the vessel had scarcely struck, when the life brigade sent off the rocket the one means of saving the crew. At the first discharge, by the hands of Mr George Clark, the line was secured by those the wreck, but here a strange panic seemed to hold them fast, they made further effort to j escape. Oh! those precious moments, when they stood with the big seas breaching the deck, till the I foremast went by the board, carrying the Captain, John Thomas, and the youngest hand, John  Williams, to a watery grave. Seeing the fate of his companions, John Blackborrow, here took the leap for life, and attempted by means of the lifeline gain the beach, but midway his strength failed him, and says, felt myself sinking into the sleep of death.” At this crisis, however, he found a heroic preserver in John Murray, who rushed into the sea, and the imminent risk of his own life, brought the poor castaway safely to land. Fired as it were by noble an example the boatman of the Isle of May—Alexander Watson—a name well-known in the heroism of the shore—now sprang to the rescue of the two survivors, clinging ‘ as in helpless childhood to the ship, already breaking up like frostwork before the waves. Not once but twice he was called to dare and do, during which it impossible describe the emotion of the onlookers; but sooner was the last man and, his brave deliverer seen to be safe, than the air was rent with deafening cheers, many even giving way at the moment to a flood of tears. We are now called upon to notice the touching kindness of the manager of the railway works, Mr Mackay, who had the three survivors carried to his house in Downie Terrace, where under the eye of Drs Mill and Saunders, everything was done that skill and humanity could suggest. They were so exhausted to be like men in a dream; but by nightfall they were so far restored as to be able to leave the house. Boatman Watson had been ailing for some time before—indeed every attempt was made to dissuade him from his purpose; but we are glad say that, with the exception of a bruise or two on the reef, he seems but little the worse of all the sacrifices of the day.

The “Savant,” as we have said, has become a total wreck; in fact, the beautiful vessel, within little more than quarter-of-an-hour, was lying like so much driftwood along the beach. Bound to Swansea, her Captain in an evil moment had been tempted to think of the north passage, but everything was going well till she was caught and disabled in the storm. According to the statement of the survivors their sufferings had been terrible all through the long and dismal night of Tuesday. As morning broke their spirits rose the approach of steamer, said to belong Dundee, but after sailing round and round them, when their forlorn condition must have been seen by those on board the vessel, incredible as it may appear—resumed her course, leaving the poor castaways to their fate.

As the tide receded careful search was made for the bodies, but up to Thursday afternoon they had not been recovered. Captain Thomas, who was about thirty years of age, had assumed for the first time this voyage the command of the schooner, which his father had commanded for many years. He was only married about a twelvemonth ago. The fine youth that suffered with him was about 17 years of age. His brother, Owen Williams, who is one of the survivors, is twenty-three, and lives with their widow mother in North Wales. The others who were rescued are William Jones, about forty-two years of age, belonging to the same coast, with a wife and three children; and John Blackborrow, also married man, with five children at Newport, in Monmouthshire. this, on so many former occasions, the inhabitants Crail have done themselves lasting honour by their kindness and sympathy to the shipwrecked strangers.

SUDDEN DEATH —Thomas Bain, who, with his fish barrow, has long been familiar in the streets of the East of Fife, was taken suddenly ill in bed on Friday morning, and almost without a struggle expired. He was about 64 years of age, and belonged, we believe, to Burntisland, but resided for some time in Cellardyke, where he leaves a widow and two young children.

1884

ENGAGEMENT OF CELLARDYKE BOATS TO FISH AT SHETLAND—Three boats have made terms with Messrs Sharp & Murray, Cellardyke, to fish at Shetland, the fishing to commence at 1st June and continue until 13th September; bounty, £55; complement, 500 crans; first month 15s per cran, and after that 250 crane at £l, then finish of the complement, 15s.

THE HERRING FISHERY – RENEWAL OF THE GALE—The boisterous weather of the last eight days has been another serious check to this important industry. As in the previous week the gale had so softened down on Monday that the fleet again put to sea. By and-bye however, the sky became so black and threatening that the “big half o’s, ” as a Buckhaven friend said, ran back to the harbour. Those that persevered had a fierce conflict with the elements but some at least realised the old motto that “Fortune favours the brave,” inasmuch as the Cellardyke boats “Olive Branch,” “Goldfinch,” and others, came in from the harvest sea with takes worth from 50 to 60 guineas. As a set off to this, however, many had their nets sadly torn, owing to the confusion in the narrow sea frequented by the shoals. The weather was still as critical as ever. “Its like running with your eyes open into a trap,” remonstrated more than one veteran; but, nevertheless, the success of the morning induced not a few to set sail in the afternoon. As a rule, however, our strangers left the harbour, to which several also returned from sea. There was even some hesitation at the fishing-ground, but the nets were at last set by that kindliest of all beacons — the “white sand open “—and driving down with the ebb, some fine hauls were secured in the course of the night. And this was not all, for several of the fleet dropping out of Crail with the morning tide, had their own share of the silver sea—indeed, the shoal would seem to have been met with like birds of passage on the wing, as boat after boat, such as the “Summer Cloud” of Pittenweem, came into Anstruther with takes rising to five and thirty crans. The “Ann and Agnes,” of Cellardyke also landed a tidy haul of twenty-seven crans at Crail, but the energy of the English buyers was more than equal to the hour, for to the last the herrings were selling at a couple of guineas, or so, the cran, the market being led by Mr Mackenzie, of Lowestoft; Mr Smith, of Wolverhampton; The spirited ring was likewise joined on Wednesday by another old friend in Mr Holloway. In the meantime, the gale was again blowing as furious as ever. Many an eye was turned to that best of all barometers, the evening sky, hoping for a change, but as the storm continued to increase, no boats put out, so that the fishing on Thursday, as will be seen from our report, is another blank leaf in the log. Fishing operations, however, were resumed in the afternoon, and if we believe the old veterans who have grown grey in their vigils on the herring sea, the prospects have been seldom, if ever, so encouraging as they are to-day on the shore of Fife,

Mr James Watson, one of the oldest fishcurers in this district, died very suddenly here on Friday last. For upwards of half-a-century Mr Watson has been connected with the fishing trade, serving his apprenticeship as a cooper in Cellardyke, and afterwards commencing business for himself. His face has been a familiar one at the various harbours on the coast for many years, and being a keen politician and controversialist his ready talk will be much missed.

NOTICE. ALL PARTIES having CLAIMS against the late JAMES WATSON, Fishcurer, Cellardyke, are requested to lodge statements thereof, duly coached, with Messrs OLIPHANT & JAMISON, Solicitors, Anstruther, within Fourteen days from this date; and all Parties INDEBTED to the Deceased, are requested to make Payment to them forthwith. 7th February 1884.

VALUABLE SUBJECTS IN CELLARDYKE FOR SALE SUITABLE OPENING FOR A FISUCURER. To be SOLD by Private Bargain. ALL and WHOLE the DWELLINGHOUSE, FISHCURING PREMISES, and OFFICES, in James Street, Cellardyke, as possessed by the late Mr James Watson, Fishcurer. For further particulars apply to Messrs OLIPHANT & JAMIESON, Solicitors, Anstruther, with whom Offers may be lodged on or before 3d March next. The highest or any offer may not be accepted. Anstruther, 14th February 1884.

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1881

A Seasonable Gift – During the past fortnight, 50 of the deserving poor families in Cellardyke and East and West Anstruther have received a supply of blankets from Mr Stephen Williamson, M.P. This is in addition to the hon. gentleman’s usual supply of coals

West Anstruther Town Council – The Treasurer reported that he had written a second time to several Cellardyke carters for payment of the seaware taken from the shores of the burgh. Only one had paid, the others having taken no notice. Councillor Millar suggested that before taking legal action they should see the parties. Treasurer Russell then moved, and Chief – Magistrate Wilson seconded, that Mr Millar should confer with three carters and endeavour to get them to come to a settlement.

BOUND TO CUPAR. This was a case at the instance of James Skinner, merchant, Cellardyke’ against Mitchell Doig, fisherman there. Mr A. C. Mackintosh appeared for the defender, who alleged that the pursuer had agreed to give 400 tiles free, for a certain property. This was denied by Mr Skinner, who also pointed out, in reply to the Sheriffs remark, that the case would have to be continued, that it had already been before the Court. The defender, it was stated, had been absent at the fishing on the last occasion.

The Sheriff—Well it comes to this, you must appear at Cupar on Thursday the 27th instant. There must be no more going a fishing.

LAUNCH OF FISHING CRAFT.  Our townsman Councillor Jarvis has just launched two first class fishing craft from his building-yard at the Forth. The event is the more noteworthy from the wide divergence they exhibit in the ideas of fishermen as to what a model fishing craft ought to be. The first launch was on Saturday, when a dashing craft, on the most approved build in the eye of the Fife coast, took the water in gallant style. She was christened the “Aurora.” of Cellardyke, and is to the order of Mr Thomas Watson (Birrell). There is no mistake that in her will he united those prime elements of a fishing craft, namely, to sail well and stow well, and with the wind whistling at the lee yard arm there are few that will overhaul this trusty sea boat in the rising storm. The second launch took place on Monday, and is to the order of Mr Robert Webster, Brought Ferry. She is one of the largest of her class, being about fifty-one feet long; but her design is peculiar, being on what is called the pinnace build. Nautical theorists will understand us better when we describe it as the peg-top bottom, the cause of so much wrathful controversy in rival building yards; but be this as it may, it has the unqualified liking of the fishers of Tay, who prefer it for the sake of speed, and also, perhaps, for reasons of economy. We entirely quit “debatable ground,” however, when we refer to the superior way in which this craft has been fitted up in respect of accommodation for the crew. Both steerage and cabin are not unworthy of a pleasure yacht, and altogether this handsome lugger—which, by the way, is about five-and thirty tons register—may well take rank as the ” admiral ship” of Broughty-Ferry.

The severe weather, so trying to the old or delicate frame, has added not a little to the death rate in the district. No epidemic is, fortunately, casting the wings of sorrow over the household, but more than one little prattler lies hushed in the churchyard through the distress peculiar to the season. But the grim reaper has no set time or way for his harvest. A Cellardyke mother, Mrs Thomas Smith, was cut down on Thursday in the noontide of her usefulness, leaving ten children, the youngest being only a few weeks old.

HERRING FISHERY. The gales of wind—now from the north, now from the south—which have all but nightly swept the Forth, have more or less interfered with the fishing; though, after all, the result is again by several hundred crans over any previous doings at this season in the annals of Fife. Our anticipation as to the approaching shoals have been more than realised. On Friday night, indeed, the drift of the “Cyprus,” of Cellardyke, burst with the big haul, and nets and herring went to the bottom, as in the case of a Lammas drave. The harvest is not being gathered in a single corner, but the nets are never so well cast on the “right side of the ship” as in the waters of the May, as the old Monks defined it: and on Wednesday night the herring were so near that a number of yawls had tidy little takes almost within boathook length of the rock. Nor is the prospect less hopeful with regard to the future; on the contrary, with good weather the coast will ring with the harvest for weeks to come. There are few today amongst us who can recall the first doings at the drift fishing some three and fifty years ago, but never before, as we have said, have our fishers succeeded so well, and seldom, it is no less pleasing to say, has fickle Fortune dealt her favours with such an even and open hand. It would be idle to attempt an average, but not a few of our local crews have already divided from £15 to £20 a man. This windfall has proved all the more so to the coast from the continued failure of the fishing at Girvan and Wick. This circumstance has also added to the fishing fleet, quite a feature of which is the number of yawls or little craft from Newhaven—trying to redeem the entanglement into which they were plunged by their backless expedition to the Clyde. The resort of buyers is perhaps still more to be noted, as in addition to old friends, several new faces are amongst us and, if the whisper is true, there will be no reason to regret their sojourn with Maggie Lauder. The herrings continue to be largely sent away by the early trains, but perhaps about a fifth of the whole has been made into bloaters—also, of course, for the English market. Neither the Messrs Brown, of Lowestoft, nor any other of the English firms have done anything in the way of “kippers,” but it is pleasing to observe that an enterprising local merchant, Mr Melville, of Cellardyke, is carrying it on with no little spirit – a  hundred packages or more leaving his premises in the course of the day to meet the growing demand for this interesting cure. There is thus no want of competition on Anstruther Shore, and with Mr Mackenzie and his confreres to give life to our Exchange, few spots are so suggestive of activity and bustle as Anstruther pier on the morning of a fair fishing.

The annexed is the catch at Anstruther for the week ending Thursday:—

                                Boats Out            Highest crans                  Total Crans                          Price

Friday                    98                           16                                           240                                         40s to 42 s

Saturday              103                         18                                           320                                         35s to 37s

Monday               7                              3                                              14                                           46s

Tuesday               1                              1                                              1                                             60s

Wednesday        155                        13                                          125                                         50s to 55s

Thursday             166                         23                                          540                                         40s to 45s

Total for the week                           1240 crans

Previous catch                                   3925 crans

Total for the season                        5165 crans

At same date last year (1880)      510 crans

At the same date 1879                   1100 crans

At the same date 1878                  2090 crans

At the same date 1877                   625 crans

Property For sale – The tenement, with yard, &c., on the east side of Urquhart Wynd, long possessed by the late Mr James Smith (Hamilton), was exposed for tale in the Town Hall, Cellardyke, Saturday. It was put up at the upset price of £100, but smart contest ensuing between Mr James Smith (Fowler) and Thomas Brown, builder, it was knocked down to the latter, in the interest of David Pratt (Watson), £164. This is one of those little houses, with ” but an’ ben’ for the family, and cellar and garret for the sea-gear, which a hundred years ago was regarded quite model of what a fisherman’s home ought to be. No doubt they suffer in comparison with the large and airy dwellings of to-day; yet, nevertheless, three little weatherbeaten cottages have look of kindly self-passed comfort about them which speaks well for the social and domestic condition of the old fathers.

NARROW ESCAPE OF A FIFESHIRE FISHING BOAT. During the dense fog of Wednesday morning, the Cellardyke fishing boat Useful, Thomas Boyter, master, was run into by the steam trawler, Frederick James. The boat was riding by her drift, with a regulation light burning, but the steamer was scarcely her own length distant before the cry of the fishermen on the lookout attracted the notice of those on hoard. The helm was shifted, but the sponsoon struck the bows of the boat so violently as to smash in the stem. Eventually the drift was hauled in, when the disabled craft was towed by the Frederick James to Anstruther Harbour, where she lies in such a damaged condition as to be unfitted for several days for the fishing. The incident has excited no little commotion, and the strong remonstrance against steam trawling in the Firth is being signed both by fishermen and fish buyers. In this case, however, the steam tug was not sweeping, but making a passage to market.

BOAT FOR SALE. THE FISHING BOAT ” MARGARET” of Cellardyke, as she ran the Herring Fishing last Season, with all her Materials in good condition, belonging to Robert Watson (Fowler), Cellardyke. Apply to John McLeod Fishcurer, Pittenweem.

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If you are able to support the work of the Cellardyke Trust – Donations of any size would be gratefully received.

Our Account is called “The Cellardyke Trust (SCIO)”, Sort Code 83-15-08 – Acc No 00128815

Many Thanks

1875

David Spittal, shoemaker, Anstruther, Robert Angus, boatbuilder, Cellardyke, and Thomas Small, cooper, Cellardyke, were charged with committing a breach of the peace in the Commercial Hotel, on the evening of the 16th instant. The complaint stated that on being served with some ale, the panels had refused to pay for it, broken a tumbler, and when at the bar of the hotel had need offensive epithets to Mr M’cntosh and his wife. They pled guilty. Spittal, against whom two previous convictions were recorded, was fined 21s, and Angus and Small 10s each.

Narrow Escape at Sea. —During the night of Friday last, an alarming accident happened at sea. While the Cellardyke fishing boat owned by Skipper Thomas Carstairs was lying near the May, the nets of the crew being in the sea, a boat under full sail was suddenly seen making straight in their direction. Cries were immediately raised to alarm the stranger, but it was not until the boats were almost in collision that the helm was put about, and even then, a mast, the end of which was extended out from the boat, was struck down. One of Carstairs’ crew, named Keay, was struck by the mast as it fell, and received several severe bruises on the leg. The boat which was so recklessly steered belongs to Pittenweem, and it is stated that all the crew with the exception of one man on the look-out and another at the helm were in bed at the time of the occurrence, which, it is alleged was due to the man on the look-out having left his post for a few minutes to enter the bunk. It is but right to add that the skipper of the Pittenweem boat was so alarmed and annoyed when he knew what had, happened that he has disbanded his crew.

So far a beginning has now been made to the winter drave, which in recent years has held a leading place in the industries of the East of Fife. About one half of the Cellardyke Fleet, which this season will number about 70 boats, have been nightly at the drift, with about 25 Buckhaven Crews, and a few stray boats from other stations in and out of the Firth…..

The white fishing, about one half of the deep-sea going boats of Cellardyke, and the whole fleet at Pittenweem are still persevering at the haddock fishery, from being as ye the most profitable branch of their arduous calling.

1877

Fishing boat for sale – the “Catherine” of Cellardyke, about 40 feet long, suitable for the herring fishery, Apply to Andrew Brown Brunton, fisherman Cellardyke

Claim for Damage to a Boat. – George Smith, fisherman, Cellardyke, sued Mrs Andrew Henderson and Robert Montadore, both residing in Cellardyke, for the sum of £8 2s 9d, in respect of damage done to his boat by that of the defenders. The defence was a denial of liability, on the ground that the boat of the latter was properly moored, but after hearing evidence at considerable length the Sheriff said he had come to the conclusion that the chain by which the defenders’ boat was moored was subjected to a more severe strain than it should have been; and while in a case of this kind there must be hardship of some sort, he thought it consistent with justice and equity that the loss should fall upon the defenders. He discerned for the pursuers with 6s 1d of expenses

NATIVE OF CELLARDYKE DROWNED AT SEA. The melancholy intelligence was this week received by Mr Henry Hodge, Pittenweem, but lately of Cellardyke, that his son Alexander had been drowned at sea. He was one of the crew of the ship Min’y’don, Captain Leslie, and while the vessel was on her voyage from San Francisco to Hull, Hodge and another seaman were washed overboard by a heavy sea while rounding Cape Horn on the 12th October. The deceased, who was 29 years of age, was a quiet and well behaved man, and much sympathy has been expressed for his parents.  East of Fife Record – Friday 19 January 1877

Anstruther – Fish festival – On Monday evening the old fish yard at the brae was the scene of a unique and interesting festival, on the occasion of the annual gathering of the employees and friends of Mr David Keith, fish merchant, Cellardyke. The programme was opened with a steaming supper, in which both “roast and boiled” garnished the festival board, and to which ample justice was done by about 50 guests. “The ship was ailed under the temperance flag.” But the opportunity was not neglected, when the cloth had been removed, to give a ringing” three times three” for Mr and Mrs Keith, including long life and prosperity to the worthy couple. The spacious apartment, which had been specially decorated for the honours of the evening , was then cleared for the dance, and the veteran violinist having been duly installed under the rafters, the echoes rang merrily with strathspey and reel, which were continued with unabated spirit and joviality till the glories of the morning. “ tipped the hills with gold” when we may say of the happy revellers in the words of Burns

“ Each took aff his several way

Resolved to meet some other day”

ary 1877  3

1878

NEWYEAR SPREE AND HOW IT ENDED. —The Bailies of East  Anstruther held a criminal court on Saturday, when James Myles, carter, Cellardyke, was charged with drunken and disorderly conduct calculated to provoke a breach of the peace in the of the new Police Act, on Tuesday, the 1stinst. He pleaded guilty and threw himself upon the compassion of the Court, but in respect of this being his fifth conviction before the East of Fife Bailies he was sentenced to a fine of 30s, or fourteen days’ imprisonment

DEATH OF THE OLDEST NATIVE ANSTRUTHER. Last week the churchyard of Anstruther gave last resting place to the remains of William Baldie who died seme days before with his friends near Kirkcaldy, at the venerable age of 89 years. He was the oldest native of Anstruther, where his father wrought as a shoemaker, but went, like so many tradesmen of the coast before and since, to the Lammas herring fishery, in which he perished on a stormy September day the year 1793. It perhaps the most tragic scene that ever occurred on the Fife coast. The boat was owned by the worthy Cellardyke wright, Alexander Wood and, manned with a crew of eight, was being pulled to sea from Cellardyke harbour, when treacherous billow rose like wild beast from its ambush and hurled bodily against the skerries. Her crew were seen clinging to the rocks or holding on to the floating wreck, but though wives and mothers were looking on, with the death cry in their ears, no hand could save them, and one by one they disappeared before the merciless billows, with the exception of youthful fisher, who rode through the troubled waters if upheld some guardian angel, till he was clasped in the devoted arms which risked all to save her darling’ ..

1879

A new herring net manufactory is in course of erection in Cellardyke.

New Net factory. —Amongst the building operations suspended by the weather is an extensive range which is to be erected in rear of the handsome shop now in course of erection for Mr Andrew Mitchell, draper, George Street, Cellardyke. This range, which will extend from the saloon to the sea wall, is to serve as a machine-room for the herring net manufacture in which Messrs Watson and Mitchell are already engaged, the valuable plant which they recently acquired in Ayrshire being kept going there till the premises in Cellardyke are in order for its reception. We understand that some ten or twelve machines are then to be in gear, but we may confidently anticipate that this will only be the nucleus of a thriving and far more extensive concern. Indeed, this rate of production is little more, if, indeed, it is always adequate to the present retail trade of the firm. Now, when we consider that Provost Watson will bring into the enterprise thorough practical experience of the article really wanted for the herring sea, and that the establishment will be carried on such principles as to be in perfect sympathy with the industry, as well as interest, of the district, there can be no hesitation as to its success, which is the more pleasing to contemplate from the addition it will make to those employments in which female fingers can appropriately and profitably engage. Sometime ago there was a talk that this enterprising firm designed to feu at Anstruther Loan, but the present situation of the factory is far more preferable—in fact, it may be said to have every recommendation for such an undertaking.

Fish Workers’ Fete— It speaks well for the kindly feeling which subsists between employer and employed in our fishcuring establishments that the festivities of the opening year have no pleasanter echo than in connection with these interesting branches of labour. This was especially the case the other night in the fete given to his workers by Mr Robert Melville, fish merchant, who recently acquired the very advantageous premises shoreward of Craignoon. After a substantial supper, which was discussed with the proverbial appetite which comes with the sea breeze, one of the spacious stores, which so invitingly open for the dance -in fact, never better than in well-appointed fishcuring establishment was enlisted as a ball room, where, to the music of the violin, and the yet nobler inspiration which comes when young hearts answerback the joys of the hour, reel and Strathspey was kept up with unabated spirit till the eye of morning had almost peeped above the eastern wave. The proceedings were also enlivened some favourite melodies, both in part and solo, and also by the usual toasts, in which the cordial feeling. entertained for Mr Melville and his worthy partner were certainly not forgotten.

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There are costs behind everything we do, such as, Web hosting fees for this website which provides the weekly Cellardyke Echo and all the other info and research. Public Liability Insurance for our events such as the Sea Queen and the Phone Boxes. These are general operating costs which we cannot avoid.

If you are able to support the work of the Cellardyke Trust – Donations of any size would be gratefully received.

Our Account is called “The Cellardyke Trust (SCIO)”, Sort Code 83-15-08 – Acc No 00128815

Many Thanks

1906

CELLARDYKE SCHOOL BOARD.—A meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday evening, Mr Lawson presiding. The attendance was submitted, also the census of the schools, showing that the number at Cellardyke School was 611 and at Kilrenny 89. Mr Lawson said that one of the political parties had asked to be allowed the use of the school for the night preceding the poll, as the other party had engaged both the Town and Forth Street Halls. As they allowed the other party to have Kilrenny School, he thought the request should be granted. All the other members except Mr Melville demurred, and the request was refused

The Gold Chain for the Provost—Messrs Elkington and Co., Ltd, of Regent Street., London, supplied the fine example of the goldsmith’s art in the shape of the gold chain for the Burgh of Anstruther Easter- The chain is made of 13 small and 3 large escutcheon links, the centre link charged with the shield of Archibald Williamson, Esqr,—the donor. The pendant badge is a skilful piece of wrought work, containing the arms of the Burgh. The chain shows excellent feeling for simplicity and beauty of design, and while it has been exhibited in Bailie Burd’s window it has been much admired .

LIFEBOAT CALLED OUT EXCITING SCENES AT THE HARBOUR About seven o’clock on Wednesday evening, a telegram was received from the Coastguard at St Monans, stating that a ketch was lying within 100 yards of the rocks there, and was being driven ashore. On receipt of this message, the Hon. Secretary of the Lifeboat Institution telephoned at once to Mr Melville, Cellardyke, who in turn communicated with the coxswain of the Lifeboat. William Sutherland. The latter immediately raced along to the lifeboat house, and quickly summoned the crew. Sutherland, besides being an excellent seaman, must be something of a runner also, as by the time the secretary got down to the boathouse Sutherland was already there, super intending operations. The boat was immediately got out, and launched, there being an abundance of willing helpers all the boats being in the harbour. By an unlucky chance it happened to be dead low water, and the carriage had to be pulled almost to the very mouth of the harbour. The crowd at the ropes dashed willingly into the heavy seas which came sweeping into the cut mouth, some of them being almost up to the necks in water, and when it could not be hauled any further out by these means the carriage was pulled back and the lifeboat slipped into the water. In going off the carriage, however, some of the rods of the steering gear struck and got bent, and some little delay was occasioned by this unfortunate occurrence. Up to the waste in water, willing helpers eagerly worked to remedy this and in a very short time the helm was properly shipped. The lifeboat was still striking on the ground, and could not be got off, but by the aid of a rope to the east pier, pulled by lusty arms, she was got afloat. The wind was blowing a perfect hurricane right in the mouth of the harbour, and this added to the difficulty of getting the boat to sea. Gradually however, she fought her way round the pier head, and to the back of the harbour, where, after striking once or twice on the rocks, she managed to make headway. Her successful attempt was greeted with hearty cheers by the large crowds who lined the east and west piers. Rapidly the vessel sailed up to St Monans, behaving splendidly, but on arriving there no signs of the distressed vessel could be discovered and a search was made along the shore. By torch a signal was made from St Monans to proceed eastwards, and the boats head was turned in that direction. Nothing, however, could be discovered of the whereabouts of the ketch, and after an hour’s search, the lifeboat was put about, and went out into the Firth, where, although they cruised about till nearly eleven o’clock, no trace of the vessel could be found, and the lifeboat then returned to Anstruther.

Only two of the crew had oilskins on, and the rest were sitting soaked the whole time the vessel was out.

Too much praise cannot be given to the fishermen for the eager way in which everyone assisted in getting the boat launched, local and strangers vying with one another in their efforts to help, dashing into the surf without any thought as to their own comfort. Those at the extreme end of the rope, must at times have been up to the neck, as the waves came sweeping in. The lifeboat too, has justified the faith placed in her as a trustworthy sea boat, as during the whole time out she behaved in a splendid manner, answering to the slightest touch of the helm, and amply proving her beating qualities.

1907

New Harbour Commissioner. — ln room of Mr John Carstairs (deceased), Andrew Pratt, Cellardyke, has been appointed a member of the Union Harbour Commissioner.

1908

81 George Street – THE LABELLING OF MARGARINE. Cellardyke Grocer’s Offence. James Scott, grocer, Cellardyke, admitted before Sheriff Armour at Cupar to-day having exhibited for sale margarine which was not labelled as such. In extenuation Mr Alf. E. Grosset said the barrel was quite distinctly labelled “margarine,” all that was a wanting was the label on the margarine itself. A year ago the Inspector called for 1 lb. of margarine, and when he got it wrapped up in paper on which was margarine printed, he handed it back, saying had bought it for the purpose of seeing if he had the proper wrapping. At that time the Inspector said nothing about the absence of the label on the margarine. It was difficult to see why all this carefulness should applied towards margarine, when much was distinctly superior to quantities of butter. Sentence of fine of 10s was passed.

THE LATE MR JAMES M. DUNCAN, ANSTRUTHER. A painful sensation was created in the district on Saturday night when the sad news became known that Mr James M. Duncan, draper, High Street, Anstruther, had died at seven o’clock. Tho shock was all the greater in that very few had been aware that he had been unwell, and it seemed incredible to many that one who was so full of bright and energetic life should have been so suddenly called away. A week previous Mr Duncan had contracted a chill, and in the first of the week it had developed into pleurisy, and afterwards into pneumonia, resulting in his death on Saturday evening. The event aroused very widespread feelings of regret and sympathy with his site and family, and on Sunday in the most of the Churches very sympathetic allusions were made in the prayers and sermons.

Mr Duncan was a native of Cellardyke, where he was born 72 years ago, his father being the late Mr Andrew Duncan, builder. He served his apprenticeship to the drapery trade with the late Mr Fowler, Cellardyke, in the shop at the east end of Cellardyke, now occupied by Messrs Scott. On Mr Fowler retiring from business, Mr Duncan got employment from the late Provost Murray in Anstruther, and early in the year 1861, he, along with Mr George White, took over Mr Murray’s business. The partnership of White & Duncan lasted till July 1869, when Mr White left for America, and ever since it has been conducted by Mr Duncan. The business one of the oldest established in the district, and among the most successful. Its traditions were weal preserved by Mr Duncan through his long period of occupancy, and the slight check of a few years ago was successfully grappled with, the business still remaining a most, remunerative one. Mr Duncan was a general favourite with all with whom he was brought into contact. His buoyant spirit and genial nature made him well-known to all, and enlarged the circle of his acquaintanceship among all classes. From the first he was induced to enter the Town Council, and had the unique record of having acted as treasurer of the burgh for the lone period of 21 years. He made a very efficient local Chancellor of the Exchequer, his books always being carefully and neatly kept. His work in this respect was much appreciated, and he never had any difficulty in retaining his seat at the Council during an election, his name being generally at the top of the poll. He was also a member of the Parochial Board, and when the Parish Councils came into vogue he held office in it for a term. In religious matters he was a staunch Voluntary, and was connected with the United Presbyterian Church in Anstruther in the early fifties of last century, when the congregation worshipped in the East Green. When the Erskine Church was opened in 1853 he was one of its active members, and continued until it was merged in 1904 in union with the Chalmers Church. He was for many years the treasurer of the Church, and also an elder. He took a keen interest in all matters affecting his Church, and always showed an intimate knowledge of the ecclesiastical world. In other ways, Mr Duncan took his share of public work, and was one of the promoters of the Bowling Club. His enjoyment of the game of bowls was always keen, and as treasurer and President for one year he did much to contribute to its prosperity as a successful source of recreation in the summer season. The departure of so well-known and highly respected a citizen induced a very large number to attend the funeral on Tuesday afternoon to pay their last tribute of respect. The flags on the Townhouse and Bowling Green were suspended half-mast, while the Town Council, headed by Provost Morris, met in the Council Chamber at a quarter past one o’clock and took part in the procession. A short religious service in the house was conducted by the Rev. Mr Mair, who also officiated at the grave. The pall-bearers were John and James Duncan, sons; Mr Alexander Duncan, and Mr John Duncan, Edinburgh, brothers; two nephews, Edinburgh; Mr A. C. Mackintosh, and Mr H. Watson, Anstruther. The coffin was covered with a number of beautiful wreaths, including One from the Merchants’ Association, while the shops were closed for an hour during the funeral. Mr Duncan is survived by a widow and a comparatively young family. ….

1909

The case of J. Brunton, J. Gen, W. Brown, and Watson Smith, fishermen, Cellardyke, against James Hodge, fisherman, Cellardyke, aroused great interest and the courtroom was packed. Mr T. D. Murray, solicitor, appeared for pursuers, while defendant was represented by Mr C. H. Maxwell. Pursuers held that the sum of £2 18s 9d fell to be divided among them as part of the earnings for the English fishing, and took exception to several items of the accounts presented by defendant. For the defence Mr Maxwell submitted the accounts of the proceeds of the Lowest and Yarmouth fishing. The vessel’s gross earnings had been £272 6d, out of which there had to be taken £135 2s 1d, as working expenses, leaving £136 19s 5d, out of that sum £54 16s 9d was paid to the owners, and left £82 3s 8d to be divided among the crew, out of that sum the living expenses of  the crew had to be taken, and the amount for division among the seven members of the crew was £41 17s 10 ½ d. Four shares of that were due the pursuers £23 18s 9d, and there had been paid to account £21. That was admitted by pursuers, and he would bring figures to prove that defendant was not due the balance. ( the newspaper reports the whole case word for word and takes up another two complete columns)

1905

On Thursday last week a heavy gale of south-west wind was blowing, and coxswain Sutherland decided to ive the new lifeboat a trial under the gale, the signal having been fired, the boat was launched and manned by crew No, 2. They proceeded to North Berwick where the boat was visited and favourably criticised by the fishermen there. On their return to Anstruther the crew commented favourably on the merits of the boat, especially in & heavy wind. Itis the intention of the coxswain to try the boat’s qualities in the first south-east gale, when the sea is usually heavier than in westerly winds.

Sale of a fishing boat – The large new fishing boat recently built by Mr Fulton has just been purchased by Messrs Robert and David Anderson Cellardyke. The craft is about 70ft long, in similar design and workmanship to those formerly supplied to Cellardyke owners by the same builder, and which have given so much satisfaction. Ample time is given for the fitting up of the boat, which is not required until the spring fishing. ( the boat was launched in March and called the Sunbeam)

Anstruther The very successful start which the fishing had in the middle of last week was continued on Friday, when the large fleet of 89 boats entered the harbour, including three from Inverness, three from Peterhead, and about a score from the Aberdeen and Montrose districts. …..

The fishermen intended to have gone off to the fishing at an early hour on Monday morning, and several of the smaller craft went to Elie to enable them to get out quicker, the inner harbour of Anstruther being very crowded. A severe gale made this impassible and the boats had to lie in the harbour until the afternoon when all got away with a favourable wind. Unfortunately, there was a renewal of the gale throughout the night, and very few of the boats reached the harbour by the morning tide. In the afternoon about half of the fleet arrived, and made the harbour with same difficulty. One Cellardyke boat, the Reliance, struck the concrete pier with some force, and damaged her stem, necessitating a new one being put in. A Peterhead boat ran ashore on the east beach, and also suffered some damage. The fishing was light, there being an average of three crans, or 156 crans of a total. The prices ranged from 27s to 33s.

OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT. J. SMITH, BEGS to intimate to the Inhabitants of CELLARDYKE ANSTRUTHER, and Surrounding Districts that he has commenced a DRAPERY BUSINESS at 38 John Street, Cellardyke, and hopes by paying strict attention to Business to merit a share of Public Patronage. J. SMITH, 38 John Street, Cellardyke.

CELLARDYKE HARBOUR CONTRACT DISPUTE.—We understand that the dispute over the contract between the contractors, Messrs Adams, Glasgow, and the Town Council has been amicably settled, and further litigation will be unnecessary.

SCOTTISH BANKRUPTS……..  Alexander Cathro, grocer. James Street. Cellardyke, carrying on a business  there under the name of Cathro and Company. Meeting to be held at twelve on Friday, 20^th January, in the Commercial Hotel Anstruther

FISHERMEN “HECKLERS.” CAPTAIN ELLICE AT CELLAIIDYKE. RETALIATION AND THE HERRING TRADE. Continuing his tour the Anstruther district, Captain Ellice addressed a public meeting of fishermen in Cellardyke Town Hall on Saturday evening. There was an attendance about thirty. Ex-Provost Thomson presided. The Captain first of all spoke of the number of questions which had been dealt with during the last session Parliament relating to fishermen. There was the question of the Norwegian fishermen in the Moray Firth, and after being investigated it was found that in reality these fishermen belonged to Grimsby. The Government had taken some action in the matter of illegal trawling.  He had strong feelings about the trawling questions, because there was a law that prohibited trawlers fishing within the three-mile limit. They were in reality poachers, and there were police for land poachers the Government should capture these poachers of the sea. (Applause.) A Bill had been introduced by Scottish members to regulate the whaling industry in Shetland, but this had been blocked. A Commission reported on the matter, and he hoped something would be done next session. (Applause.)

EXCITING SCENES AT ANSTRUTHER HARBOUR. For the last two nights very exciting scenes were witnessed at Anstruther harbour. The “neap” tides on Saturday prevented between 50 and 60 boats getting into the inner harbour, and as a severe south-east gale sprang up during the afternoon, and enormous seas were swept over the east pier into the outer harbour, they lay in a position of great danger. At night hundreds of fishermen congregated the piers and lent willing assistance to haul the boats inside, but as the boats already inside blocked the entrance, being unable to get further up the harbour for want of water, this was matter of some difficulty. Ultimately fully thirty more were crushed inside, but many of the fishermen remained on board all night in case of emergency. Last night a similar scene was witnessed. The very unusual action was taken of sending the town officer with the bell through Cellardyke summoning all the fishermen to attend at the harbour between seven and eight o’clock to give assistance to bring in the renaming boats. Almost every fisherman responded, and the middle and west piers were crowded with fishermen and spectators watching. Fortunately, there was a bigger tide, and the boats inside got further up the inner harbour, thus making room for the score of boats in the outer harbour, and by nine o’clock all were got safely in with comparatively little damage. There is a fleet of 150 boats in Anstruther at present prosecuting the fishing, and the want of deeper water in the harbour very much felt, but the incidents of the last two nights are likely to lead to a strong agitation, and an appeal being made to the Treasury to assist the Harbour Commissioners financially to carry out an imperative harbour extension, in which deeper water would be provided. Large numbers of fishermen remained on board their boats till an early hour this morning, and until the tide receded.

The Aberdeen liner White Queen, belonging Mr Thomas Walker, Aberdeen, has been purchased by Messrs John Birrell and Robert Moncrieff, Cellardyke.

1900

THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. ANSTRUTHER AND CELLARDYKE Hogmanay falling on a Sunday, the New Year was ushered in in Anstruther and Cellardyke with comparative quietness, The streets on Sunday seemed to be quieter than usual, and the same remark might be made of Saturday night, when it was noticed that fewer people were moving about than on an ordinary Saturday. A good number left the town on Saturday, and the arrivals were more numerous than former years. The special trains run from Edinburgh and Glasgow did much to prevent a congestion of the traffic, but notwithstanding this the trains were somewhat late in arriving. On Sunday night, comparatively few people met at the Cross and in Rodger Street to usher in the New Year, an as soon as it was known that 1900 had dawned. coloured lights were shown and the usual wishes expressed. Snatches of songs with flute in accompaniment were sung, and then the first footers began their rounds. The weather throughout Monday was of the finest description, being dry and bracing. The roads in some parts were soft and slippery, but the causewayed streets aid pavements were very pleasant for pedestrians. The day being Handsel Monday, the farm servants helped to swell the crowds on the streets, the day being observed as a holiday by all except a number of -shopkeepers. Very little business was done, and the drapers and others were obliged to close in the afternoon. The outdoor attractions were a football match and a raffle at the Bridge, both of which were well patronised. Th e trains during the day were not much behind time considering the large number , travelling. Extra carriages had to be put on. There was a good deal of grumbling that there was no reduction of fares on Monday, the same as was granted on Saturday, but the reason given was that the Monday holiday was not being generally observed, and no advantage could be given on that account. In the evening in Anstruther Town Hall there was a dance, while in Cellardyke Town Hall, the Gospel Temperance Union held their annual social meeting. The town was fairly quiet in the evening, and the number of persons under the influence of drink was estimated to be under the average. The only annoyance was the firing of squibs on the streets, and this amusement of the youngsters was very largely indulged in all day. No accidents occurred, at least none were reported. The shopkeepers held their holidays on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the weather on Tuesday was wretched in the extreme, a pitiless rain falling all day, while the wind had veered to the east. So stormy was the outlook that neither the boats or the liners ventured out of the harbour. The conditions held good on Wednesday, when from the forenoon until late in the afternoon it rained very heavily at intervals. The sky became so dark between 12 and 1 o’clock that over the whole town artificial lights had to be resorted to. A good few shops were opened, but on account of the weather, and there being no fishing, very little business was done.

PRESENTATION AT CELLARDYRE TO MR JOHN MILLAR, POSTMAN. On Wednesday evening, Mr John Miller, postman, was presented in Cellardyke Town Ball with a gold watch and albert on the occasion of his leaving the district for Arbroath. The meeting was largely attended, and Provost Thomson presided. Treasurer Fortune, Councillors Melville and Black were on the platform. The Provost wished all present a very happy New Year. (Applause.) The purpose for which they were met was well known to them, and from the audience, which was very large considering the inclemency of the weather, it was evident that there was a distinctly hearty feeling over this presentation. (Applause.) Very often over affairs of this kind there is a decided lukewarmness caused by the feeling that there was no occasion for the presentation at all. But in all truth he could say that over this presentation to Mr John Millar, who has been for 11 years our postman, there is not the slightest trace of such a feeling. (Applause.) When it was first proposed to acknowledge Mr Millar’s faithful services to the community it was very heartily taken up, and the large number of subscriptions show how unanimous the feeling was in favour of it. ………….. Was it a wonder that a presentation should be proposed on his retirement, and was it a wonder that this proposal should have been heartily taken up and carried through? It was because he knew how hearty and spontaneous have been the feelings of all in connection with this presentation, and how willingly they have given to it, that he had very great pleasure in handling over, in the name of the subscribers, this watch and chain to Mr Miller. (Applause.) He hoped it would always remind him of his unselfish and faithful service, and that it would also be a token to him that he carried into his new life with its different duties the respect and good wishes of the people of Cellardyke and district. The inscription on the watch is as follows:

“Presented to Mr John Miller by his friends in Cellardyke and district as an expression of their respect and esteem. January 3rd 1900 ” The watch was bought from the stuck of Mr Donaldson, Shore Street, Anstruther. …….

Councillor Melville expressed the pleasure he had in being present. They would never get a better postman. (Applause.) He earnestly hoped that Mr Miller would succeed as well in his new undertaking as he had done as their postman. (Applause.) He hoped that at the end of 11 years he would be again presented with something tangible for producing some new boats. He noticed some present who were to get boats from Mr Miller, and he hoped the boats would be a great success. (Applause)

Treasurer Fortune said he entertained great respect for their postman because they all knew that everything was safe with him, and that all his duties would be faithfully discharged. (Applause.) He wished Mr Miller every success in his new undertaking into which he carried all their good wishes for his success. (Applause.)

Councillor Black said he had come to the meeting to show his esteem, and respect for Mr Miller. (Applause). Everyone could corroborate what had been so well said by Provost Thomson and others as to the obliging and painstaking way Mr Miller bad discharged his duties. He hoped the name firm of John Miller and Son will go over broad Scotland and England to with the fine boats they would build. Mr Miller had a name second to none in Scotland for building splendid fishing boats. (Applause.)

Mr Thomas Cunningham, Anstruther, heartily approved of the remarks made the very satisfactory manner in which Mr Miller had done his work. At the time this was the first occasion he had say he was pleased to receive a taxpaper from a postman. (Laughter.) That was the only thing he had against Mr Miller. (Laughter.) He hoped Mr Miller would be successful in building new boats. His father had built some splendid crafts, and two heads would be better than one, (Applause)

Bailies Williamson Butters also made a few remarks, the latter proclaimed a vote of thanks to the Provost for presiding. The meeting terminated with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

STATE OF CELLARDYKE HARBOUR. CONFERENCE WITH MR ANSTRUTHER, M.P. In Town Hall, Cellardyke, on Friday evening. Mr Anstruther. M.P., held a conference with fishermen and others, and propounded scheme to restore Cellardyke Harbour, washed down by a storm in October. 1898. Mr Anstruther said a rough estimate had made to the cost of rebuilding the south pier, involving the sum of £1200, and he proposed that, in order to raise that amount, fourteen skippers of boats should insure their lines to the extent of £100. The annual sum to met would £87 or thereabouts. An income of £50 would be derived from laid-up boats during the winter, leaving £37 to be raised otherwise. Perhaps some of the other skippers might agree to become responsible for that amount. A discussion ensued over the scheme, and, while the majority of the fishermen present agreed as to the feasibility of utilising Cellardyke Harbour when restored as storage during the winter for laid-up boats, the financial proposal was left over for further consideration. Mr Anstruther, the motion of Mr H. Watson, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the great interest he took in fishing questions and the industry.

DEATH OF A PROMINENT FIFE MAN. The death occurred last night, at Cellardyke, of ex-Bailie Robert Brown, at the advanced age of 84. He was a prominent and fisherman, but retired upwards of 20 years ago, when he was elected a2 member of Kilrenny Town C He was appointed a magistrate, an office he retained for several years. He was also a staunch Free Churchman, and acted as an elder in Anstruther Free Church since the Disruption.

Battle of Magersfontein, Boer war

General Wauchope’s death Lost the Battle

JJ Moir writing from Camp Enslin on 14^th Dec to his parents in Cellardyke says;- It was an awful sight. The bullets were like a shower of hail and the shells were bursting all around us. God knows how I got clear, for I was in the thick of it. I felt the heat of a shell on my face. I never was so near being killed in all my life. There were bullets hitting all around me and whistling over my head. I have been in a few battles, but nothing like this, but thank God I got out of it all right. We would have beat them had our General not got killed. He was shot in three places. The troops seemed to get disheartened after that, and we got the word to retire. This is a very bad place to get water. I walked four miles that night after the battle to the river for a drink.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Magersfontein

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1895

CELLARDYKE PROPERTY SALES.—The house and garden, 69 John Street, were exposed for sale on Saturday Inst. The upset price was £30, and after keen competition the property was knocked down to Mr Mitchell, of Robert Watson & Co., for £75, The two-storey house, 2 Dove Street, was sold to the present occupant at £50, Other two properties were put up for exposure, but failed to find offerers.

FISHERMEN’S BENEFIT SOCIETY.—The annual general meeting of the Cellardyke Fishermen’s Union and benefit Society was held on Saturday evening—Mr Martin Gardner presiding. The Treasurer’s report showed that the Society had paid for sick and widows’ aliment during the year £74 15s 64d, and to annuitants £10 15s. Directors were appointed for this year and empowered to appoint arbittrs, After some discussion as to amendment on rules affecting new members, it was remitted to the directors to consult upon, and if advisable, call a special meeting for consideration of same.

FISHING NOTES.—The steam liners were not so fortunate last week as the week before, although some of them grossed fair sums, The expenses incurred through the bait being so expensive left almost nothing for division at the close of the week. None of them have ventured to sea this week owing to the severe weather, Considerable anxiety was felt u to the safety of the Shields liners, Bernicia and Hibernia, both of which are manned by Cellardyke crews ; but both were reported safe at Newhaven on Wednesday afternoon.

The Board of Trade has sanctioned the establishment of a fog siren on the Island of May.

MARRIED. Doig: —At 38 West Forth St. Cellardyke. on the 19th inst., by the Rev. Mr Macalpine, Alison B. Henderson, to Michael Doig, son of captain Doig, S.S Faith, Aberdeen.

1896

A TROUBLESOME FISHERMAN, —David Davidson. jun., fisherman, Cellardyke, was at the same Court charged with using obscene and abusive language, calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. He pled not guilty; but from the evidence of the police, it was proved that conduct like the accused’s was becoming very prevalent in Shore Street, several householders having complained to them about the language used by young men round about their doors. On the night in question they (the police) had cautioned Davidson, he still persisted in his conduct, He was convicted. and fined 7s 6d or 5 days.

A Sudden Death, a very sudden death occurred in Cellardyke on Monday, James Christie carter, aged 69, appeared in his usual health on Sunday evening when he retired to rest and was found dead in bed early on Monday morning, heart disease was the cause of death.

1897

The reopening of Cellardyke Public cost of fully £2500. The school is now one of the largest and best equipped in the East of Fife, and has accommodation for 650 pupils.

Sunday School Soiree

The annual soiree of the scholars attending Cellardyke Parish Sunday School, was held on Wednesday evening. There was a large gathering, between 600 and 700 being present. Rev. Mr Ray presided and spoke of the increase in numbers attending the school, and the consequent increase in the number of teachers….. A magic lantern exhibition was given by Messrs Dewar and Graham of the hope trust, Edinburgh. The story of George Wishart was told in a most graphic and deeply interesting manner by Mr Dewar, and the pictures that were put upon the screen were very beautiful and much admired. A miscellaneous collection of slides were also shown which greatly delighted old and young. The choir led by Mr Paittison, the organist, sang several anthems, and solos by Miss Maggie Keay, Miss Isabella Jack and Mr James Wood were capably and intelligently rendered …

1898

GIFTS TO THE POOR. —At the invitation of Mrs Oliphant of Mayview, a large number of the aged poor of the parish assembled in the session house of Cellardyke Church on Monday at mid-day, to receive their annual gift. The Rev. Mr Ray was present, and after a devotional service addressed a few seasonable words to the company. Before dispersing a hearty vote of thanks was given Mrs Oliphant for her thoughtfulness and generosity.

Cellardyke Fishermen’s Union and Benefit Society have the large sum of £1424 to their credit in the Bank, and a membership of 166.

At a meeting of shareholders on Wednesday of Cellardyke K. Y. Boot Company, a recommendation to wind up the Company was unanimously agreed to. The other proposal made was to transfer the work to Dundee, but this did not find a seconder.

Quote from the meeting

Mr Mathewson—All we want to find out is where the ship is leaking. If we find out the leakage we may be able to patch up the ship, but if we do not, we don’t know what to do. Mr Mclntosh said they had only been making 200 pairs a week, while the machinery could have turned out 600 easy enough. After they failed in getting men they tried boys, but they only stopped a short time in the factory. The place would never pay unless they got a supply of men to work the factory, and keep them continuously going. If they had had the output the machinery was able to put out the place would have been a profit.

Mr Mathewson expressed regret at the failure of the Company. He only took shares in it to encourage a local industry, and because he thought there would have been no difficulty in getting labour in Cellardyke. But it seemed that the difficulty had been to get a sufficient number of men to stay on in the work. Mr Mclntosh—The loss is entirely accounted for by want of output.

1899

DELIVERY OF HERRINGS At a meeting of fishermen in Cellardyke Town Hall on Wednesday evening—Mr James Jack presiding—it was unanimously agreed to appoint a committee to call on the Harbour Commissioners to make some arrangements for the laid-up boats for next season. It was also resolved that during the winter herring fishing no fish should be sold or discharged until 7.30 o’clock each morning.

On Tuesday the first herring for the season was delivered at Anstruther by the Cellardyke boat New Kate. A cran was put out, and sold at 25s per cran. With the same tide Rob the Ranter landed a shot of white fish which fetched £10.

CELLARDYKE READING ROOM. On visiting this useful institution the other day, we were agreeably surprised to see it so very well supplied with newspapers and books. It takes in the Daily Mail, Caledonian Mercury, Fife Herald, Scottish Press, Weekly News, John O’Groat Journal, Fifeshire Advertiser, and Illustrated London News; also, Hogg’s Instructor and Chamber’s Journal. In books, they have got Chamber’s Information for the people, History of French Revolutions, Selections from British Poets, Life of Nelson, and about 20 other volumes. On examining the list of members, we were surprised to find that they only numbered 28. The concern is very creditable to the members, but we fear that unless the Institution is better supported it cannot long be continued in its present efficient state. If this article should meet the eye of any who are in the habit of employing the people of the town, and who have hitherto overlooked the benefits which would result from such an Institution, we hope they will lose no time in lending a helping hand. It is the duty of every person of influence in the locality to do what he can, both by word and deed, to encourage such Institutions as this.

1899 the fishing year

Anstruther. In the East of Fife the staple industry has had a most successful year at all the different fishings. The winter herring fishing yielded 15,775 crans, an increase 10,562 crans over 1898. It. was the best season since 1892, The prices kept up fairly well throughout, although on several occasions they were reduced to 1s and 2s per cran owing to the large quantity landed. One new feature of the fishing which tended to keep up the prices was the curing of the fish for the Russian markets. This was the first year this was attempted, and as the returns were remunerative to the curers, it more than likely the curing of the herring will be resorted to every year. The spring deep sea fishing was also prosecuted with fair measure of success the fishermen, while the “drave”  at the north ports was peculiar in this respect, that exceptionally high prices were realised, and those crews which caught herrings were sure making money. Some of the Cellardyke boats were very successful, having upwards of £600; while none of the fleet were below £100, and the average earning was close on £200. The boats returned from the Scarborough and Lowestoft and Yarmouth fishings on the last week of November, the season having proved to them to be the best record far as the money earned was concerned. The average of the 25 crews engaged was fully £500, and this works out a gross total of £12,000. Assuming that the salesmen’s commission and expenses were £2000, this leaves the large sum of £10,000 having been brought from the south these crews, some of the members of which have received fully £100 per man their share. Never before has such a lot of money been brought back, and the result of it is already seen in the orders that are being given for new boats of about 70 feet m length. The steam liners and trawlers have done fairly well during the year, and have paid dividends ranging from 2 ½ to 10 per cent. Several efforts were made during the year to increase the commercial prosperity of Anstruther and district, while Crail and Elie are increasing yearly prosperity as summer resorts, the other towns between are not so well patronised, and it was thought necessary to something to start public work of some kind. A renewed attempt was afterwards made get the coalfields between Pittenweem and St Monans opened.  A Syndicate of practical and wealthy men made searching inquiry, and offered very favourable terms to the agents of the proprietor. Mr Baird, Elie. So absolutely convinced were they of the large quantity of coal in the district that they offered to test this at their own expense. They were informed, however, that the coalfields were not to be let in the meantime.

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SKETCHES OF FISHER LIFE. 1871

“If you hear the burl cry,

Let you the boat lie

Twa ebbs and a flude,

Be the weather ere so gude,”

said the ancient fathers of Cellardyke, who, long before the days of barometers and storm signals, trusted in the heaven-planted instincts of this well-known sea bird for warning of the approaching tempest, just as the country folks would say of a like ill omen,

“Sea gull, sea gull sit on the sand,

It’s never gude  weather when you’re on the land”

These things, however, are only as traditions of the past to the hardy sons of St Peter of the present day, who, in the altered circumstances of the times, are called upon to face hazards and dangers peculiarly their own. The old grandfathers of the coast, for instance, fished in little tarred yawls, often built and always repaired with their own hands; but, then, they only went to sea with the morning light, and scarcely beyond sight of their own cottage doors. But see how it has changed with their descendants! Now that the last herring shoal has forsaken the shore, the cod fisher must draw his bait supplies from the haddock fishing, and for this purpose he must carry a double set of lines, leaving his home betimes on Monday morning, and not returning again until Friday or Saturday, during which, of course, he inevitably encounters all changes of the weather—now with the sail flapping idly against the mast and the scorching noon-day sun high overhead, and then with the solemn watches of the night broken by the crash of the storm, all hidden in the darkness until only revealed in the lightning flash, which, in the terror of the scenes, seems like a torch leading to death and the grave, It is of such a time as this that Skipper George Moncrieff, of Cellardyke, sings. We give the lines, as showing the noble sentiments glowing in the fisher heart, and which truly smooths a path through the stormiest sea.

When the scud it does fly

Fast over the sky,

And waves they leap high,

It is then we descry

 That God is our guide,

Who o’er the storms preside.

In Him only confide

Whatever betide.

Then let us all try

To raise our faint cry,

Knowing He always is nigh,

Our wants to supply.

In the summer season the deep-sea boats usually steer for the haddock banks, with their long stretch of eight miles of lines, baited at home as in the ordinary periods of that fishing; when, after working their gear, the crew again tighten the sail to the top of the mast and take their course a hundred miles or more to the north-east of the Isle of May, when, selecting the smallest of the haddocks for bait, they cast their great lines, which are also about eight miles in length, and then after perhaps a second or third trial, make for Aberdeen or Montrose, where for the sake of the better market they frequently sell the fish before they return home.

These *‘far seas,” as our fishermen call their long fishing trips, expose them, as will be readily inferred, to great peril from a sudden change in the weather. The old fisher saw the cloud “when no bigger than a man’s hand,” and had time to fly to the shore; but the case is entirely changed when the storm is seen brewing ‘‘a hundred miles at sea,” for then, of course, it must be braved in all its fury long before a friendly harbour can be reached. This was eminently the case last week with the boats overtaken in the storm. Sea and sky only met the weary eye as it swept round and round the distant horizon, and so with the heavens blackening with the tempest cloud, the curtain of night fell on the dark and cheerless prospect as our fishers reefed their sail and prepared to fly from the approaching storm. The canvas was reduced to less than a third of its ordinary size, and yet driving before the blast the boat dashed through foam and spray like a wild beast to its lair, while the resounding air was filled with the wail of the tempest and the fierce turmoil of the waves ; and so the brave fisher watched and toiled at their posts as men working between death and life, hoping and praying for the morning light as for some blessed messenger that was to bring safety and deliverance.

The long weary hours—counted again and again —flew tardily by, but the dawn came at last, though the red morning light brought little of cheer or comfort to the poor tempest-caught mariners ; indeed, it was rather otherwise, it only lifted the veil from the face of the storm, and presented the terrific scene in all its sublime but appalling reality. Lashed by the gathering tempest, the billows in vast mountain-like ridges were wheeling and shooting like white-plumed warriors spurring to battle, and whose resistless sweep it seemed only destruction and death to oppose. “We wearied for daylight, but when it came we rather it had not,” said an old fisher, in allusion to the awful perils with which he saw himself encompassed. But still guided with consummate skill and courage the little craft sped through the storm, each gallant crew forgetting their own danger in what seemed to be the yet greater hazard of their neighbour, as in quick succession their boat would now rise high on the crest of some giant wave, and then, with half her keel bare to the eye, would plunge headlong into the trough beyond, in which mast and sail would also disappear, until the next heave of the sure would make the heart quiver as before. How beautiful are the words of the Psalmist concerning the tempest-tossed mariner— “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep. For He commandeth and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depth, their soul is melted because of trouble.”

Truly many a thrilling adventure, many a hairbreadth escape, is experienced by our fishermen; often, indeed, do they stand face to face with the risky king of terrors, when help only is with the God of the battle and the storm. Here is an example from the late storm. On Wednesday morning Skipper Robert Cunningham was sitting in the ‘bunk,’ or cabin of his boat, the “Solace,” s0 appropriately named from her substantial and comfortable build, taking some needful rest after remaining for fifteen long and weary hours at the helm, when all on a sudden the boat was struck with a tremendous sea that came on the deck like the crash of a battering ram, and under which, as a hunted thing struck with a deadly blow, she staggered and reeled, and then fell over with a violent lurch as if about to sink to the bottom. A torrent of sea-water poured into the cabin, that shut out the dim and sickly light, and with it, seemingly, the last hope of life. At such a moment men often faint, or become frantic with fear, but this brave skipper only thought of the loved and loving ones at home, and in his heart bade them all farewell, “We are lost—l will die here,” he said to himself, and sat still, knowing how vain it would be there to raise a drowning cry, when none was near to pity or to save. As if by a miracle, however, the boat again righted, and the poor mariners were saved. Surely “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Then they cry unto the Lord and He bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet – so he bringeth them into their desired haven.”

Some crews had no less providential deliverances. One of the most experienced fishermen of the coast —Skipper James Smith- describes the gale as “the severest he ever encountered but, as it often happens, other boats made the voyage without an untoward incident of danger—these being s0 fortunate as to avoid those bursting waves which are so peculiarly the dread and terror of all mariners.

At these times the recent improvement of decking the deep-sea boats is, of course, seen to be of the most essential value. Before their introduction the sea that now washes comparatively harmless from gunwale to gunwale would have filled the boat and perhaps have sunk her to the bottom. Thus it was that in sailing their open boats it was the familiar work of the crew to take their station at the pumps, or with long scoops, s0 as to be ready to throw out the water in the event of some crested wave or “unlucky flip”—to use a pithy fisher phrase—rolling on board. This danger, as can be readily conceived, was peculiarly great after night-fall. Here is the experience of an old fisher: —”I remember,” said he, “of being once caught in a gale near the Bell Rock. It was a dark night, and every eye was strained watching betimes the heavy sea, whose white tops were the only relief to the dismal scene —all else being as dark as the grave. The gale increased to a hurricane, and the waves, as it did so, leaped higher and higher, so that the sheet could not be left for an instant. I was standing on the main thwart when I heard our skipper cry, “Men, look out,” and next instant I saw a giant wave rise high over the gunwale. I felt my heart stop within me as I heard it roaring like a savage beast towards me. I found myself in its cold and remorseless embrace which dragged me helpless as a child from my place, and hurried me along I knew not whither. A strange and awful feeling came over me. I felt myself in the very jaws of death. I have always since thought as if that beautiful text had been written only for me—”The waters compassed me about even to the soul; the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.” I dared not think of life, when, with the waters still ringing in my ears, I found myseelf dashed against the forward part of the boat, when, though stunned and almost senseless, I heard one of the crew as a voice from the dead cry out,

“Courage, boys, she is rising yet, we are safe.” Such are the perils and hardships encountered by the hardy fisher while reaping the “harvest of the sea,” gathering in the inexhaustible treasures which so materially enrich our shores and increase the food supplies of the millions of our people—of the brave class who so largely add to the prosperity and wealth of the empire in days of peace, and who, when the beacon fire flickers on the hill in the hour of the battle and the storm, will, as in the times of the past, prove the strength and glory of the brave old land in manning her war-ships and driving the boasting invader from her seas, and who yet, of all our industrial orders, are strangely enough the most neglected, if not despised, but yet, nevertheless, who are distinguished by a fuller share of the true Scottish virtues of self-reliance, industry, and love of fair dealing than any such class in the country.

I was honoured to take a trip to Kings Lynn to pay respect at the memorial service for the event known as the Beautiful Star Disaster which occurred in 1875. Three St Monans boats, the Beautiful Star, Thane and Quest, and two Cellardyke boats the Vigilant and Janet Anderson were lost in a storm while heading home from Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

The Beautiful Star was found semi-submerged off Kings Lynn and towed in, 5 members of the crew were discovered drowned in the cabin, blocked in by a broken mast.

The town of Kings Lynn was so affected that they planned a public funeral which was attended by hundreds of fisherfolk, sailors and Good Templars, this happened on 3rd Dec 1875. Two days later 3 men were burried in the same plot having been discovered with the wreackage of the Thane – no other bodies were found. In 1876 the town raised further monies and placed a memorial stone in Hardwick Road Cemetery ,shaped like the Beautiful Star.

The ceremony on the 4th Dec 2025 was to mark the 150th anniversary.

At the church Sevice, attended by the Mayor and leader of the County Council as well as other local representation I read the names of the Cellardyke Fishermen lost. This was held in the medieval St Nicholas’s Chapel which had hosted the original funerals. A muffled bell was rung after each of the names was read out. Mary Henderson of St Monans read out the names of those lost from there. We then went to the cemetery where a wreath laying service was held. I laid a wreath on behalf of the Community of Cellardyke.

The community of St Monans has raised money and commissioned a Memorial Garden which opened in November 2025, commemorating all the losses from this the East Neuk’s biggest fishing disaster. This was opened by the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres after a moving church service, in the Braehead Kirk, name reading and bell ringing at the harbour.

Bill Bruce of Different Video’s excellent film commissioned to commemorate the event

https://fb.watch/DRC-MQncDL/

Cellardyke Trust organised our memorial walk to commemorate this on National Fishing Remembrance day, in May. This event in Kings Lynn rounded off the year’s memorials

Trues Yard Museum in Kings Lynn have an excellent temporary display on the disaster, the nameboards, flags and mast created for our walk are now part of that display

Richard Wemyss

Cellardyke

JANET ANDERSON KY. 1176                        Crew of seven

James Murray, owner & skipper               (26) Single

Andrew Stewart                                              (34) Left a widow with 4 children

William Bridges                                                (22) Left a widow and 1 child

James Walker                                                   (37) Left a widow and 4 children

Alexander Lothian                                          (54) Left a widow and 4 children

Hugh McKay                                                      (?)Single

William McKay                                                  (?)Single

VIGILANT KY. 1214                                           Crew of six

Robert Stewart, owner & skipper            (42) Left a widow and 4 children

William Stewart                                               (46) Left a widow and 1 child

James McRuvie                                               (45) Left a widow and 3 children

James McRuvie,                                               (16) son of above Age 16

Alexander Doig                                                (32) Left a widow and 6 children

Leslie Brown                                                     (19) Single

St Monans

BEAUTIFUL STAR KY.1298                           Crew of 7

James Paterson, skipper and owner      (49) left a widow and 5 children

Robert Paterson,                                             (16) son of owner, single

William Paterson                                              (39) brother of James, left a widow and 5 children

Robert Paterson,                                             (18) son of William, single

David Allan,                                                        (48) shoemaker by trade, left a widow and 6 children

James Allan,                                                      (18) nephew of James Paterson single

David Davidson,                                               (28) single, not related

THANE KY.1071                                                 Crew of 7

Thomas Fyall,  Skipper & part owner      Left a widow and 2 children

David Lowrie, Joint owner                          Left a widow and 5 children

Lawrence Fyall                                                 Brother of skipper, single,

Thomas Fyall                                                     Left a widow and one child

Thomas Lowrie,                                               Brother of David married only three months

Andrew Allan                                                    Single

Alexander Duncan                                          Left a widow and 3 children

QUEST KY.221

David Allan, skipper & owner                    Left a widow and 6 children

William Allan,                                                    brother of skipper Left a widow and 5 children

Robert Allan,                                                     son of David, single

Alexander Irvine                                              Left a widow and 7 children

Alexander Hutt                                                Single

Alexander Latto                                               Single

David Eason                                                       Single                  

Three other fishermen were lost from Cellardyke boats in the same season or storm

Alexander McRuvie – 1875 – from the Excelsior

John Watson (31) Unmarried– 1875 from George Anderson’s boat

James Gardner (47) from the boat WILLIAMS – Oct 21st,

THE CELLARDYKE ECHO

1890

FAITH MISSION MEETINGS —From advertisement it will be seen that the Faith Mission are to hold a gospel meeting in Anstruther Town Hall on Sunday evening, and special meeting for Christians in Cellardyke Town Hall each night beginning on Monday up to and including Friday night.

DAMAGE TO A CELLARDYKE BOAT.—On Monday while the Cellardyke boat “New Kate,” K.Y.234, was on her way from Yarmouth to Anstruther, she was struck by a heavy squall about two miles off Whitby. The mizzen mast was carried away nearly three feet from the deck. The damage sustained was £2, but is covered by insurance. The mast had been only three mouths in the boat.

1892

BURGH COURT.—At the bar of East Anstruther Court on Friday—all the Magistrates on the bench —Thomas Anderson, fisherman, Cellardyke, was charged with striking P.C. Wright on the preceding Saturday night. He pled guilty, and after a few remarks by the Fiscal, and a pointed warning by Provost Anderson, accused was fined 10s 6d. Mrs Murray (Blyth), Cellardyke, was charged with assaulting her sister, Mrs Graham (Blyth), in the house of the latter, by catching her by the hair of the head and dragging her across the room and passage. Mrs Murray pled not guilty, and evidence was led. Mrs Graham detailed the circumstances of the assault, and added that a handful of hair which was pulled out had unfortunately been left at home. James, a son of Mrs Graham’s, corroborated, and P.C. Wright deponed to seeing the hair which had been hauled out; but Mrs James Wallace, a neighbour, who was also examined, had seen nothing although she heard a noise. The charge was held as proven. Accused finally admitted her guilt, and was fined 7s 6d. Both fines were paid.

Debating Society

A number of young men between 15 and 18 years of age, have formed themselves into a Debating Society for Cellardyke, and are to meet in one of the class-rooms of Forth Street Hall every Tuesday evening. The officials elected are: —Hon. President—Provost Martin; President—D. Boyter; secretary—W. Bayne; treasurer—J. Bruce: and editor of MSS. magazine—Andrew Dick.

The other day one of our correspondents observed in a shop in Cellardyke a most striking freak of nature. This was Swedish turnip of stunted growth which had grown through the neck of a bottle and shaped like a fowl deprived of wings. The head was nearly complete. There was a beak, and the under part resembled plump chicken when plucked.

1893

Yesterday, a new barometer was fitted up at the harbour of Cellardyke. The barometer was sent by the Fishery Board to replace the old one, which has been out of repair for some time.

WANTED, A Good Second-hand SPRING CART, suitable fora Pony 15 Hands. Must be Strong and in Good Order. Apply JOHN MARTIN & Co., Cellardyke.

1894

The Cellardyke Fishermen’s Union and Benefit Society have at their credit funds to the amount of £1431, and a membership of 200.

On Monday evening, a public meeting the fishermen under the auspices of the local branch of Scotland Fishermen’s Association was held in the Reading Room. About a hundred were present. when Mr Martin Gardiner was called to the chair. For a long time the non members of the branch were at a loss to know why they had been invited to – discuss what appeared to them to the Association business. Mr Alex. Gardiner argued that he had no right to speak upon any subject which might come up. Mr Alex. Wood said he supposed the meeting was to appoint a delegate to the Aberdeen conference, but unless an appeal was made to the community to pay the expenses they had no say in the matter. The discussion might have lasted for hours, but at length Mr Carstairs cleared up the issue,. He explained that in March a branch of the East Coast Fishermen’s Association was formed to Cellardyke when 85 joined. A meeting had been held on Saturday night when a circular was read from Mr Macnaughton, Buckie, inviting the fishermen of Cellardyke to send a delegate to a conference of Scottish fishermen on the 22nd December in Aberdeen. The Association’s central meetings were held in Edinburgh, but this conference was independent of it. …….. Such grievances as Sunday trawling, barrell bulk, &c., could then be redressed. The Chairman said the meeting was unanimous in agreeing to send a delegate. As an instance of the lack of union he mentioned a petition signed by 400 Cellardyke men and other 2000 Scottish fishermen which was forwarded to the Fishery Board last year, and never looked at…….

At a meeting last week of Cellardyke fishermen it was considered that the close time of the herring fishing should extend from the end of April till the 10th of July. A complaint was made that Fife fishermen are being forced to compete with trawlers on Sunday or lose their situations.

Capture of a Shark. A shark measuring 15 feet m length was landed at Aberdeen Fish Market Saturday morning the steam trawler Faith. It was purchased by Mr Walker, junior, and cut up for manurial purposes. (Faith KY 443 was the only Cellardyke Steam Trawler Owned by Stephen Williamson and skippered by Michael Doig it never landed in the East Neuk as trawling was not supported here.)

On Sunday considerable stir was created at the harbour by the arrival of a Shields steam liner with flags flying. She came to Anstruther for the crew, who belong to Cellardyke, and whose captain is Skipper David Parker, to take their gear on board. During her stay in the harbour her appearance was contrasted with the other local vessels, and a good number of people were shown over her. She sailed on Tuesday for Shields, but in turning in the new harbour she sustained alight damage to her stem by striking the pier. ( This was the Bernicia SN 199, built in Leith, lost in Feb 1900 with all her Cellardyke crew and two shields men of the black squad, engineer and fireman)

Anstruther Harbour board ……..some of the town’s people got up a company to build some steam liners (not trawlers). They were built of wood at Anstruther and engined et Leith, and they have happily been quite successful. But they draw 9 feet to 9 feet 6 inches aft. They could not be modelled to contend with the heavy weather on that coast unless they had a good hold of the water, and they could not be built of iron or steel because of the rocky bottom of the harbour. Moreover, you will see they draw about 2 feet 6 inches more than the sail boats, and this is the most serious consideration. The skippers are afraid to risk taking the ground in the harbour bad weather. There are also other risks involved arising from the shallow water near the entrance as well as the chance of being neaped, as sometimes happens. In consequence these steam liners which have been entirely successful frequently run to Shields, Aberdeen, or to Granton to sell their takes of fish. There are seven excellent steam liners belonging to the place which have cost about £17,000. One of them I may month, strained soon after she was built by the uneven and rocky bottom of the harbour, and the town’s people are afraid to venture further so long as the harbour remains In its present unsatisfactory condition. There is a liner now ready to be launched. I have tried to encourage one or other of the existing Steam Liner Companies to buy her, and add her to’ their fleet—but they are afraid ………  prosperity would go down if the harbour was not deepened. Mr Cunningham said as an instance of that new liner came in that lay to Anstruther, and took away a crew, from Cellardyke to fish at Shields He understood some of the owners would scarcely allow them to come inside the harbour to take their gear on board, because they were so much against the harbour, on account of its shallowness….

Do you enjoy and follow the Cellardyke Echo and the work of the Cellardyke Trust?

There are costs behind everything we do, such as, Web hosting fees for this website which provides the weekly Cellardyke Echo and all the other info and research. Public Liability Insurance for our events such as the Sea Queen and the Phone Boxes. These are general operating costs which we cannot avoid.

If you are able to support the work of the Cellardyke Trust – Donations of any size would be gratefully received.

Our Account is called “The Cellardyke Trust (SCIO)”, Sort Code 83-15-08 – Acc No 00128815

Many Thanks

1885

ESTABLISHMENT. THOMAS SWTNTON, BAKER, CELLARDYKE, respectfully informs the Public of that place and District, that he has now Opened that Shop, 25 Shore Street, Cellardyke, so long tenanted by Mr Alex. Donaldson, where he intends to carry on the Business of a BAKER in all its various branches. T. S. trusts that, by bestowing careful attention on his business, and selling Goods of the finest quality, he may receive a share of public support.

1886

HERRINGS FOR SALE. FINE RED HERRINGS. at 2s per Box. Gutted Do., 4s per Kit. First class quality at R. Melville’s, 37 John Street, Cellardyke.

ACCIDENT TO A YOUNG LAD.—On Friday forenoon last week, while Thomas Melville, son of Councillor Melville, Cellardyke, was engaged driving herring from the station to Cellardyke, he met with an accident. He had stopped opposite the Buckle House corner in West Anstruther, and was about to jump off the cart, his right foot being on the wheel, when the horse started again. His foot, at the moment the cart moved, slipped between the wheel and the side, the consequence being that he was borne to the ground while a severe twist was given to his foot. On being conveyed home he was attended by Dr Thomson, who found that the small bone of the leg had been broken.

RETURN OF THE BOATS FROM THE SOUTH. Fully 40 of the Cellardyke boats which have been engaged at the fishing in England have arrived at Anstruther this week. The first to put in an appearance was the ” Summer Breeze,” at two o clock on Sunday afternoon. By the next tide a good number followed, and every day since there have been a few arrivals. About 30 boats are still to come. The fishing in the south as been anything but a success, and in the case of a good number of the crews it will take them all their time to cover expenses. Only one Cellardyke boat is mentioned as having £200 for her catch, and a few with about £150. But the majority unfortunately have only about £80, while more than one crew have come back with not more than a last of herrings to their credit. The average fishing for the district, taking in Pittenweem and St Monance with Cellardyke, is set down at £85. Some of the crews have suffered heavily in the destruction of their gear. There was a good fishing at Lowestoft on Tuesday, the herrings selling from £11 to £16 a last. One Cellardyke boat is said to have landed 11 lasts at £7 the last. The great line fishing is now likely to be prosecuted until the commencement of the winter herring fishing in January.

SIGHT SINGING. —I t will be seen that Mr Brechin the well-known teacher of sight singing will open a class for instruction in the Public School, Cellardyke, on the evening of Tuesday first. It is to be hoped the lessons will be largely taken advantage of.

At the Burgh Court of Cellardyke on Tuesday before Provost Martin and Bailie Sharp, William Addison, butcher, was charged with assault in so far that he struck John Herd Jun., on the face to the effusion of blood in or near Robert Wood’s shop on Martinmas night. He admitted the charge, but pleaded very great provocation. The fiscal, Mr Peebles, however, declined the plea. On its being withdrawn by the panel, he was convicted and fined in 12s 6d. Two fisher boys, about eleven years of age, James Pattersen Wallace and William Smith, pleaded guilty to stealing a turnip from Mr Key’s holding of South Kirkgate Park. After a pointed reprimand they were each fined in half a crown. Elizabeth Cunningham, aged 14, Margaret Tarvit 13, with the brothers George and Robert Wood, about the same age, were accused of taking potatoes from one of the fields tenanted by Mr George Clarke. Rennyhill. The field, it seems, was harrowed but not gathered when Mr Clarke rode upon the scene. The brothers emptied their bag; but the girls escaped with their booty till it was seized by Police Constable White. They were each fined, after a pointed warning, in ,1s 6d

1887

SUDDEN DEATH ON BOARD THE NORTH CARR LIGHTSHIP…A painful sensation was experienced on the Fife coast on Sabbath, by the announcement that Alexander Watson, the mate of the North Carr Lightship, and so well known as the Isle of May boatman, had suddenly expired that morning on board the vessel. He had performed the last sad offices at the head of hie father’s grave in Kilrenny churchyard on Friday fortnight, and resumed his duties on board the lightship as soon as the storm abated in the course of the following week. He was at this time the picture of health and strength—indeed on the last evening of his life be hailed the St Andrews schooner “Enterprise” with a voice as ringing as a trumpet. About 3 a.m. he was seized with a strange dizziness, “I’m like to faint” he told his watch, and staggered below to sink into a state of unconsciousness as one already in the embrace of death. The skiff was at once put off for the doctor, but the errand was in vain, the last sign of life having flitted several minutes before five. It only remained for the sorrowing friends to land the corpse at Fife Ness, and on the procession arriving in the forenoon at Crail no little sympathy was evinced as it passed to the house of mourning at the shore, where the distress of the widow and the eight fatherless children may be easier imagined than described. Alexander Watson was 48 years of age. In his younger days he shared the fortunes of his father as a fisherman at Dunbar, Aberlady, and Sunderland, till be settled with the family at Cellardyke about eighteen years ago. He was the skipper of his own splendid new boat the Favourite, which was burnt to the water’s edge at Yarmouth, a week or two before that too memorable gale on Black Friday, the 17th November 1875. He was so disheartened by this misfortune that he left net and line to accept the situation of Isle of May boatman at Crail, when he has since been so esteemed for his faithfulness and energy as well as for his true sailor like courtesy to the many tourists visiting the island. From his youth up, he was the first to spring to theory of danger, and so was known far and near as the hero of many a gallant exploit. This was notably the case at the wreck of the Welsh schooner Savant below the cliffs at Crail, in the gale of the 7th February 1883. Again and again in those moments of fearful suspense he, with the life line round hie waist, clambered hand over hand through the boiling surf to reach two of the crew who were so benumbed, if not paralysed with terror, as to be unable to make an effort for their own deliverance on the deck of the vessel fast going to pieces, and so were only saved by clinging to the neck of the hero, while every echo rang with the cheers of the excited spectator.. He was one of the three publicly presented with a medal in the Town Hall on Saturday the 14th April following, in recognition of their gallantry, but there is only too much reason to believe that it was the extraordinary exertion that sowed the seed of the malady which so fatally terminated on Sunday. He was preferred as first mate on board the Lightship for his recognised devotion to duty; and as a mark of the esteem and regard in which he was so universally held by the neighbours, he was elected in the municipal contest of last year to a seat at the Council.

In those days when masterful begging seems to be on the increase, the display of spirit exhibited by a good wife of Cellardyke deserves to be commended. The incident was connected not with begging but rather with attempted theft. While working at the back door the matron in question heard someone moving about in the house, and thinking it would be some friend she went upstairs. When she reached the room what was her astonishment to find a couple of tramps busily engaged ransacking her drawers! Opening fire at once she demanded what they were doing there. “Only seeking for a copper, mistress ” they replied. Shutting the door the guidwife ordered them to turn out their pockets and disburse what they had pilfered. This they meekly did, and assistance arriving, the crestfallen “looters ” were helped downstairs with somewhat less ceremony than force.

On Wednesday morning a telegram was received from Yarmouth by the Rev Mr Ray, asking him to convey the said intelligence to the family of Mr James Brunton, James Street, Cellardyke, that he had been drowned the previous night at Gorleston. It appears that deceased was last seen alive on Tuesday night at eleven, and it is supposed that while going on board his boat he fell into the water. He was picked up at ten o’clock on Wednesday morning. He had not been long in the water, probably not more than three or four hours. A purse, containing 4s 6d, was found on him. An inquiry was held on his body at Gorleston on Wednesday afternoon, and a verdict returned of found drowned. Two of his friends left Anstruther on Wednesday by rail in order to bring home the remains in the boat should the weather prove favourable. Brunton who was one of the best fishermen in Cellardyke, was about 50 years of age, and has left a widow and six of a family, for whom much sympathy has been expressed.

Sudden Death. —An of the of life occurred in Cellardyke yesterday the death Christian Cunningham, the wife of John Dickson, mariner. She appears to have been busy in some little household duty after breakfast, but, be this as it may, her mother was only absent for a few minutes to return to find her lifeless on the floor. Mrs Dickson, who is survived her husband and only child, was about thirty years of age, was greatly beloved in her own circle. In the opinion of the doctor, the cause of death was disease of the heart.

1888

Return from Norfolk coast

…It is now five-and-twenty years since the pioneer boat sailed for Yarmouth. From time to time this success has been encouraging that Cellardyke skippers have fished to £750, but this is by far the poorest season the record consequence the fitful and tempestuous weather. The few you may count your fingers have couple of £100. Many, or rather most, have to £90, but we know of those who have had their own share of the toils and perils one of the most trying seasons in the annals of Norfolk for £6 or £7, that in view of the disappointments of the past there is only too much cause for the uneasiness to-day in many a fisher home. There was a renewal of the westerly gale on Thursday. The storm rack flitted across the sky in such way as to inspire the veteran with end misgiving, and all the more so the restless condition of the weather glass. According to telegrams, the fleet, with few exceptions, was under weigh, that if not battling with the tempest the boats were lying windbound in this or that anchorage between Winterton and St. Abbs. Several sailed from the Tees early the morning, but were glad to fly for shelter into the Tyne, &c. This will appear from the fact that on Thursday afternoon only five boats had arrived at Monance, and about the same number at Anstruther, though it will be. recollected that about 140 boats were fishing this Autumn on the coast of Norfolk. ( nb the quickest passage recorded home to this point was 32 hours, the vessels were towed over the sand bar to start their journey home)

During the gale of Tuesday night, the Banff fishing boat ” Gratitude,” 8F.928, Skipper Bruce, when on her homeward passage from the south, was caught in the gale, and it was decided to run back to Anstruther for shelter. Just at the height of it the boat made an attempt to enter the harbour, but as it was seen she would not sail in she was stayed, and on making the second attempt to enter she struck the outside pier with considerable force, doing damage to her stem and starting the bow planking. Afterwards the boat was got into the harbour, where she drifted down on the East pier, and was in great danger of being further damaged by the heavy wind and sea, which were at that time coming over the east wall in great volumes. As soon as the danger of the boat was known the fishermen of Cellardyke turned out in numbers and rendered valuable assistance under the direction of Capt. Lyall, the harbourmaster, who was at his post during the whole time. With great difficulty the boat was got into the inner harbour, when the crew expressed their thanks for the assistance rendered in getting them out of their dangerous position.

1889

…As an illustration of the low price of herrings in the south, we may state that one Cellardyke boat, the Lady of the Lake, has fished 31 lasts or over four hundred crans for less than £150. The other day nine waggons with about 380 crans were railed to Anstruther. They are destined for ” reds” or ham-cured herrings. With regard to the quality, it is enough to say that one merchant observed, “I never had finer in my kiln.” Consignments are also to hand from Lochfyne, but so small as to be little if any bargain at 3s a box. A private letter says that the Fife boats put to sea on Tuesday to return with 2 to 5 lasts, but the price was very low in consequence of the want of salt, over which there was a general outcry against the Union. The boat Aurora, of Cellardyke, was about to sail for the north in consequence of loss of nets.

James Thomson, fishcadger, and James Robertson, fisher, Anstruther, were accused before the magistrates of Cellardyke on Friday with a contravention of the Lindsey Act, in so far as they piled a heap of seaware in James Street, and so obstructed the thoroughfare on the last day of October. They pleaded guilty, and as a warning to others, were fined 5s each, or 7 days in jail.

A meeting of Kilrenny Councillors was held on Tuesday evening. It was agreed to order 30 tons of metal from Newburgh for Cellardyke streets and 40 tons for Kilrenny roads, and inquire as to the cost per yard for causewaying the East end of Cellardyke. The streets at this part were much destroyed by the traction engines pulling the boats, and it was agreed to consult the Act and see if the proprietor could not charged.

At a Burgh Court at Anstruther yesterday—before Provost Darsie, Ballies Lumsden and Morton, two young fishermen from Cellardyke, named Robert Muir and Leslie Henderson, were charged with having on the 21st instant, in Shore Street, Anstruther, created a breach of the pesos by swearing and fighting with each other. A previous conviction was recorded against Muir on 21st January this year. Both pled guilty. The Fiscal said it was one of these drunken brawls they were so often annoyed with. The Provost admonished Muir, and said he had better take care he was not brought up a third time or else it would be very serious for him. He was sorry to see two young men come before them on this charge. Muir was fined 15s and Henderson 10s, or seven days’ imprisonment.

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