The well-known burgh of Cellardyke is in the Parish of Kilrenny, but some distance from the parish church, causing inconvenience which has been long felt – the burgh alone containing a population of 2400. The whole population of the parish is somewhat above 3000, and the number has been about equally divided by the limits which have been adopted between the old parish and the new. The Church of Cellardyke was erected about two years ago and is capable of accommodating 800, already about one half of the sittings are let.
The Presbytery of St Andrews has fixed the 8th of June for the ordination and induction of Rev. Mr Ray to Cellardyke Church.
Temperance Breakfast in Edinburgh – Rev Lewis Davidson of St Andrews , said that in the neighbourhood of Anstruther and Cellardyke the Gospel Temperance movement was receiving converts at the rate of 100 per week.
Farms to let
1-Kilrenny Mill extending to 142 Acres
2- Rennyhill &Kilrenny Mains extending to 335 Acres
The farms are in the natural possession of the proprietor, and are within a mile of the Market town and shipping port of Anstruther, where the joint terminal station of the East of Fife and Anstruther and St Andrews Railways is situated. The land is of first rate quality, capable of bearing all kinds of crops. The Steadings are commodious and well adapted for feeding stock. The mansion house of Rennyhill, offices and gardens are included in Rennyhill and Kilrenny Mains. The proprietor has right to Sea Ware in the harbour of Cellardyke and on the Shore of the Firth of Forth so far as bounding Kilrenny Mill.
Advert
The International Fisheries Exhibition, Edinburgh 1882
Gold Medal for Deep Sea herring Nets.
Silver Medal and Money Prize for deep sea fishing lines
Diploma for Excellence of Fishermen’s suits of Oilskin.
The above have been awarded to
Sharp and Murray, Cellardyke
They are now making stock to suit the trade with the very best material. Nets suitable for the Shetland Isles, mounted, barked and ready for sea; as well as Great lines, mounted and barked in cane sculls for mending, in all the sizes; in fact, every requisite required for the fishing industry, supplied at the lowest possible prices.
1884
For some time back the steam saw milling premises of Mr T Cormack, fishcurer and wood merchant, Cellardyke, have been undergoing alterations for the reception of additional barrel making machinery. These alterations have now been completed, and the machinery has just been fitted up, with very satisfactory results. It includes a trussing and end working out machine, and cleaning machine. The barrels are set up in the usual way in ordinary hoops, and heated on an iron cone in which the fire is placed, and which has an opening at the top. An advantage in this whole mode of firing is that the inside of the barrel, although slightly browned, cannot be burned. When the barrel is thoroughly heated it is placed under the trussing machine, wide end up and is pressed up in a spiral screw worked from the engine. One end being trussed, the machine is opened, the barrel reversed and again pressed up, the whole operation being done in less than two minutes. Mr Cormack has had machinery working for the last twenty or thirty years for making ends and jointing staves off the saw, and all barrel makers in Cellardyke district are supplied with jointed staves and cut in ends. One peculiarity of the staves prepared by Mr Cormack is that all, whether narrow or broad have the same amount of bulge and require a fixed number of staves in each barrel to give the necessary aggregate amount of bulge. The number of staves required for a barrel vary from 16 to 22 according to how they are cut, and a note of the number of staves required is sent out with each load of staves. The other manufacturers give a proportionate bulge to each stave. Mr Cormack (who is also a large fishcurer in Aberdeen) now has completed his barrel making machinery. From the billet to the finished barrel, all the hand labour is in the hooping only. He also has introduced wire instead of wooden dools for the ends.
1886
Owing to the heavy gales Monday and Tuesday the fishermen have suffered a great loss of gear, many of the nets when shot for bait have been torn to shreds.. Six Cellardyke boats left Anstruther last week to prosecute the herring fishing on the Irish coast at Kinsale.
1887
No engagements have as yet been entered into with the Cellardyke fishermen for the fishing in Shetland, which usually begins on 20th June. A number have been offered 10s per cran for 200 crans for a month, but have refused to lay out the expenses required in the fitting out for such small prices.
1888
On Wednesday the members of the Dundee and East of Scotland Photographic Society had their first excursion for the season. The route was the popular Fife Coast circular tour. Leaving Dundee at 7.45 the party, numbering 30 with eighteen cameras, made their first stop at Anstruther and driving to Cellardyke, a halt was made and numerous views of this quaint village were obtained under favourable auspice, the weather being perfect. Pittenweem and St Monans were next visited, and after due attention was paid to the views and the picturesque inhabitants at these places, train was again resumed for Largo where luncheon was purveyed in the Crusoe Hotel. Numerous ‘bits’ about the quaint village were obtained and the party reached Dundee at 6.20, after having exposed 150 plates, which will no doubt produce many charming views, representing only a tithe of what is to be seen on this interesting route.
A new friendly society has just been formed here under the name of the Cellardyke Fisherman’s Union and Benefit Society. According to the rules, which have a curious identity with those of the Odd-Fellows, none but fishermen may enter; but all such have an open door so long as they go in deep sea boats. The entry Money is only one shilling, and the payments two pence a week; but the promoters build on these a platform wide enough to provide for hurt and ailing members, and even to give permanent relief after ‘three score’ and to widows whenever rendered so by the dispensations of Providence . this is by no means a new experiment in the district; but it has been launched at a time when there is a loud knock at every door to provide, as heaven shall give the means for a possible day of trouble and distress; and it speaks well for the true Scottish heart of the community that already about one hundred have embarked in the Association. Economists will be no less gratified to hear that life assurance is taking such good root in Cellardyke, that within the last week or two some twenty are entered for sums ranging from £50 to £200. Simultaneous with all this, an active effort is going on for the relief of the widow and fatherless……. The total subscriptions at this date border on £100.
The magistrates of Kilrenny are still in doubt and difficulty about a pure water supply for Cellardyke. The other day saw them out on a tour of exploration in the uplands of the Parish when the visited the old mines at Pitcorthie and Carvenom, where like the ‘tappings’ of some mighty cistern, the springlet sings gaily all through the longest summer day. Cool and chrystaline also, they are in this respect, in grateful contrast to the thick and muddy streams flowing beside them in ditch and brook, though their birthplace in the iron and other mineral strata forbids their use or adaption for the town. The complaints, especially in the west end of Cellardyke are, of course, increased and increasing as the drought advances, and the inconvenience and discomfort of the neighbours fully warrants the outcry which is to be heard upon the subject.
For sale
Valentines photographic views of Kirkcaldy, Burntisland, Kinghorn, Dysart, Wemyss, Elie, St Monance, Pittenweem Anstruther and Cellardyke.
Arbroath-The harbour – we have got a fresh addition to our fleet of large decked boats, which has been built at Anstruther by Mr. John A Millar boatbuilder. She is carvel built decked, and has all the latest improvements. Some idea of her size may be formed when we state that in ballast her draught of water is 5 ½ feet. She is owned by Mr. Alexander Beatie, is named the ‘Maggie’, AH 20. On Wednesday a number of Cellardyke boats arrived here and landed a quantity of small herring, which they had taken for bait for their great lines but had been unable to make use of owing to the gale. The herring were taken by cadgers who were selling them at ‘six a penny’., ( John A Millar Worked at the East End of Cellardyke from 1865 before moving to the Esplanade West Anstruther, in front of the White house, Yes….50ft boats built on the hammerhead at West Anstruther..)
The ‘Maggie’ is over fifty feet in length and is rather more than forty tons in builders measurement; but although as round as an apple in the sheer, she is as sharp as a wedge, where she has to cut her way through the ‘billows’ and we are persuaded that with a kindly breeze, the ‘Maggie’ will have no leeward berth in the race from sea. We are of course, not less convinced on this point, when we learn how she is to be fitted out with spar and sail, which are simply to the boat what the wings are to the seagull. To avoid detail, it is enough to remark that her foresail contains some 250 yards, or about thirty or forty more than is usual with a craft of her size- in fact, in those railway days, speed is not mote indispensable to a racing yacht than to a first class fishing craft, hastening home with the harvest of the deep. The fishing trade, however, is prospering in no common degree on the Forfar coast, as the ‘Maggie’ is the twentieth in the North Sea fleet off Arbroath. This is the sixth launch in the course of a twelve month by Councillor Millar, and we notice it with special interest and pleasure as the development of so inconsiderable branch of local industry, seeing that the ‘Maggie’ and her outfit with lead to the expenditure of not less than £300 on Anstruther Shore.
1881
Narrow escape of the 42nd Highlanders
Cellardyke shore was the scene of no little excitement and alarm on Thursday morning by the appearance of a large steamer amongst the rocks to the east of the harbour. At Times the fog – the evident cause of the disaster – was so thick as to conceal all trace of the vessel, but ever and anon the great black hull came into view, while the steam whistle was sounded and the alarm bell rung in a way that sufficiently told of the uneasiness on board. The vessel proved to be the troopship Holland, from Portsmouth, with the 42nd Regiment on board. The big ship had been seen by some crab fishers, and by means of their boat, a branch pilot, Thomas Cunningham, hailed the steamer, which, favoured in the meantime the flood tide, was once more afloat and in deep water. The officers were evidently cautious, but an explanation having taken place, the pilot was invited aboard, and arrangements made with hi,m to guide the vessel to Leith, towards which she was now directed as swiftly as prudence in the continued density of the fog would permit. She was for about a quarter of an hour seemingly on the sand bank between the shore and the isolated rock known as the ‘basket’ and more than once the mist so rolled aside that the deck of the steamer could be seen crowded with children, but so thorough was the discipline, that there was not the faintest indication of confusion or precipitate hurray in the movements of those on board. The Holland arrived safely off Granton about half past twelve. The North British Railway good steamer Leviathan immediately proceeded alongside to disembark the baggage. The passenger steamer John Stirling proceeded alongside to disembark the troopers, but not having a gangway some delay was occasioned by her having to return for one. About two o clock the steamer again proceeded to the Holland and the troops embarked about five o clock. The bands of the 21st Hussars and the Edinburgh Artillery Militia were waiting in Granton, and accompanied the Highlanders up to Edinburgh.
At West Anstruther, Councillor Millar has launched two handsome clippers during the last nine or ten days. Both are distinguished by that graceful sheer and ‘eye sweet’ quality for which the Councillor’s boats are so justly admired, whether on the sands of Norfolk or the granite sea gates of the North.
The First Launch at West Anstruther took place on Friday, when the dashing craft, which is to the order of Mr. John Salter of Cellardyke was christened the ‘Pride of Fife’, her handsome sister found her destined element on Monday under the name ever sacred to grace and beauty, the ‘Lady of the Lake’. She is for Mr Alexander Davidson also of Cellardyke. Councillor Millar now has his hands free to proceed with a cruising yacht. Our Townsman Councillor Jarvis has just completed a first class boat on the lines for which he, as in the case of Mr Alexander Cunningham, obtained a silver medal at Norwich. She is in the meantime quite an attraction to the Forth, and opinions are as one amongst the old salts about her capabilities as a fast and powerful sea boat. She is to the order of Messrs. Thomas Anderson and Alex Murray we hear to be named the ‘Carmie’. The Councillor has two other first class boats on hand for the herring Drave – one and all for Cellardyke; but with this exception, as we have said, the trade is waiting for the ‘moving of the waters’ in that all important event of the fisher year. The Cellardyke fleet is to then number scarcely less than 180 boats, which will make the total outfit from the East of Fife not under 340 or so, being a decided advance on any other former effort of the coast.
On Friday morning a distressing accident occurred in Cellardyke, in the case of a little girl of 2 ½ years of age, the grandchild of George Anderson, farm servant, who was at play with another child of the household when her flying skirts, it is said, led to the overturning of a pot of boiling water which a minute before had been lifted down onto the hearthstone. The poor innocent fell into the scalding stream, and so terrible were the consequences that after lingering intense and hopeless agony she was mercifully released by the sleep of death within twenty four hours after the deplorable event.
1878
DR Phin on Cellardyke fishermen, at the opening of a bazaar at Anstruther, for the establishment of a new church at Cellardyke, The Rev, Dr Phin, who received a cordial greeting said – I am very much gratified by the remarks which have been made by my excellent friend Professor Christie, and it gives me extreme pleasure to be here today in compliance with his request. I may mention that my recollections of Cellardyke are not of yesterday. In my early life I lived in the house of my father, who was minister of Wick, and as far back as my memory stretches Cellardyke fishermen were ion the habit of coming down to Wick to prosecute the herring fishery. I recollect of their attendance at my father’s church, and I have pleasure in mentioning the good conduct they displayed in the midst of other fishermen.
Montrose
The fishing of the great line boats was almost a failure owing to a want of herring for bait. Two however succeeded in getting bait and had fair shots, A Cellardyke boat arrived yesterday with cod ling, and halibut and 1- crans of herring, which realised £30.
Arbroath
A Cellardyke boat arrived here yesterday with a very large take from the deep sea fishing, consisting of halibut, skate, ling and cod. The boat on its arrival at the fishing ground met with a large shoal of herring, six crans of which were bought in here. The cargo was sold to Mr John Noble, fish dealer for £21. This is the first arrival from the deep sea fishing this season.
Stonehaven
One Cellardyke boat put into Crawton and sold a shot of big fish &c to the Messrs Melvin for £29, the weather is squally with showers
(Crawton is three miles south of Stonehaven, The ruins of 23 houses and a school are all that survive of the coastalhamlet on the clifftop. In its heyday, 30 Crawton men fished 12 boats and the village had its own fish merchant. Following nearly 50 years of decline due to overfishing, Crawton was finally deserted by its last inhabitant in 1927)
Tuesday being observed in Cellardyke as the Queen’s birthday, Mr Thomas Thomson, Superintendent of the Forth Street, boot and shoe establishment in Cellardyke, accompanied by his son and eldest daughter, named Lizzie, some six years and a half old, went by rail to Edinburgh. The little excursionists were enthusiastic over the fair coast side. The day was beautiful and everything seemed to conduce to fill the party with delight, when just as the train was rushing away from Thornton Station the door of the carriage on which the little girl was leaning in her innocent glee flew open, and almost on the instant, to the indescribable terror of the passengers, she was cast headlong on the rails. The fate of the child appeared to be sealed. An express train was dashing up to crush the last wild hope of safety, and the distracted father in the agony of the moment was struggling to leap on the fatal brink also, when the approaching train was arrested in full career, as quickly as a master hand could curb a well-trained steed, and almost in the breath the gallant engineman placed the little martyr, as it seemed, safe in the hands of her overjoyed parent. Fortunately she had held so long on the door as to swing clear of the footboard and wheels of the carriage, but still under the circumstances, escape with life was little less than a miracle, her only injury being a slight cut on the head through the fall on the rails; but she returned to the home circle in Cellardyke the same evening, apparently little, if any, the worse of her exciting adventure.
1879
South Africa – Marriage
At the Presbyterian Church, Port Elisabeth, Cape Colony, on the 10th ult, by the Rev Robt. Johnston, F A K Devenish, son of T Devenish Esq, of Salt River, Beaufort West, to Marion Hudson Cormack, eldest daughter of Thomas Cormack, fishcurer, Cellardyke.
The value of the carrier pigeon has never been so signally proved in modern times as in connection with the herring fishery – that is, in bearing the message from the boats leagues away at sea to the merchant, who then knows how and when to dispose the fortunes of the day. The breed and training of the birds are consequently an object of no little interest to those interested in the trade; in fact, an Anstruther fish curing establishment the dovecot is becoming almost as comm0n an appanage as in a Scottish lairdship in the olden time. Experiments have been again and again repeated in the northern stations, but the most interesting as yet in the Forth have just been made by Skipper John Carstairs of Cellardyke. The first was on Monday week when the bird, with the message fastened by an elastic band to its leg, was slipped about two leagues seaward of the Isle of May. No watch had been kept, but the messenger and message were found safe in the dovecot in about an hour and a half after the time it had taken wing. The experiment was renewed in the cruise of the present week, when the pigeon was released at an offing fully fifteen miles from the island. The shadows of the morning were still hanging on the western hills, and not only so but the bird had begun to encounter the strong headwind with the bewildering fog which then hung like a curtain on land and sea. Other obstacles were in the way, but led by heaven’s own implanted instinct, the fair messenger clave through one and all, and was found nestling in its accustomed perch in Anstruther by noon day, or within five or six hours after being cast loose by Skipper Carstairs.
(It was in 1869 that the new KY registrations became compulsory to be marked on the hulls and the sails of the vessels.)
On Friday last the cruiser Vigilant of the Fishery Board Service detained several fishing boats and yawls belonging to Cellardyke, Pittenweem and St Monance, in consequence of their sails not being numbered according to the requirements of the Fishery Act of 1868. The Hon F B Primrose, the secretary of the board and Captain Macdonald, landed from the cruiser, and in company with Mr Gillis the Fishery Officer here had some conversation with our local fishermen here on the subject of the new law numbering their boats and sails. It was represented, to Mr Primrose, that painting the number on the sail had a tendency to injure the canvas; but Mr Primrose pointed out that was entirely a mistake, although it was quite true that if turpentine was used the sail would be more or less destroyed, but if white lead an oil only were employed, then instead of damaging it the paint would have the effect of strengthening and preserving the sail. Mr Primrose also intimated that in the event of any fishing boat being found at sea by the cruiser without a sail being numbered the full penalty – namely a fine of £20 each upon the master and owner of the boat, would be imposed, and that after Monday no boat would be allowed to leave the harbour unless the regulation was complied with. In reference to this matter, we may state that all the deep sea and other fishing boats, down to the smallest lobster yawl on this coast were duly numbered and registered by the 1st April, the appointed date, and we learn that the regulation as to numbering the sail is now equally observed.
1870
Sea labour has this week shown signs of a gratifying improvement. The strong East winds have enabled the deep sea boats to reach the mist distant fishing grounds, and how well they have adventured may appear in the fact that the largest of the Cellardyke fleet, under all sail, was 24 hours on the passage home, which would give a distance of 150 to 200 miles from the May. This week most of the 40 boats fishing from Cellardyke have been at the great line fishing, at which the takes have ranged from £8 to £22, but last week the fleet was at the haddock fishing, when the boats returned on Friday with a total catch of 30 tons, the takes being from 51/2 to 22 cwt, which sold from 6s to 12s per cwt.. This week two Cellardyke boats have left for the Herring Fishing at Barra. Two St Monance boats are succeeding moderately well at the Tiree cod fishing and at the Salmon Fishing on the Northumberland Coast, at which several Buckhaven and St Monance and one Cellardyke yawl are at present engaged, the success is reported to be far less encouraging than in former years.
1871
St Andrews – For some time back a regular warfare has been going on between the St Andrews fishermen and the parties authorised by the town council to sell the mussels at the scalps of the south side of the Eden, a good quantity of mussels have been taken away by the fishermen without being paid for, though it is said they offered 6d instead of 1s the basket, and on the refusal of this sum ‘helped themselves”. We believe a number of them will appear in Cupar Sheriff Court on the charge of theft… While we would not defend their conduct in all they have done, this is not to be wondered at, if we take into account the loss of time through rough weather they have had this last winter, and remember that in addition to the 1s charge for mussels, 2d is charged for cartage. When the fisherman has no wife he has to pay 1s for baiting the lines, making it 2s 2d of an outlay before the line is put into the boat at all. We know it is urged that boats from Cellardyke are able to pay the 1s; but then it must be remembered that these are large boats, and the mussels are only got for the purpose of catching other bait for the deep sea fishing; consequently they only bait once a week, while our fishermen require it daily.
David Brown who was convicted on Saturday in Cellardyke Court of committing breach of the peace and malicious mischief (found guilty and fined 10s 6d or 10 days) appeared before the Burgh Court of West Anstruther, he was charged with furious driving to the danger of the lives of the lieges on the High Street on the evening of Wednesday Last. He pleaded guilty and was convicted to a fine of 5s or eight days imprisonment.
1874
The Kilrenny School board met on Friday evening, Rev Christie presiding, A communication was read from Dr Taylor to the effect that the education board was of the opinion that, in order to make suitable accommodation for the parish, a new school to accommodate 200 pupils should be erected in Cellardyke. Mr Fortune Barnsmuir presented a memorial from the rate payers in the landward district of the parish, asking the board not to adopt this opinion on the ground there already existed the Accommodation required by the act, and stating that they would not pay any assessment for building a new School in Cellardyke. Provost Martin moved that the opinion of the education board be adopted, which was seconded by Rev Mr Grant. Mr Oliphant moved as an amendment that no additional school be built in Cellardyke on the grounds that it was Ultra vires of the board to assess the ratepayers for the expense. Mr Gray seconded the amendment, which was carried by a majority of four to three. The Minority protested and appealed to the education board.
1875
The fine farm house of Corn Ceres – the most picturesque homestead in the East Neuk- narrowly escaped being destroyed by fire. It appears that one of the chimney flues had taken fire, and that, all unperceived and unsuspected, the burning soot had lodged in the cavity of the double ridge till it had ignited the ‘tinder dry’ wooden grating overlying the gutter, which melting the lead, gave the flames ready access to the timber work of the roof. …… in a dense canopy of smoke and flame, veteran Cellardyke builder, Mr Andrew Duncan, ascended the roof and with all the vigour and agility of youth, stripped away the slates, when the flames being thus unbosomed to the copious stream of water, which resolute hands played upon them the fire was subdued just as the rafters had come within the devouring embrace.
Mrs Margaret Kay or Dishington, West Anstruther, for having a number of incorrect weights in her possession was fined a £2 penalty, James Bell, grocer from the same district received a similar sentence as did also William Black Watterston, baker , Cellardyke..
1876
One of the extraordinary incidents in the romance of the sea may well have been said to have occurred last week in the North Sea, in the capture of a formidable looking shark by the most primitive of all fishing implements – the hand line- It happened on board the deep sea going boat “Venus” skipper Peter Murray, just as the adventurous crew were wiling away and idle hour as they usually do at the fishing ground; but we ought to explain that the hand line of the sea is not a solitary hook of the coast, but a novel apparatus so terrible in appearance as to be not inappropriately named “a murderer” by our East of Fife Crews. But what is a murderer? Some curious reader may ask, and to solve any mystery, it may briefly be described as a long leaden plummet strung round with large hooks – in short, so barbed as to take a secure hold of anything or everything coming in contact with it. The apparatus is the more effectual that it is kept in constant motion in the same was as the ‘Jigs’ or dandy lines, only it is always made to strike the bottom, where it often proves a deadly snare to the cod, the halibut, and other deep sea fish, and that as readily without as with bait, provided lead and steel are kept silver like as possible, exactly on the same principle as the polished implement to catch young herrings. Such was the weapon in the fingers of the Cellardyke fisher, when in an instant the line seemed to become fast to an old wreck at the bottom – so dead and solid the weight. Friendly hands came to the rescue, and slowly and surely the gallant mariners raised the ponderous mass towards the surface. “What can it be?” asked one son of St Peter at another “ The sea serpent itself” observed a third, but if it had, the surprise of the crew should not have been more, when after a pull of over five and thirty fathoms from the bottom a tremendous shark arose alongside. Our sea heroes, however, were neither daunted nor in difficulties, but quickly applying boathooks and other serviceable weapons, they soon dispatched the monster, which was then hoisted into the boat and landed at Anstruther, where the extraordinary trophy excited no little attention and interest. It measured about eleven feet in length, and was fully eight in girth. While lying on the old pier it was purchased by Mr Thomas Cormack at the price of half a sovereign for the sake of the valuable oil yielded by the liver of the ‘scourge of the seas’.
An application was made to Anstruther Harbour Commission from Cellardyke Harbour committee for the use of their lighter for certain improvements contemplated to that harbour, which it was agreed to grant free of charge, but on the assurance she was brought back in good order.
1865
James Christie, a carter from Cellardyke was charged with having on the 10th February, assaulted Andrew Anderson, flesher, near Anstruther Easter with a walking stick, to the effusion of his blood, and serious injury of his person. The accused pled not guilty, but after proof had been led he was found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine of 30s or to go to prison for 20 days.
1866
Handsome donations – It has often of late been our pleasing duty to notice the splendid donations of Walter Hughes, Esq, to local institutions and charities. This week, however, so far at least as the public have had an opportunity of knowing, this noble minded gentleman has exceeded all his former benefactions. The recent boat disaster at Cellardyke having been brought under Mr Hughes’s notice, he visited that town the other day, with the special object of making himself acquainted with all the circumstances of the case. Having satisfied himself that the owner of the wrecked boat was worthy of his kindness, he, with a generosity which must challenge the admiration of all, agreed to present, at his own cost, the poor fisherman with a new boat of the largest size and to be constructed of the best materials. Mr Hughes also presented a number of poor persons in Cellardyke with handsome gratuities. Than this estimable gentleman, few have given with so liberal a hand to the relief of the poor and unfortunate, and many we feel well assured, are the blessings which grateful hearts here shower upon him for his numerable bounties.
(NB, the boat was built for Thomas Ritchie, it was built by Christopher Pottinger, the main boat builder in Anstruther. She was named the Pioneer, launched in July 1866, she was very different from the standard fifies, being ketch rigged, finer for’ard and fully decked, with a 20 inch high gunwale, the hope was she was to be faster and safer than the standard boats and that she would become the new standard model. There were exciting comparisons but she was sold after only a few seasons and the fishermen returned to their tried and tested Fifie)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Hughes
1867
The late Burglaries in Cellardyke – On Monday last, Mr Morrison, one of the Procurators’ Fiscal for the county of Fife, visited Anstruther for the purpose of making a precognition in reference to the late burglaries in Cellardyke, for the alleged committal of which James Batchelor, a labourer belonging to Arbroath, was apprehended in that place, and conveyed to Cupar Jail on Wednesday week. After precognoscing eight or nine witnesses in the Commercial Inn here, the fiscal went to Cellardyke, where besides examining several other witnesses, he made a minute inspection of the two shops that had been broken into. The result of the inquiry has not of course transpired, but is generally understood to confirm the suspicion as to Batchelor being implicated in the burglaries, for which he will probably be brought to trial at the next Perth Circuit, as a previous conviction is said to be recorded against him. So far as we can gather, the charge against Batchelor rest on the following data – About the beginning of last week, a woman – said to be a near relative – brought to one of the pawn broker’s shops in Dundee a pair of boots which were found to answer the description of those taken from Mr Gilchrist’s shop in Cellardyke. The authorities appear to have been at once communicated with, when the woman accounted for having the boots in her possession by stating that she had received them as a present from Batchelor, who in the meantime had gone to Arbroath, when, as we have already said , he was traced out and taken into custody. In pour report at the time of the burglaries, we stated that their perpetrator must have had a thorough familiarity with the premises, both of Mr Gilchrist’s and of Messrs Sharp and Murray. The circumstance that Batchelor wrought for some months as a labourer at the Union Harbour Works – during which time he lodged with a widow in Cellardyke – gave him an opportunity of acquiring this familiarity. He had been discharged from the harbour works about the New Year, but on the day previous to the shops being broken in, which took place on the morning of the 19th March, he returned to this locality, and asked for employment at the harbour, which was refused. He called on his old landlady, but declined her offer for a bed for the night. At an early hour next morning, a man of Batchelor’s appearance asked and obtained a seat, in a hired machine which left one of our local inns for St Andrews. The very audacity and recklessness with which these burglaries have been gone about, appear to have thrown the authorities for nearly the last two months off the right scent as to the guilty party. An attempt is understood to have been made to implicate a party belonging to the locality in the case, but which has altogether failed. There can be no doubt, however that more than one was directly concerned, although no accomplice has as yet been taken into custody.
1868
This spring there are as many as forty four fine large boats engaged in the deep sea fishing from Cellardyke – the largest fleet ever fitted out for that enterprising fishing station, each of these boats is manned by a crew of 8 so that the number of able bodied fishermen belonging to Cellardyke must be upwards of 350. Besides these large boats about a score of yawls, manned generally by old men and boys prosecute the crab and lobster and hand line fishing from Anstruther and Cellardyke. The next station in importance is St Monans with 33 deep sea boats but these only have a crew of 6 or 7 men, and six smaller boats engaged in inshore fishing.. The fishing fleet of Pittenweem is 15 large boats and eight yawls.
According to all reports the storm or rather storms of last week in which most of the Firth of Forth fishing fleet was overtaken, when about sixty miles from the nearest land – was quite unparalled for severity and peril. Providentially all the boats have returned safe, but in many cases their escape is described as little else than a miracle, while in every other the utmost possible exertions had to be made, and no little privation endured, before the storm abated, or the friendlt port gave a timeous shelter to the tempest beaten and exhausted fishermen….. About dawn on Monday Morning the deep sea fleet numbering about 92 large boats from the various harbours of the Fife coast ( N.B 47 ft were the largest boats of the time but for the previous 5 years the new boats were being built at about 44ft as they were more versatile for several modes of fishing.) A gale sprang up about midnight from the NNW, which after blowing fresh for about 7 hours, the wind veered to the southward and then abated for during Tuesday, but on Tuesday night about 11pm a furious storm burst on the scene, at daylight – huge watery clowds swept like smoke athwart the murky sky, while all around the horizon the seething waters of the North sea – like a vast field of drifting snow – broke into foam and spray before the rushing tempest which nothing seemed able to withstand. Most of the boats not having completed the laying or drawing of their lines, and anxious about their safety, lay at anchor with soundings at 40 fathoms, but many under low reefed sails struggled hard to reach the land, which in many instances chanced to be the Moray Firth. Some of these crews however were fortunate to reach, Peterhead, Aberdeen, Stonehaven or even Auchmithie by Wednesday afternoon. They were able to find shelter during the height of the storm,, which occurred between 2 and 5 O clock in the afternoon, during which time it raged with a fury altogether unparalleled in the experience of the oldest fishermen. At that time there were no fewer than 50 boats at the distant ground, without the least shelter from the swoop of the hurricane. At that juncture everything depended upon the anchors, and ropes, so long as they remained secure the confidence of these resolute and daring seafarers remained unshaken, for although the spray might fall in drenching showers or an occasional billow break over the boats, yet these being now all decked and covered in the risk of swamping was much lessened.- indeed it is to this circumstance that the safety of many is to be attributed, for had the storm been encountered in open boats the consequences must have been deplorable in the extreme In the very middle of the gale several crews had to endure all the risk which followed on the breaking of their ropes, and had to make shift with their sails when it was scarcely possible for the smallest spread of canvas to stand against the resistless gale … battling and striving in this way for very life the fishermen continued at their arduous post until the abating of the storm towards dusk, when some of the boats farthest at sea experienced almost easy weather for about three hours or until midnight, when a strong breeze sprang up suddenly from WNW. It is worthy of remark however as an interesting meteorological fact that the boats nearest the land had a continuance of the gale right up to a few minutes of the change of the wind to the quarter just stated. Notwithstanding that the sea still continued to run very heavy, many of the boats availed themselves of the favourable change of wind to make for the firth of Forth, but others anxious to save their gear, remained at the fishing ground until the middle of the day when the weather so far moderated that they could resume the working of their lines.. The loss of fishing tackle, however has been very great, and must amount on the aggregate to a very large sum, as many of the boats have lost from four to 16 lines. Some of the boats reached ports in the north on Monday morning but many did not arrive from sea until Friday the last boat, that of John Gardner, only arriing at Anstruther on Sunday evening. In the case of the crews who reached Aberdeen &c, the anxiety of the relatives was soon allayed by telegrams, announcing their safety. The great bulk of the fleet being unaccounted for up to Thursday and Friday morning, caused the greatest uneasiness and distress amongst their families, and the last week will long be memorable amongst the fishing population for the agonising suspense and excitement which was everywhere exhibited on this painful occasion. We have been told of many incidents of the storm, showing the hairbreadth escapes and extreme suffering of the crews — while the storm was raging at its fiercest, Mr Robert Dickson’s boat of Cellardyke broke her rope, leaving the crew no other alternative but to make sail, to prevent her from drifting broadside on to the sea. Sail was accordingly made and answering to her helm, the gallant little bark sped bravely oe’r the crested billows, while the straining sheet was promptly heeded by right willing and experienced hands, and all seemed passing well, when, by an unlucky lurch, the boat was found to have broken up near the keel, and through the rent in the plank thus made the water was rushing in so fast that it would be impossible to keep her afloat for any time. Nothing could be more critical and appalling – a sinking boat in a furious storm – but brave men never despair, and so with all dispatch a boar was torn away from the lining of the cabin and secured above the rent, which was further tightened by a stuffing of clothes of one kind or another, which answered the purpose so well, that the leakage was kept under by the pumps… A very narrow escape was also made by a Pittenweem boat – one of the very few undecked boats still employed at the great lines on this coast.. while in full encounter with the storm a large sea broke on board, and nearly swamped the boat, which was only cleared of water by the desperate exertions of the crew, who in their extremity bailed out with their provision kits. The crew of this boat, which belonged to Fergus Heugh, also suffered much of their bread and necessaries being saturated with salt water, until they were fallen in with and relieved by a Cellardyke crew on the following day…. We are also called upon to mention the valuable help given by the officers and chief boatmen at the Auchmithie Coast Guard Station, to the Cellardyke boat belonging to Mr Andrew Stewart, which had her sail very much torn and damaged by the gale, and which they thoroughly repaired without any compensation for the time and trouble so bestowed. A most praise worthy regard for the wellbeing of our fishermen was likewise shown by those in command of a large screw steamer, who offered all the aid in their power to Skipper Alex Fowler and crew as they were riding at the fishing ground. Those on board the steamer as they felt their own vessel tossed about by the warring elements, must actually have looked with astonishment and alarm at a solitary fishing boat riding out in such fearful weather almost in the middle of the North Sea, and we have no doubt that these feelings would give place to unmixed admiration for her brave and self-reliant crew, when after being civilly thanked for their kindness, their offer was declined.
1857 On Tuesday last, four boats belonging Cellardyke delivered,at the quay of Eyemouth, from 3000 to 4000 haddocks each, and a large quantity of cod. The total gross of fish delivered from these boats was nearly 16 000 fish..
1862 Dundee. The Pearls of the Deep – Complaints are very often made as to the scarcity of fresh fish and on the exorbitant prices demanded for them when they are to be had, and thrifty housewives may frequently be heard lamenting on the good old times, when a dozen fine haddocks, which would now realise between two to three shillings, might have been purchased for nine pence. Yesterday morning, between nine and ten, seven boats came into the harbour with fish, and for the contents of one craft from Cellardyke, the handsome sum of “20 12s ready money was realised, not a bad sum for a night’s work. The fishing of the other six boats drew from £7 to £9 each, and altogether the money handed over to the fishermen within an hour by the parties who – to judge by their personal appearance – would not have been thought worth a sixpence, amounted to £60, or £70. The news system of disposing of the shots by a licensed auctioneer on the pier head seems to give satisfaction.
Lecture to fishermen on the subject of emigration to Australia
…….. the number of fishermen are so few that the quantity of fish taken at present is only like a drop in the ocean to supply the daily demand…. The encouragement just now being held out by the Queensland Government is worth consideration. All emigrants proceeding there, and paying their own passage, receive, after two years, the value of what it has cost them going out, reckoning each acre of land to be worth L1. Five fishermen, or a boats crew going out there each man paying say L30 for his passage and outfit, would receive 150 acres of land besides the advantage of reaping the harvest of the sea……. From Whitby to John o Groats, there are not fewer than 45 000 fishermen with from 1200 to 1400 open fishing boats. Surely the old Mother Country might spare her children in the colonies a few fishermen from that lot. The open boats too, are much better adapted for those southern climates than what they are for our inclement and boisterous northern regions. Taking out a set of these boats to the colonies – first, second and third class boats, by removing the thwarts from the first and second class boats, they can be put inside of each other thus economising space. Each emigrant is allowed 20 cubic feet for their luggage on board of ship. The length of a first class fishing boat over all is 37 feet, extreme breadth 14feet, depth from gunwale to the lower part of keel 7 feet. Weight of material I the boat’s construction, say 4 ton. Sails, nets Lines and other cordage, can all be packed within the boats. After arriving in the colonies, and the thwarts in their large boats replaced, fishermen would at once be ready for action, and they might easily manage there, in fine weather with an awning, to live on board until suitable houses were built for them onshore. Young men from 18 – 35 years old are preferred as emigrants, although it is known the salubrity of the climate is in favour of prolongation of life. A few years ago some fishermen from Penzance sailed out to Melbourne with their decked fishing vessels, and succeeded with their enterprise. Also a number of open boat fishermen, fond of adventure, let Cellardyke, about the same time and emigrated on board of ship to the colonies. Accounts of these men confirm the certainty of success, when good conduct, and sobriety is cultivated…
1863
The fitting and rigging out of the new fishing lugger ‘Alexandra’ (built by Christopher Pottinger at the West End of Anstruther Harbour, the Alexandra design was based on the Yarmouth luggers but slightly shallower draft, she was crewed by 10 Cellardyke fishermen, and launched on the 9th April) having been completed, a trial was made of her sailing qualities on Saturday last. In the morning she was run several miles out to sea, and put on various tacks, in all of which she gave the fullest satisfaction, fully realising the high expectations that were generally formed from the beauty and symmetry of her model. On returning to the shore, her sailing qualities were subjected to a test, the result of which in itself proves how well she is adapted for an employment for which speed is of paramount importance. Amongst the fishermen considerable curiosity existed as to the issue of a trial of speed between this vessel and their large boats. Accordingly as she approached the harbour, two of these were manned and started – one from this (Anstruther) and the other from Cellardyke harbour – to give her a challenge., which of course was readily accepted. The weather on the whole was well suited for the purpose, the sea being quite smooth, with a fine full sail breeze from the south west. After steering five or six miles to the eastward of the Isle of May, they returned to land, their progress being watched with deep and lively interest on the shore. The lugger was the first to enter the harbour, followed however at no great distance by one of the boats, both being heartily cheered by the large crowds who thronged the quays. Although the result of the contest was in this case in favour of the lugger, yet the fishermen in general confidently look forward to another opportunity, and which as she is now ready to prosecute the fishing, will erelong be afforded. In reference to the sea going qualities of the Cellardyke boats, we may record an incident which occurred during the last French war;- At that time the captain of a British frigate, cruising in the North Sea observed one of these boats engaged in fishing at a considerable distance from the land, the weather also having a threatening appearance. Supposing so small a boat would never in the face of so much danger be able to reach the land, the captain induced by humanity, offered to take the crew on board, which however they declined. He then proposed to give them a convoy, but although sail after sail was hoisted on the frigate for this purpose, the little craft sailed so much faster that the frigate was soon lost in the distance. Since that period these boats have greatly increased in size, and while these crews have gained in experience, they have lost none of that skill and daring which have ever distinguished them. The fastest clippers and yachts on the coast which have ever come in contact with them have, in no small measure, been stripped of their laurels by these boats, which are unrivalled on the East Coast.
Several Cellardyke boats are at present preparing to proceed to Stornoway to engage in the herring fishing, induced by the success with which it has been prosecuted there for a number of seasons past.
– In consequence of the greater facilities with which from it’s seaward position, the fishing can be carried on in this locality, (Cellardyke) as also the superiority of it’s market, from the number and enterprise of its curers, fishermen from other districts in the Forth have been desirous of removing here, the difficulty however of obtaining house accommodation has hitherto proved insurmountable. The operations of the Building Company in Cellardyke is now likely to afford the desiderated opportunity, and several Buckhaven families are amongst those who have already applied for houses. (these houses are described as model plans for fishermen’s houses, – as not only his own and family’s comfort have been carefully attended to, but ample storage has been provided for the material of his vocation as well) – In Anstruther not only are the house rents much higher than in the neighbouring towns, but several families who, in consequence of some contemplated improvements, have received notices to quit, have failed to obtain other houses for the approaching term
It is our painful duty to record two cases of sudden and unexpected death, which have occurred in this locality. On the evening of Saturday last, the 11th inst, Mr Robert Peebles, mason Anstruther Wester, while in the house of an old acquaintance, where he had gone to make a call, and when sitting conversing with the parties present, suddenly and unexpectedly breathed his last. He had been working I the morning at West Anstruther Church, which is being rebuilt, and had left his house in the evening in apparently good health, and by 9 o’ Clock he was a corpse. The deceased was a quiet sober man – a respectable member of society and an Elder of the established Church – On Monday morning, Mr George Smith a fisherman , Cellardyke after returning from sea, complained of sickness, and in a few minutes expired. Both of these individuals were pretty far advanced in years, but quite able, we believe to follow their usual avocations.
1847
Dundee harbour
Gale- On Thursday we were visited with the most severe gales of wind from the west which we have experienced during the season. It began about nine o’ clock in the morning, and attained its greatest height about two in the afternoon, at which time the river Tay was one sheet of foam, like drifting snow. A fishing boat belonging to Cellardyke in endeavouring to make the harbour, was very sorely put to, and had to lower her sail and reef. She at last made the back of the east round head, where she grounded; but being then under shelter of the pier she sustained no damage. The men on board, eight in number, were very much fatigued, and thoroughly drenched with the spray..
1849
Owing to the weather, the fishing here wore a gloomy appearance last week, indeed the boats were only once at sea, and even then their labour was but ill repaid. The shoals of haddocks, which usually come upon our coast at this season, have not yet made their appearance; but, if the weather would permit, it is hoped that the great line fishing would repay the perseverance of our enterprising fishermen.
Three boats belonging to this place, with crews of eight men each, sailed last month to prosecute the fishing on the coats of Ross shire and Isle of Skye, under the direction of the Edinburgh section of the highland destitution Committee, with a view to stimulate and instruct the native Highlanders in the prosecution of the white fishery. The Cellardyke fishermen have been long noted for their arduous calling at all seasons of the year, and from the energetic and enterprising character of the crews engaged, the efficiency of their boats, and abundance of fishing tackle, there is every reason to hope, if fish are to be found within fifty miles of the coast, that this enterprise will be successful. The committee have acted wisely in selecting first class fishermen for this attempt, as thereby the fact will be ascertained whether there are sufficiency of fish on the coats as will give a suitable remuneration to the fishermen, and thereby encourage the natives to preserve in it. And should the fact be ascertained that an abundance of fish are on the coast, much will still remain to be done to produce such a change on the long formed habits of the Highland fishermen and cottagers as will lead them to adopt the fishing as their exclusive employment, for until this be done it will never be prosecuted with success……….. unless men are trained to it from their youth, and have nothing else to fall back on, few will be found either in the Highlands or elsewhere to continue to prosecute it with that perseverance which is absolutely necessary to its success……. By engaging first class fishermen practically to ascertain on what parts of the coast the fishing could be most successfully prosecuted, then they could provide harbours… and encourage the population to locate in villages at those station, by allowing them on easy terms to acquire houses and small properties of their own.. and would enrich their country with treasures of the deep..
1855
Cellardyke- Post Office accommodation With the introduction of the national and judicious system of penny postage, greater facilities for the postage and delivery of letters have been adopted for the convenience of the masses in general. Under these circumstances we have often been surprised how Cellardyke containing upwards of 2000 of a population, should have been so long debarred from enjoying the benefit of having a ‘special letter delivery or a receiving box’ for the accommodation of the inhabitants. A short time since, through the exertions of Mr Fowler, our chief manager, the unceasing benefactor of this place, and other influential merchants in the town, a petition was transmitted to the Post Office Authorities, calling their attention to our want of postal arrangements. The petition was confided to the care of Mr Ellice MP, and the proper authorities having taken a favourable view of it, we are happy to now to record that a ‘sub office’ was opened a few days ago in the house of our respected townsman, Mr. Thomas Brown. From the central position of the office it will be felt a great boon by the inhabitants, who are certainly greatly indebted to those gentlemen who have taken a leading hand in its establishment.
During the dreadful gale of Thursday 6th April, a Cellardyke fishing boat, The Victory, was lost about six miles to the eastward of the Isle of May, and her whole crew, consisting of eight persons, were unfortunately drowned excepting one man who was picked up by another boat, after remaining about an hour in the water. By this calamitous event four poor widows, and a number of helpless children, totally unprovided for, are left to bewail the loss of their husbands and fathers. Two of the persons who have suffered were lately married, and their widows are pregnant; such as were unmarried were the support of aged parents or of younger brothers and sisters. In short, each of these poor mourning families have a claim in one way or other on the sympathy of the humane; but upon one family the stroke has fallen with peculiar severity; a father and his two sons were among the deceased.
It is well known that the town of Cellardyke contributes greatly to the supply of the Edinburgh market with fresh fish; and when all the circumstances are taken into consideration, it is confidently hoped that this appeal to the benevolent citizens of Edinburgh and Leith, and the public at large, will not be made in vain.
The smallest benefactions will be thankfully received.
The following gentlemen have kindly undertaken to receive subscriptions in Edinburgh and Leith, –
Messrs Ramsay, Bonars and Co
Bankers, Exchange
Mr Forrester, Bank of Scotland
Mr Brash at the North British Insurance
Mr Johnston, the North Bridge
Mr Nairne, Picardy Place
Mr George Forrester – Leith
Mr William Waddell – Leith
Mr Robert Coldstream – Leith
Mr John Mackie – Leith
A committee upon the spot consisting of the Rev Mr Brown, minister of Kilrenny; Messrs James Reekie, Andrew Crawford and John Morris, magistrates of the Burgh; and Mr F Connolly, the town clerk, have agreed to make all exertions in their power for the sufferers, and to see the funds that may be raised properly applied. The following is a list of the boats crew. David Taylor snr, David Taylor Jnr, William Taylor. Robert Pratt, William Peattie, Andrew Heugh, Robert Corstorphine – all drowned. William Pratt Saved.
1830
There was launched, on Friday the 26th Inst from the ground above the Anstruther mills, a large and substantial lighter, from 50-60 tons burthen for Messrs Peebles and Gavine, contractors for Cellardyke Harbour, intended for carrying the stone from the quarry to the harbour. She went off in grand style, and glided down the rived=r Dreel most majestically, through the arch of the bridge that divides the two burghs, with a profusion of colours flying, amidst the deafening cheers of the spectators. The first grain market being held on the same day, the number of spectators (particularly on the bridge) was immense. The harbour improvements are going on with alacrity and spirit – which alike proves the respectability and enterprise of the contractors.
1832
Letter to the Fife Herald Editor
….. Some of our fish curers have their curing premises in the very centre of the town; and it too often happens, that they retain their offals until they become completely putrified; and you need not be told that the smell which then arises from them is not the most agreeable to the olfactory nerves of the inhabitants. In some instances also, the water used in cleaning the fish is thrown put upon the public streets, where it has been known to remain stagnant, until the fishy parties amongst it had regained animation in another form. We submit, therefore, that this is a species of nuisance which calls loudly for the interference of our local authorities. It is not only calculated to engender disease of itself, but should the mysterious visitant appear amongst us (which God in his mercy forbid) it would unquestionably tend greatly to promote and propagate potential ravages. We are of the opinion that the curing of fish, for very palpable reasons, ought always to be conducted close to the sea shore; or where that is totally impracticable, that the curer should be obliged regularly to remove all nuisance from his premises within short stated periods, under a penalty for each neglect. Why should not our fish curers have their premises on the sea beach at Cellardyke, where they procure their fish? We have adduced these observations, in the hope that our Board of Health will take the matter into their serious consideration, and will do what lies in their power for remedying or modifying the evil complained of
Miss Mary Anderson, 9 Regent place, Balfour St, Kirkcaldy, died on 22nd Feb 1916. She was a daughter of John Anderson, Teacher, sometime in Greenock, afterwards in Kirkcaldy, and his wife Christian Lothian, who were married in Cellardyke on 27th Dec 1830. Her father was headmaster of Philip’s Institution, Pathhead, Kirkcaldy, during the period 1840-1849. Any Person claiming to have right to the Intestate Moveable Estate of the deceased, or being in the possession of information which may lead to the discovery of the deceased’s next of kin, will please communicate with.. James Lumsden, Solicitor, Kirkcaldy
1917
One of the oldest and best known of the fishing fraternity of Cellardyke, Mr David Birrell, has just passed away at the great age of 93. He was a native of Cellardyke, and practically spent all his days in the ancient seaport and on the sea.
For a long time he took an active part in public affairs, being a member of the old Parochial Board and chairman of both fisherman’s society and the Hearse Society. He was also one of the first coxswains of the local lifeboat, and on one occasion when a yawl was driven ashore at Cellardyke he was instrumental in saving four of the crew.
1919
(This is one I have been trying to research further, but can find no more info about.. I believe they were looking to taking over the boatbuilding yard and hauling out slip by the lifeboat shed, Miller’s of St Monans had sold up and moved out a few years before and it would be 10 years before Walter Reekie set up there, and three or four before Alex Aitken set up business doing boat repairs… so any help would be welcome..)
Shipbuilding Company for East Fife
The East Fife Shipbuilding Company, Ltd, (Private Company) capital £2000 in £1 shares, has been registered as a joint stock Company. The subscribers are Lawrence Bruce, boatbuilder, Cellardyke and Alexander Farrell, tinsmith Cellardyke.
1922
Rev J. R Lee , Cellardyke was elected Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
1924
Football
Wilson Cup Final
Cellardyke 3 – St Monance 2
To let
Kitchen and bedroom, 3 beds for June July and August, apply Mrs Wood 56 James Street Cellardyke.
Reckless Driving on Fife Roads
Thomas Melville, jun, motor Driver, 37 John Street, Cellardyke was convicted of having at Burnside place, Cellardyke, driven motor lorry recklessly and a t a speed dangerous to the lieges. A young lad who was waiting on his change at the back of the butcher’s van when th lorry came round the corner, said he would have been killed if he had not jumped into his gate. A fine of 30s was imposed. (Thomas Melville was later to commit suicide by hanging himself in his father’s kippering shed in 1938. He was at the time living in my house in West Forth street, he was married to the sister of Agnes Henderson (widow of Andrew lost in WW1) and was found by Agnes when she went looking for him)
1925
A distressing accident occurred at Anstruther goods Station yesterday.
While attempting to pass between two railway waggons, Mr Alexander Smith, Contractor, Cellardyke was caught between the buffers and severely injured.
Medical examination disclosed three ribs broken.
1926
Of the many appeals for the support of the public of the East Neuk during the year, few are more deserving than that made by the Crail ad Kingsbarns Nursing Association.
Crail UF Church Choral Society came to the help of the association last night, when a concert was given in Aird’s Hall. Apart from the object of raising money, the concert claimed attention on its own merits, and the programme was highly appreciated, and reflected great credit on the chorus and the conductor, Mr David Dick, Cellardyke.
The Philharmonic Society wound up a successful session last night when the annual Ball was held in the town hall. The Function was attended by about 90 couples and the hall was prettily decorated for the occasion. The Olympia Palais de Danse Orchestra from Kirkcaldy provided the music
Cellardyke attendees
Misses Reid, Scott, Steven, Stevenson, Thomson, Barbara Taylor, M Tulloch and S Woodward. Messrs G H Melville.
For sale two new semi-detached cottages in Williamson Street Cellardyke, six aparts, bath (H & C) with all mod conv, immediate possession. Apply R Williamson, Castle Cliff Cellardyke.
Alexander Bowman Burnside Place was appointed as a commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (Elder representative)
At a children’s court at Cupar today, Thomas Ritchie (11), Schoolboy, East Green Anstruther and Henry Watson, Schoolboy (14) 21
James Street Cellardyke, admitted having on the 28th February entered the dwelling house at 65 James street, occupied by Mrs Swinton, widow by means of a true key which they had obtained felonious possession, and stolen therefrom £11 and a quantity of chocolates.
Both had two previous convictions.
Hon Sheriff Osborne sent Ritchie to the Mars training ship and Watson to Rossie reformatory.
A sad drowning has occurred at Cellardyke harbour, whereby four lives have been lost.
For the past few days herring have been got very close in to the shore, with the result that the boats have been engaged in that vicinity.
The big boats, however, have been unable to get close in to the land, with the result that the smaller yawls, which are not as a rule used for herring fishing, were utilised under the unusual circumstances.
David Mair skipper of the Pittenweem yawl Morning Star, shot nets not far from Cellardyke harbour and sometime after began to haul them in. it was found that the nets were heavy with herring, and after fifteen crans had been taken on board it was found necessary to call the assistance of another yawl.
Before this yawl could approach the Morning Star sank. The cause being the overload of herring and the slight swell of the sea.
One of the crew McBain swam to the approaching yawl. The four other members of the crew were not seen again. Their names are
David Mair (49) who leaves two young Children and six grown up
His son Willie Mair (16)
Neil Hughes, who leaves a widow and two children
His brother Thomas Hughes (16)
A pathetic feature of the sad affair is that this is the first time this year Willie Mair had gone to sea, owing to ill health of late.
Thomas McBain, son of William McBain, west shore, who was rescued in an exhausted condition by Skipper Andrew Watson, Water Wynd, of the Yawl Maggies, lies in a precarious condition.
Six of the Pittenweem yawls are grappling with irons for the bodies.
1912
Yesterday afternoon while a Cellardyke fisherman was taking a walk along the beach between Cellardyke and Crail, he discovered the body of a man lying on the rocks near Caplie Caves. The body was much decomposed, and was that of a man of about 45 years of age 5 ft. 8 inches in height, wanted part of the right leg below the knee and was dressed in a dark overcoat, blue jacket, dark trousers and vest.
1913
The Annual meeting of the East Coast Fisheries Association, was held in the Free Gardner’s hall, Edinburgh.
Never in its history, extending over a period of nearly quarter of a Century, had there been such an extra ordinary increase in its members, and that had been largely due to the Insurance Act. A discussion on the act was opened by Mr Bertram, who said that they had between 2000 – 3000 men standing out, and they were determined at any cost, at any rate until the test case decided the question not to consent to compulsory insurance………. Mr Bett Cellardyke, said that he had been much harassed by the government agents, and complained of the ignorance of the officials regarding the conditions of the fishermen. He had had lawyers in the house, agents of the commissioners in the house, all wanting information, after a straight and honest statement of the things wanted had already been provided. He alleged that the inspectors came to Cellardyke with lies, telling them in many districts the fishermen were all going under the Act. He was told that the Buckie men were all in. but two or three days after he received a letter from a friend I the North stating that they had resolved not to yield. The Commissioners, he said were trying to catch the fishermen, and put them in a snare. He hoped that everyman would be like Mr Marshall, ready to go to jail (hear hear)
1915
Forty One Skipper’s fined
Fishing in Prohibited Area
Forty one skippers of motor and sail fishing boats from Fife ports and Cockenzie and Eyemouth, appeared before Sheriff Armour Hannay at Cupar on Tuesday, charged with having, between sunset on 25th and sunrise on 26th February, fished with nets in a prohibited area in the Forth, contrary to the order of the Admiral commanding at Rosyth. (List of names from all ports…) Alex Lothian, skipper of the Sailboat Snowflight, Cellardyke, Thomas Bett (Fowler) skipper of the motor fishing boat Cornucopia, Cellardyke, Thomas Bett Skipper of the steam drifter, Scot, Cellardyke; John Muir (Keay) Skipper of the steam drifter Camperdown; Leslie Jack Skipper of the Steam drifter Suffolk County, Cellardyke; William Smith (Jimie) skipper of the Steam Drifter Olive Leaf, Cellardyke…. John Wilson skipper of the sail fishing boat Ruby, Cellardyke, Alex Muir, skipper of the fishing yawl Nymph, Cellardyke……
Mr T w Davidson, Solicitor, Cupar, who appeared for the accused, said that the same explanation applied in practically all the cases. The weather was hazy when they had gone out. They shot their nets within the area which they were entitled to fish, but the flood tide carried them along faster than they realised. They could not exactly tell their bearings, and the offence had been more of a result of misadventure rather than of intention…
Mr Brander (County Fiscal) said that this was the night the patrol boat broke her propeller by running along nets. The sheriff asked if any further offences had been committed since his previous warning to Skippers.
Mr Branders – sorry to say five or six cases have been reported.
Sheriff We will know how to deal with these five or six. I take it that these cases refer to a time previous to my warning, and though it may be erring on the side of leniency. I propose to impose the same modified penalty as before 3 or 15 days.
All the accused pleaded guilty, with the exception of Thomas Bett, Cellardyke and John Wilson Cellardyke, and their trials were fixed for 6th April. The others were each fined 33 or 15 days imprisonment, a month being granted in which to pay/
The belief on the part of a number of the accused that they were innocent gave rise to a number of amusing Incidents, James Allan Skipper of the motor fishing boat, Golden Queen, St Monans said he ‘would just have to plead guilty to please the Admiralty’ Another of the accused refused to plead guilty, but said he would pay the fine, ‘It would be a lie for me to plead guilty’ he said. And my conscience would not allow me to do it. How many days will I have to go to jail?’ (Laughter) Accused ultimately said he would pay the fine.
3 days later
John McRuvie (Tawse) skipper of the fishing boat Calceolaria, Cellardyke admitted at Cupar today being within the prohibited area of the Firth of Forth between sunrise on the 3rd and sunrise of the 4th March
Mr A Grossett, Cupar, explained that the accused’s boat was a motor boat. They had broken down and they had drifted into the prohibited area.
The fiscal stated that the accused was a mile and a half west of the line when challenged by the patrol boat.
In the special circumstances his lordship admonished the accused.
