The Cellardyke Echo

1910

Anstruther, Tuesday a fleet of about 50 vessels left the harbour yesterday with a nice favourable breeze….. the principle fishing grounds were 40 – 50 miles east-south-east, the best takes were New Kate, Shamrock and Ina Cook , Cellardyke 30 Crans, True Vine, Cellardyke, 28 Crans and Prestige and Aber, Cellardyke 25 crans

1912

A sad drowning accident took place at Cellardyke today, while some boys were fishing at a place known as the Slunk, one of their number, David Dick, son of Alex Dick, fireman, 9 years of age, missed his footing and fell into the water.

As the place is very deep, his companions were unable to help him out, and ran for assistance. The body was thereafter fetched out, and respiration tried for about an hour, but all efforts failed.

3000 Crans of herrings were delivered by a fleet of 200 boats at Fraserburgh yesterday…… the total catch realised over £5000. Among the best fished vessels was the sailboat Pride of Fife manned by a Cellardyke Crew. The boat grossed £60 for the nights work.

Intelligence has been received of the loss of the Shields drifter Roamer manned and skippered by a Cellardyke Crew., near Wick.

The Roamer which was engaged at the herring fishing, sprung a leak and made water so rapidly that the pumps became chocked. Fortunately the Chance of Wick another steam drifter was near and succeeded in saving the crew and their gear. The chance towed the Roamer a considerable distance but the latter was making water so rapidly that the crew of the former had to abandon their attempt at saving the boat.

The Roamer was skippered by Charles Gen, Cellardyke, owned by the Roamer Fishing Co , North Shields

1914

At a meeting of Kilrenny School Board, Mr Ronald Mackenzie Munro, M.A. Kirkcaldy High School was appointed headmaster of Cellardyke School. There were 146 applicants for the situation. The salary is £200 with an annual rise of £10 to £250. Mr Munro is a native of Dingwall. He succeeds Mr John Barbour, who has been headmaster for 36 years, and who is retiring under the age limit regulation.

Mr Barbour was presented with a purse of sovereigns from his former and present pupils and friends. Provost Black, chairman of the board presided and Mr Alex Watson, a former pupil and at present member of the school board made the presentation in presence of a large gathering of pupils and friends. Mr Barbour was also presented with a handsome watch by Mr Maxwell Clerk to the school board.

1918

Alex Simpson Middleton, Cellardyke, skipper of the Daisy Rose was fined for having fished in prohibited water on 17^th June.

1921

Cellardyke school medallists

Silver medal for dux, Girl –  Agnes Swinton. Silver Medal for Boy – George Birrell, sports championships for girls-  Margaret Boyter, boys-  James Smith. The Rev James Lee was also pleased to notice that at the distribution of prizes at the closing ceremony of the Waid Academy all the medals with the exception of one, came to old pupils of Cellardyke School.

1922

The closing exhibition at Cellardyke public school took place yesterday when a large number of parents and friends assembled to witness the presentation of prizes..

Mr R.M. Munro in his report stated that the school savings bank had collected £213, which greatly exceeded the previous year. The total amount of War Savings certificates purchased since it was started was £2700 (applause).

The Principle prize winners were, Dux Girl – Lizzie Smith, Dux Boy James Brunton. Sports medallists Lilias Gardner and David Carstairs.

1925

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

As an Instance the Cellardyke Drifter ‘Agnes Gardner’ Skipper John Gardner may be cited. This vessel arrived at Anstruther on Saturday from Shields, where a catch of over 100 score of all kinds of fish were landed.

The Market proved disappointing, a generally recognised valuable shot only realising a little over £100.

Considering the running expenses of a ten days trip to and from the fishing grounds, it will be seen that the crew are not too well paid often for their hard and, for such a small craft as those engaged in that method of fishing are, dangerous work.

1926

Sheriff Sandeman has issued his decision in an action at the instance of James Tarvit, share fisherman, 22 Fowler Street, Cellardyke, against James Carnegie Motor mechanic Perth.

Pursuer sued defender for £40 for loss of earnings and personal injuries sustained through the negligence of defender in running him down on the High Rd between Pittenweem and St Monans on 20^th June 1925.

Sheriff found that the defender was guilty and awarded the pursuer £39 of damages with expenses.

1928

Erring Motorists fined at Cupar

For offences with regard to brakes …… James Tarvit, Joiner 29 Rodger Street Cellardyke, was fined 15s.

1883

The Cellardyke Fishermen’s Union – a society formed just three years ago with the laudable object to ailment sick and aged members, but more especially to provide for the widows and orphans of those who might suffer in the only too recurring disasters at sea. The contributions are fixed at ‘tippence a week’ the funds accruing from which, amounting at this date to £524, are deposited, in special or current amount, with the bank for the purpose of the society, the expenditure of which last year amounted to £90, leaving a clear gain on the transactions of this period to little less than 200 Guineas . But this is not all, A sum of £600 arising from a bazaar and a donation of £100 from a public spirited native, Mr George S Fowler, with a like sum from Walter S Hughes whose early years are entwined with the town, is invested as a kind of reserve fund, this making the total assets of the society not less than £1124.

Yesterday the employees of Mr Martin, oil clothing manufacturer, Cellardyke, had an excursion to Kirkcaldy, and, notwithstanding the rain enjoyed themselves pretty well. Coming off their machines at Dysart, they visited the bazaar and after spending some little time and money there, they came on to Kirkcaldy, and had tea in Mr Morrison’s hall, where a pleasant hour was spent. After viewing the ‘Lions’ they took the route homeward in the evening.

1887

Anstruther – a united service was held in parish church at noon and was taken part in by all denominations. About a hundred labourers engaged in laying the pipes through the streets for the water were treated to dinner in the town hall, while nearly eighty poor people received a quantity of tea and sugar for the occasion. The poor people of Cellardyke Parish Church were supplied, through the generosity of Mr Oliphant, with a sixpenny pie and a two shilling piece. In the evening illuminations were lit at different places along the East Neuk. On Wednesday the children attending the various schools were treated to an excursion.

1888

Boat for sale – Carvel built; KY 1197, length 45ft, belonging to the late Duncan McRuvie. Apply to Stephen Barclay, 17 John Street, Cellardyke.

1895

The following names appear in the return of deaths of seamen reported to the register general of shipping during the month of May ….  William Motion, (42) fisherman,  Cellardyke who was washed overboard from the Providence by the heavy sea while at the pump on 16^th May the vessel being then about 100 miles to the Eastward of May island……

1896

The following names appear in the return of deaths of seamen reported to the register general of shipping during the month of May ….  John Montador, second mate on board the ship Forthbank, a native of Cellardyke, died from yellow fever at Santos on 22^nd April last.

At Dundee local Marine board examination last week, the following students prepared at the government Navigation School Dundee, by Captains Wood and Low have been successful in passing … Mr David Burd Pittenweem and Mr Robert Muir, Cellardyke, as second mates.

1898

Aberdeen navigation School Board of Trade passes … First mate John Montador Cellardyke..

1901

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

Sherriff Armour, Cupar yesterday issued judgement in the slander action for £100 raised by Mrs Paton, Blacklaws, Anstruther with the consent and concurrence of John Paton Jnr, farmer,  against William Smith, Fisherman, residing at Cellardyke. His lordship finds it proved on the occasion set forth in the record the defender slandered the pursuer by falsely and maliciously representing that her eldest son was born befor marriage. He finds that the pursuer is entitled to £20.

1905

The Pioneer, the Cellardyke fishing boat which has been fitted with the ‘Don’ motor made her trial trip on Thursday, and with a choppy sea and light wind made good progress steaming about 5 knots an hour. In the course of her trial, the boat went close to some fishing smacks, and the crews of these vessels were much amazed to see a fishing boat making good headway with no sails set, and as far as they could see, none of the usual gear associated with a trawler or drifter. Surprise got the better of one of the skippers who left the wheel and called the crew on deck to witness the strange sight of a craft of this kind moving through the water without any visible means of propulsion.

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

1907

Of the two cases of spotted fever in East Fife which have been under treatment in the District infectious Diseases Hospital at Ovenstone since May last, one of them a boy named Gourlay aged 5 ½ years old from Cellardyke succumbed to the attack on Saturday evening. The other boy named Patrick from Anstruther is still under treatment.

There was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Mr William Geddes Portgordon on Saturday a finely modelled fishing steamer for Mr Henry Bett, Cellardyke. The vessel was Christened Alice by the owner’s daughter. The Alice will be towed to Dundee to have compound engines fitted and machinery installed by Messrs Cooper and Grieg, Dundee.

A fatal accident occurred on the railway on Saturday morning between Anstruther and Crail. A goods train which leaves Anstruther at nine 0 clock reported on arriving at Crail running over a man at Innergellie woods, Kilrenny. Medical aid was sent but life was found to be extinct. The body was identified as that of Robert Murray, fisherman, 50 years of age , residing at Cellardyke. Deceased had been in depressed spirits of late. He leaves a widow and grown up family.

1877 Fife Herald Thursday June 28^th  page 3

 New Boats for the herring Fishery – The Fifeshire herring fleet, which within a month will contribute the finest element of the great gathering on the Scottish coast has just had a notable addition in the sea beauty turned out the other day from the far famed yard of William Jarvis. The owner Mr William Smith Black of Cellardyke has called her after one of the heathen graces – that is the ‘Euphrosnya’. Another of these floating pictures is all but ready in the same yard. Like her consort she is ranks in the first class and would register over twenty tons, she is to have the appropriate christening of ‘Mon Ami’ and really in the blackening East one could not wish for a trustier friend than this gallant little craft, which is owned by Skipper Thomas Reid , also of Cellardyke.  Mr William Fulton has likewise completed on his premises on Pittenweem shore a smart looking deep sea boat for Mr John Robertson who this way steps to the front amongst other young skippers of Cellardyke. In addition to these our local fleet will also be strengthened by the addition of the Montrose boat the ‘Georgina Anderson’ purchased by Mr Thomas Pratt. Three new boats are also under contract for the same seat namely the ‘Gem of the Sea’ for skipper Charles Marr, the ‘Hope’ for Skipper William Watson ; and the third for Mr James Jack which are all to take part in the herring chase of the forth coming Lammas.

1878

As the deep sea going boat Six Brothers of Cellardyke, Skipper John Dickson, was out on the fishing cruise last week, the crew espied a water logged yawl, which, on being baled dry proved to be the Aberdeen Pilot boat No.3 upset while racing in the bay about five weeks ago. The yawl was picked up in the offing of the Bell Rock, having drifted far to the southward, but, notwithstanding her lengthened exposure to the accidents of the sea, she appears to be little of at all worse as she now lies on Anstruther Beach in charge of Mr Pearson, of the customs, as receiver of the wreck for the district.

1879

On Tuesday last as Cellardyke beach was ringing over the launch of the big herring boats- facilitated as usual by the agency of steam- an exciting incident occurred, showing that care and caution cannot be too much attended to on these occasions. The boat carriage was being dragged along by the traction engine when a little boy of about 11 years of age, son of the late skipper Watson, who perished in the autumn on the Norfolk coast, fell in front of the ponderous wheel. More than one bystander shut his eyes to conceal what seemed to be the inevitable fate of the little martyr, but at the last moment, and with singular presence of mind his little companion, Peter Murray, pulled him so far aside that the wheel rolled along, but not over his body. His hand, however, was caught and dreadfully crushed, but under the circumstances his escape with life was little else than a miracle.

1880

On Wednesday Forenoon as a boy of 11 years of age, son of Alex Watson (Murray) was amusing himself on board his father’s boat, the Wave, of Cellardyke, the boat, by the giving way of the supports or shores fell suddenly over upon her bilge. So violent was the movement that the poor little fellow was jerked out like a ball upon the sands. But this was the least of his misfortunes, as next instant the big foremast was thrown upon his prostrate body. He was at once conveyed home, but the injuries as such as to inspire the most serious uneasiness for the issue.

1881

Alexander Keith, fish dealer from Cellardyke, was charged with cruelty to a horse, by working it in a loaded cart in Overgate, on 8^th June, while the animal was in a state of general debility, and unfit for work. The accused said he was guilty. Then he stated that he bought the horse from. ‘Willie Leaburn’ that morning, and yoked it in a cart to go to Lochee with 3cwt of herring. It was kind o’ shaky on its legs but it appeared to be alright. (Laughter) Mr Dewar said that the cart was loaded with fish, and four or five men on the cart selling the fish. The accused- there was only twa hunderweight and a half o’ herrin’, and three men and a bell on the cart. (Renewed laughter.) Bailie Perrie sentenced the accused to pay a fine of 10s 6d with the option of seven days in prison.

1882

There was a charge of breach of the peace, committed on the morning of the last Sabbath of May, by William Millar, carter and Thomas Keay, fisherman, both of Cellardyke and two young seafaring men of St Monans, named Thomas Hutt and James Reekie. The first two pleaded guilty; but the St Monans men roundly asserted their innocence, when Police Constables Sparks and Martin deponed to the charge. It appears from the evidence that for a considerable time the younger sea gallants of St Monans have been in the custom of serenading the girls of Cellardyke. A collision in this way had taken place between the strangers and the young men of the town; but on the morning in question the outcry was such as to draw the Constables to the spot where the scuffle was going on. Hutt flatly denounced the evidence of Constable Sparks, ‘It is a lie sir’ for which, of course he was sharply reproved by the bench. Notwithstanding the protestations of the two, the charge was found proven, and the four panels were each and all fined the sum of 10s. In passing sentence, Provost Watson said that frequent complaints had been made to him about the manner in which the young fishermen of St Monans conducted themselves in these Saturday night visits, and which he regretted all the more, seeing that the fishermen of the east Of Fife were as one and the same community, and it became them, though in different towns to live as neighbours and friends.

1858

Sale of Fish Curers Stock

Anstruther Cellardyke and Crail.

The Whole stock in Trade belonging to the sequestrated estate of the late Peter Davidson, Fish Curer Dundee – Consisting of

800 herring Barrels

120 Barrel Covers

75 tons of Salt

9 rusing tubs

1 herring receiving box

6 baskets

1 Cran measure etc etc

To commence with the sale of salt at the Pier West Anstruther.

Then at Crail

40 Tons of Salt

200 herring barrels

1862

An Important augmentation is in course of being made to the trade of the district by the erection at Cellardyke of a large net factory by the enterprising firm of Messrs Sharpe and Murray. A most convenient site has been fued adjacent to the free church hall, and the construction of the necessary buildings will be commenced forthwith.. There is every likelihood that this new addition to the already extensive business of these spirited gentlemen will prove, as it deserves a profitable and successful business.

1865

We sometime ago reported that one of the Cellardyke fishing boats , having on board a crew of eight persons had been lost at sea, and mentioned that case was calling for public sympathy and aid. We would now recall the attention of our readers to the matter and urge upon them the propriety of contributing to relieve the wants of the bereaved families of Cellardyke.

Henry beat, Skipper Left a wife and four children

Thomas Brown, brother in law to the above, left a wife and two children

Thomas Reid unmarried, brother in law also to the above, left a widowed mother

Andrew Robertson, left a wife and seven children

Thomas Wood, left a wife and three children

Daniel Fleming, left a wife and two children

Francis Montadore, unmarried

Thomas Muir, unmarried

The people of Cellardyke themselves , while willing to do everything in their power to assist the bereaved friends, are of course able to do only a very little, and that little has been made all the more difficult for them from the circumstance that they are at present engaged in raising a considerable sum of money for lifeboat purposes.

A committee for the purposes of raising subscriptions has been formed in Anstruther, of which Messrs Sharp and Murray are secretaries, to whom charitable contributions may be sent.

1869

A singular scene occurred the other day at Cellardyke, where an old tenement near the harbour, being in the course of demolition, one of the tenants, a hopeful daughter of Eve’s that has rejoiced over half a century in single blessedness – maintained possession of her apartment, defiant alike of the entreaties of friends and such practical appeals as the stripping of the roof, and the tearing down of beam and rafter. The good natured workmen put the furniture upon the street, but the spinster herself – like the old sailor that hangs onto the last timbers of the sinking ship – stuck to the ruins, and repelled all attempts at dislodgement….  The usual legal warning had been served, but the law, as well as the weather had no terrors for the resolute lady, who kept her own until the last plank had been torn from the floor of her stronghold, but even then, though her position was carried, it was not surrendered, as from first to last she plied the artillery of a fiery tongue with a courage and constantly worthy of a better fate. While the work of demolition was going on a narrow escape was made by the slater and his assistant, who fell through the rotten rafters. The assistant tumbled to the next storey but, fortunately for life and limb, he alighted upon the bed of the tenacious tenant; and although “ the tailor fell through the bed, Thumbles an a’ “

The mishap was altogether harmless.

1870

We understand that Messrs Sharp and Murray the well-known general Merchants of Cellardyke have just purchased the extensive and eligible fish curing premises in the East Green of Anstruther, erected and occupied for some years by Mr Walter Ireland of Buckhaven. The premises may be regarded as a model of their kind and in the present low state of  the trade they realise a rental of £50, but the purchase price is understood to be only £600, which is fully £200 less than the outlay in erecting the premises some fourteen years ago.

Skipper Alexander Watson of Cellardyke landed no fewer than twenty one score of skate amongst the take he sold at Dundee.

On Tuesday last the deep sea going boat Charm of Cellardyke presently hired b y a Pittenweem crew with Mr Thomas Anderson as Skipper found that a large number of their lines had been untied and taken away. The crew having every reason to suspect the Belgian smack No 161 made sail towards her, when they found the foreigners busy with a deck full of fish…….

1873

Numbering the houses in Cellardyke, The police commissioners are about to take steps to have the houses numbered, so that every residence may be readily traced out and recognised in whatever part of our long and somewhat intricate streets it may be situated…. In Cellardyke there is a curious singularity of names. For instances, in the voters lists for the last year there were seven James Watsons, and five David Watsons and five James Smiths. But here the custom is to add the wives’ name by way of distinction, though no little trouble, inconvenience, and, we may add, vexation, will be saved by the houses being numbered, as agreed by the Police Commissioners.

1874

As the deep sea going boat the ‘Sovereign’  of Cellardyke, Skipper John Barclay was out on the fishing cruise last week the crew observed a foreign built skiff adrift some 125 miles seaward of the Isle of May. There was a ‘ride-tow’ that is a small line which, with a sufficiently heavy stone is used as an anchor at the hand line fishing, found on board, from which the boat appears to have been so employed on the Lothian shore till she had drifted to sea during the gale. Skipper Barclay brought the boat, which was unnamed and unmarked into Anstruther harbour, where she now lies in charge of Mr Keay, the Deputy Receiver of Wrecks.

1876

We understand that in giving up the drapery branch of his widely developed business, Mr John Gilchrist of the steam show company , Cellardyke, has disposed of his stock to townsman Mr John Marr, Draper. The transfer price we hear was ten shillings in the pound, and the value in what may be described as the household outfit department is about £200.

1830

One of the labourers at Cellardyke harbour got the fore lith of his thumb completely taken off by the chain of the crane on Monday Night; he was not otherwise hurt and is doing well.

1837

St Andrews – On Wednesday se’ennight about three o clock in the afternoon while our fishermen were at sea drawing their nets, they saw a sloop standing to the southward, and which had apparently sailed from the Tay, suddenly capsized by a squall of wind. A Cellardyke fishing boat, which was not far off, immediately bore down upon the vessel and arrived at the sport just in time to rescue the crew from a watery grave, for she filled so rapidly that her bows were already underwater and the crew perched on the taffrail, from which they escaped into the boat. We have not heard the vessel’s name, but we learn she belongs to Alloa. She had a square topsail, and appeared to be in ballast trim.

1844

At midnight on Thursday 16^th May the boat William of Cellardyke, George Smith, Master, was swamped in a sudden squall of wind from the north east, while at the white fishing about 12 miles south east of the Bell Rock, and all on board perished, The crew consisted of eight persons, six of whom were married, and have left widows and families. The whole of the families being in very destitute circumstances, it has been resolved to open a subscription for their relief, and a few of the inhabitants have consented to act as a committee for procuring subscriptions and seeing the funds properly laid out for the widows and orphans behoof. The Rev Dickson of Kilrenny has consented to act as chairman of the committee; and we sincerely hope that they may be able to obtain some relief for the benefit of these destitute individuals.

A halibut was exhibited in Dundee Market, which attracted the attention of hundreds. It measured six feet in length three feet across the broadest part of its body and was eight inches in thickness. Its weight was 2 ½ cwt; and it required five men to haul it into the boat at the deep sea fishing. David Keay, Cellardyke a fisherman of fifty years standing declared that he had never witnessed such an enormous fish.

1849

Inverness Courier

I am glad to observe that your Skye correspondent gives a decided and spirited contradiction to the story that the West Islanders are so lazy as to refuse working for good wages, under the guidance of certain missionary fishermen from Cellardyke. They are not likely to be palatable instructors to the clansmen, there is no fusion or amalgamation of races – the language, the habits, the very nature, physical and mental, of the Saxon and the Gael, interpose an insuperable obstacle to their working in concert – rather the latter succumbing to an alleged supremacy of the former. Each of them has great and good qualities, but they were not made for mixing. The stalwart frames, persevering industry, the blunt and rather uncouth manners of the Southerners, are not likely to assimilate kindly with the spare, sinewy, agile figures, the ardent but less continuous exertions, the courteous manners, quick no doubt take offence, but exceedingly sensitive of kindness, and grateful for it, which characterise the Northerns. The one will make incapable teachers the other inapt and unwilling scholars. …….

1852

In addition to the number of mentioned in the last Pittenweem register, we understand that no less than 16 Cellardyke fishermen are preparing to leave this town for Australia. Whether they intend to follow the occupation they have been accustomed to on landing I  that country or apply themselves to the ‘diggins’ we have not learned, but it is an uncommon thing for fishermen to emigrate in such numbers , the like never before occurred in Cellardyke.

1855

Mr Smith, writer, discovered a few days since, that his pigeon house had been forcibly entered by breaking open the door, and a number of young pigeons and eggs abstracted. The services of Gordon our Police officer being called into action, we hear that the result of his examination will bring two boys who live in Cellardyke before the Sherriff

1855

A promising young man named Lindsay, a shoemaker in Kingsbarns, came to a lamentable death ion Friday last. After he had got his dinner he preceded to the sea to have a bathe. Shortly after his clothes were found upon the beach by some girls who seeing no owner for them took them to Kingsbarns, where his employer, who had in the meantime been surprised by his absence, identified them at once as Lindsay’s. A search immediately commenced, when his corpse was found in shallow water near where his clothing had been discovered. The body was conveyed in a cart to his father’s house in Cellardyke. He was an expert swimmer, but from a severe contusion upon his left temple, it is conjectured, that when diving he had come into contact with a stone and received the injury which had stunned him; he had been drowned before recovering his senses.

1943

The wedding took place in Cellardyke Parish Church of Miss Jessie N Doig, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert Doig, 16 Rodger St, and Lieutenant W.J.B Thomson, RNVR youngest son of Captain and Mrs Thomson, Millbank, Anstruther.

Bride who was given away by her father was in white satin, her net veil being embroidered with satin lover’s knots and held in place by orange blossom.

She was attended by two bridesmaids Miss Mima K Doig (Sister) and Miss Margaret Doig (Niece).

Groomsman was Pilot Officer Sydney Thomson RAF brother of the bridegroom.

1945

Last Of Anstruther’s service men who have been captives in Germany have now returned. They are Cpl J Watson Smith. RASC son of Councillor A Smith, New Grange, Cellardyke and Pvte Lock Horsburgh, Royal Tank Corps, also of Cellardyke. A reservist the later re-joined his old regiment at the outbreak of war. Survivor of Calais, he was captured in Greece in 1941 and taken to Stalag XVIIID . Cpl. Smith was taken at Tobruk and after 15 months in an Italian Camp was transferred to Stalag 1VB

1949

New members of Aunt Joan’s Children’s Corner, In Dundee Evening Telegraph – Martin Sutherland, 48 George Street, club number 31048

Two Fife Girls – Mary Bissett, james Street Cellardyke and Margaret Harrison, Buchanan Gardens, St Andrews- have been chosedn for the honour of opening a new Red Cross Convalescent Home fore Children in Kent, They will perform the Ceremony on July 1^st. Miss Bissett is a pupil at Wasid Academy Anstruther, and Miss harrison at Madras College.

1952

The Body of David Stevenson (38), 24 Rodget Street Cellardyke, who was reported missing five weeks ago was recovered from the water at Matthews Quay Aberdeen, yesterday

Stevenson was a member of the Crew of the Noontide which had put into Aberdeen.

1953

Mr David McRuvie, 20 James Street, a deckhand on the Fishing Vessel William Wilson, is at sea, unaware that he has been awarded the B.E.M

He is ‘somewhere in the North Sea’ and will not reach land for about a fortnight. A native of Cellardyke he has served in two wars. During the first war he was on convoy duty. In the second war he was mate of the Wilson Line which was converted to hospital duty for service at Scapa.

He was at Scapa when the Royal Oak was torpedoed and played a prominent part in the rescue operations

1930

A Cellardyke cyclist, Wm Duncan, West Forth Street, had a nasty accident while on the way home last night.

 He was proceeding from Pittenweem and when he arrived at West Anstruther the forks supporting the front wheel of the bicycle gave way, and broke on the jumpy cobbled road.

Duncan was thrown right over the handlebars, and sustained rather serious injuries to his face.

After being attended to by Dr Armour, West Anstruther, he was able to walk home.

News has just come to hand of the death at Binghamton Hospital New York, in his 43^rd year, of Mr William Sheriff, second son of Mr John Sheriff, 61 George Street, Cellardyke.

Mr Sheriff was well known to the fishing communities on the east coast of Scotland as a boat painter of exceptional skill. He left the district almost seven years ago to take up an appointment with Messrs Fowlers’ Store at Binghamton, New York.

While resident in Cellardyke, Mr Sheriff acted as summer cox of the lifeboat, and was in charge of the lifeboat when the crew of the four-masted Carmen was wrecked. During ten months of service as a summer cox Mr Sheriff was responsible for the rescue of two crews.

While the motor boat, Pathfinder, belonging to Mr James Watson and Mr Peter Smith, Cellardyke, was being overhauled, the engine backfired and started a Blaze.

Flames ran along the lining of the vessel and amid dense clouds of smoke desperate attempts were made to extinguish the fire with water.

This proved futile, and the flames rapidly crept over the vessel. Fortunately a fire extinguisher was secured in the nick of time and in a few minutes the outbreak was extinguished.

Comparatively little damage was done.

1932

At a police court held in the Town Hall Anstruther, Helen Watson or Thomson, wife of Robert Thomson, fisherman, 8 Urquhart Wynd, Cellardyke, appeared before Ballies W.S. Seath and W.W. Carstairs on a charge of assaulting on the 26^th April at 10.15pm, Mrs Elizabeth Corstorphine and Mrs Jeannie Fair, Cellardyke and on shouting and bawling and committing a breach of the peace

After evidence was led the magistrates found the charge not proven.

1933

The Steam Drifter Mace of Cellardyke, arrived at Aberdeen after having been ashore near Johnshaven.

The Mace was on her way to the fishing grounds when she went ashore during dense fog.

 A kedge anchor was put out and with the rising tide the vessel was refloated about half an hour later. The Mace was making no water and did not appear to be damaged.

1934

A whist drive organised by the Cardinal’s Steps Amateur swimming club was held in Cellardyke town hall last night. 31 tables being engaged in play. Mr D MacIntyre, president of the club, acted as MC and at the close of play Provost Carstairs announced the prize winners.

Ladies, 1. Miss M Wilson, 2. Mrs Motion, 3.  Miss M Carstairs; consolation, Miss N Munro, Gentlemen 1 Miss N Barclay (as a gentleman) 2 Mr A Bowman, 3. Mr T Dunsire; consolation Miss Duncan (as a gentleman).

1937

An old local craft is being revived at the East Fife Fishing Villages of Cellardyke where boat builders are busily engaged in meeting orders for boats. The Industry has been dormant for a number of years and the revival is due to the enterprise of Provost Carstairs, who is a member of the Fishery board, and a number of other local men. Within the next fortnight two vessels will be completed for the Manx Government which is subsidising its home fishing fleet. The Boats are the most up-to-date type of Ring net fishing boat. They will be named Manx beauty and Manx Fairy respectively. Their graceful lines have been admired by the whole fishing community in the neighbourhood. They can be run at half the cost of the steam drifter, a type of fishing craft that the ring net boats are generally replacing. The old yard where the industry had disappeared from a number of years ago was up until recently was cultivated as a garden.

1938

Two yawls collided at the entrance to Eyemouth harbour on Saturday Morning, one of the vessels, the Spanish Castle, being severely damaged, mainly in the port bow.

The Craft was manned by Skipper William Patterson, of Eyemouth, and his crew, who a month ago were saved from their blazing boat, Spes Bona, at the fishing grounds.

On Saturday Morning the Spanish Castle which Mr Paterson acquired about a fortnight ago was returning from a night’s herring fishing, and a Cellardyke yawl, Star o’ Hope which had been engaged in great line fishing, was leaving the harbour when the two vessels collided.

In a Sinking Condition the Spanish Castle crawled into the harbour. Pumping operations were carried out and temporary repairs effected. The Star o’ Hope was able to continue on its journey to Cellardyke.

Mr Patterson and his Crew have certainly been dogged by misfortune lately, and this accident will result in the boat being idle for several weeks during the execution of repairs.

1938

George Dunsire, Fish merchant 28 James Street, Cellardyke was fined £2 for permitting William Graham motor driver, East Green Anstruther to drive a motor van without an insurance policy, and graham was admonished for driving it.

1939

Fined At Cupar Sherriff Court for Driving offences …. Alexander Brand Hughes .. 4 Dove Street, License holder offence 10s fine…

The rescue of a Child from drowning in Cellardyke harbour was recalled at Govan Police Court yesterday when the rescuer Alfred Menhennet Outhwaite, Govan, was presented with the parchment certificate from the Royal Humane Society. He had been walking with a companion on March 1 when he saw two children playing near the harbour wall. Shortly afterwards he heard a scream, and, on looking back noticed that one of the children had disappeared. A boy of four years old John Hodge Dickson had fallen twelve feet into the water. Although a non-swimmer Outhwaite jumped into the water still wearing his heavy overcoat and managed to grasp hold of the sinking child. Struggling to keep afloat, he ultimately caught hold of a harbour rope, and child and man were hauled to safety. Had Outhwaite not acted so promptly the child would probably have been drowned

Members of the Herring Industry Advisory Council appointed under the herring industry act 1938 were announced yesterday.

One of the members announced was John Gardner, Cellardyke Skipper and part owner of a Drifter, Director of the Scottish Herring Producers Association

Widower Weds Widow

The wedding was confirmed by Hon. Sherriff David Struth at Cupar today of Joseph Brunton Wilson, widower a fisherman residing at 12 James Street Cellardyke, and Isabella Herd Smith Wilson or Thomson, widow, Kirkgate, Pittenweem.

1902

The Cellardyke Fishing boat Jane and William arrived at Anstruther last night with one of the crew, George Murray (Geddes), Suffering from small pox. As soon as Murray was conveyed home a doctor ordered his removal to Ovenstone Hospital, the rest of the crew were vaccinated and the boat fumigated, while the different houses of the men were all sprayed with fumiline. The attack is a mild one and it is thought there will be no further outbreak. The Boat had been fishing at North Shields for some weeks, it is surmised that Murray must have been in contact with other cases.

At Cellardyke Burgh Court Mrs Maxwell Kilrenny pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an attendance order securing the regular attendance of her son and daughter at school, she admitted she had lost control over them.  The magistrates ordered the children to be sent to an industrial school until they were 14 years of age

1906

A Cellardyke fisherman named David Moncrieff was drowned through being washed overboard off Shields.

1914

In view of the retiral of Mr Barbour head teacher, Cellardyke at the close of the season at the age limit and of Mr McFarlane assistant, who leaves for China, the board agreed that the succeeding head teacher commence with a salary of £200 rising in 5 years to £250 at the rate of £10 per annum and the assistant commence at £110, rising to £130 at the rate of £5 annually.

Section from the ADVERT – –  Kilrenny School board – Wanted male certified teacher for the supplementary class of Cellardyke public School, singing and drawing essential and navigation desirable…….

1916

Rewards for Bravery in Scotland – Royal Humane Society

Testimonial to David Black, James Street Cellardyke, a plucky lad of 15 for saving another boy from the sea at Cellardyke on April 21^st.

1918

Government Contracts for local firms

Oilskins- J Martin & Co Cellardyke, R Watson & Co Anstruther.

1919

A girl named Orr, employed at Martin and Co’s Oilskin factory, sustained severe injuries while at work on Saturday. Her apron caught in the machinery and before the workings could be stopped she was carried several times round the shafting, with the result her clothes were badly torn. When the machinery was stopped the unfortunate girl fell to the ground floor and sustained severe injuries to her head.

1922

 (this was an unclear article I have tried to make full sense of it)

Father and Son Fined at Cupar

Sequel to a £20 000 fire at Cellardyke Oilskin Factory of J Martin & Sons, today in Cupar Sherriff Court Joseph Buttars Ritchie, restauranteur and his son Joseph Ritchie shop assistant 20 East Green Anstruther, were charged with having on 2^nd or 3^rd May broke into the factory premises  at Mill ???? Occupied by Robert???der & Co and stolen there from oilskin coats and hangers. The pleaded to simple theft and this was accepted.

Acting for the Accused Mr Tasker, Cupar, stated that on the night in question there was the fire at Martin’s Factory, a lot of oilskins were thrown on the road. Many of them were taken to the store. For some unknown reason he could not understand the accused broke into the store and stole some of these, but did not get away with them as they were discovered by the police and the coats were recovered. These men had been in trouble before and they could not understand what possessed them to do such a foolish thing. The elder had a wife and five of a family and was in a good way of business.

The Fiscal said it was an exceptionally bad and mean theft.. On the night of the fire the loss to the firm was over £20 000. In course they got people to carry away as much of the goods as possible. An insuring firm offered to store anything saved from the factory and a large number of goods were taken there.

Immediately after dark a great deal of looting took place and in consequence the police took charge of the store. Concealed themselves and while there Ritchie and his son came in. Ritchie was heard to say ‘Take all you can’. When chased by the police they threw away a number of the goods but when the police reached them an overcoat was got there, showing they had been twice to the store. Through Theft the firm reckoned that they had lost much and the value of the stuff taken away was £5 10s. Accused were well ???? and there was no excuse. They were fined each £5, or ??? days imprisonment.

1923

For Sale by Private Bargain, on retiral of the owner

The Cellardyke Oilskin Factory, 31 – 39 James Street Cellardyke, with the Oilskin Manufacturers business carried on during the last 40 years, by Alex Black & Co (inventors and sole manufacturers of the Patent canvas buoy)

The buildings are in excellent order and include ample storage, are equipped with all the necessary Machinery, driven by steam power. The present stock will be taken over by the purchaser at mutual valuation….

1929

John Duncan, Boat Tavern, Cellardyke was charged at Cupar Burgh Court on Saturday with contravening the licensing laws by supplying two men with glasses of beer seven minutes after closing time.  A plea of not guilty was tendered and the trial set for 25^th September.

1885

Robert Watson, pleaded guilty to what appears to have been a neighbours quarrel, he, being under the influence of liquor, kicked the door, and broke one of the panes in the window of Alexander Wood, for which he was fined 10s 6d. Two young fishermen John Henderson and George Tawse, were accused of a breach of the peace by being noisy and quarrelsome in drink at an early hour on Sabbath 26^th ult.

1888

The crew of the Cellardyke Boat, Maggie Reid had an exciting adventure at sea. While the gale was raging like a whirlwind the big mast snapped by the deck. ‘God be praised’ might well rise on thankful lips for the escape of boat and crew, but the recovery of the spar was the one chance of regaining the land, It was anxiously watched by Skipper Henderson and his crew, till the storm was so far spent that they were able to hoist it on board. A carpenter and his tools were needed, but like the old fathers of Cellardyke, who when cast away on a desert island, built a boat from the wreck of their ship, and so escaped to a friendly port, the crew in this case, with no better implement than the steerage axe, so fashioned the broken mast to the step that they once again set sail to reach their own firesides on the Sabbath.    (The Maggie Reid, KY 1632, was about 50ft, Owned by Daniel Henderson who built my house in West Forth Street, she was named after his second wife. Daniel was lost in 1900 with the Bernicia.  Maggie, Margaret (Reid) was already the Widowed Mrs. Thomas Brown, her first husband was lost with the Great Line boat Helen along with her brother Thomas Reid and 6 other crew  10 May 1865, Her father was Thomas Reid, Fisherman and Maggie’s Mother was  Agnes Reid nee Birrell , Agnes Reid Birrell lost 2 husbands, two sons, two son in laws, two brothers and two brother in laws and numerous other relations to the sea)  

1889

On Friday, Christina Paterson Danks, Schoolmistress, Cellardyke, committed suicide in a house in Nelson Place Stirling, by cutting her throat with a razor. It appears that the deceased had been suffering from nervous prostration and insomnia for some time, but nothing serious was anticipated. For the last week or two she resided at Stirling for the sake of the change of air, staying in the same house as her sweetheart. Miss Danks was 26 years of age and was a very amiable disposition. She had been appointed six years ago, having previously been in Cowdenbeath. She had been ailing for the last six weeks, and had to provide a substitute, She was always held in great respect by the members of the School board and the public, being a special favourite with the parents. Being Ill with spinal disease it is supposed she must have committed the rash deed in a temporary fit of insanity

1891

Yesterday Chalmers memorial Church was opened for public worship ………… The Architect was Mr David Henry, who designed Waid Academy and Cellardyke Town hall.

1892

Anstruther – Provost Anderson reported that Mr R Williamson, Cellardyke, had received the contract for laying the concrete on the new iron footbridge between the two burghs, the price was £18 10s.

1894

 7^th May,

Considerable anxiety is felt in Cellardyke and Pittenweem at the absence of ten deep sea fishing boats, which left for the fishing ground this week. A severe storm was encountered by the fleet about 200 miles from land, but all are accounted for but ten – five belonging to each port. Six steam liners which left Anstruther this morning took away extra provisions to give missing crews if successful in coming across them. There are seven men in each boat, and if no word is received by this evening, the fishery board is to be requisitioned to send a cruiser in search of them in the North Sea.

8^th May

During yesterday four of them turned up, but up til 4 o clock our correspondent telegraphed that six boats were still missing

Two of the six missing Cellardyke and Pittenweem boats have arrived home safely, other two were spoken in the North Sea on Saturday riding at their lines, and nothing has been heard of one boat belonging to Pittenweem and another to Cellardyke.

9^th may

The Smiling Morn of Cellardyke was reported from Aberdeen yesterday morning, while the Resolute, Betsy Hughes and Minniehaha  of Pittenweem , all arrived in the Firth in the course of the Day. The crew of the latter state that they saw the J.R.Welch, (Skipper, James Smith (Hamilton) working her gear on Sunday and she was expected at any moment. The Glengarry has not been seen since Saturday, but as she was lying at her lines there is no doubt felt that she will also put in an appearance shortly. As was anticipated, they had all held onto the great lines in order to save them, and the storms gave no chance to haul them till Sunday

(Late edition newspaper)

All the Cellardyke and Pittenweem fishing boats have now been accounted for the last two arriving in Anstruther late last night. The fishermen report very narrow escapes from the mountainous seas which swept over the boats, while others had almost exhausted their provisions and were living on Short allowances since Sunday

1895

The Vine belonging Cellardyke arrived at North Shields this morning after undergoing rough experiences. The Crew gave a thrilling account of their adventures in the storm. It appears they had been carrying on Fishing operations since 13^th . They were 85 miles from the Tyne bearing East by North from Tynemouth castle. The wind blew with great force from the North East. The crew were unable to save their Lines, and lost all but two of them. The boat’s head was turned for the land in hopes of reaching the Tyne. They managed however to get within half a mile of the mouth of the Harbour, but on account of the tremendous seas which were running it was found dangerous, and the boats head was accordingly put to seas. Upwards of 300 fathoms of rope and chain were put out to keep the boat’s head to sea. The Men state that the seas flooded the cabins and it was a miracle that none of them were washed overboard.

(By sheer coincidence The Vine KY 417 was owned and Skippered by the same Daniel Henderson,  It was the vessel that replaced his Maggie Reid  KY 1632 in which was then Skippered by his nephew Andrew. Andrew and his two sons were blown up by a mine when fishing off St Abbs in 1917)

1897

The Partnership of Robert Watson and Andrew Mitchel trading as Robert Watson and Co. was dissolved.

A new Partnership trading under the same Company name was set up by Alexander Watson and Andrew Mitchell

1871

At a meeting of Kilrenny town council communication was received from the post office authorities intimating that the telegraph would be extended to Cellardyke immediately. The clerk also read a petition from the inhabitants of Kilrenny requesting the council to take steps to provide a supply of water for domestic purposes, the former source having become impregnated with oil and other impurities from the Paraffin Oil works at Pitcorthie. The lessee of these works Mr A G Yool having promised a subscription of £5 towards defraying the expense of making a well, the meeting appointed the Magistrates to inquire as to the most suitable site and have the grievance remedied as soon as possible ( Shale Oil extraction was as controversial then as the fracking method of extraction today)

1872

One of the Cellardyke yawls prosecuting the salmon fishing in the firth captured a whale on Saturday. It was supposed that he fish had been chasing a salmon when it got caught in the nets.  Its capture was quite a maritime exploit. Skipper John Gardiner’s net rope was almost torn away by a tremendous jerk, while at the same time the sea, so calm before, began to boil and toss as if the boat was beset within eddying circles of a furious whirlpool. It was about midnight and the astonished fishers were wakened by the true secret of the alarm, as a colossal tail immediately began to lash the water with resistless fury, making it only too obvious that some monster of the deep had become entangled in the gear. Fortunately in addition to his two young nephews who usually accompany him in his fishing trips, Skipper Gardiner in this occasion had the powerful help of his brother, but even with this effective reinforcement, an encounter with so formidable an antagonist in size and fury was so doubtful that Mr Gardiner, thinking, ‘discretion the better part of valour’ proposed to cut away the nets, but he was overruled by his brother and his two sons, the later showed a pluck and resolution beyond their years. A desperate conflict now ensued in the attempt to grapple with the leviathan, which in its maddened efforts to get free, became, of course , more and more  entangled amongst the nets; but in one of its wild gambols the daring fishers succeeded in cleverly fastening a rope round its tail, but the giant was not to be so easily bridled, and was likely to have burst through every complicated environment, when after a fierce struggle, during which the boys nobly took part; even in the wildest sallies and plunges of the enraged kraken, if they could not do more, their encouraging cries ‘Hing on Uncle, Hing on..’ impelled to the watery combat, which was at length so far decided by the stalwart arm of the skipper, who succeeded by a dextrous thrust in planting the boat hook into the whales mouth, which being in this way secured very much like the bull with a ring in its nose, was triumphantly towed into Anstruther harbour alive. It was landed on the slip at the east quay, where shortly afterwards it began to blow and lash the ground violently. Before it died it succeeded in throwing itself over the slip on to the beach, where it was visited by a large number of people in the course of the day. It has a singularly beautiful appearance, its deep slate back and delicately white and sky tinted belly being as clear and glossy as polished glass, while those curious longitudinal folds so like the planking of a herring boat . The fish was a fine specimen of the species known as the rorqual or herring whale, and was fully 15 ½ feet in length. It was purchased by Provost Todd for 45s.

1874

The splendid steamer ‘Heron’ belonging to the General Steam Navigation Co, while on her usual voyage from London to Granton ran ashore below Innergellie on the East Side of Cellardyke. This favourite steamer had sailed from London on the noon of Saturday with a valuable cargo and about 30 passengers.  In the thick fog the lead line was often in use, but Captain Wilson, one of the most valued officers of the company with quarter a century of service, was under the impression that the ship was in the fairway of the Forth when she ran foul of a flat ledge with such a velocity that her bow was raised many inches out of the water.  The engines were at once reversed, but the great way on the ship, and the ebb tide having set in for an hour before, she remained fast as the rock. In this situation she was seen about six in the morning by the crab and lobster yawls, but the captain thought himself justified in the calm state of the weather to take the chance of resuming the voyage with the next tide, and declined any help, though a hoe-sick passenger took the first opportunity of clambering over the ship’s side and gaining terra firma. Crowds of people soon after arrived on the beach, and the interest of course deepened with the attempt to back the ship at full sea, which, proved altogether unsuccessful. Captain Wilson seeing the result, landed his passengers, amongst whom were two ladies on their way to Dunfermline, and two soldiers one belonging the 42^nd the other the 91^st highlanders, who all left with the afternoon train, apparently none the worst either in person or in spirits after their mishaps, although the two ‘gallant defenders of their country’ experienced a second wreck, owing to their conveyance – a fleshers cart- coming to grief at the famous Buckie house corner. The crew of the Heron as soon as the decks were cleared made a vigorous effort to float the ship with the evening tide by shifting the cargo to the stern and also by running out anchors, this was happily accomplished, and by midnight the magnificent steamer was once more breasting the Forth as proudly as ever. She is nearly 220ft long, 600 tons and Clyde built and about 14 years old, is one of the finest steamers on the coast and worth probably over £25, 000.

1875

Robert Christie, carter, Cellardyke, plead guilty to having committed an assault on Alexander Carmichael, also a carter, Cellardyke, during some contention about ‘turns’ on the pier. He plead guilty and was sentenced to a fine of 7s 6d.

1880

An aged spinster residing at Shorehead Cellardyke – Lucy Moncrieff- was found dead by neighbours on Tuesday morning, Living alone, she seems to have risen to begin her duties of the day, but the vital spark had fled almost with the kindling of the fire which burnt brightly on the hearth, while the hand that lit it lay cold and stiff in the grasp of death.

Another Cellardyke fisherman has been drowned, being the fifth since the opening of the present year. The unfortunate mariner was Thomas Watson, son of Thomas Watson (Martin) was washed overboard. He was one of the crew of the Garland, Adam Watson Master. Another of the crew David Watson was washed overboard, but after being fully half an hour in the water he was rescued. While a third member of the crew John Stewart, had his leg broken. Watson leaves a widow and one child.

1881

Norwich Fisheries Exhibition

The telegram announcing that the Jurors after three days deliberation, had awarded the premium of £50 for the best steam fisher to Anstruther Boatbuilder Wm Jarvis, was received with no little satisfaction by his neighbours. Mr Alexander Cunningham (Cellardyke) was awarded a silver medal for a miniature of the handsome boat he is now building for St Andrews owners at Cellardyke shore. It is likewise fitted up with a working model of an engine, and is otherwise complete in all the appurtenances and fittings of a deep-sea fisher. Councillor Millar, (who had until recently been building in Cellardyke), West Anstruther, exhibited a steam fishing smack model, and Alex Thomson a Fifeshire Herring boat (Alex was Millar’s foreman, who later built yawls in Cunningham and Millar’s old yard in Cellardyke) Messrs Martin Cellardyke, obtained a diploma for their fisher apparel and Sharpe and Murray secured a bronze medal for their oilskins and another for their cured herrings.

1883

James Wallace Fisherman was charged at the instance of Kilrenny school board with grossly and without reasonable excuse failing to educate his son john, who is between 11 and 12 years of age. He pleaded not guilty but Mr John Barbour, teacher, Cellardyke, deponed the lad only attended 154 of possible 314 attendances. For his defence he said he did everything in his power to coerce the boy to attend school, but Mr Murray said that this did not relieve him of his responsibility, Wallace was found guilty and fined 5s, David Brown another fisherman was charged with a similar offence in the case of his daughter Euphemia, also of 11 years. Her attendance, according t the teacher was still more irregular, but the panel pleaded that the girl had been required at home like others of his circumstances to wait on her mother during confinement, and also that she had been suffering from a sore throat, although in his own words ‘it is poverty that has brought me here, in so far that for a time, the girl had been kept from school because of the want of clothes and shoes. No man’ he said ‘ was more anxious to have his children educated; but times had been so bad with him and his that he had been thankful to see his children with bread, not to speak of schooling’ Provost Watson defended the course taken by the school board, when the panel was likewise convicted and fined in the sum of 5s.