The Cellardyke Echo

1832

Cholera

Immediately it was known that Cholera was in the port of Fisherrow, Mr Johnston, younger, of Renny Hill called a meeting of the Anstruther Easter, Wester and Kilrenny boards of health, when the unanimously resolved that in every intercourse by sea and land with Fisherrow and other infected places, should be instanter put a stop to. Mr Johnston informed the meeting that he had written to Captain Knight RN to send a boat’s crew here for the purpose of establishing a sort of quarantine guard over the harbours of Anstruther and Cellardyke… it is the duty of everyone to meet the emergency with every energy and prudent foresight, and to apply every remedy for its alleviation, for which soup kitchens have been opened this week in both East and West Anstruther for the supply of the poor with good fresh soup twice or three times a week.

1848

FARM DAIRY WOMAN WANTED

Wanted immediately for a farm on the East Coast

A Strong Active PERSON capable of taking the entire charge of Six or Seven MILCH COWS, and of Rearing twice as many CALVES, one who can COOK plainly will be preferred. To a thoroughly competent person good encouragement will be given. Communications mentioning previous engagements may be addressed to Mr Nichol, Schoolmaster, Cellardyke.  (Obviously a very frugal person, only wanting plain cooking)

1849

The Sloop Nancy from Whitby, for Leith, with alum, was wrecked on the Isle of May. The Master and one of the crew (William Baidland) saved but another (William Hutton) was washed overboard and drowned after the vessel had struck, his body has not been found. A boat managed from Cellardyke at the risk of their lives to the Island of May and took the master ashore.

Herrings have appeared in the Tay in such large numbers, a thing that has not happened for the last thirty years, this has induced Cellardyke fishermen to come and spread their nets in our river. The fishing ground is in the fairway between Balmerino bay and opposite Broughty castle.

1854

Anstruther

Andrew Black, baker write to his father ( Andrew Black, mason) that his brother , Philip has purchased a piece of land four miles from Melbourne, and another about 54 miles distant from that town. He also writes on a subject which we have hitherto been very much in the dark – the fishing in that country. William and Philip Black in company with three Cellardyke men named Boyter, Henderson and another..  had tried fishing in Geelong bay, and were earning from £3 to £5 per day, which leaves the diggings in the shade. The fish caught are thick and short and about the size of half cod. The fishermen there had kept their trade as much a secret as possible, but now, when the East Fife men have got a hold of it, the trade will soon be opened and this occupation will be more congenial to them than diggings.

1862

Early on Friday morning last as the crew of one of the Cellardyke boats were in the act of drawing their nets, one of them observed the mast to be falling down. He at once gave the alarm and his companions who could averted the stroke, but one, named Watson, seated in the stern was unable to move in time, and it consequently fell upon him, crushing him severely. He was immediately brought into harbour, and conveyed to his home in Cellardyke. Dr Macarthur was forthwith in attendance, who pronounced him to have received some sever internal injuries. He at present lies in a very precarious state. The accident was caused by a pin or wedge of the hasp which keeps the mast in its position having come out by the rolling of the boat.

1866

James Walker, fisherman, Cellardyke, was charged with having committed a breach of the peace by quarrelling and fighting with Robert gardener another Cellardyke fisherman in shores street, and also having committed an assault in the said Robert Gardener in East Green on the same evening,. The panel pleaded guilty to the breach of the peace but not the assault when five witnesses were called and examined for the prosecution and two for the defence. After hearing the evidence the bench found the charge clearly proven and sentenced Walker to a fine of 21s or 21 days imprisonment. The before mentioned Robert Gardener was then charged with having committed a breach of the peace at the same time and place, and having pleaded guilty as indicated was sentenced to a fine of 10s 6d or 10 days imprisonment. Both fines were paid.

1871

Deaths

At Cellardyke, on the 24^th ult, the infant son of Mr James Brunton, fisherman

At Cellardyke, on the 26^th ult, Marjory second daughter of Mr John Marr, merchant

At Cellardyke, on the 26^th ult, Mr Andrew young age 73

Loss of nets… when our Cellardyke crews pick up lost nets, or other sea gear, they never, as a rule make any charge for salvage, but return the articles to the unfortunate owners with as little expense as possible.

1873

On Thursday last the Australian mail was the medium of brining a most interesting and valuable gift to three well known and much respected Sabbath school teachers in Cellardyke, namely the venerable post master, Mr Thomas Brown, and his old associates in the same sacred task, Mr Thomas Cunningham and Mr William Watson, who each received a letter with a cheque for £10 as a token of grateful remembrance and affectionate esteem for their labours in the Sabbath school which he attended in the years of his boyhood from Mr Alex Watson, a native of Cellardyke and sometime Iron monger in Anstruther but who emigrated to Australia about 20 years ago and has latterly been very successful in the gold mines.

1876

One of the oldest inhabitants of Cellardyke died in the ancient house there which she had been born and had uninterrupted passed her long span of fourscore and seven years on Monday last. The venerable inmate was the last survivor of the family of the worthy James Wilson, who, for the long period of fifty six years was town officer and also the beadle of the parish, and who, by a curious coincidence, died at the same advanced age in the early spring of 1830’ it’s a strange thing hoo folk sometime get their ain” is a familiar Scottish saying, true if ever in Isabella Wilson’s case, seeing that the home keeping Cellardyke damsel was woo’d and wed by the young sailor Malcolm McRuvie, all the way from the dukes town of Inverary. This was some sixty years ago when the revenue cutters used to rendezvous in the Forth, when their black snake like hulls and flowing clouds of canvas were the pride of the sea, just as the blue jackets who manned them were to the hearts of the winsome lasses by the green old shore. The peace loving cutterman, however soon quitted the king’s service and cast his lot in with the hardy fishers of Cellardyke, and so a new name which has since spread and prospered, was added to the coast, he was endowed with no little observation and a kindly heart, and many a pleasant night was passed by his friends listening to his curious stories by the ancient hearth, which by the way was the last relic in the East of Fife of the old Scottish ingle, projecting with centre post to the very middle of the floor, and having a huge chasm for a chimney, so open in fact as to have enabled you to study astronomy by the winter fire. But the world is ever changing and years have elapsed since the old mariner went to his rest, where his faithful partner has now re-joined him..

1831

Cellardyke – as one of our boats was fishing about 10 miles S and by W of the bell Rock, when lo, instead of haddock they were actually engaged at musket fishing… they brought up by one of their small hooks a musket or blunderbuss loaded with powder and ball.. the musket is very ancient and most substantial workmanship… far superior to our modern ones.. all the brass mountings  are marked with a crown ( Spanish perhaps)  Whether the said musket belonged to any of the vessels of the Spanish Armada or that rover of the deep John Paul Jones let antiquarians decide.. It is in the possession of Baillie John Morrice, Cellardyke.

1840

The fishermen of Cellardyke have resolved to present an application to the Commissioners for the Herring Fishery, for aid to form a new harbour at Craignoon. – a place which according to the report of Mr Leslie civil engineer, is naturally well adapted for that purpose. The petition having been signed by nine tenths of the fishermen seems to imply there is but one opinion, both as to the fitness of the situation, and the great utility and necessity of a safe boat harbour at this part of the coast.

1866

On Saturday afternoon an accident of a very serious nature occurred to Robert Soutar, a carter in the employ of Mr David Keith, Fish Dealer Cellardyke. The unfortunate man was driving a fish van in which was also seated his employer and another man, when the horse from some cause or other stumbled and fell opposite the gas work. Soutar slipped from his position on the cart and fell before one of the wheels, which almost instantly came in contact with his head. The wheel without passing over the head of the prostrate man, severely crushed the left cheek and also fractured the jaw bone. . he was immediately conveyed to a neighbouring house, where all possible assistance was rendered until Dr Jamieson arrived to apply those surgical remedies which skill and experience alone suggest. The poor man still lies in a very precarious condition, but hopes are yet to be entertained that he may yet be restored to his helpless wife and family.

1868

Peter Thomson, general draper Cellardyke

Begs to announce that his annual sale will commence Saturday 25^th January to be continued for 3 weeks.

Plain Winceys in a variety of Shades 7d per yard

Aberdeen Winceys in a variety of shades 9 ½ and 11d

French Merinos 1s 6d – 3s

Best indigo (twilled) Pilots 10 s -11s 6d

Linene Sheetings 4s 4d and 8s 4d

Coton Sheetings 2s 11d per pair

400 yards of 4-4 white welsh flannels

A great variety of Mufflers

P Thomson would also like to draw attention to his superior stock of Scotch blankets.

Always on hand a large assortment of Ladies and Children’s hand sewed stays. Deserving every Public attention.

1870

Two very affecting instances of the uncertainty of life occurred in Cellardyke on Thursday morning. Christian Black, wife of Mr Anderson Lothian was attending a meeting in the town hall when as Mr Martin an evangelist from Glasgow was engaged in prayer, she fell down in a fit of palsy. She was carried to the house of Widow Watson which is under the hall where she died about ten hours afterwards. The other case was that of Helen Robertson, wife of Andrew Ringan shoemaker, who was found dead in bed by her son in the morning. Her partner who is about 80, was sleeping by her side, and his feelings on waking up may be conceived but never described. Both of the deceased were about 70 years of age.

 1879

A new herring net manufactory is in course of erection at Cellardyke ( no further info)

1880

 Aberdeen,  A Kirkcaldy haddock fishing boat which came into the harbour yesterday reported that James Bett skipper of the Cellardyke boat, Taeping, KY 1611  while attending to work on the boat was struck by the tiller and knocked overboard. A spar was thrown to him which he succeeded in getting hold of but on account of the stormy character of the sea, he was unable to retain his grasp, and before the boat had reached him he had sunk. Deceased was twenty six years old and was quite only married a year ago and leaves a wife and child

1892

Failure to Educate

Mr George Doig, Fisherman Cellardyke pled guilty to failing to comply with an attendance order granted against him for his boy who had not been at school since June last. He was fined 2s 6d with 1s 6d of expenses, An attendance order was granted against David Corstorphine Fisherman Cellardyke for his boy

1900

Ex Provost Watson, Cellardyke died at a late hour last night. He was provost of Kilrenny and Cellardyke for six years from 1877 to 1883 and was for some time previously a councillor. During his Provostship several improvements were carried through including the new town hall. He was a fisherman for many years but latterly gave up the sea to manufacture fishing gear and apparrell. He was 72 years of age.

1931

A well-known Cellardyke golfer. John C Watson, now professional with Erskine club, Southbound, USA was placed fourth in the recent Fort Lauderdale open tournament. Watson’s 216 was only 3 strokes more than the winner. Johnny Farrell and Willie Klien tied for second place with cards of 214 each.

1925

Kilrenny town council presented James Wallace apprentice Carpenter, Cellardyke with the Humane Society Testimonial on parchment in recognition of his bravery in rescuing a boy Andrew Henderson from drowning on 11^th June 1924…. The testimonial was one which Wallace might be well proud, and had no doubt it would hang side by side with the testimonial presented to his father for saving life at sea at Yarmouth in 1901. It was a splendid family record.

At the invitation of Pittenweem Football Club fully sixty five couples were present at a whict drive and dance in Pittenweem public school hall…. At the dance excellent music was supplied by Cellardyke Zazz Band.

1927

A familiar Cellardyke veteran

Our Portrait is that of auld Thamas Tamson who resides at 12 John Street. Cellardyke, and is in his 92^nd year. … Thamas is as fit as a fiddle and proudly boasts that he never had a doctor in his life except once when he broke three ribs on board his boat. He ran away to sea as a stowaway when 12 on board the wid jammer the Javis which sailed from Anstruther….. He got married when he was still sailing and naively tells that he left his ship and took to the fishing because his wife ‘didna see the use of being married when he was never at haime’  This was in the leisurely days before the trawling industry swept the ocean beds of their finny inhabitants and thereby ruined the simpler calling of the fisher craft

( a few days later the death of a successful Cellardyke trawl fisherman and owner is mentioned)

Mr James M Doig retired trawler owner and skipper who died on Saturday at his residence 169 Bon accord Street, Aberdeen was well known in the fish trade for many years. He was born in Cellardyke 76 years ago and with his brother and the late Stephen Williamson MP initiated trawling at that port. About 30 years ago he came to Aberdeen. Mr Doig who retired from the sea during the war is survived by Mrs Doig and a daughter

1928

Mr and Mrs A.D. Mitchell, Lenakel, Cellardyke have celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. There was a gathering of relatives including their three sons, David, Provost of Kilrenny, Andrew of the Fife Coal Company, Cardenden and William designer to the Tayside Floorcloth Company, Newburgh, with their wives and six grandchildren. Mr Andrew Mitchell, the eldest grandson presented the couple with a purse of sovereigns….

1929

Evidence was led before Sherriff Dudley Stuart at Cupar yesterday in a small debt action at the instance of Peter Roy, 28 Rodger Street Cellardyke against John B Simpson hotel keeper Golf Hotel Crail for £18 17s 6d for poultry and poultry house said to have been sold and delivered to Mr Simpson. Defender counter claimed for £3 rent of ground adjoining the hotel. His lordship granted absolvitor and dismissed the counter claim.

 Anstruther and Cellardyke Unionist Associations held their annual social in the Town hall Anstruther. Dr D J J Wilson occupied the chair. Addresses were delivered by Commander Cochrane MP and Brigadier General Crosbie. A musical programme was provided by Mrs Hosie, Miss Gardner, Miss Carstairs and Messrs Wood, Macleod and Jack . Miss Ina Murray was the accompanist.

Mr and Mrs Robert Ritchie 57 James Street, Cellardyke celebrated their Golden wedding yesterday having been married on the 24^th January 1879 at Dunino by the Rev James Ewing.

1931

William Robertson, labourer of no fixed address was sent to prison for three months for a series of thefts in Cellardyke.

He stole, 1 from the lobby of Viewforth, West Forth Street, Occupied by Robert Barclay, railway goods guard as shower proof coat. 2. from the lobby of 2 Burnside a silk scarf, 3. From the lobby of 8 West Forth Street occupied by Thomas Watson fisherman a child’s oilskin coat and 4 from the lobby of St Anns, occupied by Henry Bett a retired Fisherman a woollen scarf. The owner of the silk scarf was returning from a football match when the accused approached him and asked to be directed to Colinsburgh. This Man thought he recognised the scarf the accused was wearing, and when on returning home he found the scarf missing he reported the matter to the Police. Robertson was ultimately found hiding in the Black Shed on Balcarres estate and the articles recovered.

This week’s postings, I’m sorry I could find no results on how the injured fishermen were after the accident in 1887 in last week’s postings.

1889

In the end of the week the herring drift of the Cellardyke boat Young Alexander was run into by a steam trawler while fishing between the Isle of May and St Abbs. It was towards midnight, but Skipper Keay and his crew flared the torch again and again. Heedless, however of the signals, the vessel steamed on, in consequence of which the head rope was cut like a bit of twine, so that six nets were lost with the pallets &c. unluckily the name and number of the trawler was not seen in the darkness.

Gospel temperance in Fife

Mr Thomas Russell from Perth discoursed on the subject in the Anstruther Baptist Church. The lecturer assured his hearers that even in these days of unprecedented oppression in the staple industries of the coast no less a sum of £400 a week or £20 000 a year was spent in Anstruther and Cellardyke on alcoholic liquors.

On the arrival of the fishing fleet at Anstruther harbour, it was reported that the boat Georgina NO 208 of Cellardyke (Skipper Philip Anderson) had been wrecked on the rocks to the eastward of the May Island. It was also rumoured that three of the crew had been drowned, but all fears were soon set at rest by later reports which stated the whole of the men had been saved.

1895

A girl about four years of age, daughter of Mr Alexander Brown, Shore Street Cellardyke was severely burned on Monday afternoon, her dress having become ignited in the absence of her mother.

The Fife Coast had ample warning of the approach of the storm, and so far as the boats were concerned everything was made secure… At Anstruther Harbour fishermen accoutred in south westers and waterproof coats were on duty the whole day as it was feared the boats would slip their moorings. The surf was flying higher than the cross while the sea came rushing up Rodger Street flooding the houses in Castle Street. Miss Mary Young fell and broke her arm trying to put shutters on her windows in Castle Street. At Cellardyke Harbour the heavy stones forming the top part of the east pier were lifted out of their places and flung into the basin leaving the pier in a very precarious condition. The yards lying next the sea were flooded and in several cases damage inflicted to cellars and walls.

1900

Battle of Magersfontein, Boer war

General Wauchope’s death Lost the Battle

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

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

1909

 A horse belonging to Mr W Birrell, baker Anstruther bolted on Saturday Morning. The Animal dashed along Forth Street, Cellardyke and in taking a sharp turn at the end of the street struck the wall and was instantaneously killed. The van to which the horse was yoked was not damaged in any way beyond a lamp bracket being twisted.

1917

Mr John Smith, Fisherman, Rodger Street, Cellardyke has been notified that his second son Private John Smith, Royal Scots has died from wounds inflicted by a German Sniper. Private Smith was 22 years of age, prior to his enlistment he was in the employment of Bailie Brodie, West Anstruther as a Cleek finisher. Another son Private William smith who is in a Canadian Contingent is also on Active Service.

One of the oldest and best known fishermen on the East Coast was Martin Gardner, Cellardyke, who has just died at the age of 82. Throughout his life he had been closely associated with the fishing industry. He manifested a keen interest in public affairs, being sometime a member of Kilrenny town council and till quite recently a member of the Parish Council. He was the oldest elder in Cellardyke parish Church and was also one of the oldest members of the St Ayle Lodge (No 95) Freemasons.

1863

On Wednesday morning a fisherman belonging to this place named David Moncrieff, on returning from the sea, went into a public house near the harbour, with the rest of the boats crew, for the customary refreshment, and when in the act of raising a glassful of spirits to his lips, suddenly expired. Deceased had been complaining some days previously, but had so far recovered as to be able to resume his employment. He was in the prime of his life and leaves a widow and numerous family. Disease of the heart is reported as the cause of death.

1872

Alarming accident at a sawmill. On Saturday Last, while a fine young lad about fourteen years of age, the Son of skipper William Moncrieff, was in the act of lifting some remnants of wood, which he was about to use in the construction of his partan creels, near one of the revolving screws in the steam mills of Mr Cormack, his arm was caught by the deadly instrument, which, almost as instantaneous as a stroke of lightening, lacerated the limb in a fearful manner. From the copious flow of blood the most lively fears were excited, which were indescribably heightened by the anxious interval of about two hours before a surgeon could be obtained, but eventually Dr McArthur dressed the wound and the poor sufferer is doing as well as could be expected.

1873

A benevolent friend has just forwarded the sum of £20 to Provost Martin to provide a Christmas dinner to the old people and poor of Cellardyke and Kilrenny. The Provost and fellow magistrates resolved to distribute a 4lb loaf and a pound and a half of beef or two pounds in the case of husband and wife, which, it is needless to say will make ‘many a pot boil brown’ which otherwise would have been empty.

1879

As a consequence of the comparative failure of the fishery in the Forth… notice has been given by Mr Cormack to the operatives of his cooperage that wages will be reduced from 20s to 18s a week. Mr Cormack employs about one fourth of the total number of coopers employed in Anstruther and Cellardyke, these being chiefly employed in connection with the white fishery….Journeymen coopers have been reduced to a skeleton corps, as we may say, some five and twenty in all, while in happier years the herring cooperages alone have been ringing with three or four times that number

1887

Following the annual custom Mr J Ritchie Welch entertained the St Andrews Fishermen to soiree concert, and assembly in the St Andrews Town hall on New Year’s Eve. In addition to the 700 or 800 fisher folks belonging to St Andrews there were about 200 fishermen and fisher lassies from Anstruther, Crail, Cellardyke, Pittenweem, St Monance, Auchmithie, Arbroath, Cockenzie and Aberdeen…. The proceedings began about half past six, by Mr Smith Scottish Coast missionary asking a blessing, after which an excellent tea with abundant supply of dainties was served… Mr Welch spoke at some length about the trawling problem…. A strong choir of fishermen and fisher lassies contributed to the evening’s enjoyment and the fishermen’s flute band which was accommodated into the orchestra played one or two selections with great taste. Mr Henry Adamson, Cupar appeared in character and sang a comic ballad with a number of local allusions, a negro melody was likewise sung in character by Mr Driver, who accompanied himself on a banjo, while the singing of Caller Oo by a fisher woman was enthusiastically applauded.. Mr Welch was presented with a bronze clock by the fishermen…. After the concert, the hall was cleared for a dance when Mr Welch with a fisher lass led off the ball. The fishermen in their white shirt sleeves, entered into the spirit of the hour with great zest and led their smiling partners through, quadrilles, lancers, waltzes and highland reels with grace and precision. Not til far on in the small hours did the happy dancers call a halt…..

A serious accident happened at Cellardyke, by which a number of people narrowly escaped with their lives.. Owing to extra heavy traffic, a brake was employed to assist the bus which runs between St Andrews and Boarhills to convey the passengers to the latter railway station.. The bus had broken down and 18 passengers were transferred to the brake which, drawn by a pair of horses was driven off to the station. On-going down a hill, while the driver was in the act of putting on the brake, someone is said to have seized the reigns, which done in a rough manner startled the horses, and they rushed down the hill. At the bottom, where there is a bend on the road the brake was overturned, the whole occupants being thrown out, and more or less seriously injured. The passengers were mostly Cellardyke fishermen, who had been at the ball in St Andrews given by Mr J Ritchie Welch

1861

Naval Volunteers – On Monday last information was communicated to the naval volunteers for the coast defence in the neighbourhood to hold themselves in readiness for immediate service. This unexpected intelligence excited, as might be expected, not a little sensation in the fishing towns of Cellardyke, Pittenweem and St Monance as nearly a hundred of the fishermen are enrolled in the force. Amongst the mothers and wives of the volunteers the alarm and uneasiness natural in the circumstances was very generally manifested; the men themselves however, viewed the matter quite a different aspect, and a prospect of active service was hailed with lively satisfaction; and when the summons to duty arrives it will be promptly and cheerfully obeyed. They are all young spirited fellows, and when last on board the exercising ship were highly commended by the officers for their expertness and steadiness. Noted also for their fearlessness and daring there is little doubt, in whatever position they may be placed, their conduct will be such as to reflect credit on themselves and advance the honour and glory of their country.

1874

John Scott Carter and Alex Pattie (Cellardyke) were charged with assaulting William McDow, labourer Lochty, on the road from Anstruther to St Andrews… The assaulted party left Anstruther a little worse of liquor and was followed by a number of young men. When about a mile on the road Scott informed McDow that he was a policeman and proceeded to handcuff him with a bootlace, and afterwards offered to let him off if he paid a shilling. This excited McDow, and he commenced kicking which lead to the assault. The charge was found proven, Scott fined 30s or 21 days and Pattie £1 or fifteen days.

1890

The East of Fife the past year has been in severe depression in the fishing industry.. it has now continued for 4 years…. For the first time the fishermen have had to seek other callings, and men from Cellardyke, Pittenweem and St Monans men who have been unfortunate in the fishing have been employed in the coal pits and labourers work in the west of Fife. The result of this is the large number of empty dwelling houses. In Cellardyke alone there are said to be no less than 60 vacant houses…. Mr Williamson MP was called to the depression and he was invited to do something to invigorate the fishing industry…. After hearing the opinions of the fishermen of Cellardyke he resolved to build a trawler at a cost of £5000 and give them an opportunity to take shares in her. The (Steam) trawler is now being built at Kinghorn. Her crew have already been selected from Cellardyke men, but unfortunately it is felt that the trawler will do little good to the district on account of being unable to come into Anstruther with her fish, the depth of water not being sufficient.

1897

Scottish Divorce Statistics

1 from Cellardyke (None from any of the other East Neuk Villages) 8 from Aberdeen, 43 Edinburgh, 3 Kirkcaldy, 1 from Largo, 1 from Methil..etc etc

1901

A mass meeting of Cellardyke fishermen was held in the town hall to consider the advisability of rebuilding Cellardyke harbour destroyed in the great gale of Oct 1898. The cost would be about £1600, of that sum £1000 had been promised by the Fishery board, and Skipper Henry Bett proposed that the sum of £1 should be levied on each boat going to the winter herring fishery and 10s for each boat at the drave. It was also agreed to hold a bazaar…

1902

Skipper Robert Stewart and 8 men of the crew of the steam liner Rothesay Bay were presented in Cellardyke town hall by Provost Black, with binocular glasses and aneroid barometers in recognition of their humanity and bravery in saving the crew of the Steamer Tinto of Bo’ness which was abandoned in the Forth on 3rd September last.

1912

At a meeting of Cellardyke Fishermen’s benevolent Society the following were elected as Directors, Messrs Robert Murray, James Martin, Leslie Henderson, William Sutherland, Thomas Murray, John Carstairs and John Murray. The treasurer reported that the funds amounted to £1426 and the membership stood at 118.

1924

James Thomson a Draper met his fate in Anstruther harbour it is presumed by tripping in the dark over some moorings while taking a stroll after mingling with the crowd at his brother’s shop awaiting the Sporting Post.

The discovery of the body was made by John Muir, fisherman Cellardyke, who had gone to look at the recently acquired Pilot Star, he immediately informed Police sergeant McLaren. It is presumed that at the time of the accident the pier was deserted and if the deceased had shouted for help the roar of the gale would have prevented his being heard by anyone on the main street.

The occurrence cast a gloom over the community, where deceased, who was about 46 years of age was well known. ( he was second son of Cellardyke boat builder Alexander Thomson, who resided at Harbourhead Anstruther, Fisheries Museum buildings)

1825

22 Dec

Thomas Salter, Fisherman, Cellardyke, having gone to Pittenweem on Thursday last, in the afternoon, where he met with some of his acquaintances and got himself intoxicated, in returning home went off the high road ( it is supposed) being bewildered by the darkness of the night, and crossing a field toward the sea side, fell over a precipice between Pittenweem and Anstruther. His body was discovered on Friday and taken to Cellardyke, he left a wife and 3 children to lament his untimely fate.

1843

22 Dec

The fishing has commenced much earlier this season, one Drave boat and one yawl set their nets near the Isle of May, the boat brought in 12 barrels of herrings which sold at 32s per barrel. The yawl has not come in yet. The whole fleet of Cellardyke boats is preparing to go toe the Island tonight.

The fishermen of St Andrews, though a laborious, and in many cases a respectable are an exceedingly improvident race. They carry the divine precept a great deal too far –  they ‘take no thought for tomorrow’ they might be rich – they are poor; they might have houses of their own- they rent dirty, damp hovels at ten times their values. They have separated themselves by such habits from all decent society, and associated only with each other in slovenly filth, and I fear moral degradation. Now, the reverse of all this is the case in Cellardyke, and other fishing stations along the coast. Their houses are generally their own. The husbands come home at night to neatly- dressed wives and clothed children. They have butcher meat in the pot at least twice a week, and tea and coffee whenever they wish it.. Look on this picture and on that,  mark the difference.

1848

21 Dec

We are glad to hear that five pounds, a legacy of the late Miss Williamson has been appropriated to the opening of a soup kitchen, as a supply of nourishing food, it is one of the best preventatives against cholera…

1864

24 Dec.

On Wednesday Mr David Black, baker, Cellardyke, the leader of the Psalmody in the Free Church here, entertained the 22 members of the choir to an excellent and substantial supper. After full justice had been done to the good things so kindly and liberally provided the evening was pleasantly passed with song and sentiment….

1868

25^th Dec

During the severe storm of Thursday the deep sea boat Jean Wallace of Cellardyke, Skipper William Smith was brought to anchor in the offing of North Berwick. The poor crew were wet and weary with their ling conflict with the storm, and stood mightily in need of rest and refreshment; but being afraid to make for the harbour, owing the many dangerous rocks that beset the fairway, there was no prospect of obtaining either, when to their great relief a boat came from the shore with several local fishermen, by whose help and direction the Cellardyke boat was taken safely into the harbour, The storm beaten fishermen were assisted in the kindest way, but this was not all. Fishermen, of course do not carry money with them on an ordinary fishing trip, and the Fife crew landed without and resources, but no sooner was their cause known that one of the North Berwick fishermen, in the frankest and most delicate way, slipped a pound note into skipper Smith’s hand, by which timeous help the men were enabled to telegraph their whereabouts to their anxious families, and also to procure the comforts of which themselves stood much in need. We have been requested to publish the foregoing that the generous and brotherly conduct of the North Berwick men may be known, and in doing so we beg to add the earnest hope that in any similar emergency the gallant fellows may ever receive the hospitality which they on this occasion gave.

1880

23^rd Dec

The house and yard at the west end of Cellardyke belonging to Alexander Tarvit was exposed for sale…. (sold to James Fleming (Coul) for £220).. The house had been long inhabited by a singular character Martha Alexander or ‘Black Martha’ as she was usually called. Her ordinary occupation was of fishwife but her usual system of trade- especially with the country wives – was barter. She was accompanied in her country expeditions by her stalwart son ‘Daft Willie’ each with his or her backload now of fish or wheaten bread …. And so it went on until her tragic death of Cholera some 31 years ago when sums of money of £150 were found secreted in this corner of that old miser’s dwelling

1912

Robert McRuvie, fisherman, Rodger Street Cellardyke was presented with the national Royal Humane Society’s parchment for having jumped into Anstruther Harbour and rescued Alexander Pattie (10) from drowning in August, Provost Black made the presentation.

1915

25^th Dec

The Aberdeen trawler Monarch brought into Aberdeen yesterday the crew of the Berwick Drifter Success II which was wrecked some three miles north of the Bridge of Don yesterday …. The rescue was effected with great daring. By means of a lifeline and half a dozen lifebelts. Captain Michael Doig (Cellardyke) succeeded in having the crew of the disabled drifter pulled through the stormy sea to safety, the critical operation being pulling the men aboard the vessel……

1871

Some of the poor households in Cellardyke and the two Anstruthers are to have a seasonable friend in Mr Stephen Williamson of the firm of Messrs Balfour Williamson & Co Liverpool, and a native of Cellardyke, he is we understand to distribute about 50 pairs of blankets amongst the poor.

More boats are at present engaged in the haddock fishing from the coast of Fife than at any former period. By the return of the fishermen from the Norfolk herring fishing, The Cellardyke fleet this week has risen from nineteen to about fifty boats,

1875

Cameron Bridge

On Saturday the handsome sum of £17 was subscribed for at the Distillery in aid of the widows and children of the fishermen of St Monans and Cellardyke who were recently lost at sea during the storm. The firm contributed £10 and the employees the rest.

York herald – Sir Robert Anstruther has been energetic in his endeavours to bring the case of these poor people before the country and subscriptions amounting to nearly £2000 have already been raised.

A few days later – £3500 have been subscribed on behalf of the widows and children

 Of the 37 Cellardyke and St Monans Fishermen lost. (Cellardyke men lost –  James Murray, skipper unmarried, Andrew Stewart married four of a family,  Alexander Lothian, married four of a family, William Briggs, married one child, James walker married and four Children, Hugh Mackay, unmarried and William Mackey unmarried.… second vessel  Robert Stewart (Latto) skipper, married and family of 5, James McRuvie, Married leaves 4 Children, James McRuvie his son, un married, Leslie Brown aged 19 Un married, Alex Doig (Reid), married and six young Children, and William Stewart married and two of a family.

This is the disaster that the Fifies, Thane and The Beautiful Star from St Monans were lost and the memorial naming the Beautiful Star was placed in Kings Lynn.

1892

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

1895

Boundary dispute – The Secretary of State for Scotland has intimated his decision in the boundary dispute between the parishes of Anstruther Easter and Kilrenny……. The decision was given on Saturday last which is to effect that the parishes stay the same. The decision has been received with great joy by the Cellardyke people, while their friends in Anstruther are quite indignant over the matter.

1901

At a meeting on Wednesday two alternative plans for additions to Cellardyke School by Mr A.C Dewar, Leven were submitted. It was agreed tom adopt one showing an estimated cost of £550, the additions including four rooms on the east gable, with headmaster’s and retiring rooms.

1916

John Thomson draper and Mr Allan, grocer, Cellardyke have been appointed members of Kilrenny Town Council in place of Mr Martin Gardner and Mr John Leslie who have retired.

1921

The Education Committee fully considered the question of reorganising primary education in the Anstruther area… they considered whether it would be financially sound to have a new school, central for the whole of the pupils, By means of reorganisation they would be able to do with two fewer teachers than at present, If they built a new school to accommodate 500 pupils it would cost approx. £12 000. They estimated they might get £3000 by selling both Cellardyke and West Anstruther Schools. If they did not build at the present time they would have to put an addition to West Anstruther School and carry out alterations to Cellardyke School. The cost of these would be £4500. The committee recommended the erection of a new school on the site immediately west of the Technical School, the said Tech School converted into an infant school for the accommodation of infants, from the whole district.

This all depended on whether or not the centralisation scheme could be voted through.

1846 –The Total Abstinence Society of Anstruther and Cellardyke presented Mr John Mc Dougal, preacher of the gospel with a Hebrew Bible as a small testimony of their esteem as over the past two years he has zealously supported the abstinence cause by a series of valuable lectures.

1859 – Cellardyke boats had been prevented from going to sea all the early part of week, on Wednesday however the storm abated considerably, and on Thursday the fleet put to sea, but before they had done with the fishing the wind again freshened. And continued to increase all the early part of the day, during which they had to make their way homeward over a cross sea, in which numerous hairbreadth escapes were made, from the waves breaking over their undecked vessels and nearly filling them. One of the boats less fortunate was suddenly engulfed in a huge wave, and over whelmed in an instant. Another boat about a stonecast distant, succeeded in saving one of the crew, named Daniel Fleming. But the rest perished. Their names are William Birrell, skipper, married, David Birrell, his son, Thomas Birrell his nephew, William Wood, married and James Reid lately married. The destitution resulting from this sad event although sore enough to the bereaved families is perhaps not as great as sometimes arises from such disasters.  As near as we can learn 12 Children and 5 widows are deprived of earthly support. It may be interesting to note that over the last 30 years 8 boats involving 50 lives belonging to Cellardyke, have been lost in prosecution of the fishing.

1864

Buckie – the fishermen of Cellardyke with their letter to Mr John Caldwell  Fishery Officer here enclosed the munificent sun of £37 3s as their contribution to the destitute widows and fatherless children of Buckie and Portessie.

St Andrews – Marriage of Peter Muir Fisherman Cellardyke to Margaret, eldest daughter of David Davison Fisherman there.

1868

A most exciting scene was witnessed at Anstruther in consequence of the fishing boats making for the harbour in the face of a severe storm. … one of the Cellardyke boats of which Mr Brodie Nicholson is skipper sustained some damage in her rudder by which she was forced to return to the shore. In the attempt to enter the harbour the boat grounded on the outside of the west pier and could not be floated off… the boat was drawn into the harbour by means of ropes on the next flow of the tide. Many boats were in danger and three of the coxswains of the Lifeboat Admiral Fitzroy, Thomas Birrell, Andrew Henderson and John Pratt decided to launch, and this was done with a voluntary crew under the charge of Skipper Birrell as coxswain, was pulled to the entrance of the harbour so as to be in readiness of an emergency.

1869

Cellardyke Fishing boat Lillias Scott KY 1 , John Gardiner, Skipper was going south to the Lowestoft fishing when they observed a boat floating full of water at a distance from the Isle of May. They boarded it but it was impractical to take it in tow, so they took away the mast and sail (which was painted LH 96) and oars branded JCCN. They were advised at Lowestoft to bring them to the receiver of wrecks for the district when they returned to Anstruther.

1878

The first class fishing boat Polar Star as owned by Alexander Watson recently drowned at Lowestoft, was sold at auction at Anstruther beach recently. The upset price was £250 but the first and only offer was £230 at which she passed into the hands of Martin Gardener. The Jacobina was offered for sale under the same melancholy circumstances as the Polar Star, her owner John Montadore having perished last Lammas in the offing off Stonehaven. Her upset price was £140 but no sale was effected

1887

Stephen Doig, Cooper, Cellardyke was charged with assault to the effusion of blood and serious injury to James Birrel Christie a mariner Kilrenny. He pled guilty and was charged 7s 6d, he was again placed at the bar with a similar charge on Alex Ogilvie fisherman Cellardyke but he pled not guilty and the charge was found not proven.

1894

Skipper John Carstairs was appointed to a delegate to the East Coast Fishermen’s Conference to be held at Aberdeen. The delegate was instructed to vote for the close time of herring fishing from the end of April til the 10^th July. Skipper Gardener held it high time the fishermen of Scotland were uniting to prevent everything being taken from them.

1900

Launch –  Mr Fulton launched from his building yard a large sailing liner built to the order of John Watson (Salter), Cellardyke. The craft which is named the Pride of Fife is 68 feet long and for design and finish has few compeers.  Fitted up internally in the most modern style for trade requirements and for the comfort of the crew. She is also to have the new indispensable steam winch (capstan) for the hauling in of gear &c

1855

On Friday last, while the crew of a fishing boat here was in the act of setting one of their masts, previous to going to sea, the rope slipped from the half suspended mast, which fell, and struck the skipper Robert Moncrieff, upon the head, by which he was seriously cut, and rendered for a long time insensible. Two medical gentlemen were soon in attendance, and had the wounds dressed, and, we understand he is in a fair way of recovery.

1857

Prize essays by working men.. Prizes awarded by the Rev A L Gordon Kent.. on ‘The British Workman, his wife, their social, Intellectual and religious elevation; the obstacles thereto; and the means of removing them’  second prize of £15 to Thomas Brown ( I believe this to be the post master) Cellardyke.

1878

A pleasing instance of large hearted sympathy occurred here on Thursday by an invitation to a ‘neighbours’ union from Cellardyke friends to the Moray Firth fishermen now storm stayed in Anstruther harbour. These worthy fathers of the sea Bailie Brown, and Messrs Charles Carstairs and Thomas Cunninghame, took upon themselves the interesting task of in visiting the strangers, between 120 and 130 in number. The meeting took place in the Forth Street hall in Cellardyke, where exchanging their dingy cabins for beautiful surroundings of this noble room, they were entertained to an excellent an substantial service of tea, to which ample justice having been done, the company were addressed on various interesting and important subjects by the friends present. There was no programme to the meeting, indeed the outcome of a kindlt wish to breathe something like sunshine amongst the strangers as captives of the storm… as time wore on the meeting took a more devotional tone…

1882

Death of veteran skipper. Mr Robert Cunningham, one of the best known skippers of Cellardyke died here on Tuesday morning at all but the allotted span of Three score and ten. Mr Cunningham belongs to a family second to none on the coast for their courage and heroism on the sea, He had his own part in the heritage and was one of the most successful in his class, especially in the days of the Firth drave when he has once and again landed upwards of four hundred crans in a single season. The opinion is not new that the fishers of fife are descended from the old Scandinavian sea kings….. his was one of the most fearless of the fearless keels that ploughed the azure waters of the North sea, where the veteran had also his share of the perils of the deep as on that memorable night when his boat lay buried and broken …. ‘ This is the end noo, but let us dee like men’ was his calm resolve, ‘askin the blessin o the king tae bie wi wife and bairns’ …. ( there is no mention of how he was recused from this predicament!)

1903

A navigation class for fishermen has been started in Cellardyke by Captain Wood, Dundee, under the auspices of Fife County Council.

There was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Smiths Dock, North Shields on Thursday 3 finely modelled steel steam herring drifters of the following dimensions. 82ft by 18ft.3 in by 9ft 1in. ……. Named Emily Reaich, Nina (Peterhead) and Vanguard III (built to the order of Martin Gardner and sons, Cellardyke)

1905

The new Pipe organ which has been obtained for Cellardyke Parish Church has been put in the building and will be used for the first time on Sunday first. The organ an exceedingly handsome instrument and cost a fully £600. The half of the total cost is to be borne by Mr Andrew Carnegie. (n.b My house in west Forth Street sold in 1901 for £300)

1909

A public meeting was held in Cellardyke Town hall for the purpose of presenting Mr Robert Brown, Cellardyke, a cheque for £5 from the trustees of the Carnegie Hero fund in recognition of his bravery in saving a young lad’s life in the harbour in June last.