The Cellardyke Echo

1838

On the night of Saturday last we were visited with a very severe gale of wind from the Eastward and the damage done on the coast has been very great. The wind was accompanied by a heavy fall of snow and the roads were for a second time this season blocked up. On Sunday the storm raged with equal violence, and there being a stream tide the sea broke on the shore with great force. The new building on the south pier at Cellardyke Harbour is almost totally destroyed, and several hundred cart loads of stones, which composed the centre part of the pier, are now lying in the middle of the harbour, which is of course unusable. A few years ago about £1700 was expended in improving accommodation for the boats of this thriving fishing station, but we are sorry to say to little purpose, the basin never having been a safe shelter from the sea in any wind, although in good weather the boats were generally moored in it.

1839

We have much pleasure in recording the following instance of hospitality on the part of the lighthouse keepers on the Isle of May.  On Wednesday Three Cellardyke boats engaged in the herring fishing were detained on the island by bad weather all night, and on Thursday no less than ten boats belonging to Cellardyke and one from Fisherrow were forced to leave the fishing grounds in consequence of a strong gale of wind from SW to W, and which veering to W and by S increased to a hurricane, and obliged all the hands to speed tpo the island for safety. There are only two families on the isle, Mr Pithie’s the principle light keeper and his assistant, On the Arrival of their unexpected visitors – of which their number was not small, being 75 persons, Mr and Mrs Pithie and his assistant welcomed them to their dwellings in the kindliest manner, and having lighted fires to warm them , they treated them with the best which their larders afforded them, and in great abundance,  and did everything in their power to make them comfortable. When the storm took off the boats returned to Cellardyke and the fishermen expressed their gratefulness for the hospitality.

1862

On the forenoon of Friday an aged fisherman named Doig, belonging to Cellardyke was proceeding homeward, he was overtaken by two spring-carts following close on each other. The first, jostling against him, threw the unfortunate man to the ground, when the other cart which was heavily loaded almost instantly passed over his body crushing him severely. Surgical assistance was promptly in attendance, and hopes are entertained of his recovery. The case is being investigated by the authorities.

1868

We understand that an amicable arrangement has been come to with respect to the loss of the Cellardyke boat KY 433 by the owner of the barque Danubio 9which ran the boat down) consenting to pay the claim of £160, as compensation for the loss sustained by her owner, Mr John Watson, Cellardyke, with a further sum, said to be 312, to the crew, to make up for the loss of clothing and other effects belonging to them, and which were not saved.

1873

Mr John Gilchrist of the Cellardyke Steam Boot and Shoe Works, is at present erecting a handsome edifice on the celebrated concrete principle on the fine corner opposite the Tollbooth . The novel erection is thirty three feet long, twenty one wide and twenty two high in the front wall, and is to embrace an elegant and commodious shop on the ground floor with neat family apartments above; and as it has swept away the mean and incomgrouse subjects which so long disfigured the locality, Mr Gilchrist’s enterprise has effected one of the most decided improvements ever carried out in Cellardyke..

1875

The coast has been swept by the severe north east gale at the time the fishing is usually most productive…… two Cellardyke boats, those of Skippers James Brunton and James Barclay – were utterly overcome in the endeavour to haul their drift nets, and had to lie at the mercy of the storm with the spray flying overhead in pitiless showers, increasing the chill and damp of the blinding snowflakes till the noon of the following day, when they gained shelter of the shore.

1877

Piracy on the High seas. The other day, as the Cellardyke deep sea going boat ‘Southern Cross’, Skipper Alexander Fowler, was at the cod fishery, some leagues seaward of they may, a strange boat was espied running the same track, and her nefarious errand was only made too intelligible by the irritating discovery that the fishing gear had apparently been raised to the surface by means of small grappling irons, and the deliberately stripped hook by hook, the piracy being ended by taking away about two thousand yards of the gear, which was likewise cast adrift to the mercy of the storm. The matter is at present under investigation by Mr Gilles of the fishery board.

1882

Alexander Myles was brought up on a charge of furious driving in breach of the Lindsay Act. He pleaded guilty and was fined 30s.

1883

A sad story comes to us from the beautiful Island of Manitaulin in the American lakes. It appears that two fine young men, the sons of Robert Boyter, who emigrated from Cellardyke along with his wife , Isabella Robertson a native of Pittenweem, had set out from Ontario, to give a Scottish welcome to the opening year. Other young men were on the same errand; but they were warned that the ice was not to be trusted to. In his self-confidence however, one of these laughed at all fears, and undertook to guide the party home, though after being over seven miles on the way, a companion became so alarmed that he crawled back on his hands and knees to the village. The party in the meantime were heading on; but it soon became a struggle for very life even to reach the nearest Island. One friend fell through the ice, and perished; but his death cry was still ringing in the air when the two brothers were in the same terrible situation. David, the younger, as if by some mysterious help gained the island, but his gallant brother, who excelled as a swimmer, after the most superhuman exertions, sank within five feet of the shore – the party being so faint with cold that they could not raise a finger for his rescue. For a while it seemed as if they had only beeen spared a more cruel death, but they were eventually able to kindle a fire, and to assuage their hunger by the slaughter of a dog till they were relieved by some indian hunters on the third day they were from the Island, A search party being organised, the body of poor Robert was found and buried on the very day that he and his friends had so long fondly looked forward to for the festal song at the old fireside.

1900

50 men feared lost

There is still no tidings at Aberdeen today of the five missing trawlers including the Hermes of Dundee. A number of trawlers arrived at the port (Aberdeen) this morning; but none of them had sighted any of the vessels, and HMS Jackal, which went in search of the trawlers, is reported to have seen no trace of them. There seems little doubt therefore to their fate. All the vessels were manned by Aberdeen fishermen except the Bernicia, which belongs to Shields and which had a crew of Cellardyke men. The probable loss of life is estimated at about 50 men, each vessel having a crew of nine or ten men.

1902

Launch. A large fishing boat to the order of Messrs D & Leslie Brown Cellardyke was launched yesterday from Mr James Miller’s boat building shed at the harbour. The boat was named Ottoway and is to be fitted out for all classes of fishing.

1903

William Myles, Carter, 22 John Street, Cellardyke pleaded guilty to having, at the steelyard at the fish loading b, A fine of 30s or 14 days in jail was imposed and, Anstruther Wester, assaulted William Thomson Ballantyne, railway constable by striking him with his fists and tripping him up

1911

The Cellardyke herring fishing boat Guiding Star KY 677 at an early hour yesterday morning lost one of her crew, John Moncrieff in the Firth of Forth. The boat arrived at the mouth of the South Esk, off Montrose yesterday afternoon flying a signal for assistance, Pilot Stephen went off, and after difficulty got the craft safely berthed at the jetty where the crew reported the unfortunate affair.

The Guiding Star left Cellardyke to prosecute the herring fishing soon after midnight, and although a strong south west gale was blowing everything went well till about two in the morning. Then the boat was some distance off the May Island, and while the missing man Moncrieff was in the stern the other four members of the crew were engaged in shifting their nets. Moncrieff was never seen after that.

What actually happened will probably never be known but it is supposed that the gale had caused Moncrieff to lose his balance and fall overboard. There was absolutely no trace of the missing fisherman, so that no attempt could be made at a rescue.

The crew had a stiff battle against wind and tide, and ultimately reached Montrose in the afternoon.

 Moncrieff who belonged to Cellardyke was a man of middle age and leaves a widow and four children.

1915

Cellardyke’s first victim of the War

Information was received in Cellardyke on Saturday that Wm Reekie RNR had been lost through the sinking of the Clan McNaughton.

 Reekie who joined the RNR soon after the war broke out, was about 22 years of age and unmarried. He is the first Cellardyke victim of the war.

1917

Evidence was led before Lord Ormidale in court of session on Saturday in the action for divorce, raised by David Hutchison Barclay formerly a fisherman, residing at 17 John Street Cellardyke, and now a private in the Black Watch, against his wife Cecilia Miller or Barclay, 43 Nicolson Street Pultney town Wick.

 The pursuer’s evidence had been taken on commission in France, and was lodged in process.

1924

Throughout the neighbouring communities in the East Neuk yesterday the principle topic of conversation was the remarkable windfall of £200 which Mrs Corstorphine (41) George Street Cellardyke found inside a pillow bought at an auction sale. The Pillow formed part of the household effects of the late Miss Forrester, Rankeillor Street Elie, who died recently. Mrs Corstorphine’s find included four cheques, deposit receipt, War stock bonds and post office savings bank book. Speculation is rife as to how the little fortune will ultimately be dealt with, but meantime the securities are being tended by the police authorities.

1926

Provost Mitchell who presided at the monthly meeting of Kilrenny Town Council, reported that he had received the sum of £15, the proceeds of a whist drive organised by towns people on behalf of a fund being raised for the construction of a bathing pond at Cellardyke

An interlocutor in an action at the instance of James Tarvit, fisherman, 22  Fowler Street, Cellardyke, against Adam Carnegie, motor mechanic, 3 Keithick Place, Feus Road, Perth. Was issued by Sherriff Skinner in Perth Sherriff court yesterday.

 Mr Tarvit sued for £40 in respect of damage which he averred he sustained through being knocked down by the defender’s motor cycle on Saturday 20^th June last, while the former was accompanying a young lady home from Anstruther to St Monans. Interim Sherriff Skinner found in favour of pursuer, and assessed damages at £39 with expenses.

His lordship found in law that defender failed to keep to the left side, and failed to slacken his speed, and that he was guilty of negligence. Defender had failed to prove that pursuer was guilty of contributory negligence.

The Sherriff stated that about 50 yards from pursuer defender sounded his horn, but pursuer failed to hear it.

When defender was almost on him pursuer turned or stepped forward, so as to bring him slightly nearer the centre of the road.

The margin of clearance left by defender was so small that in consequence of stepping or turning pursuer sustained a lacerated wound on his left thigh, probably caused by the number plate of the bicycle in consequence of which he was debarred from following his occupation as a share fisherman from 20^th June till 27^th July.

Defender had failed to prove that at the time of the accident pursuer was ‘larking’ with his companion by stepping backwards and forwards towards the centre of the road.

1877

It turns out that the first prize, a pianoforte valued at thirty guineas, in the drawing of the freemasons of Arbroath, has been won by Mrs Margaret Myles, or Carmichael, a self-reliant widow, ‘ in a sma’ way of daein’, ” as they say on Borthick side, of a little provision shop which she has conducted for many years in Cellardyke. Margaret has had a lifelong pull against the stream especially after the death of her guidman, many years ago, and her windfall has been naturally hailed with lively sympathy by her neighbours. The ticket, which cost a single sixpence, was one of a lot distributed by Brother Wallace, late RWM of Old St Ayles. Lodge Anstruther.

1880

No little excitement was raised on Cellardyke shore, towards two o clock on Thursday afternoon, by an outbreak of fire in the well-known warehouse of Messrs Sharp and Murray, general merchants. So far as we can learn it originated in a lighted match falling upon some spilt turpentine on the floor of the sunk cellar under the shop. Of course it was a spark to the mine, and next instant the fire was running along the cellar, which was piled with merchandise of all kinds including turpentine, tar, &c, and other substances scarcely less explosive than gunpowder. It was a critical moment, but fortunately many of the fishermen were standing about, and a fire brigade at once active and willing being enlisted on the spot, and, with the flowing tide to draw from, water was poured so quickly and so plentifully into the cellar, that the fire was subdued before it gained mastery, which in a few minutes it must have inevitably done. For a time, however, the clouds of smoke which enveloped the scene excited the liveliest fears of the bystanders, and when the fire was subdued it was found that only less damage had been done by the salvage on the dry goods also stored in the cellar, though but for the cause referred to, the most serious consequences must have happened not only on the premises, but probably to the contiguous street.

1881

During the dense fog of Wednesday morning, the Cellardyke boat ‘Useful’ Thomas Boyter master, was run into by the steam trawler Fredrick James. The boat was riding by her drift, with a regulation light burning, but the steamer was scarcely her own length distant before the cry of the fishermen on the lookout attracted the notice of those on board. The helm was shifted but the sponsoon struck the bows of the boat so violently as to smash in the stem. Eventually the drift was hauled in, when the disabled craft was towed by the Fredrick James to Anstruther harbour,

1889

While off the May island on Saturday Afternoon, the Cellardyke boat Tomasina KY 378 was struck by a fierce gust of wind and her mast carried away. In falling it tore up about 14ft of the deck on the port side and broke a spare yard. The boat was drifting hopelessly when the Cellardyke boat Onward came to her assistance and towed her into Anstruther. The damage is estimated about £12

1891

‘The Scottish Cyclist’

The summer before last there came a company of cyclists, supposed to hail from Dundee, amongst them were some amateur photographers, who took a few snapshots round about, one of the views, being a small fishing yawl lying in Cellardyke harbour, in which a small boy was seated. Last year the lad was lost at sea, and this was the only photo ever taken of him, his bereaved parents are extremely anxious to procure a copy of it and have been trying for some months unfortunately without success. Anyone who can give a clue to the photographer will confer a very great kindness by communicating at once with Mr Thomas Cunningham, Harbourhead Anstruther. We trust that this appeal will be the means of satisfying the boy’s parents.

1903

Robert Keith, carter, West Forth Street and George Moir, carter toft terrace, appeared at Cupar today on a charge of having, on the 4^th February, within the shop as 21 John Street, Cellardyke, occupied by Albert Morris, confectioner, committed a breach of the peace, and caused Morris and his wife to run out of the shop in terror, whereupon Keith took possession of the shop, locked the doors and destroyed a quantity of fried fish and chipped potatoes. The complainant further set forth that Keith assaulted Helen Morris, by striking her on the breast with his fist and knocking her down, and that Moir assaulted Albert Morris by striking him a blow on the chest with his fist and knocking him down. Keith pleaded not guilty while Moir admitted the charge and said it was the first time that he had been in court. The Fiscal said that Moir was very much less guilty than Keith. The Sherriff passed sentence of a fine of 15s or seven days imprisonment. Keith’s trial was fixed for Tuesday 24^th inst

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……