The Cellardyke Echo

1897

Aberdeen – the best fished boat was the Maggie Scott KY 27 which obtained £502 as the seasons earnings, The Union of Lossiemouth made £400.

1900

Sherriff Armour heard evidence in Cupar Sherriff Court yesterday in three fatal accident enquiries.

The first case was that of James Smith, fisherman, Cellardyke, who was drowned while engaged as one of the crew of the White Cross. David Parker, Skipper, said that about two o clock of the afternoon of the 4^th August the White Cross arrived about half- a- mile off Anstruther Harbour. The deceased went ashore in a small boat of about 14 or 15ft in length, a message. He returned in the boat accompanied by two other men and four boys. When they came near to the liner Smith asked them to give him a haul. They took the small boat in tow and witness gave orders to the engineman to go easy ahead. They had only started about a minute or two when the boat was alongside the liner. By some reason or other the boat sheered towards the larger vessel, and came against her side. The boat capsized, and immediately filled with water, and the occupants were thrown into the sea. Four of them clung to the boat while the other three were cast adrift. Smith immediately sank and was never seen again. He had on heavy boots at the time. His body has never been recovered. He could not suggest how the accident occurred. John Anderson, one of the crew, corroborated. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

1907

Out of a party of 12, three were badly injured as the result of a driving accident which occurred between Crail and Kingsbarns yesterday. Six adults, with an equal number of children, left Anstruther with the object of going to St Andrews, but when near Kingsbarns the wheels of the waggonette got caught in a rut, the consequence being that the vehicle partially overturned, and the twelve occupants were thrown on to the road. Mr and Mrs David Doig, an elderly couple belonging to Cellardyke were rendered unconscious; Mrs Michael Doig, Anstruther had her nose cut open; Mrs Alexander Black, Cellardyke, sustained a severe shock; while the other members of the party escaped with minor cuts and bruises.

A passing motorist, whose car bore the number G317, rendered first aid, and afterwards drove on to Crail and brought out Dr Orr, who attended the injured. Mr and Mrs David Doig, whose skulls are thought to be fractured, were afterwards taken home in cabs.

1916

Fife fishermen got a serious warning yesterday in the Sherriff Court at Cupar.

The Fiscal stated there was an extreme danger of the whole fishing being stopped on account of the numerous complaints that had been made of fishing beyond the limit. The Admiralty were of the opinion that the regulations were being deliberately broken.

Thirteen fishermen who had been found by one of H.M’s gunboats outwith the half mile limit of the Firth of Forth appeared before Hon Sherriff –substitute Osborne the following offenders were each fined £2 or 30 days imprisonment. George Doig 16 Rodger Street Cellardyke (skipper of the yawl Mistletoe), George Anderson 23 Rodger Street, Thomas Murray 31 Shore Street, Cellardyke.

1919

House parlour maid for Hampstead London, 4 in a family, cook and nurse kept, good wages Apply Thomson, Comelybank, Cellardyke.

1924

Hartlepool – the best Scottish catch was 30 crans by Home Finder of Cellardyke.

1929

North Shields 103 Drifters arrived with 813 crans. Best Shot 70 crans by Cellardyke steam drifter Menat.

1931

The crew of a Port Seton steam trawler Choice, had a narrow escape when their vessel foundered about 20 miles off St Abbs head.

 The men were taken aboard the Steam Drifter Copious skippered by Joseph Wilson Cellardyke, arrived safely at Anstruther harbour yesterday.

1932

A 15 year old Anstruther lad, Tom Jack, was the hero of a rescue at the point of the East Pier Anstruther.

He was working with fishing nets when a Cellardyke boy John Doig (8) son of the skipper of the steam Drifter Campanula, fell into the water. The lad was in danger of drowning when jack without a moment’s hesitation jumped into the water fully clothed and made for the boy.

He caught hold of the boy and held him at the edge of the pier until men with a yawl helped to pull him aboard. The boy was little worse for his immersion.

1933

Cellardyke weekly putting competition- results- Ladies- 1. Mrs Hosie, 2, Mrs Elvin, Gentlemen – 1. George Williamson, 2, W Jack after a tie break with J Christie. Senior Gentlemen – 1. R Wilson. 2 H bett. Boys – 1. Johnstone Smith 2 Alex Keith.

1934

At Anstruther Police court Daniel S Wilkie grocer 60 James Street was charged before Provost W W Carstairs and Bailie Mitchell with having erected a shade or awning at his shop which was less than the statutory height of 8 feet from the footway. The accused pleaded guilty and was admonished.

Mr H C Mackintosh the burgh prosecutor explained that the case arose through the awning having been struck by a passing motor vehicle and damaged. Had there been pedestrians on the foot pavement a more serious accident may have taken place.

He understood there were many such shades or awnings in the burgh which did not comply with the law, so he hoped the case would be accepted as a warning.

1935

A Cellardyke man who embezzled funds from a ploughing society appeared before Hon Sherriff substitute Struth at Cupar on Tuesday and was fined £1

Accused was Alexander Kennedy, carter, 2 harbour house, Cellardyke. He admitted that between December and January last year, while he was acting as a collector of subscriptions for a Society called the East Neuk of Fife Ploughing Society he removed sums amounting to £1 8/6 which he embezzled.

In the charge it was stated that he received sums ranging from 6d to 2/6 from 20 people in the district. Accused said that he had paid back the money.

1937

A fine of 30s was imposed on George Moncrieff  Hodge, plasterer’s labourer, 48 George Street, Cellardyke, whose vehicle was involved in a collision with a car driven by George Flett Horsburgh, fish merchant, 3 Kensington Grove , North Shields, the accident occurred on 12^th August in Toll Rd.

1938

In connection with a public inquiry under the Town Planning act 1932, which is to be held at Cupar… Anstruther town council’s representation is that they should be appointed as town planning authority for the burgh…

‘Many of the houses have been designed specially for letting to fishermen who form the majority of the working class population in the burgh, and the Town council’s accumulated expertise in connection with this type of house dates back to the fishermen’s houses erected in the Burgh under the 1919 act…………..

1890

Another familiar face has passed away from Cellardyke Bulwark in Mr Wilson Birrell who died on Monday in his 82^nd year. The family name is one of the mist numerous today on the coast, but his great grandfather, a seafaring man, at Kinghorn was the first to settle in the east of Fife. By his mother’s he belongs to a race of old sea captains in Anstruther. He inherited all the strength and resolution for which they were famous, being noted in his day as one of the most energetic skippers of the Forth. I his boyhood only fifteen Drave boats sailed from Cellardyke. He himself fished at Wick with three nets at hand, but at the tiller of the Lavinia, flying like the curlew through the spindrift, he was one of the first – like the brave old skipper of old – to lead the way to the untold wealth of the North Sea. He was one of the few who steered safely through the foam when Wick bay was so strewn with wreck and the dead. It is such as he who are the fathers of the coast, being kindly remembered as much for their quiet and honourable life on shore as for their enterprise and daring at sea.

1891

By the death of Mr George Gourlay, stationer Anstruther, which took place at his residence, High Street East, Anstruther, the East Neuk of Fife has lost one of its best known and respected inhabitants…. After serving an apprenticeship as a shoe maker he began to contribute to the press, and the weekly penny newspapers then beginning to grow popular, the idea struck him that he might ass a little to his income by selling them, meeting with good encouragement in that line, he conceived a novel idea. He had a small wooden house constructed, and set on wheels. This he fitted up as a book and newspaper stall. Every morning he took up his position at the pier, and vended his literary wares amongst the fishermen, and at night the stall was wheeled back to his house and stored safely away. He was now in his real element. He found ample leisure to read and think, and, besides mingling daily amongst the fishermen, he became familiar with their habits of life and peculiar traits of character. Old salts whose life voyage was drawing to a close would come down to the pier and sit in the sun, and there they would spin their yarns, and recount the adventures and hardships they had experienced listener.

About this time he began to contribute to the local press. His first essay in literature was a series of stories and traditions of the Fife Coast. He afterwards became local correspondent for the Dundee Courier and the Weekly news, a position he filled with painstaking ability until his death. The business carried on in the ‘house on wheels’ never rose to be a very paying concern. After two years he took a shop in the high street.

Mr Gourlay was a keen antiquary and a lover of history, and in regard to all that pertained to the history of his native county and he was looked upon as an authority. In 1879 Mr Gourlay published his first work ‘Fisherlife or the Memorials of Cellardyke and the Fife Coast’ the book was well received by publicly and press. At the Edinburgh Fisheries Exhibition Mr Gourlay had a stall which he sold all the remainder of the edition. The fisher people crowded round the stall, crying to one another, ‘Here’s Geordie Gourlay’s book, man, we maun buy it.’ The book is now out of print……. His last book Anstruther or Illustrations of Scottish Burgh Life’ was published in 1888.. His works are highly interesting, and are full of quaint and pawky stories, old legends, and the reminiscences of the hardships and dangers of life, to which the hardy fishermen of our coasts are to be subjected…….

1892

Two sad drownings accidents occurred at Peterhead harbour on Saturday night. A boy named David Hughes 10 ½ years of age, son of Alexander Hughes Pittenweem was sent to his father’s boat KY 103 with bread about 4 o clock in the afternoon. As he did not return his mother went to the harbour about 5 o clock to look for him. She saw the loaves floating in the harbour and thought the boy had lost them and was afraid to come home. Between 9 and 10 she became anxious and got several fishermen to drag the harbour. It was not long before grappling irons brought the body to the surface. It was supposed the boy had slipped his foot passing from one boat to another – on Sunday Morning some fishermen walking along the quay near the blubber box were horrified to see the body of a young man floating in the harbour, this turned out to be the body of John Muir (19) son of David Muir, Cellardyke, Skipper of the Mayflower KY46.

1893

At a  High Court at Aberdeen held before Lord Young John McMullen (32) fisherman a native of County Down was charged with having assaulted George Cormack, fisherman, Torry< and did stab him  of the left side of his chest and in his stomach and did murder him. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. A special pleas was tendered for the panel to the effect that he acted in self-defence. David Watson, master of the fishing boat Invincible, Cellardyke, was the first witness called. He stated that on the evening of Monday 31^st July, he and McMullen went to Stephen’s public house at the foot of Market Street. One of the men, whom witness understood was the deceased Cormack, said to McMullen ‘you have got an awful dirty face, you are a half caste. ‘Witness made answer to the effect that Cormack had better mind his own business. They all left the public house at 11 o clock and when they got on the street, witness saw McMullen and Cormack fighting. Witness was himself knocked down at the public house door. Subsequently McMullen made a complaint to the policemen, and he and the witness went home. Witness and Mc Mullen went to the sea the day following the assault, and McMullen told him that he had used a knife and left his mark.. McMullen did not say anything to irritate or annoy Cormack, it appeared that Cormack was anxious to get up a quarrel with McMullen. Witness did not see McMullen strike Cormack. Watson further stated that he had known McMullen for a month previous to the assault and he appeared to be a man of quiet and peaceable disposition, he was not given to quarrelling and fighting. William Cressey , Fisherman, Aberdeen said he was at the foot of Market street and saw someone strike Watson. The later said he did not want to fight. Cormack came up and struck McMullen six or seven times on the face with his fists. McMullen went backwards on his heals as if to get away. He ran against a lamp post and fell. Cormack also fell, but as he was rising the accused struck him in the chest. His lordship – ‘it was then the knife was used?’ Witness – ‘ I never saw no knife’ McMullen seemed to be very hard pressed. Cormack was attacking him very furiously. There was blood on Mc Mullen’s face and he seemed to be very frightened….. after several more witnesses were called… the Judge summed up and the Jury retired for 8 minutes returning a verdict unanimously finding the prisoner not guilty.

1894

Robert Keith, fish cadger was charged with allowing his horse to stand on the road at Leuchars longer than necessary for loading and unloading, he was fined 20s with 8s expenses or 10 days.

1895

Fatal accident enquiry at Aberdeen to find the cause of death of David Moncrieff a Cellardyke fisherman who was killed aboard the Providence KY263 of Cellardyke, on 13^th August while at sea, about 20 miles off Aberdeen. David Watson master of the boat explained how the accident was caused. The crew had been engaged putting out the jibboom when suddenly it swung round. Deceased was knocked violently against the stern post and killed, while other two men were knocked overboard, but managed to hold on, one of them by his feet. The evidence of the rest of the crew was to the same effect. Deceased father said he knew perfectly well how the accident must have occurred. They were all liable to make mistakes and he thought there must have been some neglect somewhere. The Jury found that Moncrieff died of a fracture of the skull, caused by being accidentally struck against the stern post by the jibboom swinging round while he was engaged with the rest of the crew in setting the big jib.

While the herring fishing boat Mizpah KY 398 was about 10 miles off Aberdeen on Tuesday afternoon, a young fisherman, George Watson fell overboard and was drowned, Watson belonged to Cellardyke.

1870

Montrose – A smuggling case – On Friday a Justice of peace Court was held here – Provost Barclay presiding – when L Montador ( A Frenchman), William Thomson, George Parker and James Kenney were charged, at the instance of Collector Edmonds of HM Customs, with having in their possession, 2 ¼ pounds of foreign manufactured tobacco. The crew of a fishing boat belong to Cellardyke and pled not guilty. They were defended by Mr James Ross. After evidence they were found guilty, and fined 11s 4d. It was suspected they had obtained the tobacco from some French Luggers at the mouth of the river.

Public feeling has been again strongly aroused in the East of Fife by the scandalous profanation of the Lords day by certain crews of Pittenweem fishermen. On Saturday there were indications that a large shoal of herrings was gathering on that favourite spawning ground ‘the traith’ but, instead of leaving the herrings at this critical time quite undisturbed, about a dozen Pittenweem crews – regardless of every honourable consideration and actuated only by avarice and selfishness were seen putting to sea on Saturday afternoon…………. In Cellardyke and St Monans there is but one sentiment of indignant condemnation of the Pittenweem Sabbath breakers; but in stigmatising the disgraceful outrage the fact is not forgotten that though certain of the Pittenweem, like the Prestonpans fishers, are ready to violate ‘the day of rest’ yet it is as little to their profit as to their credit or, in other words, while the stations of Cellardyke and St Monans are year by year adding to the number and size of their boats, the fishing community Pittenweem, with some honourable exceptions, seem to be actually retrograding; and Sabbath profanation and drunkenness a ready explanation why it is so.

1876

Sequestrations

John Alexander Millar, boatbuilder Cellardyke, in the parish of Kilrenny

1877

Aberdeen – dwellers in the city who were lulled to sleep on Monday night by the sound of descending torrents of rain and a strong ENE breeze were most disagreeably surprised on awakening yesterday morning to a strong gale….. that the rain had fallen continuously during the night was plainly evinced by the state of the river Dee and Don both streams running in high spate..  the larger portion of the herring fleet had returned to port but up until 5 o clock yesterday there still remained at sea twenty boats hailing from Cellardyke , one from Torry and one from Footdee. During the day information was received that two of these boats had succeeded in making Cellardyke to which they belonged, and that others were expected. About midday when the gale was at its height, a fishing boat under sail was descried in the offing . The utmost excitement at once prevailed amongst the fishing community, as the bar was considered impassable, and, the north pier was speedily crowded by a large number of spectators. Mr William Clark, captain pilot, and Mr J Davidson his assistant, made the usual necessary arrangements for rendering assistance should it be required, but the boat stood to the southward. When off the harbour entrance however she reached for the port. The ‘fresh’ from the Dee was running very heavily on the bar, and a broken sea was thus caused in which it was feared the boat could not live, but as she got within the breakwater a lull took place, and although under close reefed mainsail, the boat, which was handled in fine style by her crew made her way slowly up the harbour past the lower jetty, where she safely moored. The craft which is Marked KY 1342 (‘Energy’) belongs to Cellardyke and is commanded by Daniel Henderson (owner of my house in West Forth Street, he owned this vessel between 1876 and 1879 she was only 42ft of keel). It appears that the crew hung at their nets till two o clock yesterday morning, when they broke adrift losing ten nets and getting others much damaged. They passed other Cellardyke boats, who had preferred riding at their nets to running for any harbour. Councillors Inglis and Mearns were at the North Pier while the Fishing boat KY 1342 was in danger and took an active interest in the proceedings.

1878

A Blacksmith name Peter Thomas Nicholl belonging Cellardyke was fined 30s with the alternative of 21 days imprisonment for conducting himself in a riotous manner on Saturday last, and using threatening language towards his wife.

1880

The Cellardyke boat Jessie, James Brunton Master, arrived in Anster harbour on Sunday with about 40 barrels of herrings. The freight, however, was scarcely more than a third of the haul of the previous morning on the great sea bank, but which had to be consigned again to the waves, owning to the calm or baffling winds, which kept the boat thus long from land. In these days in what seems to be an over fruitful sea, none of the curers would give an offer for the belated cargo, which was disposed of as manure at a shilling a cran or seven shillings a ton, but Skipper Brunton, with consideration for his poor neighbours beyond all praise, attached a promise to the bargain, that any such might select what they chose for their winter’s use from the herrings – a kindness which was not lost on Anstruther shore, as not a few old wives and some young ones for that matter did not need a second bidding to hasten away with the readiest utensil, in the shape of can or basin, towards filling the ‘saut herrin barrel’ that like the ‘mort meat’ of the old fathers, was so long thought indispensable to the good housekeeping of every thrifty family in the East Neuk of Fife.

1882

An accident of a most alarming character, but fortunately unattended with loss of life, occurred on the Aberdeenshire Coast yesterday afternoon. About 3 o clock as the herring fishing fleet was proceeding to Aberdeen against a light wind, the Cellardyke boat KY 841 (Watson Master) came into collision with a North Country boat and sustained serious damage, filling almost entirely and nearly disappearing under the surface of the water. The other boat at once hove to and with considerable difficulty the crew of the disabled craft was got on board safely. the accident which occurred about 5 miles SE of Aberdeen was observed by the crew of the boat Village Maid KY1699 (Warrender Skipper) who soon afterwards ran alongside, and, having ascertained the nature of the accident, proceeded to the port of Aberdeen where the intelligence occasioned considerable excitement and alarm. One of the harbour tugs steamed out to render assistance to the two boats which still lay alongside and to endeavour, if possible, to save the damaged vessel, together with the nets and gearing, but up to an early hour this morning no further tidings were obtainable, the vessels at this time not having put in an appearance. The boat which sustained the damage was engaged fishing at the port of Aberdeen by Mr George Watson, fishcurer, Point Law.

Next day

It was reported that it was an Inverness boat that struck her on the starboard bow and the timbers of the Cellardyke boat were stoved in from deck to keel. The steam tug Bon Accord towed the two boats which lay alongside each other into the harbour about 3 am twelve hours after the accident.

1856,

Alex Dick, Cellardyke fisherman, when securing something about the sail which had just been set after the hauling of the nets, by some unaccountable way or other he fell overboard. Every exertion was made to save him. The sail was taken down and the boat brought back to where he was, but while some of the crew were reaching to catch him, he went down, and was never to be seen again. He was steady, industrious young man, and is much regretted by all who knew him.

1864

The Fishery Commission met at Anstruther 11 am last Thursday after the members arrived about in HM gunboat Salamis.

Thomas Fowler fisherman Cellardyke was first witness. From an experience of 30 years he was well acquainted with the fishing trade. The herring fishing had in his opinion diminished for the past two or three years, while the white fishing, such as for cod, ling, and haddocks had increased….. David Corstorphine, fisherman, was next examined and certified a decrease of white fishing inshore, but to an increase when the boats went far out to sea.

1866

Dundee Courier 9^th Aug

A report is current here that during Tuesday night or Wednesday morning a Cellardyke boat, engaged at the herring fishing. Was run down by a schooner, which passed on, and one man only, who hung by the wreck, was rescued by another boat, and landed at Stonehaven during the day. The remainder of the crew met a watery grave.

Stonehaven Journal 9^th Aug

During the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, at the fishing, the boat ‘Ballarat’ of Cellardyke was rundown by a French lugger, and the crew with considerable difficulty managed to get on board the Frenchman, with one exception, he having clung onto the wreck from which he was rescued by another boat. The boat appears to have gone down by the stern, leaving the bow sticking out of the water, and yesterday afternoon, it was brought into the bay by a French government steamer. The crew of the boat gave the name and number of the lugger, and we understand intend to claim compensation for loss of boat and tackle, as also of their fishing. Another boat was also damaged by a schooner, but her damage was not apparently vital, as she proceeded southward and we believe belongs to Montrose.

Dundee Courier 10^th Aug ( not quite a retraction had the Cellardyke folk read the Couriers report of the 9^th and not the Stonehaven journal there would have been many worried people waiting for news!)

The accident to the Cellardyke boat that we mentioned yesterday as having taken place during the night of Tuesday, turned out to be true. She was run down by a French lugger but the fishermen were all saved and their nets were recovered. The damaged boat was towed into Stonehaven harbour on Wednesday by a French steam cutter.

1869

The Greenock diver who has been employed for the last two months in excavating the dangerous reefs that cross the fairway of Cellardyke harbour has just completed his engagement, and the result is a most valuable and decided improvement in the navigation of the harbour. That the nature of the improvement may be understood, it may be explained that the entrance of the harbour is beset with two parallel ridges of rock known as the inner and outer ‘buss’ the crests of which are only visible at low water of spring tides, they have naturally from time immemorial cost the fisherman many an anxious thought while crossing the harbour mouth at night fall or in a seaway, and many a serious boat disaster is there tom testify that these fears were by no means groundless…… The effect of the recent operation is to widen the channel by about 30ft while the outer one is now lower by fully four feet for nearly double that distance. Thousands of tons of rock have been dislodged by the diver, who has also done valuable services by removing many a dangerous boulder from the fairway which is now perfectly free and open as soon as there is water enough to float boat or ship in the harbour. the improvement is a gift of captain Alexander Rodger, it has cost upwards of £100 which added to the other public bequests of this honourable gentleman, make a total of more than one thousand pounds expended by him to promote the welfare of his native town, there is not a resident of Cellardyke who has not directly benefitted by this generosity..

Applications for Cessio Bonorum (surrender of good to creditors)

John Robertson Terras, bottler, Cellardyke, presently prisoner in the prison of Cupar, case to be examined in the Sherriff House Cupar, 14^th September at 10 o’ clock.

1805

The Duck Club of Cupar have subscribed five guineas to the wives and families of the men who were unfortunately lost off Cellardyke; and example worthy of Imitation. (The boat had been lost in a squall at the end of June beginning of July leaving 3 widows and 13 children destitute)

1827

On Thursday week a fishing boat returning from Leith to Cellardyke struck the rocks off St Monans and immediately sunk. The Crew about ten in number, were in the water nearly an hour; and, had it not been for some of their neighbour fishermen who picked them up, they must have all perished. The goods consisting of biscuit, tea and sugar &c., which they were to take to Caithness, were all lost. The boat is a total wreck.

1829

On Saturday Morning last a Cellardyke boat caught, with only a net or two, eight dozen of fine herrings near the Island of May, and from the quantity of herring whales ( as the fishermen call them) that are presently on the coast, there is little doubt but there are also plenty of herrings. It is a matter of regret that our respectable fish-curers do not engage a number of the boats to remain here instead of going to the North, as it is quite notorious that the fishing here has for these some years been lost  for want of timely looking after.

1837 ( although happening earlier in the month this tragedy is still being reported UK wide, this article from the Waterford Mail, the court case has been mentioned in previous postings)

We have this week to record one of the most distressing and melancholy accidents which has occurred on the North side of the Tweed for many years past. On Saturday afternoon, the herring boat Johns of Cellardyke, John Sutherland, Skipper, was wrecked whilst entering the little haven on the east side of the Isle of May, when no fewer than twenty one individuals met a watery grave. The circumstances as given to us by our correspondent at Dunbar, who was on the spot shortly after the sad accident happened, are as follows;- it is customary at this season of the tyear and before the boats leave the various towns on the East coast of Fife, for the herring fishery in the north, to visit the Isle of May on a pleasure excursion. On the morning in question, a party, to the amount of between seventy and eighty, consisting of men women and children, embarked in the Johns, and having coasted round the west and south side of the Island, in attempting to take the little harbour for the purpose of landing, the boat from the heaviness of the swell, and the narrowness of the passage, was thrown upon a rock, and the waves receding, she fell over and went down. The scene which took place baffles description, and the only matter of astonishment is, how so many were saved, when it is recollected that the majority were females and children.

The little island lying hitherto in peace under a bright July sun, and garnished with all the blooming beauty of summer, and its gay concomitants of straggling pleasure parties was converted into a scene of weeping and bereavement; every tender tie was torn asunder – the eye of the parent which but a moment before beamed with affection, the smiling countenance of the youthful pledge of mutual love and endearment were sealed in death; while the little hands that were stretched in supplication to their natural protector folded their nerveless grasp below the weltering surge.

The young and the aged, the beautiful and the first born, were engulfed in one common tomb – numbers were who were nearly exhausted, were carried to the apartments of the light keeper, where by the attention and care of the inmates, which deserves the highest commendation, they all recovered. The survivors, with the corpses found up to the time our informant left, were conveyed in other boats to Cellardyke, where another sense of distress would take place – over which humanity must drop a tear.

1841

To be sold by public roup within the town hall of Cellardyke

That Large tenement of three storeys ,situated upon the Braeheads of Cellardyke, and formerly a malt steading, having a malt barn upon the ground floor, and two excellent granaries above, each about 72ft long within the walls, together with the large yard behind the same and likewise the kiln presently used as a barn and hayloft. As also that unfinished dwelling house of two storeys on the north end of the property and stable thereto attached.

These premises are conveniently situated and admirably adapted for a fish curer. The Malt barn and granaries could at once be used as a cooperage and cellar for storing salt, and the kiln as a smoking house, while the curing yard would be of great extent, and would afford ample room for sheds and other necessary erections. The dwelling house is substantially built and covered with blue slates and could be finished at comparatively little expense.

There is easy access to the property with carts both on the south and north. There is also plenty of water on the premises.

Further particulars from Archibald Williamson, ship-owner, Anstruther Wester the proprietor or to Matthew Forster Connoly and John smith Writers in Anstruther.

1844

On Wednesday night last week the ‘Benledi’ steamer on her way from Dundee to Granton ran down a fishing yawl, off Cellardyke harbour. The yawl was lying at anchor and three boys were fishing in it, who stood up and cried to those on board the steamer when they saw that she was coming right on them. No notice was taken, however, and the steamer struck the boat cutting her right through. One of the boys got up on the paddles, and the other two were picked up by the steamers boat. One of them is a good deal bruised, having been struck by the paddles he supposes. It is very fortunate that nothing more serious occurred.

1849

We have now lying before us the ‘Second report of the Edinburgh section of the Central board for the relief of destitution in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland 1849’ a volume of 190 pages. 173 of which are swallowed up in dry statistical and almost unintelligible epistolary appendices.. the report itself just occupies 9 pages and makes the startling announcement that’ the destitution this year greatly exceeds that of last year!’…………………………….

Before we proceed to remark on some notable feature in the appendix, we cannot pass over the extravagant allowances to the Fife fishermen of which will be best seen from the following extract;

The committee engaged three boats crews from Cellardyke and two from St Monance, amounting in all to forty men whom they sent in March to the west coast. They were the most skilful and persevering fishermen whom the committee could find on the coast of Fife, and their boats were of the best description of those adapted to the deep sea fishing and thoroughly found in every respect. Two of these crews were sent to Badachro, two to the north coast of Skye and the fifth to the Island of Soa, in the south of Skye for the purpose of fishing off the adjacent banks. The Committee were aware that it would be necessary in the first instance, to tempt these men to go to an unknown and untried ground, with very high terms, and that they could not expect to be repaid by the produce of the fishing; ……………… The Glasgow Committee had been obliged to offer the very high terms of 30s per week to each man, and the half of the fish caught, to induce the East Coast fishermen to go in the preceding year, and the Committee authorised the person they employed to contract with the fishermen if they could not be induced to enter into the arrangement upon more moderate terms. Eventually, the fishermen were engaged upon the terms of 30s per week and half the fish to the Cellardyke fishermen, and 26s per week and half the fish to the St Monans Fishermen… the contract was limited to 3 months from march til the end of June.. the weather has been so stormy as greatly to retard their fishing and give but a few days, the men appear satisfied with the result,, The Committee expect them to have to be induced to return for the more favourable fishing season, while they do not propose to offer more than a moderate bonus, if necessary to persuade them..

‘Ay the men appear satisfied with the result… and so they well may; with their handsome salaries they need not care if they never cast a line or dip a net in the sea…

1929

Wick, an average of 12 crans was landed today by 200 Drifters. The fishing grounds were 33 – 37 miles ESE and 70 Miles E from wick, Quality was good and prices were high ranging from 39s – 42s 6d per cran.. The best shot was from the Cellardyke Drifter Evening Star 100 crans.

1931

The following pupils of Cellardyke School have passed the control examination for admission to Waid Academy.

Helen Ballingal, Jemima Boyter, Allison Gourlay, John Horsburgh, Bertie Keay, Charles Laird, Bertie Lothian, Alex Morton, William Myles, Alex Parker, Margaret Pratt, Marjorie pert, Bertie Pringle, John Rodger, Chrissie Scott, David Smith (a), James Stevenson, Betty Tait and Fergus Watson.

A petition from Mr Williamson, Williamson Street, Cellardyke and a number of other ratepayers was submitted to Anstruther Town Council.

The petitioners regretted the action of the council in changing the name of the stretch of road between Toll Rd and Tollbooth Wynd, and so doing away with the named Williamson Street.

 The letter referred to what Mr Williamson’s father, Mr Robert Williamson had done for the town in the way of building houses. It was felt that his name should be retained.

The outcome of a long discussion on the matter was to name the whole stretch Toll Rd and have Williamson Street changed to Williamson Place which would be within Toll Rd.

1934

A collision occurred last night at the junction of the service road leading from Balcarres Mains, on the Colinsburgh – Pittenweem Rd, between a push cycle ridden by Alexander Anderson, 24 Roger Street Cellardyke, and a Motor car driven by Miss Stevenson, Bonerbo farm.

The Cyclist received slight injuries but was able to be conveyed home. His bicycle was damaged. Miss Stevenson and her car escaped injury.

Cellardyke Improvements Committee realised about £30 at their sale of work which was opened by bailie Mitchell. The Stall holders were. Mrs Gardner, Mrs Sutherland, Mrs Laing, Miss Williamson, Miss C Smith and Mrs James Bett. Tea – Mrs Hosie, Mrs Swinton Lucky Dip – Councillor Laing. Houp –la – Messrs Motion and Myles.. Darts- Messrs Brown and Sutherland. Rolling Pennies Messrs Wilson and Stewart.

Fancy Dress Prize winner’s parade

Best Dressed lady – Miss Wood. Most comical – Miss A Watson, Most Original – Mrs Quiripel,

Best Dressed gentleman – Mr Andrew Hosie, Most original –Mr R Thomson, most comical – Mr D Scott

Best dressed girl – Miss Jessie Myles, Original – Miss Margaret Watson, Comical – Miss Betty Gardner,

Best dressed Boy – Fergus Bowman, Original James Martin, Comical – Alex Keay

90 Entries were received in a baby show organised by Cellardyke improvements Committee at the town’s green – Judges Nurse Andrews, Strathkinness and Nurse Anderson largo awarded the following prizes.. 1-6 months Eileen Anderson/ David Mayes… 6-12 months Irene Anderson/Tom Reilly… 12 months -2 years Neilena McLeod/ John Muir.. Twins Greta and Ena Matheson and champion of the show… David Mayes.

1936

2000 spectators witnessed the launch of Provost W W Carstairs new Diesel engine drifter at Cellardyke on Monday afternoon. The vessel which was launched broadside on is a new type of drifter with cruiser stern. Her appliances include an electric capstan, and electric light is fitted throughout. She is 69feet overall with 18ft 3 inch beam and 8ft draught. She was named the Royal Sovereign by Mrs Hogarth wife of George Hogarth, chairman of the Scottish Fisheries Board of which Provost Carstairs is a member.

In the reading room of Cellardyke town hall Provost Carstairs presented Mrs Hogarth with a crystal salad bowl as a memento of the occasion.

1938

A Cellardyke fisherman engaged at the Fraserburgh herring fishing died with tragic suddenness at sea on Tuesday evening.

David Christie Senior, aged 60 was at work in the hold of the motor boat Good Hope KY165, then 25 miles NE by N from Fraserburgh, when he suddenly collapsed and died.

The boats nets were cut adrift and the vessel made for Fraserburgh at full speed. Dr Wilson certified that death was due to natural causes. Mr Christie is survived by his wife and grown up family of three.

Before leaving the fishing ground the Good hope hailed the Fraserburgh drifter Briar and requested the crew to haul the nets of the Good Hope.

Several days later

The Funeral of Mr David Christie, 26 Roger Street who was chief coxswain of the Anstruther lifeboat took place in the New cemetery Anstruther at the weekend and was attended by many mourners.

Walking beside the hearse were eight lifeboatmen clad in blue jackets and jerseys. With their lifebelts tied round their breasts,

They bore the coffin from the cemetery gate to the graveside where the service was conducted by the Rev James R Lee.

Pall bearers were Messrs David Christie, Cellardyke, (Son) Andrew Fyall, St Monance, (Son in law). James Chalmers, Alloa, Charles Grieve, Dundee, Adam Reid and James Wallace, Cellardyke 9Brothers in law) Robert Watson, Dalmuir (Nephew) and Andrew Christie, Cellardyke, Cousin.

The lifeboat men included D Fenton, Chief Coxswain, St. Andrews. A Wood, Second Coxswain Anstruther, T Peebles mechanic, R Cuthbert assistant mechanic. A Moncrieff, P Anderson, T Ritchie and A McKay.

Mr Christie was for 40 years a member of Anstruther lifeboat crew, acting for many years as bowman and for 5 years as Chief Coxswain.

He was awarded the DSM during the war for the leading part he took in sinking a German Submarine in the Irish Channel on April 30^th 1918.

At that time he was with the crew of the Steam Drifter Coreopsis, which was engaged in patrol work. Despite the fact the drifter carried only one gun, the crew boldly tackled the U boat and after registering a direct hit, took the German crew prisoner.

1910

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

1912

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

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

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

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

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

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

1914

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

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

1918

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

1921

Cellardyke school medallists

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

1922

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

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

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

1925

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

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

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

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

1926

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

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

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

1928

Erring Motorists fined at Cupar

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

1883

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

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

1887

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

1888

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

1895

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

1896

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

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

1898

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

1901

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

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

1905

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

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

1907

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

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

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

1877 Fife Herald Thursday June 28^th  page 3

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

1878

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

1879

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

1880

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

1881

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

1882

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

1858

Sale of Fish Curers Stock

Anstruther Cellardyke and Crail.

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

800 herring Barrels

120 Barrel Covers

75 tons of Salt

9 rusing tubs

1 herring receiving box

6 baskets

1 Cran measure etc etc

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

Then at Crail

40 Tons of Salt

200 herring barrels

1862

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

1865

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

Henry beat, Skipper Left a wife and four children

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

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

Andrew Robertson, left a wife and seven children

Thomas Wood, left a wife and three children

Daniel Fleming, left a wife and two children

Francis Montadore, unmarried

Thomas Muir, unmarried

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

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

1869

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

The mishap was altogether harmless.

1870

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

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

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

1873

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

1874

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

1876

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