The Cellardyke Echo

1880

CELLARDYKE. A Busy Day with the Candidates.—On Saturday afternoon the fishermen of Cellardyke, electors in the coast burghs of the St Andrews Parliamentary district, were addressed by three of the Liberal candidates at present before the constituency soliciting their suffrages. Mr Stephen Williamson delivered an excellent address to a crowded meeting. He was most cordially received. Mr Douglas Ainslie, likewise, in the Town Hall, spoke to the electors, and received a vote of thanks for address. Mr Lindsay Bennet followed the other two candidates with a speech, in which he enunciated his opinions on political questions. The customary vote of thanks was accorded.

The handsome villa, just completed by Mr John Ritchie, fishcurer, in St Ayles Crescent, was purchased the other day for Mr Mitchell, the firm of Messrs Watson and Mitchell, merchants, Cellardyke,  at the surprising figure—if we look at the nature and extent the accommodation—of some four hundred guineas.

1881

NARROW ESCAPE OF A FIFESHIRE FISHING BOAT. During the dense fog of Wednesday morning, the Cellardyke fishing boat Useful, Thomas Boyter, master, was run into by the steam trawler, Frederick -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 Frederick -James to Anstruther Harbour, where she lies in such a-damaged condition as to be unfitted for several days for the fishing. The incident has excited no little-commotion, and the-strong remonstrance against steam trawling in the Firth is being signed both by fishermen and fish buyers. In this case, however, the steam, tug was not sweeping, but making a passage to market.

Sale of Property. — The little self-contained tenement and yard near the Urquhart Wynd, Cellardyke, so long possessed by the late Mr James Smith (Hamilton), were exposed for sale in the Town Hall there on Saturday. The upset price was £100, but a smart competition having taken place, it was knocked down at £164.

BOAT FOR SALE THE FISHING BOAT “MARGARET” of Cellardyke, as she ran the Herring Fishing last Season, with all her Materials in good condition, belonging to Robert Watson (Fowler), Cellardyke. Apply to John McLeod Fishcurer, Pittenweem.

1882

DANGERS OF THE FISHING FLEET. After a treacherous lull, the westerly gale broke with redoubled violence on Friday evening. The herring fleet were busy at the fishing ground when the storm rose, with scarce a sign of warning. Fortunately, however, they were near the shore, and “snugging” the big sail they began tack for the harbour, although in some cases this was done while the flood was still low on the bar. One of these was the Dayspring, of Cellardyke, Martin Gardiner master. At last the favourable moment came to make the run, and so the boat was brought to the wind, but doing so the squall struck the sail with so much violence that the skipper’s son, Alexander, who was at the sheet, was spun, as it were, over the gunwale. It was intensely dark, and he seems to have sunk on the instant, as the boat flew past on the wings of the gale. A cry was heard the distance, and an oar was flung in the direction, but although this was followed by the most desperate efforts of the crew the search was unavailing, and the poor young fellow found a watery grave. Alexander Gardiner (26)was one of the most promising and respected of his class, brave and steadfast, and his untimely fate has made a deep and painful impression the coast. He leaves widow and one child, with many attached friends, to mourn his loss. It cannot be otherwise recorded than to his honour and an example to others that his life was insured for £100. This sad event occurred before midnight. When the boat with the melancholy tidings arrived in the harbour it intensified, of course, the alarm felt for the rest of the fleet, especially as every hour seemed to add to the fury the gate. The struggle was indeed arduous one, as the sea also rose with great violence in the conflict of tide and wind. Boat after boat had her sail split or her spars carried away.

SALE OF PROPERTY – We understand that Mr Alex. Wallace, builder, Anstruther, has this week sold the two large dwelling houses he has just erected in West Forth Street, one to Skipper John Gardiner, and the other to Skipper Alex. Fowler. They are both of three storeys and attics, and are in every way well adapted for the better class of fishermen’s houses. Mr Wallace has three houses to build on the ground below the above properties.

1883

INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES EXHIBITION, EDINBURGH, 1882, Gold Medal for Deep-Sea Herring Nets. Silver Medal and Money Prize for Deep-Sea Fishing Lines. Diploma for Excellence Fishermen’s Suits, Oilskins.

The above having been awarded to SHARP A MURRAY, CELLARDYKE, they are now making Stock to suit the Trade, with the very best material. Nets suitable for the Shetland Isles, mounted, barked, and ready for sea as well as Great Lines, mounted and barked Cane Sculls Maunds, ready to bait. Barked Cotton in skeins for mending in all the sizes: in fact, every requisite required for the Fishing Industry, supplied at lowest possible prices. Cellardyke, 29th Jan., 1883 ( Advert in the Shetland Times)

TO LET in CELLARDYKE HOUSE and SHOP. Been Used as a China Shop, and not another in the Burgh. About 3000 inhabitants. Apply JAMES SKINNER, Merchant, Cellardyke.

1884

FIRST CLEARING SALE DAVID R CUNNINGHAM, GENERAL DRAPER, CELLARDYKE, Has now commenced FIRST CLEARING SALE Which will continue Three Weeks. During that period he will offer his Whole Stock of DRAPERY G00DS At Greatly Reduced Prices. See Handbills. An Early Call is solicited. DAVID R CUNNINGHAM GENERAL DRAPER, 54 JAMES STREET, CELLARDYKE.

At a Burgh Court held on Saturday forenoon last—all the three Magistrates being on the bench—Alex. Keith, fish cadger or carter, Cellardyke, was charged with assaulting Margaret Bisset in the public house in Shore Street occupied by Mrs Bisset, her mother, in so far as, on the 16th ult., he struck her so violently with his fists on the face as to blacken her eye. Panel pled not guilty, but on the evidence of the complainer and other two witnesses, the charge was found proven. Taking into account the aggravated circumstances attending the case, the Magistrates fined the panel 40s, with the alternative of thirty days’ imprisonment. The fine was paid.

The Enterprise of our Fishermen. — No more eloquent illustration can be adduced of the onward spirit of the fishers of Fife than the notable activity in the boat-building yards of the Coast. Our townsman, Councillor Jarvis, has, in particular, just added another dashing sea clipper to the Cellardyke fleet in the “Mayflower,” built to the order of that worthy veteran, and well-known office-bearer in the Parish Church, Mr Alexander Watson. Like her consorts of late, she is fully fifty-six feet in length; but we specially notice her fine, well-developed lines, bespeaking, as every old sailor knows, a safe and trusty sea craft in the rising gale. There is no better example, indeed, of what a first-class fishing craft ought to be, in view of the ever-recurring hazards of the stormy sea; but notably in those days, when, as in the case of the “Mayflower,” sail after sail will be hoisted for Kinsale, and a little later for the Shetland Isles. Our townsman is also giving the finishing touch to a large and powerful boat to the order of Skipper Flett, of Lossiemouth. This fine craft is after the “Zulu” build, as it is whimsically called —her keel, as in the case of the well-known Irish wherries, being no less than fourteen feet shorter than her measurement —sixty-two over all. Every locality has thus, we see, its own nautical ideas; but the greybeards will be far wrong their reckoning, as Jack says, if the “Dewdrop”, as the whisper is, does not prove herself the admiral ship of the Moray sea. The handsome boat which has been for some time in construction West Anstruther quay for Skipper Thomas Taylor is to be launched.

At the Burgh Court held on Saturday last—James Anderson, a young fisherman, belonging to Pittenweem, was charged with committing a breach of the peace by cursing, swearing, and conducting himself in a riotous and disorderly manner in East Forth Street, Cellardyke, on the afternoon of Wednesday the 13th inst. and also with taking from his pocket a clasp knife and flourishing it before Alexander Thomson, a Cellardyke fisherman. He pled guilty, but said he knew nothing about it. The Fiscal said this was a serious case of breach of the peace, more so because the panel had taken a knife out of his pocket. He was very glad he did not use it. The Provost in passing sentence of a fine of 12s 6d, said the Magistrates had taken a very light view of the case. It was a serious crime to take out a knife to any one, and he hoped this would be a warning to him.

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1915

General Inspector of Sea Fisheries – We have pleasure in intimating that Mr William Jeffrey, assistant inspector of sea fisheries, has been appointed to be general inspector of sea fisheries, in succession to Mr John Skinner, I.S.O, who retires in May. Mr Jeffrey is a native of Burghead, and served his apprenticeship with the late Mr Thomas Ross. who was well known in Inverness in connection with the sprat fishing. Before entering the service of the Fishery Board, Mr Jeffrey had a very wide experience in connection with the Scottish and English fisheries. When he was selected for the post of fishery officer he was manager at Aberdeen for the well-known firm of Messrs Sharp & Murray, Cellardyke.

Since the war started 1056 recruits have been attested at Leven. These figures not include local Territorials. Mrs Anstruther Gray, Kilmany, presided at the annual meeting of the Cupar Women’s Unionist Association held yesterday the Conservative Club. The financial statement was quite satisfactory. All the office-bearers were re-elected. The women of Cellardyke Parish Church have forwarded to the soldiers and sailors 536 pairs of mittens, 110 pairs of socks, 42 pairs of hose-tops, 36 belts, perseys, 15 shirts, 11 mufflers, 9 knitted jackets, 6 nightshirts, 2 bed jackets, and 2 dozen handkerchiefs.

KILRENNY SCHOOL BOARD. — CERTIFICATED FEMALE TEACHER wanted for Junior Division of CELLARDYKE PUBLIC SCHOOL; singing, drawing , and drill essential , and sewing desirable ; -salary £65 rising as per scale . Applications, with one copy testimonials, to be lodged with C. H. Maxwell Solicitor, Anstruther, on or before Feb 25^th

Gallant Rescue at Harbour – In the early hours of Tuesday Morning, a very gallant rescue from drowning was made by Mr Watson S. Smith, 13 Rodger Street, Cellardyke. About five o’clock, Mr Watson left his house to join the drifter Azarel, which had been hired by the Admiralty for patrol work. Mr George Brown, James Street, Cellardyke, had gone to the drifter with the intention of seeing her leave, and for a while was on board the vessel. When he stepped ashore, prior to the drifter leaving, the crew thought he had gone down the pier in company  with other two men. Ropes were cast off, and the drifter, which was lying at the end of the east pier, began slowly to go astern. One of the crew heard a splash in the water, and gave warning that a man was drowning. Although the stern ropes had been cast off, it was surmised that Brown had gone to perform that task, and that, walking too for, he had fallen over the end of the pier. It was pretty dark at the time, and those on board the drifter could not locate Brown very easily, who was being swept round outer end of the pier towards the blocks. As Brown either did not see the ropes flung to him, or they did not reach him, it was evident that he was becoming exhausted. Without hesitation Watson Smith seized a lifebuoy, to which a line was attached, and jumped towards Brown, who he caught after swimming a few yards. Both were hauled towards the drifter, and a rope being passed down. Smith tied it to Brown. who was now unconscious. Brown was then pulled up on deck and a small ladder lowered for Smith, who, however, was too numbed to climb up. The ladder to which Smith was hanging on was then hoisted up with the aid of the steam capstan. Artificial respiration was successful in restoring Brown, while Smith was little the worse of his experience. Brown was in the water for about half an hour, while Smith was immersed for fully twenty minutes. This is not the first time Smith has been instrumental in saving life, and we hope his meritorious conduct will receive the recognition it deserves.

CELLARDYKE’S FIRST VICTIM OF THE WAR. Information was received in Cellardyke Saturday that Wm. Reekie, R.N.R,. had been lost through the sinking of the Clan McNaughton.Reekie who joined the R.N.R. soon after war broke out, was about 22 years of age and unmarried – is the first Cellardyke victim of the war.

1916

Robert Ray, B.Sc., son the minister of the parish, is at present home from Africa. Mr Ray’s intentions were to join the Army, but, owing to bis knowledge of chemistry, his services have been enlisted for munition-making. Mr Ray had a brilliant career in science at St Andrews University, where he also gained fame as one of the most expert of hockey players.

OPERETTA “SNOW-WHITE” Cellardyke Choir & Orchestra, Cellardyke Town Hall

FRIDAY and SATURDAY, 23th and 26th February, 1916. Doors open at 7 30. Commence at 8p.m. Carriages at 10.15. Admission 2s and 1s. No Cash taken until 7.30 p.m. MATINEE for CHILDREN ONLY on SATURDAY AFTERNOON. Doors open 2 o’clock

1917

THE NEW FACTORY LEVEN.—It is expected that Monday. the 19th instant will see the opening of the new factory in Glenlyon Road by Messrs Martin & Co.. Cellardyke. The first selection of employees has been made, twelve girls being chosen to be trained in the work, after which many more hands will be taken on.

Divorce cases -Evidence was heard and decree of divorce pronounced on the ground of infidelity in an action, at the instance of David Hutchison Barclay , formerly fisherman , 17 John Street , Cellardyke, Fifeshire , now a private in the Black Watch, against Cecilia Miller or Barclay, 43 Nicolson Street, Pulteneytown, Wick

Mr James Leslie, manufacturer, Lyndhurst. Anstruther, who has just died, was native of Leith, but went to Anstruther at an early age. He soon showed an inclination for a seafaring life, and from cabin boy he made progress till he was ultimately master of a sailing ship. On retiring from the sea he became a partner in the firm of Messrs J. Martin & Co., oilskin manufacturers, Cellardyke. Mr Leslie, who was 68 years of age, had been an elder of the Chalmers Memorial U.F. Church, Anstruther, for a long period. He is survived by a widow and four daughters.

1918

Andrew Henderson, fisherman, West Forth Street, Cellardyke £2,618 16s 3d

( This is the value of the estate of Andrew Henderson skipper who was blown up by a mine while fishing off St Abbs head in Aug 1917.. it is the equivalent of about £126 200 today)

1919

Captain Ronald Munro, Black Watch, son of Mr John Munro, photographer, Dingwall, has been demobilised, and has resumed duty as headmaster of Cellardyke Public school, Fife. Captain Munro saw much service in France, and was severely wounded.

Do you enjoy and follow the Cellardyke Echo and the work of the Cellardyke Trust?

There are costs behind everything we do, such as, Web hosting fees for this website which provides the weekly Cellardyke Echo and all the other info and research. Public Liability Insurance for our events such as the Sea Queen and the Phone Boxes. These are general operating costs which we cannot avoid.

If you are able to support the work of the Cellardyke Trust – Donations of any size would be gratefully received.

Our Account is called “The Cellardyke Trust (SCIO)”, Sort Code 83-15-08 – Acc No 00128815

Many Thanks

1910

CELLARDYKE FISHERMEN AND THE BAG NET. At a largely-attended meeting fishermen, held in Cellardyke Townhall on Saturday night, a petition to the Fishery Board asking for abolition the bag net fishing the upper reaches of the Firth of Forth and Tay was submitted. It was stated that that method fishing resulted in the destruction of young herring, and was very injurious the great winter herring fishing in the Firth Forth. Most the fishermen present signed the petition, there being general agreement that the bag net fishing was harmful, not only to the herring fishing, but also the white fishing. It was also agreed form a Fishermen s Association for the purpose securing better protection from the Government against the depredations of the steam trawlers. petition will supported fishermen from Dunbar and Eyemouth Broughty Ferry and Ferryden.

1911

FOR SALE, YAWL, also 30 CREELS, Length 19ft. Apply Wm. REID, 8 West Forth Street, Cellardyke.

EMIGRATION.
Most Young Fellows go to Canada to make Fortunes !
Our Advice Is, before you go, - - - -
Make FORTUNE'S, in Cellardyke or Anstruther,
Your HEADQUARTERS for Shopping, and lay in a Store of Clothing that will stand the extremes of the Canadian Climate.
Lambs Wool & Cashmere Shirts from    		    3s to 6s each
Lambs Wool & Cashmere Pants from			 3s to 6s per pair
Alloa Pants (in Shetland and Steel Grey), 	      2s 6d to 6s 3d
Wincey Shirts from, 					        3s to 7s
Wool Shirts from 					                  3s to 7s.
Grandrill Shirts from.. 					                2s 6d to 3s 6d.
Striped Regatta Shirts, Soft Fronts, & Stiff Cuffs, from 	3s 3d to 5s.
Always in stock a Large Assortment of Mens' Hats, Caps, Ties, Mufflers, Braces, Socks, &c., &c
By buying a Good Stock of the above, you will be Saving Money, as these Goods cannot be had at Double the Price in the New Country.
TAILORING
Our Tailor can make you up Suits and Overcoats in the Latest Canadian Styles. Perfect Fit and Best Workmanship Guaranteed, and a Splendid Selection of Patterns to choose from.
THESE CAN BE SEEN AT: 
James Fortune’s
44 Shore Street, Anstruther – and
9 George Street, Cellardyke

EAST FIFE FISHERMEN DESIRE REFORMS.

Delegates appointed at a meeting of fishermen held in Cellardyke Town Hall on Saturday evening—Provost Black presiding—to attend conference of the East Coast Fishermen’s Protection Association to be held in Edinburgh were instructed to press for the abolition of bag-net fishing, for the imposition of the 13-mile limit for trawlers, and for the abolition of Sunday fishing as carried on by English fishermen.

1912

On Tuesday a much larger fleet was engaged in the fishing, 71 boats calling in to Anstruther, with an average of 4 crans. The days catch was 320 crans. The Cellardyke boat Guide Me had the best shot for the day, turning out 16 crans. The motor boat Magestic landed 13 crans. Prices were from 23s to 28s 6d per cran.

1913

DESIRABLE FISHERMAN’S HOUSE FOR SALE. For Sale by Private Bargain, That HOUSE No. 2 West Forth – Street, Cellardyke, lately occupied by ROBERT THOMSON, Fisherman, with joint right to Washing House, Garret, and large Yard and Garden. Offers to be lodged with the undersigned. GUTHRIE & MAXWELL, Solicitors, Anstruther.

FOR SALE, PARLOUR SUITE. TELESCOPE TABLE, OVERMANTLE, WASHSTAND. Iron BED, GO-CAR. Apply Mrs D. Williamson, View Forth, Cellardyke

BREACH OF THE  PEACE.—Before Provost Morris and Bailie Burd on Saturday, David Brown, carter, Hadfoot Wynd, pled guilty to having created a breach of the peace on the previous Saturday. He paid a fine of 10s in preference to 7 days imprisonment. At the same court, David Davidson, junior, fisherman, Cellardyke, also paid a similar penalty for having created a disturbance on the same date.

BAULDIE ASHORE. Early on Wednesday morning. the bauldie Andrews (Skipper John Watson) left the harbour to haul her anchored nets. The weather was very foggy at the time, and the bauldie ran ashore about 400 yards to the east of the east pier and about 200 yards from the shore. She was left high and dry on a ” skerry.” The crew were taken off by a yawl in the afternoon, the Andrews was got safely off and brought into the harbour. Fortunately the sea was very quiet, and the damage is very little.

The fishing boats Andrews, of Cellardyke, and the motor boat Mary of St Monans. which went aground  in foggy weather, were refloated last. night. The Andrews sustained very little damage, but the Mary Duncan was badly holed, and sank aft, being taken to St Harbour.

1914

Alex. Smith, jnr.. coal merchant, Cellardyke, in Cupar Sheriff Small Debt Court, on Friday, sued Geo. Kirkcaldy, butcher, Cellardyke, for £15 as compensation for loss. injury, and damage, sustained by his daughter Margaret through being bitten on the arm on or about 28th June, 1913, at Tolbooth Street, Cellardyke, by a black collie dog belonging to the defender. He averred the dog was known by defender to be of a vicious position. Margaret, it was said was incapacitated for several months. Mr J. K. Tasker, Cupar. for the defence, denied (1) that pursuer’s child was bitten by defender’s dog; (2) that the dog was previously known to be of vicious disposition. Sheriff Armour Hannay— The dog hadn’t had his first bite ? Mr Tasker — Apparently not. He also denied that the chid received the serious injuries as stated. The damages asked, he said, were excessive. Mr A. E Grosset, Cupar, appeared for the pursuer. Proof was fixed for 12th Feb.

SEQUEL TO DOG BITE AT CELLARDYKE. In a Small Debt case at Cupar Sheriff Court to-day, in which Alexander Smith, coal merchant, Cellardyke, sued George Kirkcaldy, butcher, Cellardyke, for damages in respect of his daughter aged 5 years, having been bitten by defender’s dog. Sheriff Armour Hannay, after hearing evidence, assoilzied defender with half expenses. The Sheriff said it had not been proved that it was defender’s collie dog Shag that bit the girl- _, For pursuer, A. E. Grossett, Cupar; for defender, Mr T. D. Murray, solicitor, Anstruther.

IMPROVEMENT AT ANSTRUTHER  Friday. Owing to the unsettled weather, only part of the fleet went out last night. To-day the fishing shows a decided improvement the total catch being 200 crans for 30 arrivals. The best take was 17 crans landed by the Cellardyke boat Ebenezer. There was a keen demand for herrings at prices varying from 30s  to 36s per cran

Do you enjoy and follow the Cellardyke Echo and the work of the Cellardyke Trust?

There are costs behind everything we do, such as, Web hosting fees for this website which provides the weekly Cellardyke Echo and all the other info and research. Public Liability Insurance for our events such as the Sea Queen and the Phone Boxes. These are general operating costs which we cannot avoid.

If you are able to support the work of the Cellardyke Trust – Donations of any size would be gratefully received.

Our Account is called “The Cellardyke Trust (SCIO)”, Sort Code 83-15-08 – Acc No 00128815

Many Thanks

1875

BODY OF A MAN FOUND AT SEA.—On Saturday last, the crew of the Cellardyke fishing boat of which Mr Duncan McRuvie is skipper, observed the body of a man floating at sea about six miles beyond the May Island. On coming up to it, it was found to be in such an advanced state of decomposition that it was found impossible to raise it, and at the same time so shockingly mutilated, as to render any attempt at identification useless.

1876

PROPOSED INSURANCE CLUB F0R BOATS.—The disasters which recently befell East of Fife fishing boats, involving as they did a loss of nearly £2000 worth of property, has drawn public attention to the necessity of an insurance club for boats, a subject which was forcibly dwelt upon by many of the contributors to the fund raised for the relief of the deceased fishermen’s dependants. At the instance of Mr David Murray, of Messrs Sharp & Murray, a public meeting was held in Cellardyke on Saturday evening in order to bring the matter before the fishermen, and after addresses had been given by Provost Martin Cellardyke, and Messrs Cook and Oliphant, bankers, and Captain Kay, Anstruther, a number of fishermen paid 2s 6d of entry money, which gives them a voice in the framing of the rules. It is proposed to have similar meetings in Pittenweem and St Monance, so that the whole of the boats in the district, 360 in number, may be embraced in the club.

DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENTER – One the oldest inhabitants of Cellardyke died in the ancient house there in which she had been born, and had uninterruptedly passed her long span fourscore and set years, on Monday last. The venerable inmate was the last survivor of the family of worthy James Wilson, who, for the  long period of fifty-six years, was town officer and also the beadle the parish, and who, by curious coincidence, died at the same advanced age in early spring of 1830. “It’s a strange thing hoo folk sometimes 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 duke’s 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 the sea, just as the blue jackets who manned them were to the hearts the winsome losses by the green old shore. The peace luring cuttersman, 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.

1877

NOTICE TO DEBTORS AND CREDITORS. ALL PARTIES having CLAIMS against the late Mrs ANDREW YOUNG, 53 George street, Cellardyke, are requested to lodge the same with John Young, at that address, within EIGHT Days from this date; and Parties INDEBTED to the deceased will please pay their Accounts to Mr Young within the same period. Cellardyke, 1st February 1877.

Fishing boat for sale – the “Catherine” of Cellardyke, about 40 feet long, suitable for the herring fishery, Apply to Andrew Brown Brunton, fisherman Cellardyke

In reference to this subject we observe with unqualified pleasure, that a beginning has now  been made by Mr John A Millar to the interesting experiment in fishing craft, which promises to work quite a revolution in the rig and appearance of the deep sea going squadrons of Cellardyke. The old quay of ST Nicholas at West Anstruther, where even before the days of the rudder, the old monks fished and plied the steer “oar” is, curious enough, the scene of this  the latest improvement in Fifeshire boatbuilding. This is nothing less than to substitute the ketch or dandy rig, with its smart fore and aft sails for the cumbrous lug, which must be dipped, and that in storm or calm, as often as the boat rounds to on another tack. Unquestionably, as every seaman knows, the lug sail lies kindly to the wind. It’s singular properties are no less conspicuous on a chopping sea; but these advantages give way, and naturally so before the manifold dangers and difficulties of everyday service, but particularly in working the boat in narrow streams, and in someway, in hauling the gear at the fishing ground, in the opinion, however, of most of the hardy fishers of Cellardyke, the new rig is strictly an experiment; but everyone is interested in its success, and that for reasons alike of economy and safety, Councillor Mitchell, who has long proved himself a master in the art of Sailmaking, is confident, from the results of his own experiments, that the new system will succeed; but in any case we feel assured it will be full and fairly tested by the owner of the boat, Skipper George Watson of Cellardyke, who has also the merit of being the first to “weather Cape Desire” as an old Anster heroes liked to say of the pioneers of progress. In addition, however to the new rig in spar and sail, the fishings craft on which Mr Millar is now busy is also to have the “flush deck” and bulwarks of ordinary sea going smacks; and skipper Watson’s experiment may therefore be said to be fraught with lively interest to all concerned in the development and success of the Scottish Fisheries.

A Praiseworthy Donation – We learn with pleasure that the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Society—the most meritorious of all benevolent institutions on our stormy seaboard—has just awarded, through the kind representation of their district agent, Wm Gillies, Esq., of the Fishery service, the sum of £5 to the age-stricken parents the Cellardyke mariner, Alexander Hodge, who was drowned at sea last autumn, while rounding Cape Horn, on the voyage from San Francisco the Humber.

NARROW ESCAPE OF A FISHING BOAT. Between seven and eight o’clock last Friday night the crew of the Cellardyke fishing boat Regina, Skipper Thomas Bett, made a narrow escape with their lives while taking Anstruther harbour. A heavy shower of hail had rendered it difficult to see the single light on the east pier, but the position of the cement pier could not be distinguished from the sea which kept washing over it. The boat was kept well to the westward, and an endeavour made to steer as near to the fairway as was possible; but while a short distance away, the boat was struck by a sea, and the united efforts of the skipper and one of the crew could not get the helm to answer. Seeing the extreme danger which this placed them in, some of the crew with great presence of mind let go an anchor, and hardly had this been done when the boat suddenly went forward with great speed, and struck with terrific force against the south-east corner of the cement pier. The crew fortunately were able to keep themselves from being pitched overboard by the shock, but had almost given up hope of saving the boat if not their lives, when the anchor providentially proved their salvation, as the steady pressure it exercised caused the boat’s head to come round, and part of the sail being immediately hoisted she sailed right into the harbour. An examination was at once made to ascertain if she was leaking, but nothing of the kind could be detected. The force of the stroke against the pier, however, may be gathered from the fact that, in addition to the gunwale and some of the timbers being broken, the stern of the boat was nearly knocked away. The damage is covered by insurance, the skipper being one of those who have wisely availed themselves of the advantages offered by the East of Fife Boat Insurance Club.

1878

ln accordance with his annual custom, Stephen Williamson, Esq. Liverpool, has during the last few weeks caused supplies of coals to be distributed among no less than 80 families in Anstruther and Cellardyke.

1879

The Cellardyke boat “Venus Star,” Peter Murray, master, was running to the harbour when a fleet of nets was seen adrift on the stormy tide, having evidently broken away from some boat by reason of the gale. There are those who would have left the gear to is fate, but with generous sympathy for the misfortunes of another, Skipper Murray and his men saved the nets one and all, to the number of eighteen. They have since been identified as the property of a Buckhaven crew.

The North Sea has been well called the fish pond of Europe ; but the unfailing abundance of the supply, and at the same time the idle fears of those who advocate the overfishing theory, has been seldom so well illustrated as on the Fife coast on Saturday last. On the old gathering ground the success of the Cellardyke fleet was indeed, modest enough; but after so far sharing in the ill luck of his neighbours, Skipper Brunton shook out the reef points, and held to the sea, where, fifty or sixty knots from the May, he secured on his remaining lines the splendid take of fifty baskets, or six-and -thirty cwt. of St Peter’s dainty. A companion boat—that of Skipper George Heugh, of Pittenweem—also shared in the noble harvest, but having a fourth more sea gear that the “Jessies,” her take weighed no less than two tons, five cwt , and one quarter. which, with a  single exception or two, is perhaps the largest ” haddock shot ” ever landed at gables of the granary.

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1870

SUDDEN DEATHs. —Two very affecting and striking instances of the uncertainty of life occurred in Cellardyke on Thursday last. Christian Black, wife of Mr Anderson Lothian, was attending a religious 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 below the hall, where she died about ten hours afterwards. The other case was that of Helen Henderson, wife of Mr Andrew Ringan, shoemaker, who was found dead in bed by her son in the morning. Her partner, who is about eighty, was sleeping by her side, and his feelings on wakening may be conceived but never described, Both of the deceased were about seventy years of age.

1871

PROPOSAL TO RAISE A COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS.—A proposal has this week been made to raise a company of artillery volunteers here, and a canvass is at present going on to ascertain the amount of support likely to be obtained. A large number of persons in Anstruther and Cellardyke, have it is said promised to become members, so that we have the prospect of there being a second company of volunteers in the district. It is doubtful, however, whether two companies will be able to receive sufficient support, so as to keep them in a prosperous condition as regards funds, &c

The greater part of the Cellardyke boats are still at the haddock fishing, but several crews are nightly at the drift, though with very trifling success. Tuesday seventeen boats arrived in Anstruther harbour, but the entire produce of the fishing was only about seven crans; and on Monday about the same number of boats landed ten crans, the highest take being crans. In consequence of so small a supply there is very close demand, prices rule as high as 40s per cran.

Fatal Effects of an Accident. —At an early hour on Saturday morning, Skipper Charles Anderson, of Cellardyke, who was so cruelly crushed by the fall of the boat’s masts during the sea storm of Friday week, died of his injuries after an interval of the most intense suffering and agony. He was about 47 years of age, and leaves seven children, five of the orphans being still unable to provide for themselves. Seldom, indeed, has the pathos and mystery of life been so sadly illustrated as in the case of this stricken household. About three years ago, and within a fortnight of each other, two fine daughters were swiftly cut down in the bloom of early womanhood ; and a few months ago, the mother also passed to the “narrow house,” in whose cold embrace five of her twelve children had been already laid. Skipper Anderson was one of the most extensive and successful fishermen of his native town, and his melancholy and untimely fate has elicited on all sides the deepest expression of sympathy and regret.

1872

HERRING LIFE; OR A NIGHT AT THE FISHING. (By a Cellardyke Skipper.) I remember being on Anst’er pier one summer afternoon about the time the Union Harbour Bill passed through “the little storm” raised against it by my old friend, Mr Diston, in the House of Lords, when some townsfolks came by, talking amongst themselves over “the glorious news,” as they called it; and to have seen them laughing and rubbing their hands, you would have supposed they had just come to a fortune of five thousand a-year. One old gentleman, whose enthusiasm was as fiery red as his whiskers, twirled his walking-stick in the air, and declared with the air of a fervent believer

“Oh, yes; only let the new harbour be built, and less than ten years will bring it all about. Baltic steamers  and big three masted ships will be lying at our pier ; and instead of fishing boats, we will have smacks and luggers, as they have at Grimsby, and Anst’er will be a great place, and—and—

“Blethers,” snapped in Maggie Wilson, who had overheard the grand oration as she was  giving jack a lift down with some lines on a hand barrow. And I will never forget the look of contempt, or rather disgust, on the faces of the party  as they turned their backs on honest Maggie and went up the quay. This was more than eleven years ago when not a few individuals only went mad with joy , but all Anst’er lighted bonfires, and drank healths and drowned common sense in porter barrels at Cross, over the golden  prospects of the new harbour, just as our grandfathers did when Lord Nelson gained a victory. All the world knows, however, that a stormy winter or two has swept the “cobweb” project to wreck and ruin ; though, I believe, as our Parliamenter, Mr Ellice, told us the other year in the Town Hall, that so many thousands of pounds cannot be thrown into the sea, but must in the end prove a material good to the fishing and general trade of the district; but, in the meantime, instead of the seven acres of deep water that long ere this the fishermen of Cellardyke had a right to expect, we have to be contented, nolens colens, with the old shallow harbour and its tumble down piers, that long before the days of big boats ad railroads, poor old Bailie Greig, with one of his curious oaths, was ‘‘as unfit for the fishing traffic as a laddie’s jacket for a man’s back

I hate a grumbler ; but let any stranger visit Anst’er shore this week, and he will see that the want of a proper harbour is nothing less than the sacrifice of one of the most valuable fisheries on the Scottish coast. Any day he may see the boats hurrying in  to catch the ebbing tide, or to take shelter from the gathering storm, when one of the crew, who is keeping a lookout below the clue of the foresail, cries aft, “Mind your helm—there’s a mess at the pierhead,” and the steersman can see for himself the horn shaped stern of the “Skaffie” boats of the Moray firth or the well varnished quarters of our own sea nymphs glistening in the sun like sheet-glass, sticking outside the grim tangle-grown bulwark, but you must find a berth as best you can, and in this way a fleet of perhaps 200 boats are literally wedged and packed like herrings in a barrel. And, then, what a scene of confusion and uproar may follow if the wind shifts round to the southward. The boats are creaking and heaving like forest trees in a storm, and a thousand men are scrambling from thwart to thwart, and from gunwale to gunwale  with anchors and moorings, when high above the rush of wind and the rattle of chains you hear a sharp snap, and you turn round perhaps in time to catch the look of wild despair on the face of some luckless skipper who bewails, as another would do his wife, the loss of a “timberhead;” or your ear is again drawn away to yonder crash, where  a low Buckie gunwale is splintering the sides of the Cockenzie boat, whose sharp-voiced crew are launching all sorts of maledictions against their north county neighbours, who, on the other hand, are as loudly entreating them not to give way to their temper, and the unchristian sin of blasphemy;  or in the middle of a hubbub a Broughty skipper goes frantic over the loss of a rudder, though his plight seems by no means half so awkward as the little Arbroath man who has drifted broadside on to the sharp stem of a Fife boat, which threatens to cut him down to the water’s edge, and so the babel like strife of tongues goes on, while the property, if not the lives of the poor men are lying at the mercy of wind and waves, so that it is not at the open sea only, but in the very harbour that our fishermen are exposed and often sustain serious loss and injury. We have all seen, in fact, the beach strewn with wreck, and the gains of a season lost by the disasters of a night, and scarcely a week passes but some accident resulting from the want of sufficient harbour accommodation, which, as will be seen. I only consider in a fisherman’s point of view, that is without estimating the hazards or losses that the buyer must experience from the same cause.

Even in calm weather there is often great inconvenience, and sometimes much mischief sustained by the overcrowded state of the harbour ; and when I see the damage that is constantly overtaking my neighbours, I confess to a feeling of thankfulness every time we get safe away to  the fishing ground. We were all proud last summer when we read the noble speeches in Parliament of Sir Robert Anstruther and Mr Ellice on Anstruther harbour, and with such friends to give us a pull we all hope soon to be on the windward side of our difficulties ; and in penning these humble remarks my only ambition has been to show how well such clear-headed pilots can be trusted at the helm of our affairs. But let me now proceed to give some description of fisher life at sea. Pushing out as best we could through the labyrinth of boats we at length hoisted sail at the beacon, and with the last turn given to the sheet we stood away to the fishing ground, one of the men stopped a gleeful whistle to congratulate his boatmate, “We’re all right now, no fear of prices after this. I saw young Maister Broon and they smairt little chaps the Craigs, and that guide faced chiel Morell, an’ they tell me a whole host of the ither English buyers will be here this week. I only wish we had the herring noo.”

The rest of the crew appeared to participate in the same jubilant feelings, for each and all lighted “the pipe of peace” and began to smoke like men happy with themselves and all the world besides. “They tell me,” said another, ‘‘there is not a little a little town or village in all England but is supplied with herrings from “Anster at this season, and that if there is a secret about the success of the English buyers, it all lies with their large connection with the country fish-dealers whom they supply just as a wholesale grocer would do the retail trade that is with one package or ten just as they may be needed.” “l think, however,” interrupted a third, “our own curers show a good deal of spirit A few years ago it was thought that winter herrings could only sell as reds ; but you see thousands of bloater boxes every week going to the London market, and they tell me that their fine cure is greatly relished by the cockneys, who ought to know what is good for the stomach”  

“That may very true,” rejoined the first speaker, “but, I’ve heard that droll old chiel Dave Mellin often say at Sharp and Murray’s gyle that when they began the winter herring fishing on this part of the coast, about fifty years ago, the fishers might have sung for many a day  

“Cauld Carnbee

Muckle wark, an’ little meat,

An ill paid fee.

And what with stormy weather and low prices, there was only too good reason for grumbling; and so it continued til that memorable February some twenty years ago, when these twin pioneers of the Englishj Herring trade George Toby and Bill Smith, took the sleep out of the curers’ eyes by the bright sovereigns they set afloat amongst the fishermen”

Chatting together in this way, or now and then, discussing the events on shore, our gallant little bark darted over the swelling waters, till midway between the Island of may and North Berwick Law, when one of our crew leaped excitedly to his feet and pointing leeward, cried eagerly aft – “Skipper do you see that?”  TBC

1873

CATTLE WASHED ASHORE Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, the carcases of several cattle were found on the beach at different parts of the coast. One was found at the back of the east pier here, two at Cellardyke, and two at Pittenweem, one of which had floated into the new basin. Those found to the eastward were taken charge of by Mr Keay, receiver of wrecks, and at Pittenweem by the sanitary Inspector, who got them buried. It is supposed that they formed part of those thrown overboard from the steamer Gothland, from Copenhagen to Leith, while caught in a gale in the North Sea.

The Cellardyke Steam Bootmaking Works.— That pressing question of the day as to how light and healthful employment can be provided for women, is nowhere, we presume, finding a more unobtrusive but satisfactory answer than in the interesting Steam Bootmaking Factory of Mr John Gilchrist, Cellardyke. There are about half-a-score of nimble fingered bright-eyed daughters of Eve—busy at work all day long amongst the grasshopper-like music of the sewing machines—making up all sorts of uppers, from the elegant drawingroom boot down to the homely slipper or housewife’s shoe; but besides these Gilchrist has just introduced another department of female labour, which in his judicious hands has every prospect of success. In a large and cheerful gallery, the west side of the sunny seaside coast, some thirteen or fourteen strapping damsels are now work as shoemakers on the riveting process, and a single glance at the earnest faces bent over the ingeniously planted benches, or the merry shower-like clanking of the riveting hammers is alone needed to convince you how thoroughly at home the fair operatives already find themselves with their light and congenial task. In developing his establishment into one of the largest in Scotland, Mr Gilchrist has shown ordinary strength of purpose and facility of invention.

1874

WANTED, an APPRENTICE to the Grocery Business. Apply to Alex. Marr, Cellardyke.

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1885

ENTERTAINMENT TO EMPLOYEES.—The employees of the Cellardyke Factory, numbering over 40, were entertained one day last week to cake and fruit, by their employers, Messrs Duncan and Black. Kindly greetings and the goodwishes of the season were mutually exchanged. Recitations and songs were well rendered by several, and at the close the respected foreman, William Smith, in suitable terms returned thanks in behalf of the workers.

Anstruther Harbour Commission – The topic of the night was the claim of £1 1s 2d by the skipper of the Cellardyke boat ” Angler” (John Wilson) being the carpenter’s account for damage in consequence of the obstructed inlet to the harbour on the night of Thursday week, in reference to which, at the suggestion of the clerk, a deputation of fishermen also waited upon the Board. According to their statement the entrance to the inner basin was so wedged with boats that on the little squadron of six arriving from St Andrews they could find no access, and hence the mishaps of the night. They also complained that the orders of the harbour-master were not sufficiently respected, and urged so as to effect this that he might to have an assistant in the busy days of the drave. The harbour-master, who was also present, defended himself by saying that he had asked each of the six crews to send a volunteer, when he would and could have cleared the fairway. They refused, and it was impossible for him single-handed to shift the boats, as their crews had gone home for the night save in the case of a Pittenweem skipper who threatened to fight if his moorings were let go. The statement about the volunteers was flatly contradicted by more than one of the deputation. The harbour-master also excused himself in there not being explicit bye-laws with regard to the fairway; hut he was reminded by the Chairman and others that he was already invested with full control by the Harbour Act. He and the deputation then withdrew, when the chairman referred to Mr Adamson’s motion of nine months ago for the appointment of an efficient harbour-master inasmuch as even then Captain Gellatly was unfitted by age for the duties. Discussion followed; but in the end it was agreed, on the motion of Bailie Darsie, seconded by Provost Skinner, to continue the Captain for the present with lightkeeper Parker as assistant during the drave at 10s a week. The claim was not allowed.

1886

THE HERRING FISHING. ANECDOTES AND EXPERIENCES OF THE WEEK. Our Anstruther correspondent writes:—”I hae seen mair herrin’ on the pier already than been counted a guid drave in my time,” explained one of the fathers of Cellardyke the other day in reference to the catch Anstruther returned officially the end of the week 2324 crans or 1000 over last year, while for the district, i.e., from Crail to Buckhaven it is being increase as compared with it of fewer than 4070 barrels. The average price is 17s 6d, but it invites notice that last week the minimum here thanks to the English -buyers was 15s, when elsewhere as for instance at Wick and Peterhead it fell to 5s, or less not to speak of Buckie where one the nets were shaken on the pier for a free ” banquet” for any that would take it, though after all load after load were carted to the fields of Cullen where a cargo of 60 crans of was thrown into the sea.

Meanwhile the weather has not been propitious, gales of wind, alternating with moonlight as clear day. The frost has also been intense. “I never was oot in sae bitter night,” said. the veteran on Tuesday, but, nevertheless, the fleet fished well in the old world rendezvous. “Twa lights in ane,” i.e., the stream between the islet and the shore, that the take is one of the best of the season. Several, indeed, in the case of the Cellardyke boat Jessie, were unable to draw as of old because “the multitude of fishes”, and so lost from five to ten nets. There was also the most hopeful of all signs—the sea eagle, the cod —true to its instinct— is so numerous in the Firth that-scores are being caught in the drift or in the handline. Owing, however, to the telegrams from Wick, &c., the price fell to 10s or 11s. But the sky was already betokening a change. ” I doot if we’ll be aff the nicht, freens,” said big Peter, and he was right, for the wind going against the sun was by and by so high that the eighteen or twenty yawls from Newhaven. and twice that number or so of boats from Buckhaven did not put to sea. Perhaps, also, the half of the East of Fife boats did not cast their nets, but some at least that did so might well say with the Lowestoft, clerk, “Faint heart never won fair lady.” Boat after boat came in with to 50 crans, but it was not all gain. “It wud hae been tellin’ us we had never seen a herrin’,” cried one skipper with thirty crans, but, pointing as he spoke to his torn nets or rather empty head rope, and this was so far the experience of the night. As was to be expected the price fell to 7s  or less. As usual the buyers and the men scarcely took time to wipe the sweat drop to set the consignments away by the first train—in fact Anstruther shore has not rung merrily with the foot and wheel of traffic for many a day. We may thus epitomise the; doings at  St Monance —200 crans landed last -week, take. 15s; rest 18s to 20s. Mr Philip’s white fish sales are follows —Cod, 3s 6d -to 4s 6d ; ling, 3s 6d to 4s, skate, 2s 6d to 3s each ; haddocks,10s to 18s per basket.

1887

About half of the fleet fishing at Anstruther (about 40 boats) put to sea on Monday morning ; but the gale from the southward forced them to take shelter on the Lothian side. This was being dime when, during one of the blinding snowstorms, the “Golden Rule ” of Cellardyke was run into and cut to the water’s edge by one of the Cockenzie boats, Shemariah. Providentially the occurrence was seen by two other Cellardyke skippers who at once bore up to the rescue, when such help was given that the damaged boat was kept afloat till she was towed into Cockenzie harbour. Owing to the boisterous state of the weather very few cast their nets; but those who did so were well rewarded, landing from 5 to 10 crans. All reports go to show that a large body of herrings are now in the Forth, while, with good weather, our fishermen have all the encouragement of the presence of the largest number of English and other buyers that have been here for many years.

1888

GOLDEN WEDDING —Last night, Mr and Mrs Robert Brown, West Forth Street, Cellardyke. celebrated their golden wedding. For the occasion a company of old friends and neighbours to nearly twenty, were invited to tea, after which the golden wedding cake presented by a lady friend, was cut and test by those present. Mr Brown made a short address, welcoming all on the present occasion, which to him was one of mingled feelings. He remembered well in 1838 when commencing married life he had considerable misgivings as to the future, but he could look back and say his life had been a happy one. Rev. Mr MacAlpine followed with a humorous and congratulatory address, in the course of which he expressed his admiration for Mr and Mrs Brown, who had always been to him true friends. Provost Martin and others also delivered short addresses. A very pleasant evening was spent. The numerous presents which were given, were very handsome. A telegram of a congratulatory nature from a friend in St Andrews was received in the course of the evening.

BEREAVEMENT. A great sorrow has just befallen the homes of Cellardyke in the death on Thursday of Mrs George Ritchie (Anderson) in her 41st year. She had given birth in the end of the previous week to twins, who are now left with seven brothers and sisters to weep for that sweetest of all earthly blessings a mother’s love. Though years have past since this, she will not soon be forgotten as the devoted teacher in the Sabbath School which she left to enter on and to realise, as few have realised, what a faithful wife and loving mother may be. The self-sacrifice of such a one is not seen publicly, but the widespread lamentation over the sad loss of her useful life was so far testified at her interment on Sabbath when over five hundred—the largest company that ever met on such an occasion on the coast—followed the hearse to the old God’s Acre at Kilrenny. The gifted pastor of the Free Church, the Rev. A. G. MacAlpine, made a touchingly beautiful pulpit reference to the melancholy event.

1889

Gospel Temperance in Fife.— Mr Thomas Russell from Perth, but so closely allied with the East of Fife, discoursed on this subject in the Baptist Church, Anstruther, on Sabbath evening. In the course of his able and interesting appeal the lecturer assured bis hearers that even in these days of unprecedented oppression in the staple industries of the coast no lets sum than £400 a week, or £20,000 a year, was spent in Anstruther and Cellardyke in alcoholic liquors. Mr Russell realised in his own happy way the secret of attractive platform speaker, if only in his wealth of apt and telling anecdotes, which secured from first to last the undivided interest of the large and sympathetic audience. ( this annual sum would be over £2million today)

CELLARDYKE BOAT WRECKED ON THE MAY. It is impossible to describe the alarm on the Fife coast the course of yesterday over the report o£ Skipper Fleming, of the Pittenweem boat Hercules, to the effect that he and his crew had observed the deep-sea craft Georgina, KY208,  of Cellardyke, in collision with the dangerous ledge at the Isle May, known as the ” Alterstones.” This was about half-past two in the morning, and, with the tide ebbing like a mill-race, the luckless craft soon heeled over and sank in ten fathoms. The boat is owned by the Skipper, Philip Anderson, for whose safety, with his men, the greatest fears were felt till these were so far allayed the report of another crew, who had seen seven fishermen, believed to the crew of the Georgina, walking towards the Lighthouse. yawl sailed with assistance from Anstruther. It was found that Skipper Philip Anderson and his men were taken off the Island by St Monance boat, and landed at Anstruther in the twilight. They had a narrow escape with their lives. The boat went down with the fishing tackle in deep water. She was not insured.

FAITH HEALING – Mr. Bentham, the wife of the evangelist, so well known in the East of Fife some time ago as “Happy Joe,” lectured in Cellardyke Town Hall on Friday night on faith-healing. There was a pioneer a week or two in advance to tell of her coming, but the appeal excited so little interest amongst the fisher folk at the coast that only eleven persons were present.

THE LATE BOAT WRECK AT THE MAY.—The Cellardyke boat “Georgina ” has gone to driftwood at the May. Skipper Anderson and his men returned to the island on Wednesday, the day after the wreck, to find her split ‘ two. The ten nets,’ cut away previous to the collision with the rock, were recovered, but otherwise the entire outfit of lines and nets, as well as the sea clothes of the crew, have been lost. Indeed the escape of the men, at this dangerous point, with life and limb is most providential. The loss is not less than £500, and an appeal is being made to the benevolent, in aid of the sufferers.

TO FISHERMEN. FOR SALE, the BOAT “Day Star,” 44 feet long, with all appurtenances belonging to her, at present lying in Anstruther Harbour. Aptly to Robert Watson & Co.. Cellardyke.

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1880

Comparatively little continues to be done at the cod and ling fishery, but on Tuesday night the Cellardyke boat, “Lillias Scott,” made a rather hopeful trial at the herring drift. The fishing ground was in the tideway between the May and the Bass, and “thee signs of life ” were such that with suitable weather the search thus begun will be continued over the season. Nor is it less suggestive that the representatives of the leading English houses are already arriving amongst us, and though, as yet, the first notes are feeble, yet every day may be expected to hear the coast once more ringing with the music of the herring drave.

CELLARDYKE. NOTICE OF REMOVAL. T. THOMSON & SON, BOOTMAKERS, beg to intimate that they have REMOVED to those New and Extensive Premises in JAMES’ STREET, CELLARDYKE, where, by strict attention to business, they hope to be favoured with a continuance of public patronage. Always hand a large Stock of BOOTS and SHOES at very Moderate Prices.

Two Cellardyke urchins, named respectively Wilson and Watson, were charged with what seemed to be rather boisterous love making towards a serving girl also from Cellardyke but the charge broke down and the youths were dismissed, after some reflections from the bench, to be more guarded in their gallantry in future.

LAUNCH OF A BOAT. – On Wednesday, Mr J. A. Millar launched from his boatbuilding yard a finely modelled fishing boat for Messrs John Boyter and George Ritchie, Cellardyke. This new addition to our fishing fleet is one of the largest that has yet been built in Anstruther, being within four inches of fifty feet in length, and has been named “The Guiding Star. – Mr Millar, we believe, has another boat on the stocks.

CELLARDYKE CHURCH—LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE.—An interesting proposal is being ventilated to lay the foundation stone of this church with masonic honours. Many reasons, both of a special and general nature, invite such a step, towards which, as on obstacle is spoken of on the part of the valued minister of the parish, the Rev. J. S. Anderson, the way would seem to be clear for the cordial and unanimous concurrence of all interested. In an architectural point of view the church holds the foremost rank amongst the modern buildings of the district, and this of itself might claim the honour which was accorded to that tawdry pile—the Town Hall of East Anstruther. In the hands of that distinguished master of the craft, John Whyte- Melville, Esq., there is no doubt but that the arrangements would be worthy of the interesting occasion; but subordinate to those, nothing could conduce more to the success of the holiday —as doubtless it would be—than that the fishermen of Cellardyke should take part in the procession. There are between four and live hundred to be so enrolled, and the appearance of this fine body of men —their sinews braced, and their cheeks browned as only sea heroes are with the battle of the billows would of itself kindle the enthusiasm of the locality, and draw and delight spectators from every adjacent parish. It were premature to sketch the programme, but we believe that in the event of the ceremony taking place the foundation stone would be deposited under the threshold of the main entrance door, a massive archway in the base, of the lofty tower which forms such a salient feature in the front elevation of the church.

SHERIFF SMALL DEBT COURT.— The quarterly diet this Court was held here on Saturday—Sheriff Bell on the bench. There were about twenty-seven, including two continued cases on the roll. With few exceptions decreets were given in absence—the only cases being an action at the instance of Robert Lindsay, baker, against Alexander Tarvit, fisherman, Cellardyke. The laconic defence was “they’d paid ther’sels,” which appeared to mean that another creditor had secured the herring boat, as well as the earnings of the season. He admitted, however, that the crew had been supplied with bread at his order, when decree was given against him, with expenses.

1881

ANSTRUTHER — NARROW ESCAPES. Yesterday morning was marked by an extraordinary and violent change in the weather. There had been an intense frost for two or three days before, but towards the midnight of Tuesday snow began to fall in heavy flakes, and almost within the hour the black ground was covered with a fleecy carpet two or three inches deep. It was all but calm, however, and so it continued till towards dawn, when a brisk gale sprang up from the north-west. The swell also set in with startling suddenness, and by half tide, or 9 a.m., the surf was foaming like a cataract over the piers. Several boats gained the harbour, but one belonging to Cellardyke, while standing in on the port tack, was struck by a treacherous sea from the opposite quarter, but prompt assistance was successfully rendered from the breakwater. The warning, however, was not lost, for as other boats approached, signals were made with the effect of inducing them to bear away for the more sheltered Forth. The wind also veered to the westward, and soon rose to threefold violence, while the snow fell in blinding showers, so much so that the fog bell was rung in the Glamie Turret. Night closed in with no abatement of the storm, but fortunately the local boats were all accounted for, though no little excitement was caused in seafaring circles by a thrilling notice telegraphed to Mr Melville, merchant, to have the lifeboat ready, as a Stonehaven fishing yawl was running between life and death for the Firth of Forth. Many craft, large and small, were seen driving in from the sea. but the boat, though earnestly watched for, was not descried. Snow also continued to fall, and the drift setting in the roads in some places were so blocked as to prevent wheel traffic.

THE HERRING BRAND AND HERRING BASKETS. SIR,—My letter seems to have hit * Banffshire Curer” on a sore place. Let me, however put him right as to a misprint. The word “brand” should have been “barrel,” where I referred to the size. By contention was that as the most of the curers were signing memorials to keep the same size of barrels, we want the North curers to keep the same size of baskets and the cran measure.

“Banffshire Curer” says—‘‘ From long observation in Peterhead, I maintain that the Firth of Forth fishermen will not give a cran of herrings from baskets 18 by 21.” Now, in reply, we maintain that we have fished in Peterhead, Helmsdale, and Wick before ”Banffshire Curer ” was heard of and used this size of basket, which filled the cran to the satisfaction of every curer, and were told then, as now, by the Fishery officers, that 21 by 18 was the right size for the cran measures. But why talk of so long ago? We are now at the herring fishing, and hundreds of boats, KY.’s and LH.’s, all use such baskets, and have always done so for generations, We sell daily to curers here, and to English buyers by the cran, and we think they should know their business as well as “Banffshire Curer,” If he does not believe this, let him come and see.

We are quite content to be branded by him as “the worst to deal with in measuring herrings,” our equals only, he tells us, being in “a small district north side of the Moray Firth,”. Poor fellows! —who may they be?—very likely Portmahomack. He says— “I have seen the men of the KY. and LH. boats filling their baskets with large scoops.” Surely this is not much of a sight. But there is more of it which he has seen and complains about using. The large scoops ‘‘make the herring clash together, and the basket appears to be full, and then, with as much alacrity, with a single fold of the halyards hoist it on to the quay.” One would think that we deserve credit for this, as the sooner we get out our herrings the sooner we get to sea again, which, as a rule, our curers wish, The Buchan fisherman, he says, suffers most. We are glad to hear this; bat why should he suffer. Because “he fills his basket best.” Now this is exactly to the point. You fishermen of Buchan who use small scoops and get big baskets for nothing, but neither fill them nor hoist them to the quay with “ much alacrity,” are the favourites of one of your curers; you deserve big bounties, as you “suffer most.” “Then stick out for it. .

“Banffshire Curer” says that the curers give a “price per cran and bounty on the basis of the 25 per cent. calculation, If this is true we never heard of it before, and we never made any such bargains, At per cran has always been our bargains, and had nothing whatever to do with his 25 per cent. outcome, We are now indebted to “Banffshire Curer” for this information, and instead of us paying £18 for our four baskets, he tells us very plainly that we pay at the very least £30 for them on fishing 200 crans only.

Fraserburgh curers, he says, “got on better before they had the Cellardyke men, and may do without them yet.” We have no means of contradicting this statement; besides, it is quite apart from our argument, but if this is his mind of it, we can only way—ditto,—Yours, &e. KY. Cellardyke, 15th Jan., 1881

1882

BOOTS! BOOTS!! BOOTS!!!

ROBERT GRAY has OPENED that New Shop, at No. 3 Shore Street, Cellardyke, with a large and varied Stock of BOOTS and SHOES, such as will give every satisfaction to the Public in fit and wear. R. G. begs to thank the Public of Cellardyke and surrounding district for the past support be has received during the past two years, and still hopes, by strict attention to all orders entrusted to him,, to merit a share of public patronage

FOR SALE, the BOAT ” BROTHERS,” Forty Two Feet Long, and found for Sea. Apply to ROBERT MOTION, Cellardyke.

ANSTRUTHER BAKER’S MEETING, A meeting of the master bakers of the East of Fife was held the Royal Hotel here on Saturday evening. The trade was well represented—Mr Morris, ex Provost Earlsferry, being in the chair. The question of the night was the misunderstanding which led the other week to reduction of the 4lb loaf to sixpence in Anstruther and Cellardyke, while elsewhere it was and is still being retailed at 6½d. The initiative it appears had been taken by one of our local bakers, who justifies the step by the allegation that certain of bis brethren had in breach of faith given a present in the way of “Cakes” to their customers. The point was keenly, we may almost say hotly, discussed at the meeting; but we understand no compromise or arrangement could be come to, so that the anomaly regards the price of the “Staff of life” continues with us as before.

1883

Yesterday Councillor Jarvis launched from his boatbuilding yard a splendid new carvel-built fishing boat, 53 feet in length. She is built to the order of Mr Thomas Reid, fisherman, Cellardyke.

CELLARDYKE. ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. —On Tuesday afternoon, Elizabeth Jack or Thomson, wife of James Thomson, fisherman, Cellardyke, attempted to drown herself at the harbour here, by deliberately walking down the pier and jumping into the water. The occurrence was fortunately observed by a fisherman, who hastened to the spot, and by means of a boathook the body was fetched ashore, not, however, until she had been about ten minutes in the water. She was then conveyed to the house of a friend, and has since been in a rather critical state from the effects of her immersion. The woman is said to have been drinking hard for some time.

COURT OF SESSION – TEIND COURT. — PHILIP OLIPHANT AND OTHERS, FOR DISJUNCTION AND ERECTION OF CELLARDYKE quoad sacra

Intimation was to-day ordered of this petition. The petitioners, Philip Oliphant, solicitor and Banker Mayview, Anstruther, and others, ask the decree of disjunction and erection in the case of Cellardyke Church and parish quod sacra. The chapel it is stated within the parish of Kilrenny and Presbytery of St Andrews, and the parish contains 3198 inhabitants a and the proposed new parish 1450. The chapel is seated for 800 persons, and 350 of the sittings are let. The attendance at public worship is from 400 – 600

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1920

Colonel Sir Alexander Sprot, M.P., accompanied by Lady Sprot, opened short tour of his constituency last night by addressing meeting in the Town Hall, Cellardyke, under the chairmanship of Provost Black. They were, said Sir Alexander, proud of their fishermen and the magnificent work they had done during the war. He endorsed in every detail the splendid need of praise given by the First Lord of the Admiralty  to the navy and the auxiliary forces, with special emphasis to the noble part played the mine-sweepers. (Applause.) They had, he continued, suffered considerably less than other nations. They must stick together and get the working machinery of the country speeded up so that they might bring the country back to its normal state….

1921

ANSTRUTHER, Saturday.— The scarcity of herring elsewhere has caused them to reach a high figure at Anstruther and St Monans. There wero two arrivals to-day, the yawl Atlantic (Pittenweem) and the motor boat Ebenezer (Cellardyke). Both boats discharged over 10 crans. At St Monans fishing was general, from 2 – 8 crans being landed, prices reached to £6 14s per cran. Though small in size, the herring are young, which is considered by the fishermen a good sign.

1922

PSA brotherhood – Meeting

On Sunday Afternoon in the Christian Institute at 3 O’ Clock (St Andrews), Speaker – Mr Wilson, Cellardyke, Account of Revival Work in the Fife Fishing Villages- Soloist- Mrs Agnes Law, Orchestra leading the praise

All heartily invited

1923

CELLARDYKE. Emigrant’s Gift.— Over 100 poor and aged persons in Cellardyke have each received half a ton of coal from Mr George Fowler, of Binghampton, U.S.A., a native of the town.

1924

LEVEN COUPLE’S GOLDEN WEDDING. Mr and Mrs W Rollo have just celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage along with their family and friends at their residence, Kenmonth, Leven. In the course of the evening Mr Robert Rollo, Post Office, North Berwick, the eldest son, on behalf of the family presented the worthy couple with a wallet containing Treasury notes. Rev. Dr Durward conveyed the congratulations of the company to Mr and Mrs Rollo.

The marriage knot was tied by the late Rev. Mr Cameron, Cellardyke, on 6th January, 1874. There is a family of four sons and three daughters, and there are eleven grandchildren. Mr Rollo was born 75 years ago in Anstruther, and his spouse, who is the same age, is a native of Cellardyke. Mr Rollo has established a record as a church elder in never having been absent from a Communion in Scoonie Kirk for the past 36 years. The Kirk Session of Scoonie (Leven) have sent congratulations to Mr Rollo.

The wooden drifter Suffolk County, of Cellardyke, has been purchased by Mr John Duthie, Fraserburgh; ( This vessel was purchased  sometime after 1908 by the Lowries of West Forth Street  as LT1059 and re registered KY6 before being requisitioned during WW1)

1925

FAILED TO EXHIBIT LABEL ON MARGARINE. CRAIL AND CELLARDYKE SHOPKEEPERS PROSECUTED. It was purely due to ignorance, said Mr Ian W. McInnes, Cupar, who tendered a plea of guilty at Cupar Sheriff Court yesterday on behalf of Margaret Boyter, grocer, 69 George Street, Cellardyke, who was charged with failing to exhibit a label on some margarine exposed for sale. Mr McInnes said accused opened a little shop in June last in order provide some form of livelihood’ for her father, who was a fisherman and unable to work. The rental of the shop was only £6 She had no business experience, and she was greatly surprised when the inspector came in and pointed out that there ought to have been a label on the margarine. The Fiscal said he was satisfied with the explanation. Hon. Sheriff Osborne said would not inflict a penalty beyond the expenses—10s. For a similar offence committed their premises at Crail William Fisher and David Donaldson, partners of the firm of Fisher & Donaldson, bakers and confectioners, were also mulcted in 10s.

1926

Fife Dourness. An amusing comedy illustrative of the dourness ” or ” thrawnness ” of Scottish nature was enacted in the streets of Cellardyke the other evening. In common with most fishing villages, the streets are narrow, and carts may pass other with little room to spare. A huge motor van was making its way out of the town when was confronted with a horse-drawn lorry. As the lorry was only thirty yards from its destination the driver requested the motor man to reverse the required distance. This he refused to do, knowing that if he did so, he was blocking the road for himself, and argued that it was the horse that should be backed to allow him to proceed his journey. A hot time ensued, but both men were obstinate and neither would yield. At last the lorry-driver decided to carry the load from a house four doors away, and he did so, while the motor driver looked on with ill-concealed impatience. Eventually the lorry was loaded, and both vehicles were able their respective ways. A little give and take would have solved this difficulty, but both men wore “takers ” not ‘givers,” and now l am, speculating which of them had right on his side.

MOTOR ACCIDENT NEAR ANSTRUTHER. Fife Fisherman Claims Damages Against Perth Mechanic.

Proof was led in Perth Sheriff Court an action in which a Fife fisherman sued a Perth motor mechanic for damages in respect of damage alleged to have been sustained by the former through having been knocked down by the motor cycle and side car of the latter. Pursuer was James Tarvit (22), fisherman, 22 Fowler Street. Cellardyke, and sued James Adam Carnegie, motor mechanic, Keithick Place, Feus Road. Perth, for £40.

James Tarvit gave evidence to the effect that between 11.15 and 11.30 on the night of 20th June last he was at the picture house at Anstruther and afterwards accompanied three ladies home to St Monans, walking in pairs close to the footpath.

The Mishap.

A solo motorcycle passed him with a girl on the pillion. After it had passed pursuer heard a girl scream and turned round to see the cause, when he was knocked down by a motorcycle and sidecar driven by defender. The young woman alongside of him was also knocked down.

Pursuer was quite certain that defender carried no light, and did not sound his horn, and, being a fisherman, he was trained to observe lights and hear sounds. Carnegie took him to the doctor’s in Anstruther, and on the way stopped to pick a glove. Defender said to him that he had seen him but could not get clear. The road to the doctor’s house was blocked, and Carnegie conveyed him home.

Defender admitted to pursuer’s mother that he was in the wrong, and said that he had dropped something on the road, and had turned round. On a subsequent visit Carnegie offered payment of £15. but it was declined. He was off work for several weeks, during which time he had to be medically attended. Dr Wilson, Anstruther, said pursuer was suffering from a lacerated wound in the left leg, which measured between 6 and 7 inches wide, and was gaping widely and bleeding profusely. The wound required seven stitches, and Tarvit was confined to bed for three weeks.

Bella Thomas (19), residing at Reform Street, St Monans, who was in the company of pursuer, said she heard no horn sounded, and the motor cycle and sidecar were unlit. She denied that pursuer and she were larking or running on and off the footpath. Pursuer was represented by Mr J. Gordon Dow. solicitor, Anstruther, and defender Mr Thomas Macpherson, solicitor, Perth.

TRAGIC DISCOVERY IN KIRKCALDY HARBOUR. Cellardyke Fishermen Find Body of Unknown Man. A tragic discovery was made by fishermen from Cellardyke they were entering Kirkcaldy Harbour. When about 300 yards beyond the west pier their came upon the body of a man floating- in the water. They immediately took the body ashore, and it was later taken to the police mortuary. It appears to be that a middle-aged man, dressed in a dark suit, a dark overcoat, soft collar and tie, white shirt with black stripes, and brown shoes. The man appears to have been very respectably dressed. There was nothing found in the pockets to aid identification. Our Kirkcaldy correspondent, wiring this afternoon, says:— The body has not yet been identified. The police are communication with Aberdeen police, from which town man reported be missing His description tallies with the man who has been found at Kirkcaldy.

AT DOCTOR ONCE IN 92 YEARS A Familiar Cellardyke Veteran Our portrait is that of “auld Tammas Tamson,” as he is familiarly called, who resides at 12 John Street, Cellardyke,. and now in his 92nd year. Tammas is ” as fit as a fiddle, and is aye able to gang aboot.” He belongs to a fast dying type of Fifer once not so rare on the shores of the ancient kingdom by the sea before the days when the unique shire was linked up with modern progress. A man of shrewd sense, of native wit, and of sterling worth is Tammas, with a cheerful outlook down his many years, even the present time with all its changes. Tammas proudly boasts that he never had a doctor in his life except once, when broke three ribs on board his boat. He is also the happy position of having gained his ” second sight.” a pleasing and accidental discovery. It appears that’ someone, under the impression that the old man’s sight was bound to be failing, advised him to ” get glesses.” he did so, and kept rubbing and wiping at the lenses to clear away the blur from his eyes. The dimness was so aggravating that he laid the spectacles aside because—to quote his words —” they werena as guid as my ain een.” Tammas ran away to sea as stow-awav at the age of 12, hiding himself on board the wind-jammer The Javis, which sailed from Anstruther. The ship was only few hours out to sea when storm arose, and, as Tammas tersely put it, “It shifted the cargo and me alang wi’ it.” He has little to say about what happened when he was discovered, but he was not deterred from ” a life on the ocean wave.” He does not enlarge on his long sea-faring career, but it is unlikely that was devoid of adventure, seeing the ships had to tussle with the stormy North Sea when sailing was really a matter of skill and danger. However that may be, Tammas is now well content to cast anchor in his native haven, having reached the “years that bring the philosophic mind.” 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 o’ being: married when he was never at hame.” 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 talk with this genuine old salt is a pleasant thing, even though his words are few and unadorned picturesque language. He looks every inch a sailorman, cheerful, alert, and keen. Long may he be spared to cast a weather eye over the gurly Firth of Forth foment the old sea front of Cellardyke

1928

CELLARDYKE MAN FINED. The theft of a tam o’ shanter from Kingsbarns Public Hall was admitted by James Bett, West Forth Street, Cellardyke, at Cupar Sheriff Court yesterday. Appearing on behalf of accused, Mr Ian W. McInnes W.S., Cupar, stated that on Christmas Eve Bett attended a dance at Kingsbarns. He was one of the last to leave the hall, and when he entered the cloakroom he found that his cap—a new one was gone. It was snowing heavily, and as had about eight miles to walk home he donned disreputable-looking tam o’ shanter, which he saw hanging up. was his intention to return the tam o’ shanter to the hall soon as he possibly could. When was his way home he was stopped near Crail the police and asked to hand over the tarn o’ shanter. He did so. and continued his homeward journey hatless. Sheriff Dudley Stuart imposed a penalty of 5s.

CELLARDYKE VETERAN DEAD, BURGH’S OLDEST FISHERMAN. Thomas Thomson, Cellardyke, familiarly known the burgh ” Auld Tammas Tamson,” has passed away at the age of 95 years. He was the oldest fisherman and inhabitant of Cellardyke. He was a typical old salt, and had weathered many storm.

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Many Thanks

1865

New Temperance Society. -A most interesting meeting of the fishermen of Cellardyke was held there on Saturday evening last. The object of the meeting was to reconstitute a temperance society amongst the fishermen. Mr McDonald, the local coast missionary, occupied the chair, and pleaded with much force and earnestness the claims of the proposed organisation. He also read the rules of the contemplated society, which seemed to have been carefully considered, with the view to adapt them to the circumstances and feelings of the locality. The regulations were generally assented to, but some discussion took place on a proposal for each member to deposit 6d a month in aid of the society’s funds, the dissenting party contending that such an appropriation was altogether inexpedient. The matter was in the meantime brought to an amicable conclusion by an arrangement to defer its further consideration until the following Saturday evening. We may here state, by way of explanation to the foregoing, that a Temperance Society existed a few years ago in Cellardyke, with which a yearly society was connected. That was regarded with some degree of favour; hence, although all present at the meeting appeared willing to pay in a stated sum, yet the absence of individual benefit in the new scheme naturally caused dissatisfaction. Towards the close of the proceedings, those willing to join the society were invited to enrol their names, which was done by several. Although the Cellardyke fishermen are distinguished for their exemplary steadiness and sobriety, yet there can be no question that under judicious management a Temperance Society would prove a benefit to the community. We therefore rejoice to observe that Mr McDonald, who is taking the lead in this movement, is being helped forward in it by a noble band of Christian brothers in Cellardyke.

1866

Arbroath – Launch of a Boat.—On Thursday afternoon, a herring-boat, named the Neptune, was launched from the yard of the Shipbuilding company. She has been built for Mr John Montador, Cellardyke, and is built rather larger than boats of her description usually are, measuring in length of keel 41 feet, breadth 15 feet, and depth 7 feet.

The New Steamboat Company – During the past week a committee, consisting and Mr George Sharp, waited upon the leading merchants and others interested in the locality, for the purpose of requesting their support to the new steam boat company. In Anstruther and Cellardyke the canvass proved very successful, but in the coast towns the project had the cold shoulder turned to it so unmistakeably that only one or two shares have been taken up. In Leith the proposal would appear to have also been regarded as hazardous and hopeless, for, notwithstanding the great interest which the wholesale merchants of that place have in maintaining the passage, the value of stock the stock subscribed for there only amounted to about £150. The scheme therefore has failed to find general support; but while this may be said to be altogether awanting the local merchants have exhibited a degree of spirit and enterprise worthy of a far more promising movement. The total value of the stock subscribed for is about £1700, of which over £1500 have been taken up in Anstruther and Cellardyke alone. The principal subscribers are Provost Todd, John Smith, Esq., Dr Woodcock, R. N., Mr Thomas Foggo, and the Firm of Messrs Sharp & Murray, Who have subscribed £100 each. Shares have also been taken up to the value of £200 by a party whose name has not been divulged. The other sums on the stock list range from £10 to £50. To those having experience with the carrying trade of the district and conversant with the merits of the different modes of transit, it will excite the liveliest astonishment that this scheme should have been taken before effort had been made and failed to obtain an arrangement with the Railway Company. Its most unreflecting supporters must aware that the railway far more than able, with proper management, to meet all the traffic of the district. Burthened with heavy port charges, which on an average are not less than 20 per cent., on the freight, and exposed to all the hazards and dangers of a sea passage, which between Anstruther and Leith are so considerable that the steamers have been several times stranded on the rocks, to the great risk of the merchandise on board, the attempt to continue the passage is a speculation of so little probable success that failure and disappointment will only come as a matter of course

WARNING TO RAILWAY TRAVELLERS. -A MAN CUT OUT OF A TRAIN.—A very serious accident occurred on Friday morning at Stonehaven station, which will surely proves a slight warning to adventurous travellers not accustomed to jump off trains whilst in motion. It seems that a sailor belonging to Cellardyke had arrived at the station with the midnight or morning mail. Anxious to get off his journey, apparently, he leaped bolt off the train, but of course fell back and rolled along the platform towards the train. The train was scarcely stopped, so the van which was next to the carriage in which the man had been traveling came slowly up, and the consequence was that the body got firmly wedged in betwixt the foot-board and the platform, the head fortunately being clear. To remove him was found to be a difficulty, since the haunches could not be liberated. Necessity, however, led to a novel idea, that of cutting the man out. The foot-board was accordingly smashed, and the cleared. The poor fellow was pretty severely injured; and it is to be hoped the caution of the passengers will now be such as to put a stop to this class of accidents, now getting so common.

1867

Deaths – At Cellardyke, on the 14th inst. Elizabeth Darsie, wife of Mr David Murray, merchant, Cellardyke

1868

Fishermen’s Petition.—ln the course of last week a deputation from Newhaven visited the fishing towns on the coast of Fife for the purpose of soliciting the fishermen to support a memorial to the Board of Trade, praying that department not grant the mussel ground in the offing of Newhaven to the Duke of Buccleuch, but to continue to the fishermen of Newhaven the liberty of dredging for mussels, as they have hitherto exercised it. We understand that the petition was signed by about 200 of the Cellardyke fishermen, and that the whole of their number would have given their signatures had they been on shore or at home when the deputation was in the quarter.

Exciting Scene at Anstruther Harbour. On Thursday morning a most exciting scene was witnessed at Anstruther in consequence of the fishing boats making for the harbour in the face of the severe storm which then prevailed. The whole fishing fleet had put to sea a little after midnight, for although the barometer was falling fast the weather was easy, with a light breeze from the south-east. The tide was ebbing the time, and the boats gallantly proceeded on their course, but in little more than an hour the wind began to freshen, and it was soon evident that a gale was impending. One of the Cellardyke boats, of which Mr Brodie Nicolson is skipper, sustained some damage in her rudder, which she was forced to return to the shore.  In the attempt to enter the harbour, the boat grounded on the outside of the West Pier, and could not be floated off. As  the storm was now on, it was feared she would go to pieces, but fortunately, by means of  ropes and prompt assistance, the boat was drawn into the harbour with the flow of the next tide without having received much damage. Meantime, a hard struggle was being fought by the crews who had proceeded on the fishing trip. They were still about the entrance of the Firth when the storm burst on them in all its fury; but as the tide had now left the harbour they had no alternative but keep at sea. Hour by hour the gale blew with more intensity, and the waves rose quick to the blast which lashed them to fury and foam, and amidst which the poor storm-beaten fishermen had to struggle for very life. The thick, dun clouds which were driving fast and furious athwart the black heavens kept the daylight long from breaking, and when it did so a wild and cheerless scene was spread to view. The gale had not the least appearance of abating, and the sea was rapidly becoming more strong, while the tide was still low on the shore. In this wild dilemma the wind suddenly veered round from the south-east to the south-west, thus making the situation of the boats more dangerous still from the risk of their being blown leeward of the harbour. Under these circumstances one of the boats made for the shore about nine o’clock when the water was still dangerously low, but, by skilful management, the deadly breach which ran at the bar of the harbour was passed and the inside of the pier was gained in safety. Seeing the great peril that was being incurred, three of the coxswains—Skippers Thomas Birrel, Andrew Henderson, and John Pratt—decided that the lifeboat should be launched, and this was accordingly done, when the boat, with a volunteer crew of Cellardyke fishermen, under the charge of Skipper Birrell as coxswain, was pulled to the entrance of the harbour, so to be in readiness in the event of emergency.. Previous to this, the black ball- the understood signal to avoid the harbour because of danger—had been hoisted on the flagstaff, but this was now lowered, and boat after boat was run through the heavy surf towards the harbour, which they all happily reached in safety, although more than one instance great risk was encountered. While the boats were entering the harbour, the gale was blowing with the force of a hurricane, and the wind and the waves meeting each other from opposite directions, the whole aspect of the Forth was that of a vast sheet of seething foam. The movements of the boats as they rose and fell on the troubled waters were watched with breathless interest by large crowds, including many of the fishermen’s wives and daughters, who thronged the piers and shores. Twelve of the boats succeeded in reaching Anstruther, and ten gained shelter in Elie, where there was also much danger in entering the harbour. At that place the coastguardmen and the local fishermen gave valuable help from the pierhead, by throwing ropes, and otherwise assisting the storm tossed crews. Two the Cellardyke boats, however, failed to land at the north side of the Forth, but in the evening intelligence was received that one of them was safe in North Berwick, and the other was believed to be safely anchored near the same place. This is admitted to be one of the severest storms to which our fishermen have been exposed. In the course of the forenoon the lifeboat was exercised, when she was pulled in gallant style through the raging breakers, giving every assurance at once of the thorough efficiency of the boat, and the activity and daring of the brave crew who manned her.

All the Cellardyke and other Firth boats have now returned from the herring fishing at Yarmouth and Lowestoft. There were eleven boats and one smack from Cellardyke, and their success while at the fishing, which extended to about two months, ranges from £90 to over £200, but the expenses of this fishing are very considerable. The men speak favourably of their experience of the south, and several crews are likely to try their fortune there again in another season. Last week the fishing vessel Pioneer, of Cellardyke, was sold by public roup at Lowestoft by her owner, Mr James Watson, fisherman, for £125. This vessel was built about three years ago at Anstruther, by way of experiment, for Captain Walter Hughes, of Walleroo, at cost of £400. She was subsequently sold to Mr Watson for £160, but although one of the finest and fastest fishing crafts on the east coast she has been found to be unprofitable, if not unsuitable, that she has been sold in both cases at a great sacrifice. The two St Monance boats which were fishing the English coast have had indifferent success, but the nine Buckhaven boats and the lugger from that place have earned from £100 to £300. Several of the crews which went to the Clyde herring fishing have now returned, and the others are expected daily. The five boats from Cellardyke have earned from £40 to £80, but the crews state that they might have done much better had their nets and gear been properly fitted, so that the event of our fishermen going to the west country another season, their experience will prove of the highest practical value.

1869

While the Cellardyke fishing boat, K.Y. No. 1, Lillias Scott, John Gardiner, skipper, was going south to the Lowestoft herring fishing, the crew observed a boat floating full of water at a distance from the Isle May, which they boarded, but found impracticable to take in tow. They took away, however, the mast and sail, and also two oars which were lying in the water-logged boat and brought them to Lowestoft, but the collector of customs there, Mr John Robertson, advised them to bring the wreckage north to Anstruther at their return home, which they accordingly did, landing at Anstruther on Monday, when it was taken in charge by Mr Keay of the customs, the receiver of wreck for the district. The sail was painted L.H. 96, and the mast and oars were branded with the initials J. C. C. N., and from what can gathered they are part of the materials of the Newhaven boat which went adrift from Burntisland Harbour in September last, and which had been fallen in with by Skipper Gardiner so far out sea.

The nineteen east of Fife boats —thirteen belonging to Cellardyke, one to Pittenweem, and five to St Monance— have now returned from the English herring fishing, and have arrived in safety, with the exception of three or four, which were overtaken by the north-east gale while on their passage, by which they were forced to take refuge in the harbours of the English coast. These boats have been highly successful this season, having earned from £200 to £333-the latter sum having been grossed at Yarmouth by Skipper Thomas Bett of Cellardyke, and as a natural result many more crews are likely to proceed south another season. (£333, in 1869 is approx. £33 500 today 2024)

Seasonable Benevolence —Mrs Williamson has just distributed 30 pairs of superior English blankets amongst the deserving poor of East and West Anstruther and Cellardyke, the gift of Stephen Williamson, Esq., Copley House, Cheshire. Such donation is certainly most seasonable, and must add largely to the comfort of the aged and infirm recipients.

Deaths – At Adelaide, South Australia on the 7th October, Janet Band, wife of Alex. Gardiner, formerly of Cellardyke

Breach of the Peace —At a Burgh Court, held in Cellardyke Town Hall on Saturday—Provost Martin and Bailie Watson on the bench—James Anstruther Moncrieff and Alexander Wood, both fishermen residing in the town, were charged at the instance of Mr George Watson, Fiscal, with having committed a breach of the peace by quarrelling and fighting with each other near the Town Hall- on the evening of Saturday the ultimo. Both panels pleaded not guilty, when Peter Murray and Thomas Ritchie, fishermen, were called and deponed to the charge. While the Fiscal was questioning one of the witnesses as to whether the panels were drunk at the time, he was interrupted by James Moncrieff saying “I was not drunk as you that night, at any rate.” Provost Martin sharply reprimanded the panel, and the evidence having proceeded, James Watson, publican, was called for the defence, but his statement had reference simply to the conduct of the accused in his public-house, and not in connection with the charge, which the bench held to be fully established, and sentenced the panels to a fine of 7s or eight days’ imprisonment. The fines were paid.

Narrow Escape of a Fishing Boat. —During the intense darkness which prevailed about three o’clock on Friday morning, the Cellardyke deep sea going boat Emmas, K.Y.No. 10, Skipper George Smith, was run into by a brig under full press of sail, about twenty miles to the north-east of the Island of May. The boat was lying hove to at the time, her crew waiting for daylight to cast their fishing lines, with three of their number, however, keeping watch on deck, but they failed see the vessel or her lights until she was so near that before her course could be altered her head gear came into contact with the boat’s mast, which instantly snapped, when the boat itself received a violent shock on the bow, smashing in the gunwale and several streaks of plank. Three of the crew, fearing the worst, clambered on board of the brig, where their assistance was of great value in quickly lowering away the jollyboat for the help of the other fishermen, who, as soon as they saw that the boat was not so much damaged as to cause it to sink, had actively set to work to save their gear and sail. After these had been secured, and, as the boat was quite disabled, the captain of the brig (which proved to be the Alexandria, one of the fastest vessels belonging to the Aberdeen Lime Company) very kindly took it in tow far as Lunan Bay, when the Cellardyke crew, by means of a jury mast, and also by taking to their oars, were able to reach Montrose. There their damage was so far repaired by the following day that they were able to sail for Anstruther, which they reached in safety on Sunday. Skipper Smith and his men speak in grateful terms of the prompt and kind assistance of the captain of the brig. We understand that the owner of the boat, being a member of the Shipwrecked Fishermen’s Society, will be entitled to some extent to the benefit of the fund, and, although no legal claim may be pressed, it is to be hoped that under the circumstances the wealthy Aberdeen Company will give some help to the deserving owner of the boat. Harbour Board.

Picked up at Sea.-On Friday last a log of timber was found floating sea by an Elie boat and towed into that harbour – and on Wednesday a large box with hinges and lid, measuring sixteen feet long, was picked up by the Cellardyke boat owned by Skipper John Birrell, and taken into Anstruther, where it was delivered up, as the case of the log also to Mr Keay of the Customs, the Receiver of Wreck for the district

Cellardyke Town Council resolution – the thanks of the community, and especially of the fishermen, were due to Captain Rodger of Glasgow, (a native of Cellardyke), for his disinterested kindness in removing from the fairway of Cellardyke Harbour several rocks and obstructions to the traffic there, and also for the free grant of a plot of ground at the east end of the town whereon to beach the boats during winter.(Town’s green)

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1860

George Watson, carter, from Cellardyke, pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing some sacks from a farm in neighbourhood of Crail, and was sentenced to be imprisoned for 20 days.

1861

ST ANDREWS.

Cellardyke Fishing Boats.—Thirteen fishing boats belonging to Cellardyke and vicinity, having on Thursday last been overtaken by a strong southerly gale, were obliged to make for our harbour for safety the afternoon of the same day. Only some three of these reached within the harbour, on account of the lowness of the tide, and the darkness which was just setting in. However, the others got safely anchored near the pier-head.

Accident. — One of the Cellardyke fishing boats, which put into our harbour on Thursday evening last, on account of a strong gale from the south, having been moored alongside a schooner which was lying in the harbour, and the fishermen having had occasion to board the schooner in order to reach the shore, one of them in the act of crossing in the dark, the hatchway not being covered, fell through it into the hold, and dislocated one of his thigh joints. Immediate assistance was rendered to the poor sufferer, and medical aid was procured with the least possible delay, and we understand that he is progressing favourably.

Anstruther Vessel Ashore.—On Tuesday evening last, the sloop “‘Barbara,” belonging this port—John Baxter, master and owner —was attempting to enter the harbour—a strong breeze blowing at the time from the westward —she came into collision with the eastern pier. Previous to her striking the anchor had been let go, but not taking a firm hold of the ground, the vessel drifted broadside on to the bulwark of the quay, on which she lay for some time, exposed to the full violence of the wind and sea. until, by the assistance of the crowd which the event had collected on the shore, she was drawn on the beach. In this dangerous and unsheltered position she remained until the next tide, when, the prompt and efficient help of the fishermen of Cellardyke, she was brought into the harbour. Besides carrying away her bowsprit, the bottom of the vessel was considerably damaged by the accident, which occurred from those on board mistaking the leading lights of the harbour. Indeed, so very defective are these lights, both their position and brilliancy, that those frequenting the port have long had a just ground for complaining against them; and it therefore to be hoped that the Commissioners will at once see to the remedying of a matter in which the safety of life and property are so much concerned. The praiseworthy conduct of our fishermen deserves special mention. Ever disposed to aid with helping hand those who may require assistance, and never forgetful of the hazards to which their own arduous avocations expose them in such case as this, they never fail to evince that activity and fearlessness for which they are so widely noted: the more laudable from the disinterested motives which invariably animate them.

1862

For some time past a project has been the tapis here, for building and equipping a lugger to prosecute the deep sea fishing. The vessel, we understand, will be shortly commenced to, and little delay as possible will take place in completing all the necessary arrangements. Should this undertaking prove successful, there every likelihood that many of our fishermen will engage in it, as the advantages of substituting decked vessels in lieu of the open boats now in use are many and obvious. By such a change, the danger attending their arduous vocation would not only be lessened, but their comfort would be increased; and, at the same time, now that the old fishing haunts are becoming nearly exhausted, they would be in a better position to go in quest of more distant and productive ones. The want of a suitable harbour is the only obstacle likely to stand in the way in the carrying out of this desirable scheme, as the present harbour is shallow as only to accessible even to the smallest craft at little more than half-tide. During the two years that the Union Harbour Act has been in operation, the Commissioners, repairing the piers and deepening the basin, have done much for its improvement ; but in the all-important work of extension, by which this difficulty could only be remedied, the prospect even of commencement still appears to be indefinite. In reference to improved means of fishing, we may here add that this week one of the Cellardyke boats was purchased and despatched to England for the purpose of being used as a model for others, which are to be constructed of iron, for the fishermen on the English coast.

THE DISTRESS LANCASHIRE AND OTHER COTTON MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS OF ENGLAND.

• Third List of Subscriptions on behalf of the Unemployed Operatives in Lancashire and other Cotton – Manufacturing Districts England.
• Parish of Kilrenny.
• Collected per Rev. F. G. S. Lumsdaine of Innergellie.
• Rev. F. G. S. Lumsdaine, yr., of Innergellie,            £7
• Wm. Gray, Farmer, Cornceres,                                   £3
• D. Gray, Farmer, Rennyhill,                                           £3
• G. Mackie, Farmer, Kilrenny Mains,                          £2
• G. Fortune, Farmer, Barnsmuir,                                  £2 
• Wm. Tosh, Farmer, Thirdpart,                                     £2
• W. H. Anderson, Farmer, Wester Pitcorthie         £2
• Rev. Geo. Dickson, Kilrenny Manse,                         £1
• Ebenezer Kennedy, Farmer, Troustrie,                   £1
• John Laing, Farmer, Blacklaws,                                   £1
• Robert Wilson, Farmer, Firthfield,                             £1
• James Smith, Farmer, Balhouffie,                              £1
• W. G. Band, Farmer. West Pitkierie,                                         10s         6d
• Captain Johnston, Pitkierie,                                                         10s        0d
• 89 Subscriptions under 10s,                                        £3           2s           0
• Total;                                                                                     £30        2s            6d
• Collected per Messrs Fowler and Horsburgh, Cellardyke.
• James Fowler,                                                                     £2          0             0
• John Martin,                                                                                       10s         0
• Robert Donaldson,                                                                           10s         0
• James Horsburgh,                                                                            10s        0
• 26 Subscriptions under 10s, .                                       £2           11s         0
• Total;                                                                                     £6           1s           0d
• Collected per Messrs Horsburgh and Murray, Cellardyke.
• 69 Subscriptions under 10s,                                         £4           13s         6d
• Collected by Messrs John Brown and George Sharp, Cellardyke.
• Sharp & Murray,                                                               £3           3s           0d
• Thomas Cormack                                                              £2           2             0
• George Sharp,                                                                   £1           0             0
• David Black,                                                                                        15s         0
• Employee’s at Sharp Murray’s,                                                   8s            0
• Members of Young Men’s Prayer Meeting                            10s         0
• 58 Subscriptions under 10s,                                         £4          8s           6d
• Total                                                                                      £12        16s         6d
• Collected per Messrs Martin and Gilchrist, Cellardyke.
• Thomas Murray (Hodge),                                              £0           10s
• 77 Subscriptions under 10s, …                                   £6           4s            10d
• Total                                                                                      £6           14s
• Total from Cellardyke and Kilrenny                         £60        8s
• ( according to Bank of England Calculator that’s about £9 219 today and Sharp and Murray’s donation was the equivalent to £500 – Sharp and Murray were using cotton to manufacture oilskins hence the support.)
• (45 named Anstruther donors and 55 unnamed under 10s giving a total of £58 9s)

1863

Cellardyke Concert. On Saturday evening last week a concert of vocal and instrumental music was given in the Infant Schoolroom here, by, and for behoof of, the Brass Band of the Anstruther Rifle Corps. Both as respects attendance and performances, the concert was a decided success—the schoolroom being so crowded that many failed to obtain admission. In addition to several members of the band— which performed in the course of the evening a number of popular tunes in excellent style—Messrs T. McGrael, Dundee, J. Duff, Cellardyke, and W. Brown, Pittenweem. also appeared as vocalists, and the very demonstrative applause and frequent encores they received, testified how much their talents were appreciated by the audience. Not the least attractive feature of the entertainment was ventriloquial colloquy given by Mr Thomson, with that spirit and humour which has rendered his name famous over the county. We understand that nearly £6 was realised on the occasion.

1864

The storm in the Forth. On Friday and the previous night a strong gale was experienced on the Firth of Forth, and several fishing and larger craft had to run to Burntisland for shelter. Two Anstruther boats, laden with fish which they had caught off St Abb’s Head, were glad to reach that place after vainly trying Anstruther and Cellardyke. The crew speak of the storm during the darkness of Thursday night having more severe than they ever were out in.

Wanted. Two or three good workers on net machines, apply to Sharp and Murray, Cellardyke

CELLARDYKE. A Storm-Signal Required. —A _ meeting of the fishermen of Cellardyke was held on Tuesday evening, for the purpose of considering the necessity of having a storm signal erected on this shore for the use of the fishermen and others. Mr Thomas Brown was called to the chair. After considering the matter, it was agreed to memorialise the Lords of the Admiralty to sanction its erection, and to forward for its use at this port the official telegrams forecasting the weather. The proposal was regarded by some present as a sort of innovation on their old and somewhat stale method of reading weather prognostications, but there can be no doubt that a storm signal in operation here would sometimes prove of immense advantage to the fishermen. The proposed site for its erection was on the end of East Anstruther east pier.

Buckie

The fishermen of Cellardyke, in their letter to Mr John Caldwell, Fishery Officer here, which enclosed the munificent sum of £37 35., as their contribution to the fund for the destitute widows and fatherless children, expressed the desire that this testimony of their sympathy made known to their brother fishermen in Buckie and Portessie, not, however, with the view of acquainting their friends here of the amount of substantial aid they sent, but rather as an indication of the friendly feeling entertained by them at Cellardyke towards their own class here, and in hope that such an expression of kindly friendship on their part might tend to form and establish that brotherly feeling which is so desirable, and which ought, as fishermen, to exist between them. The Cellardyke people, in the most Christian spirit, wished that the ties of the purest brotherhood should unite them to the people here; and they, moreover, hoped that whenever a Buckie boat was met by them, there might no petty jealousies or hatred, but a mutual flow of truest friendship. For the purpose of carrying out this wish, public meetings of fishermen were held, this week, both in Buckie and Portessie, when members of committee for the fund addressed them, and read report of the meeting in Cellardyke, and also letters from Mr Cunningham there. It need not stated how highly gratified our fishermen were to hear these warm sentiments of their friends in the south; and it was very evident that its announcement had the desired effect. Due mention was also made of other fishing towns, which were not forgetful of the cause of the widow and fatherless in this place; nor was it overlooked to remark how much sympathy had been shown by all classes, high and low, in different parts of the country. (this was the equivalent of almost £6 000 today) 

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If you are able to support the work of the Cellardyke Trust – Donations of any size would be gratefully received.

Our Account is called “The Cellardyke Trust (SCIO)”, Sort Code 83-15-08 – Acc No 00128815

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