Category: Uncategorized

1876

Thirty-one of the Cellardyke boats that have been employed at the herring fishing on the Suffolk and Norfolk coasts returned in the course of this week, and the remaining 22 are expected daily. The enterprise has been attended with a gratifying of success, three, if not four crews, having upwards of £500 each for their two months’ absence, seven between £400 and £500, and the others sums ranging downwards to £130. The average over the fleet is estimated at fully £250, which represents a total sum of £13,250. The expenses, of course, fall to be deducted, bat these will not amount to £3000.

1878

We understand that on Saturday last cheque for was received, in aid of the building fund of the proposed Mission Church in Cellardyke, by Mr Thomas Brown, of the Post-office, from Stephen Williamson, of Liverpool, whose name has been so freely associated of late with the representation of the St Andrews burghs. This donation, with others lately received, have, we learn, raised the fund to about £2500, which fully covers the estimated cost of the church, exclusive, however, of the class-rooms or the hall in the rear, which are expected entail a further outlay of some £500.

1879

The Magistrates of Kilrenny held Criminal Court on Friday, when the following cases were disposed of:—A schoolboy named David Boyter, was charged with malicious mischief by wantonly throwing a seashell though the window of Cellardyke Public School. He was convicted, but in respect of his youth and other mitigated circumstances, he was only amerced in the sum of 5s. The proceedings now assumed more exciting character when three wives of Cellardyke to wit Catherine Smith or Gay, Isabella Mitchell Key, and Elspeth Watson or Lowrie—were charged with stealing potatoes from a field near the Urnet Mill Road and on the farm of Kilrenny Mill. They one and all indignantly protested their innocence, when Thomas Moyes, farm servant, and Police Constable Black, deponed to having seen them with a crowd of others lifting the potatoes which had been ploughed up, but not finally gathered from the field. It was admitted that none the crop was found in their possession, and further that they evinced no sign of guilt by running away; on the contrary that they met the constable with the frank explanation that they were guarding their children or friends from the risk of trespassing in the field, on which they knew watch bad been set. Exculpatory evidence was led to this effect at considerable length, but the Magistrates held that the Fiscal had established his case, and imposed on each a fine of 7s 6d, or 8 days’ imprisonment. The Cellardyke Town Hall was literally packed, but though the sympathy of, the audience was unmistakably with the panels, still nothing occurred to disturb the order and respect due to Court of law.

(Another paper describes Boyter throwing a satchel not seashell through the window)

1881

Cellardyke – The effects of the gale were seen here in the overthrow of stacks of straw and corn, while the streets were strewn with slates and debris from the house tops. Information was received on Sunday that one of the Cellardyke boats, on its passage home to Anstruther, was wrecked on the Boulmer rocks, to the northward of Alnmouth. The whole of the crew were saved. The boat was insured by the Fraserburgh club, and, according to the latest reports, there is some hopes that the stores and part of the boat may be saved.

1883

Fully more than a twelvemonth ago the interesting experiment was made in the Cellardyke fleet to substitute what is known as the ketch or dandy rig for the lugsail- The Pioneer—the boat in question—has fished two seasons at Lowestoft and one at the Shetland isles &c. She has thus been tested, to speak, in all waters, and so far it would seem with the most unqualified success. ……….. yielding to the pressing offer of one of the Lowestoft skippers, her owner Mr Robert Cunningham, has sold the little favourite for the sum of £275, he and his crew arriving home by rail in the end of the week. Satisfied, however with the superiority of the rig, several of our KY skippers are to adopt it, are told, on the earliest opportunity.

Sixty Cellardyke boats have been engaged at the herring fishing at Yarmouth and Lowestoft during the past two months, and these have now all returned to Anstruther. The enterprise has been fairly successful, the highest sum realised by one crew being £460, while the average will be about £250, giving a total about £15,000 as the gross amount earned.

1884

INTERESTING JURISDICTION CASE. An action at the instance of John McGregor, carpenter and fisherman, Lybster, against Philip Anderson, fisherman, Cellardyke, for £7 17s, being dispute concerning a fishing transaction in Fraserburgh, came on for disposal. Mr Finlayson, for the defender, urged a plea of want jurisdiction, on the ground that defender, who was only temporary resident in Fraserburgh, had left the town when the summons was served. …….The Sheriff—admitted that the permanent residence of the defender is Cellardyke, in the county of Fife, where he fisherman, and that on the 4th of July last he came Fraserburgh, where he practised his vocation as a fisherman until the 6th of September, being a period of two months and two days. After forty days’ residence in Fraserburgh there was undoubtedly jurisdiction over him in this Court, which under other circumstances might have been made effectual, but it is admitted that on the 6th of September, three days before any attempt to serve this summons was made, the defender had returned to his permanent place of residence, and, therefore, it seems to me that the temporary jurisdiction which had been acquired over him in this county was then lost.

Thomas Thomson, shoemaker in Cellardyke, whose name is so well known as a successful exhibitor on both sides of the Tweed, obtained, in the Crystal Palace Show on Monday, the first prize for his silver spangled pullet, ‘ and the third for a cockerel of the same brood, while the mother was highly commended. The same magnificent young birds carried off the first honours with a silver medal Perth, and in the interval were equally fortunate in the great Dairy Show in London.

No little interest was excited in the west end of Cellardyke over the following little war, which came before the .Magistrates there Saturday—Provost Skinner and Bailie Williamson on the bench. Alexander Blyth, carter, and his wife, Janet Trail, their son David, and their daughters Ann, wife of John McKay, fisher, Janet, wife of Neil Graham, carter, were charged with assault by striking and kicking their neighbour, Alexander Keith, carter; also with breach of the peace. They pleaded not guilty, but after hearing evidence the Magistrates found the father and mother guilty, and fined the one 15s, and the other in 10s 6d, but the verdict in the case of the son and daughters was not proven.

The next case the tables were turned by the complainer, Alexander Keith, being placed at the bar charged with striking Alexander Blyth two or three blows on the left eye to the effusion of blood, committed a like outrage on the son, with dealing two or more blows the mother’s face, and also the back of the daughter, Mrs McKay, so to fell her on the ground, on the same eventful afternoon. He also denied the accusation, and was defended by Mr Cook, but after the witnesses had been examined at great length, the Magistrates found the charge proved, and fewer than five previous convictions being recorded against him he was fined 20s.—

Three juveniles, Henry Watson, Robert Brown, and John Gardiner, were charged with stealing turnips from the neighbouring fields as farmed by Mr Cairns, Kilrenny Mill. Pleading guilty they were each, in respect of their tender age, fined half-a-crown.

1866

On Monday afternoon, we believe, a Prussian vessel was discovered by Cellardyke fishing boat in a sinking condition. The vessel, it appears, had been water-logged, and the crew were glad to escape from her. The crew went into the fishing-boat, were landed in Fife, and afterwards, we are informed, came on to Dundee at night. Should this be so, doubt they will be sent home immediately by the Prussian Consul.

The vessel was the Alexandrine of Wolgast, from Tayport to Stettin.

1870

Boatbuilding trade

The success of so many local crews at the herring fishing on the Suffolk coast is encouraging our boat builders to speculate the hope of better times. There are five builders between St Monance and Cellardyke, but the trade is so unprecedently dull that not a single boat at present being built to order, though in three of the yards hulls are being constructed on sale. At first sight this may seem hazardous work, considering the different opinions and different fishings on the coast, but the experience of the last year or two has proved that there is seldom much difficulty in finding an owner for a good boat of about 45 feet long, as boats of this class can be conveniently employed all the year through. The hull of a fishing boat, including an outfit oars, masts, &c., may said to cost about £2 10s per foot, though this price is seldom exactly adhered to in the present keen competition of the trade, or as it sometimes happens, from the peculiar conditions attached to the order. It is curious to observe the wide difference of opinion which a few years may bring about. Less than six or seven years ago, so much were the boats increasing in size that practical men were convinced that a new era was at hand, when the deep sea lugger would take the place of the ordinary fishing boat, and local readers will remember how strongly this idea was by the promoters of the Anstruther Union Harbour. Experience, however, has in the meantime settled the question, and boats on a somewhat smaller scale than the models of some half a dozen years ago are now preferred as being by far the most convenient and profitable. Still, many substantial improvements have been carried out on boats of a recent build. In every case they are now provided with cabins and nearly decked, and from the very general favour with which the “flush” deck system, so successfully introduced by the ingenious Cellardyke builder, Mr Alex. Cunningham, is being regarded by our fishermen, there is good reason to anticipate that it will ere long be the rule with the first-class boats of this coast.

5 boatbuilders in 1870 would be

Cellardyke – John A Millar, Alexander Cunningham,

Anstruther Christopher Pottinger

St Monans,  John Miller and John Robertson Snr

1872

This has been an anxious week the coast of Fife, from Buckhaven to Cellardyke, as the hardy crews, who have braved the herring fishing at Yarmouth, were on the voyage home, which, in these times of storm and disaster, can only be compared to stealing a march on treacherous enemy. There were fewer than seventy boats at the southward, and many eyes have consequently been wistfully gazing the waters of the Forth to catch a glimpse of the coming sail of a father, a husband, or a brother. The crews at Lowestoft made a trip to the fishing-ground Monday night, and only prepared for the voyage on the following day but several of those at Yarmouth sailed northward on Monday afternoon, and arrived home on “Wednesday evening. The first sail that specked the distant horizon was about dusk, and proved to be the boat of Skipper John Montidore, of Cellardyke but others soon followed in her wake, as wind and weather were all that could be wished. The passage is the great danger to our Fife crews engaged in this venture, as the long voyage of four hundred miles is not only beset with the tempestuous weather of the season, but the coast of England may well be the dread of the mariner, for nowhere is there such dangerous lee shore, and the large number of screw steamers trading upon is another source of serious peril to sailing craft. The success of the boats has been much hindered by the unsettled weather, and many have done comparatively little but in general it may be said to range from £109 to £250, though the great majority are nearest the first quotation.

1873 (an interesting letter in the Scotsman from a Wick Fisherman praising the Cellardyke Men)

Wick, 20th November 1873. Sir. —I beg to return, thanks to “A Cellardyke fisher “for the valuable information contained in his letter of the 17^th. All of us here know that Cellardyke fishers are crack fishermen but some of us here are old enough to remember when their voyages for haddocks were not the long ones they now are, and at that time Anstruther and Cellardyke were great in haddocks. In the olden time, too, their boats were not ” large-decked boats,” their lines not long, and the hooks on them not a tithe of that they now use, and then they took as many haddocks as now, for the population they supplied was great. Is that true? How long, pray, is it since 40 to 60 miles’ voyages for haddocks were resorted to? Did Cellardyke fishers jump at a leap from small open boats to large decked boats, ‘ and from paddling inshore into those untried waters? Is the far-off ground they now fish as prolific as it has been?—that is, does the old number of hooks yield the old number of haddocks? Is it necessity that has caused the old “waters to be deserted, and big boats, lines eight miles long, with 11, 600 hooks, called into use? and that baa driven them 40 to 60 miles off shore; to get haddocks ? .

We here do not paddle inshore as our fathers did, and in boats 18 to 20 feet of keel. We use large decked boats about 40 feet of keel, with eight men each, and can do no good unless we go 15 to 20 miles off shore. To that ground we have most of ng made 80 voyages, and we only average 10 tons a boat, for which we have been paid £ 9 a ton. Off that deduct bait, 10 tons, at 52s a ton, and all that is left us for 12 weeks is £7—seven pounds a man.

“We shall profit by the information we have got. Since twenty miles won’t do, -we must try -five and twenty, or thirty, use more hooks, and leam to haul lines on pretty rough ground, and in pretty rough weather. By giving these matters careful consideration— -by fishing for knowledge—we may in time so conduct our pursuit that the out and inside waters may be so fished that both may be made to yield enough and to spare. The fact that our little-fished rough ground gives more and larger haddocks than the safe and often-fished seems to point in this direction. —I am, &c.,

A fisher

1875 –

Anstruther, at the old harbour the east pier at the bight has been forced out and is in danger of falling down; while the harbour wall in Shore Street had two breaches made in it. Upwards 20 feet of the wall recently erected at the Cross was thrown over into the street, which on Monday morning was almost impassable on account of the stones and debris with which it was covered. The piers at the new harbour sustained no damage; but 100 feet of a line of rails on the east quay was washed away. At West Anstruther, where extensive damage was done during the last storm, several new breaches were made the wall, and the old ones considerably widened. The wall at east end of Cellardyke had also two breaches made it, and a number of fishing boats lying on the beach were in such jeopardy that it was considered necessary to send the bellman through the town on Sunday afternoon ask the male inhabitants to turn out and assist in placing them beyond the reach of the sea.  

In a previous posting and other discussions we mentioned the terrible storm at this period in 1875 when the Cellardyke and St Monans Boats were lost and the memorial was erected in Kings Lynn. Thane, Quest and Beautiful Star of St Monans, and the Janet Anderson and Vigilant of Cellardyke.

This is how the news began to break

No previous storm has ever created such anxiety in Anstruther and Cellardyke as that which prevailed in the end of last week. For the past two months upwards of forty Cellardyke boats have been engaged at the herring fishing at Yarmouth and Lowestoft and on Wednesday last week a large number left these ports for home. When the storm broke out on Friday thirty-one were on the sea; but in the course of that night and Saturday fourteen out of that number arrived safely at Anstruther harbour. The crews reported the storm to have been one of the most severe they had ever experienced and when no intelligence was received of the other seventeen boats up to Saturday night , the gravest fears were entertained for the safety of the 108 men who formed the crew . During the whole of Sunday the piers were crowded by the relatives and friends of the missing fishermen anxiously watching for the appearance of the boats. In the course of that day other twelve arrived, and the crews of these stated that the storm had been most violent between Saturday night and Sunday morning. One of the crews had been obliged to shoot eighteen of their nets, which in a short time were torn to pieces, for the purpose of keeping the boat ‘ s head to the waves, another put out eight nets; while a third had one of their sails in the water. One boat had one of the sails split while rounding St Abb’s Head, and was driven into Dunbar Bay. Yesterday, a telegram was received stating that one of the boats after being four days at sea, had put back to-Lowestoft. One of the missing boats entered the harbour yesterday afternoon. During the gale on Saturday morning one of the crew, a married man named Robert Brown, was struck by the fore-yard and so severely injured that but little hope is entertained of his recovery. Last night three Cellardyke boats had not been heard of. Each of the boats has a crew of six men. Intelligence has been received of the drowning of two Cellardyke fishermen during the storm, the boats to which they belonged, having taken refuge in Yarmouth and Grimsby Harbours. Their names are John Watson, aged about 22, and unmarried; and — McRuvie, 17 years.

1848

MELANCHOLY CATASTROPHE AT CELLARDYKE.

We very readily give insertion to the following communications regarding the late melancholy catastrophe in the hope that the attention of the benevolent may be thus called the destitute condition into which many are thrown by this disastrous event:—

To the Editor of the Fife Herald

Balcarres Nov 14 1848

Sir, —May I request that you will be kind enough to insert the enclosed letter your journal? It is an answer to inquiries respecting the late melancholy event at Cellardyke, and is from a source which perfect reliance may be placed.

By giving it publicity, it may the mean be the means of interesting the benevolent in the fate of these sufferers thrown Providence upon the protection the more fortunate, those still in the possession of blessings winch they have lost.

The clergyman of the parish, another gentleman, and myself, will see to the distribution of any funds which may be subscribed. The British Linen Company and Commercial Bank have kindly offered to take charge of any monies subscribed— Believe me, very faithfully yours,

James Lindsay.

The “John and Mary,” fishing-boat of the largest class, belonging Cellardyke, John Smith, master, with a crew of eight men, went to sea at two o’clock on Friday morning the 3^rd  instant.

The weather came very stormy, with heavy squalls, and the sea running very high, that many the boats were in great danger.  As the John and .Mary has not since been heard of, and some articles connected with boat were seen floating at sea that morning, and several other articles belonging the missing boat have been driven on shore, there is every reason to conclude that either she must have been run down by a vessel, or gone down in squall.

By this melancholy event eight industrious fishermen have been drowned, leaving six widows and twenty two children to mourn their loss. The particular circumstances of each of the bereaved families are follows : John Smith, master and owner of the boat, left a widow and four children, the eldest five years, the youngest seven months.

James Fleming, left a widow pregnant, besides seven children from two to sixteen years old.

Henry Reid left a widow and seven children, five of whom are under fourteen years, the youngest being born on the same morning on which the father perished.

Thomas Fleming, left widow and six children, four whom are from nine to sixteen years old. A son Thomas Fleming perished along with his father.

James Dick, left widow and two children, eldest five years.

David Birrell left widow, supposed to be pregnant.

James Dickson, unmarried.

From personal knowledge of each particular ease, I can say that the crew were sober industrious men, some them the most respectable of their class ; and, while some of the widows are not so destitute as be entitled to parochial relief, yet most of them are without any means for present support, and, especially while suffering under the pressure of such a heavy calamity, cannot be expected to be able to do anything for themselves or their families ; and if by any means a small sum could be raised for relief of their present necessities, it would be thankfully received.

James Fowler.

Subscriptions for the widows and orphans the fishermen of John and Mary fishing-boat, lost sea in the Frith of Forth, on Friday the 3^rd November 1843.

George Dickson,                              £1

James Fowler,.                  50s

Collection at the United Presbyterian Chapel, £3 12 s

John Marr,                          2s

John Leckie                        2s 6d  

John Smith,                        7s 6d

James Lindsay, .                 £8

Lord Lindsay,                      £ 5

Lady Lindsay,                      £2

Mrs Lindsay                        £2

Sir Coutts Lindsay,            £2

Lady Trotter,                      £2

T. Francis Cust,                   50s

1850

CELLARDYKE.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That, in Virtue of the Powers contained Act passed in the “Third and Fourth Years of his Majesty King William the Fourth, intituled, An Act to enable Burghs in Scotland to Establish a General System of Police,” the Occupiers of Premises in that part of the Burgh of Kilrenny called Cellardyke, of the Yearly Rent or Value of Ten Pounds sterling and upwards, are hereby required to meet upon Wednesday, the Twenty-Seventh current, at Twelve of the clock Noon, for the purpose of electing one Commissioner in the place of one going out of office, in terms of said Act.

JAMES FOWLER, Chief Manager. Cellardyke, Nov. 13, 1850.

1851

John Black, ferry port on Craig and James Gardner, Cellardyke were fined in the sum of 5s , each for allowing their dogs to go at large.

1855

CELLARDYKE.—Harbour Accommodation.—On Sabbath last, one of our boats was considerably damaged by grounding upon an anchor Anstruther harbour, which had been carelessly put down, without being buoyed. Respecting Anstruther harbour, generally, it may be said, that the alterations now being made on the east pier, are likely to be a source of considerable annoyance to our Cellardyke fishermen, especially if the steamer is to have her berth at the new pier as is proposed. If the fishermen were at all unanimous, they might soon be quite independent of Anstruther for harbour accommodation, as in a very few years, and almost without any sacrifice on their part, funds might be raised for providing themselves with a harbour at ” Craignoon,” a locality which is allowed by all hands to be among the best for safe and deep water harbour that could be found on the coast, and where abundance of material could be found on the spot. We glad to see some movings in this direction, at present amongst them; and we think, from the present prosperous state of the fishing, also from the large increase of boats belonging to the town, and from the more confined accommodation at Anstruther, there never was more suitable time to commence a scheme for our fishermen providing themselves with a harbour, which could taken at all states of the tide, and all kinds of weather. We have no doubt, whatever, that if the fishermen themselves were to enter upon such proposal with energy, subscriptions to a very large amount would be readily obtained.

1858

Farm in the East of Fife to Let

To be let for 19 years and entered to at Martinmas next.

The farm of Barnsmuir in the Parish of Kilrenny, containing about 200 and seventy five imperial acres or there by.

The lands are furrow drained, and subdivided, are all of good quality and are capable of producing all kinds of crops. They are well situated for roads, manure and markets, being distant from the shipping town of Crail about one mile, and from the town and shipping port of Anstruther, about three miles, where a weekly Corn Market is held, and from whence steamers proceed to Leith three times a week.

……..

Ample supplies of towns manure and fish offal may be obtained at Anstruther and Cellardyke and the farm has the right to th sea weed cast upon its shores.

1860

Summary Trial.—On Tuesday last, Adam Thomson, carter. Anstruther Easter, was placed at the bar of the Sheriff Court, charged with the crime of assault, in so far as on 18^th October last, he did, within his own house in Anstruther Easter, assault Margaret Ritchie, and did with his fist strike her a number of severe blows the face, and one of her eyes, and knocked her to the ground, and did seize hold of her by the hair of her head and drag her about, whereby she was seriously bruised and wounded, and lost the sight one of her eyes:  Farther, Thomas Robertson cooper, Cellardyke, having interfered to prevent further violence, Thomson struck him a blow a severe blow on the face, by which he was injured in his person. Thomson, who was defended by Mr Davidson, pled not guilty, but on proof being led. Sheriff Taylor found him guilty of assaulting Margaret Ritchie, and sentenced him sixty days’ imprisonment, and the charge of assaulting Robertson not proven. It appeared from the evidence that Thomson was in a state of intoxication when committed the assault, and as it was a very serious one, the Sheriff sentenced him to the longest term of imprisonment he could inflict in the Summary Court.

1862

During the past eight days the weather has proved very favourable for seafaring purposes. The boats have been regularly at sea, and their success, it is gratifying to add has been highly encouraging. The fish, however, still continue small irregular in size, which has caused considerable variation in prices – haddocks frequently selling on the same day from 9d to 3s per dozen; cod, from to 1s to 2s 6d each, and other fish in proportion. This season, all our local or Cellardyke boats have been exclusively engaged in white fishing, although in many of the newspapers they are reported as among the trawlers who resort to St Andrews Bay. It true, that when this mode of fishing was introduced here about fourteen years since by Rothsay fisherman, who practised it with great success in the “Frith,” several Cellardyke fishermen were the first to adopt a system which then seemed both legitimate and profitable. A short experience, however, convinced them of their error, and some years since – much to their credit – it was voluntarily abandoned and the whole of their trawling apparatus sold.

On Saturday afternoon last, as the schooner Elizabeth of Aberdeen, on her passage from that port to Wemyss, was tacking in the offing of Caiplie—a gale at the time prevailing from the eastward—she missed stays and was driven ashore. Fortunately this occurred at a point of the coast which was much sheltered, and the weather becoming more moderate in the course of the next tide, she was floated off and taken into Crail harbour, apparently little the worse of the mishap. The conduct of the fishermen of Cellardyke in this case is deserving of the highest praise, as no sooner was the dangerous position of the vessel observed, than they hastened to render assistance, and to their prompt and active exertions, her safety is in a great measure to be ascribed.

A second report adds

….Thomas Tarvit, at great personal hazard, went on board to aid the crew. On the tide receding, the crew abandoned the vessel, considering her wreck inevitable; but mainly by the skilful exertions Tarvit, and the weather becoming more moderate, she was floated off in the course of the next tide, and taken into Crail Harbour…..

1865

The Lifeboat. -Some disappointment has been felt for a week or two past, in consequence of the lifeboat not having been sooner despatched to this quarter. It was announced that the boat bad been fully completed, and was ready for transmission about a month ago; and rumour has been often at fault as to the day when she was to arrive at the railway station, it is now confidently reported, however, that she may be daily expected. The lifeboat house is being proceeded with as rapidly as the unsettled weather will admit. A day or two of good weather is still needed to complete the mason work, but any delay that may take place will not embarrass the committee, as temporary accommodation has been obtained for the lifeboat in Mr Hepburn’s fish curing premises. The feeling prevalent amongst the Cellardyke fishermen warrants the expectation that an enthusiastic reception will be given to the boat, which will probably be drawn with a crew of gallant fellows on board and in full sea going order from the railway station to the east end of Cellardyke. The procession, of course will lose much of its effect if the Volunteer band be absent and to secure their services, it is to be hoped that a speedy application will be made to Mr Addy, their esteemed major.

1930

A project is afoot to bring miniature golf to Anstruther, Cellardyke Improvements Committee are believed to be considering the laying down of a course to help the finances of the organisation.

The Cellardyke Town Hall would be the venue for the new course.

1931

Dairy business and premises in Cellardyke, For Sale, Privately, Shop, 38 Rodger Street, Cellardyke, with 5-Apartment DWELLING HOUSE above, and Byre, Stable, and Cart Shed, &c., in connection therewith. Assessed Rental, £24. Feu-Duty, £1 2s. There will be included in the sale the Dry-Dairy Business and Milk Round carried on by the late James D. Dow. Early occupation. For further particulars apply to MAXWELL &, DOW, Solicitors, Anstruther.

“Jock” Brown, the St Andrews- Canadian golf professional, attached to Summerlea Club, Montreal, is now on the Atlantic on his way home, where he will take part in his parents’ golden wedding celebrations. He has been in Canada during the past ten years, and has figured prominently many big tourneys. ……

His parents, Mr and Mrs Jas. Brown, 17 South Castle Street, St Andrews, celebrate their golden wedding early in December. It was on December 2, 1881, that the old couple were married in Kilrenny. Mrs Brown, who was Miss Elspeth Robertson before her marriage, belonged to the East Neuk. They were married by Dr Anderson, Cellardyke.

Mr Brown who is a retired fisherman, remembers the time when as many as 150 fishermen used to pursue the fishing industry at St Andrews.

11^th Nov

At Anstruther Memorial a short service was conducted by Revs. George Ogg. James A. Paterson, and Thomas R. Sneddon, and at Cellardyke Revs J. H. Prvde. James R Lee and J F. Kington officiated. A wreath from Cellardyke School was laid at the Memorial, and also two wreaths from the Town Council, one from Cellardyke and one from Anstruther.

Cost of Laying Pavement Provost Readdie presided the monthly meeting of Anstruther Town Council, when consideration was given to the question of laying foot pavements at the municipal houses at Cellardyke. Provost Readdie said the cost of laying concrete at both sides of Burnside Place and at parts on the north and south sides of Fowler Street would amount to about £200, taking about 7s to the square yard. If the pavements were tarred it would be half that cost. On the Provost’s suggestion the clerk was instructed to write to the Department of Health to ascertain if the repair fund would be available for the laying of proper foot pavements……

Offers for the repair of the pavement at Cellardyke School were submitted and that D. Motion, Cellardyke, was accepted.

A letter from the secretary of Cellardyke Ratepayers’ Association was received expressing dissatisfaction the council’s action in appointing Mr Small. West Anstruther as scavenger for Cellardyke.

1932

The employees of Messrs Robert Watson & Co., oilskin manufacturers, Newburgh, were entertained to tea by the firm in the Masonic Hall on the occasion of the recent wedding of Mr Andrew D. Mitchell, member of the firm.

Mr David Mitchell, Cellardyke, presided, and welcomed the company. Mr Mitchell stated he was proud of the relations existing between the firm and the employees.

Mr George R. Watson associated himself with Mr Mitchell’s remarks.

After tea games and dances were engaged in, and sketches were also given, and at the close Mr Charles Batchelor, on behalf of the employees, thanked the firm for their kindness.

Mr and Mrs A. D. Mitchell were present, and took part in the programme.

Exhibition of East Fife Products

A WALK ROUND THE STALLS. The exhibition was visited large crowds of people on both days, and courteous attendants pointed out the merits of the goods displayed. A walk round the hall proved an education.

Mrs Burnett, Arncroach, showed some quaint specimens of wrought iron work, including such useful articles boot scrapers, umbrella stands, and hinges of antique appearance but undoubted strength.

The various industries of Anstruther, Kilrenny, and Cellardyke were well represented. A. & W. Myles had on view Yatsman coats, Argyle leggings, and double cotta aprons for fisher folks, and further along Melville & Son, Cellardyke, showed Loch Fyne red herring and kippers.

Fish baskets, a potato creel, net needles, and a boat fender were included in the exhibit of the Fishermen’s Supply Store; and gate-legged tables were the speciality of Gray &. Pringle. Then came a collection of golf clubs laid out by D. W. Brodie & Coy., East Fife Golf Iron and Cleek Works, Anstruther, followed by a display children’s clothes, incorporating woollen coats in useful shapes and pretty colours, and oilskins by Martin & Co., Cellardyke.

Leather coats and short suede coats were a feature of the stand occupied by Watson & Coy., Cellardyke. The six stages in the manufacture of golf cleeks were demonstrated Mr James Anderson, golf cleek manufacturer, and the next exhibit also featured golf clubs made R. Brodie & Son, Anstruther. Cough mixtures and cold cream for various purposes, prepared by A. N, Bowman, chemist, were commented by many people. Two sets of fire irons, made Mr James Ramsay, Kilrenny, were greatly admired, and the next exhibit was by Mr Alex. Aitken, boat builder, Anstruther, who showed excellent models of a sailing boat and part of a motor boat.

One of the most interesting stands was that of Miss Mary J. Downey, Kilrenny, whose hand-painted pottery and china in original designs is worthy special note. Fruit and flower bowls, powder bowls, cigarette boxes, and candlesticks, preserve jars, tea and coffee sets, vases, and wall plaques all beautifully done, were only a few examples of her skilful art. A tapestry picture, with which she won first prize at the Highland Show in Dundee and a special prize at the W.R.I. rally at Kirkcaldy a fortnight ago, was exhibited. Mr Charles M. Grieg, The Loan, Anstruther, an ex-soldier, had on view several sea-grass stools of good workmanship. Mrs Bett was prominent with overalls. Mrs Dick, Cellardyke, is an expert in leather-work and hand weaving. On her stand were becoming leather golfing hats, tee-cases, shopping bags in leather, leather cloth, and Glamis fabrics, tea cosies, purses, and handbags. There were also beautifully knitted jumpers and hand-woven scarves in delicate colourings, as well as a good variety of articles suitable for Christmas parties and as prizes for bridge and whist drives. She is willing to send boxes of her goods on approbation to postal inquirers.

1934

ST MONANCE LAUNCH. A 46-feet-long fishing “nabby” was launched yesterday from the yard of Walter Reekie, boatbuilder. St Monance, for Mr M’Creath, Girvan. This ring-net boat will be driven by a 60 h.p. Gleniffer Diesel engine, and is fitted with all the latest appliances. She was named A.J.J. & T. by Miss Doris Martin, Cellardyke.  (This vessel was later to become Peter Murray’s 1^st Boy Peter, her name board is in the Museum)

1935

East Fife Orchestral Association – at a meeting in the reading room of Cellardyke Town hall, decided to resume practices, with Mr Alex Reid as Conductor

FORMER COXSWAIN OF CELLARDYKE LIFEBOAT

Death of Mr Wm. S. Sutherland

The death took place suddenly at his residence, 4 Harbour Head, Cellardyke, last night of Mr William S. Sutherland, who was a well-known and highly respected figure in the burgh. A native of Cellardyke, he was 67 years of age.

In January, 1915, he joined the Royal Naval Reserve, and left the service in 1919. During the war he was chief skipper. He was skipper of the steam drifter Fifeness until his retiral in 1932.

On 15th May, 1905,he  received a bronze medal from the Royal Humane Society for saving life from drowning, when he dived from the point of the east pier and rescued a boy.

He was first coxswain of the local lifeboat for 30 years, from 1903-33 When the present lifeboat’ was christened ii> 1933 received certificate of service from the Duke of Montrose

He was an enthusiastic member of the local British Legion Committee and also of the Royal Arch’ Chapter. He had no family, and is survived by his widow.

Excessive Speed – Charged with driving a heavy lorry at a speed of 27 m.p.h., Dysart Road, on Tuesday, 15^th Oct., Thomas -Murray, a Cellardyke motor driver, was fined 7s 6d by Baillie Collyer at the Police Court on Monday.

It is reported from Calcutta that Mr Thomas Gardner, a native of Cellardyke, and son of the late Mr Martin Gardner, Fowler Street, Cellardyke, has been badly hurt falling down the hold of his ship. He is the second officer of the s.s. Mangalore, present in Calcutta. In falling into the hold Mr Gardner sustained serious injuries, including a fracture of the pelvis, dislocated wrist, and superficial head wounds. His recovery is expected to take about three months.

1938

CELLARDYKE SPEAKER AT PITTENWEEM. Pittenweem Baptist Church Christian Endeavour held their monthly consecration in the church hall ~ Ml Ella Barnett presiding.

Miss B. Wood, Cellardyke, gave an address on “Church Membership.” Miss Wood also rendered a solo. Miss Ina May Hughes played the accompaniments.

1939

A disturbance in a ’bus had a sequel at Cupar Sheriff Court on Tuesday, when two Upper Largo men were fined. They were James Sydney Harris, motor hirer,  1 Manelian, and David Kinmond, motor driver, North Feus, both from Upper Largo. They admitted having created a breach of the peace in Main Street, Upper Largo, on 8th October, and Harris also admitted a charge of having assaulted the ’bus driver, Thomas Smith, 10 Fowler Street, Cellardyke, by hitting him on the chin.

Mr R. D. Gauld, solicitor, Cupar, for Kinmond, said that the two men were rather the worse of drink. Harris appeared to have fallen out of the door of the ’bus when it stopped. Kinmond did not see any assault, but took part in the argument which followed.

According to the depute Fiscal, Mr A. S. McNicol, Harris had fallen at the door of the ’bus, and then stated that he would report the driver. The driver had come out of his cabin to see what was wrong, and Harris hit him on the chin. Harris, who admitted a previous conviction, was fined £2 5s, and a fine of £1 5s was imposed on Kinmond.

1940

Anstruther District S.M.C. have been unsuccessful in their protest to Fife County Council against the installation of an airraid warning siren on Cellardyke School.

1941

Cellardyke Man Missing.

Mr and Mrs Alex. Rodger, 30 West Forth Street, Cellardyke, Anstruther, have been notified that their son, John Smith Rodger (22), who was a shipwright (4th class) on the Cossack, is reported missing, presumed killed. He joined the Royal Navy in June. 1940. , .

Presumed Killed on Naval Patrol Service.

Mr and Mrs T. Watson, 3 East Shore, Pittenweem, have been .notified that their son, Thomas Butters Watson (22), is missing, presumed killed on naval patrol service. The young man who was fisherman before joining up was married only six weeks ago to Cellardyke girl.

Lighting Offenders at Cupar. …….. Others who were fined flor lighting offences at their homes and business premises in their charge included: John Shearer, shoemaker, 21 Toll Road, Cellardyke (at the Dundee Equitable Shoe Shop in Roger Street, Anstruther),

1943

CELLARDYKE NURSE’S SUCCESS Miss Chrissie M. Smith, Duke Street Hospital, Glasgow, has passed out gold medallist in the recent final examination, and is now a State registered nurse. Nurse Smith is a daughter of Mrs Smith, 18 Rodger Street, Cellardyke.

1944

Mrs Wallace, 67 John Street, Cellardyke, has received intimation that her son, L-Cpl. Adam Wallace, previously reported missing at Arnhem, is now a prisoner. He was a signaller with the airborne battalion of the K.O.S.B. Educated at Waid Academy, was with the Clydesdale Bank in Dunoon before joining up.

1948

TOO OLD At 51?

A decision by the General Purposes Committee that a sub-committee should consider applications for the post of janitor at Cellardyke School after Anstruther School Management Committee had recommended that the present temporary janitor (age 51) be retained in the post, came in for a great deal of criticism. Bailie D. Mitchell, Anstruther, protesting against the decision of the General Purposes Committee, said it was a downright slight on the Anstruther School Management Committee, who had recommended that the present janitor be retained. Upholding the decision of the General Purposes Committee, Councillor Gatherum said that Anstruther School Management Committee had to come under the regulations of the Education Committee. It was up to the small committee appointed to choose a man for the post. Bailie Blarney, Cowdenbeath, said it was a question of principle. Under the superannuation scheme 45 was the age limit. Supporting Bailie Mitchell that the temporary man should have been considered for the post, Bailie Wright pointed out that the Ministry of Labour was appealing to older men and women to return to industry. After all there was very little difference between a man of 45 and a man of 51. If a man of 51 was considered an old man then 95 per cent of the Education Committee should be sitting at their firesides. Bailie Fraser, St Andrews, said that he could not understand all the unnecessary fuss. One would actually think that they were concerned with the rectorship of Dunfermline High School. There was very strong feeling in the east of Fife over the appointment and he thought the matter ought to be remitted back. After further discussion, it was agreed by 24 votes to 6 to remit the matter back to the General Purposes Committee.

1952

FIFE PROVOST LEFT £92,170 Provost William Watson Carstairs, OBE. J.P., manufacturer, of 18 West Forth Street, Cellardyke, who died on September 29, left £92,170 4s. In his will, lodged with the Sheriff Clerk Fife at Cupar yesterday, he bequeathed to the Town Council of Kilrenny, Anstruther Easter, and Anstruther Wester, over which he presided for 20 years, portrait himself in oils and a picture, “The Tea Clipper Race,” in view of its historical connection with both Anstruther and Cellardyke. His only other public bluest is £250 to Chalmers’ Memorial Church, Anstruther.

FOR SALE, as a going concern, the Business of FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS carried on by FIFE FURNITURE, Ltd. (in Liquidation), at CELLARDYKE, ANSTRUTHER, Fife, comprising the Heritable Property, Plant, Slocks of Raw Materials and Unfinished Goods. Particulars from the Liquidator, R. S. CLARK, C.A., Commercial Road, Leven

BUS DRIVER WEDS CONDUCTRESS Bus conductress Miss Nora Henderson, only daughter of the late Mr D. Henderson and of Mrs Henderson, 11 West Street, St Monance, was married in St Monance Church hall yesterday. Bridegroom is bus driver Henry B. Anderson, younger son of Mr and Mrs G. Anderson, Braeside, Burnside Terrace, Cellardyke. Ceremony was by Rev. J. S. Rough, St Monance. Bride was given away by her cousin, Mr James Aird, Crail. Matron of honour was Mrs D. Guthrie, sister of the bridegroom, and best man was Mr A. Henderson, brother of the bride.

1920

GIFT TO CELLARDYKE POOR FROM THE U.S.A. The poor people of Cellardyke received a pleasant surprise this week in the form of a gift of a sum of money from Mr George Fowler, of Binghamton, U.S.A. Mr Fowler a native of the burgh, and it was while a visit to the town in the summer that he resolved to hand over £100 for the benefit the poor. The money was distributed by Provost Black and William Birrell, Sen. In addition Mr Fowler has, at his own expense, carried out several very necessary repairs to the harbour.

1922

Miss Annie Wallace, daughter of Mrs Robert Wallace, James Street. Cellardyke, lies in a critical condition as the result a serious accident. It appears that the girl, who is about 15 years of age, and who was employed as a potato gatherer with Mr Dickie, farmer, Caiplie, had been resting with other girls by the roadside after dinner, when they took the chance of a “joy ride” on a motor bus which was proceeding towards Crail.  Fearing that she would not be able to return to her work in time _ Miss Wallace jumped from the bus while it was in motion, and was thrown to the ground and rendered unconscious.

She was taken to Crail, where Dr Dow found that the base of her skull had been fractured. Later she was conveyed home, and is being attended by Dr Wilson and Nurse Smith.

1925

The East Neuk of Fife Horticultural Society, with its headquarters Anstruther, is to be resuscitated. This decision was unanimously agreed to at a well-attended meeting in the Council Chamber, Anstruther-Easter, last night. The Society was first instituted in 1849, and the outbreak of war prevented their show being held on August 12, 1914. Mr C H Maxwell, town clerk, presided, and, after explaining the object of the meeting, the financial report was submitted by Mr James Butters, Cellardyke who was treasurer, who said that in 1914 the Society had on deposit receipt £63 7s 3d, and with interest to date—£2o 6s 4d—the sum on hand now amounted to £83 13s 7d.

1926

Kilrenny W.R I. and their friends held an enjoyable whist drive in the Schoolroom, 13 tables being occupied. First prize (ladies) was won by Mrs Anderson, Kilrenny, and booby by Miss Thomson, Balhouffie. Gentlemen first prize was won by Mr Wallace, Cellardyke, and booby by Mr Taylor, London. Hidden prize went to Mr G. Williamson. Songs were sung by Mrs Hosie, and Mr Taylor gave two pianoforte solos.

1927

Recognition of lad’s gallantry was made the Council meeting, when Philip Anderson, the hero of a gallant rescue from drowning the Craigs, was presented, with the Royal Humane Society’s medal and certificate. The Provost, in making the presentation, commended the lad on his heroism. This was the third occasion during his term Provost that had been called upon to make such a presentation, but never before to so young boy.

300 YEARS OLD FIFE SECRET – KILRENNY COUNCIL’s FIRST RECORDS FOUND

What a Cellardyke Safe has revealed,

 In the Town Council Chambers at Cellardyke Town Hall there is an old safe that has for too many years baffled all attempts to open it but the other day it was flung open and a remarkable discovery made. The safe contained the first minute of Kilrenny Town Council and so far as can be ascertained, the volume is almost  300 years old, the earliest legible date is 1628. The book has no covers and the first????  or so pages are in shreds, but nearly ??? are in quite a good state of perseverance and the records of the council business 300 years ago can still be read.

The safe which hid the valuable volume had apparently been painted over both the outside and inside and while the paint was still wet, closed and locked. the outside and inside

Safely Stowed Away

The old minute book lay inside and presumably there arose no necessity for opening the safe, and the book was safely stored away, and probably forgotten.

Curious to know what contained yet baffled by inability to open it .Provost? Mitchell put one of his mechanics on the job.

 Under his skilled hands the safe gave up its long and closely guarded secret and Kilrenny town council are now proud to be in possession of their first minute book.

 The book will be put in a glass case and no doubt an opportunity will be afforded to those who are interested to view this  ????? of the Kilrenny and Cellardyke of long ago.

1929

A shipwright named Alexander Dick, 19 Exeter Drive, Partick, Glasgow, was fatally injured yesterday in the Meadowside shipyard of Messrs D. & W. Henderson, Partick.

He was standing on the scaffolding attached to a ship under construction, when he overbalanced and fell a considerable distance into the hold. He died almost immediately.

Mr Dick, who was 51 years of age, was a native of Cellardyke, Fife, and was the third son of the late Mr James Dick, missionary, Campbeltown. He had been engaged Meadowside Shipyard for many years. He is survived by his wife and four sons, the eldest of whom is a well-known organist in Partick.

BRAVERY RECOGNISED. Among those who have received parchments from the Royal Humane Society in connection with lifesaving from drowning is James L McLeod  (23), bootmaker, 1 George Street, Cellardyke, Kilrenny, who on August 22^nd  Saved John Fleming (9). 57 George Street, who had fallen into Cellardyke Harbour.

At the Board of Trade examination for mates and masters, held last week in Dundee, the following candidates were successful in obtaining the Extra Master’s Certificate:

Mr John Miller Cumming. Tayport.

Mr Charles Owen, formerly of Rattray, Blairgowrie.

Mr Thomas Watson, 15 Dove Street, Cellardyke.

It is unusual for three candidates pass this examination at the same time as very few attempt it. The Extra Master’s Certificate is the highest award the Board of Trade.

The examination involves a knowledge of nautical astronomy, naval architecture, magnetism and deviation, general information (which includes science), signalling at high speeds (Morse and semaphore). There is also an oral test. Before the candidate can pass he must obtain 85 per cent in written, oral and signalling subjects. Failure in one subject entails complete failure.

The successful candidates are students the School of Navigation, Dundee Technical College, and were prepared for the examination Captain Stewart.

Subjects at No 6. Dove Street, CELLARDYKE, FOR SALE.

For Sale, by Public Roup, by Warrant the Sheriff Application for Division and Sale within the COUNCIL CHAMBER, Anstruther Easter, WEDNESDAY, the 18th day December 1929, at 2 o’clock Afternoon.

That TENEMENT of DWELLING-HOUSES with pertinents situated at No. 6 DOVE STREET CELLARDYKE, and occupied by Mary Gourlay! Alexander McRuvie, and George Gardner.

Rental, £16 15s. Feu-Duty Nominal

UPSET PRICE, £150 further particulars may be obtained from

A. COOK Solicitors Anstruther who hold the Title and Articles Roup.

 W S BONTHRON. Auctioneer Anstruther. 28th November 1929 Auctioneer

1900

Yesterday afternoon, Mr Angus Sutherland, the chairman of the Fishery Board, arrived at Anstruther by the steamer Brenda and had an interview with Provost Thomson and other members of Kilrenny Town Council in regards the position of Cellardyke harbour.  Mr Sutherland intimated that Provost Welch, St Andrews, who held an enquiry about the harbour some time ago, had sent in a favourable report, and the Fishery Board had practically agreed to give grant of £1000, if the other money necessary for the proper repair of  harbour was raised locally, and that the Town Council obtained a provisional order in the next session of Parliament and got Legal power to extract shore and harbour dues from the fishermen using the harbour after restoration, and thus provide a revenue for its upkeep in the future. Provost Thomson and the Council willingly consented to the conditions, and Mr Sutherland promised the council to let them have official notification from the board at their next meeting. Provost Thomson Thanked Mr Sutherland and the Fishery board for the interest they had displayed in Cellardyke and its harbour

1901

James Peterson Wallace, a Cellardyke fisherman belonging to the Fife boat Morning Star, effected a most gallant recent from drowning of a boy in Yarmouth Harbour. The Morning Star was moored opposite the Fish Wharf when the alarm was raised. The boy had fallen over the quay, passed beneath the keel of a steamer, and rose to the surface again some eighty yards down the harbour. Wallace, hearing shouts from the crowded fish market, though wearing sea boots and heavy clothing, unhesitatingly plunged into the water and saved the boy, who seemed dead. The Morning Star’s crew took the lad below, and after prolonged exertions restored him to consciousness. Representations are being made to the Royal Humane Society to recognise Wallace’s heroic act. He was cheered by hundreds of admiring spectators.

1903

Grocer and Wine Merchant’s business for sale

The SUBSCRIBERS invite OFFERS for the GOODWILL of that LICENSED GROCER’S BUSINESS, JAMES STREET, CELLARDYKE, presently carried by ALEXANDER CATHRO.

Offerers will require, in tendering for the Goodwill, to Offer for the Heritable Property in which the Business is carried on. The Subjects consist of a Shop, assessed at £18, and Two Dwelling-Houses, assessed £8 and £5 respectively.

Fair Business has been done in the Premises by MR CATHRO. The Turnover Spirituous Liquors has been about 330 Proof Gallons per Annum. The Turnover in Beer is about One Barrel per week.

The Stock, which is Light and Fresh, will require be taken over by the Purchaser at Mutual Valuation.

For further particulars either to Messrs MACINTOSH, WATSON, & MURRAY, Solicitors, Anstruther, the SUBSCRIBERS, with either of whom Offers should lodged forthwith.

ROMANES & MUNRO, C.A. 50 Frederick Street, Edinburgh.

1905

The South Fishing

Last week the local boats and liners fished fairly well, the liners Nancy Hunham and Vanguard 3, having 100 and 90 crans respectively. Two boats the Pride of Fife and Morning Star of Cellardyke landed good shots, the former 80 and the latter 70 crans, On Friday the motor boat Pioneer landed a shot 74 cran Several other had good shots.

1907

The Rev. Peter T Thomson, Leicester, who has suffered seven days imprisonment as a passive resister to the education rate, is a son of Peter Thomson, draper, Cellardyke.

1909

An old woman named Mrs Sutherland, Cellardyke, applied for an old age pension to Kilrenny Town Council. Her claim was approved, but was refused by the pension officer on the ground that her husband received parochial relief, and that she participated in it. The Local Government Board upheld the officer’s contention, and the claim was refused. Questions were put in Parliament, and representations made to the board on the subject, with the result that another pension officer was sent Cellardyke to investigate. He has now admitted the claim, finding out that she did not participate in the relief granted her husband, and the Board have decided that she is to be paid the pension of 5s weekly from the 1st of August last..

Scottish Coast Mission, Berwick Branch

During the fishing season, nine open air services were conducted at Tweed Dock on Sunday afternoons. Some of the Cockenzie and Cellardyke fishermen gave short addresses and solos and quartettes

1912

Feared Loss of Ship’s Fireman.- Information was received at Cellardyke on Sunday that John Watson, fireman on board the steam drifter Guerdon of Cellardyke, had not been seen since Friday evening, and grave fears are entertained that he has met his death by drowning in the dock Yarmouth, where craft is at present engaged at the fishing. Watson, who is about 26 years of age, is unmarried, and is the sole support of his widowed mother, to whom much sympathy is extended.

1915

THREE CELLARDYKE SOLDIERS WOUNDED. Information has come to Cellardyke that the three local lads wounded in the recent fighting are all making good progress. They are Sergeant George Moncrieff, 4th Black Watch; Lance-Corporal Wm. Thomson, 8th Black Watch; and Private Thomas Martin, 2d Black Watch. Moncrieff was hit near the spine by two pieces of shrapnel, Thomson was wounded in the thigh and wrist, while Martin was “gassed.”

Fifeshire properties for sale

Dwellinghouse and shop situated at 21 John Street, Cellardyke occupied by John Deas (McRuvie) rental , £5, feu Duty Nominal

1916

CELLARDYKE. Put Not Your Trust Motor Cars.— Owing to a breakdown of the motor car in which he was travelling from St Andrew’s to conduct the services in Cellardyke Parish Church on Sunday, the Rev. Principal Galloway, D.D., did not arrive till about an hour after the prescribed time for the service to begin. This put the congregation in a very awkward predicament. Ultimately one of the elders, Mr David Smith, appeared, and, stating the cause of the minister’s non-appearance, gave out the first hymn, which was sung by the congregation. It was about twelve o’ clook before the Professor arrived in another motor car that had been requisitioned, and the usual service was then gone through. One of the hymns sung—“ Come unto Me, ye weary,”—had a special significance.

1917

Gunner James Burd, R.F.A., eldest son of Bailie Burd, Anstruther, and Private Andrew Dick, Black Watch, Forth Street, Cellardyke, are reported wounded.

Lieut. W. F. Wood, R.M., eldest son of the late Mr Andrew Wood, Anstruther, and nephew of Bailie Gay, Elie, has just been promoted to the rank of Captain. In civil life Captain Wood was on the staff of Messrs Gibson & Son, ship owners, Leith, where his home is. He is an old Waid pupil. He has been nearly three years on active service, and received his commission this year for meritorious work.

1918

THE INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC. The ‘flu is very prevalent in Cellardyke, mainly among the older people. Four of the teachers in the Public School have been prostrated with it, and the school has had to be closed.

Miss L. J. Smith, who for the past ten years has been a teacher at Moffat School, and has recently resigned, has been appointed assistant infant mistress at Cellardyke Public School.

Seaman Robert Thomson, son of the late Mr Alexander Thomson, fisherman, Cellardyke, has died in Plymouth Hospital of influenza. Seaman Thomson, who was only home on leave a fortnight ago, was a recorder in the Admiralty service when broke out, and at once joined up as a seaman in an auxiliary cruiser. He was 35 years or age, and leaves a widow and one child. The remains of Seaman Thomson were brought to Cellardyke, and were on Tuesday interred in Kilrenny Churchyard. The funeral was of a naval and military character. Large detachments of naval men and the local volunteers formed a feature of the cortege.

1880

Cellardyke Police Commission.—This Board, meeting the other day, agreed to accept the contract of Thomas Christie to cart the street dung, as swept by the scavenger, to the depot for the year the sum of £55. They also preferred, out of several candidates, William Dewar to be the , “town’s man” in Upper Kilrenny at the wage of 18s a week.

Yesterday morning the fishing boat Venus Star, hailing from Cellardyke, Scotland, arrived Whitby, and captain, Peter Murray, reports that on the previous night, while or seven miles off that port, homeward bound, one of crew, William Anderson, of Cellardyke, fell overboard, and was drowned. Deceased was at the time fixing one of the lights, when the stanchion which was holding gave way, and both foil into the sea. The boat was ‘sailing great rate, and it was impossible to rescue the unfortunate fisherman. He was about 40 years of age, and leaves wife and four children.

1881

We understand that the East most of the handsome block of houses in West Forth Street, Cellardyke, just being finished our townsman, Mr Wallace, builder, has been sold to Mr Alex. Keay (Watson) for the sum of £485. The fine site James Street also included, so that a more desirable property has rarely changed hands amongst us. In the house itself every regard has been had not only for the comfort the family, but, also, for that important consideration, the stowage gear, and thus taken along with the magnificent view, it admittedly claims like the rest the block—a model fisher home.

The Bailie Court of Kilrenny on Friday— Provost Watson presiding—four coopers employed in Cellardyke –  George Lawson, David Dun, John McLeod, and William Blyth charged with assaulting Mr David Muir, fisherman, at the harbour head on the evening of Saturday week, and also with a breach the peace at the same time and place. All the panels appeared except Blyth who is in the meantime at Yarmouth. They pleaded not guilty, but the evidence of several of the neighbours brought home the charge in the opinion of the court, and they were each fined 7s 6d, or ten days in jail.

1882

GREAT YARMOUTH HERRING FISHING

GEO. W GILES,  

FISH SALESMAN, GREAT YARMOUTH,

Can offer superior ACCOMMODATION to SCOTCH FISHERMEN who intend fishing at YARMOUTH for Storage Nets, &e., and gives the most personal attention to the Sale of their Fish. Has been a Salesman for many years for large number of boats hailing from St Monance, Cellardyke, Buckhaven, Eyemouth, Ferryden, Peter- Banff, Buckie &c.  Address No1. Fish Wharf, Great Yarmouth.

Fine Art Exhibition Dundee…..We now proceed take a brief glance at the pictures. That versatile and eccentric genius, the late Sam Bough, is well represented in the present Exhibition. No fewer than seven pictures appear under his name; and three these—.No. 1200, “Cornfield” No 1241, “Cellardyke Harbour;” and 1308, “Naworth Castle—Wind and Rain,” are admirable specimens of the master.

Hairbreadth Escape of a Fife Crew. —One of the most remarkable instances of special Providence, to use a favourite phrase of the coast, occurred last week to the Cellardyke boat, Ivanhoe, Geo. Fowler, master, while on the voyage from Scarborough. Their errand over on the herring sea, the crew had put to sea on Tuesday night, and were bowling along, with jib and foresail boomed out, as the sailors say, before the south-west wind, when, about two next morning, those on deck saw red light within bow shot bearing right upon them. The night, by reason of the fog, was as black as the grave, and thus the stranger—a big barque, under full sail—was all unperceived upon them. A vigilant hand, David Meldrum, held the tiller, but not an instant was left to act, or even consider what to do, when her head gear was entangled with the boat. The foremast brushed clear by a hand breadth, but the mizzen was caught by the big bowsprit, and was next moment hurled into the sea. It so far, however, averted the collision, though the winch and part of the rail was wrenched away, but otherwise the boat was safe —delivered as by a miracle from the very jaws of destruction. The escape of three of the crew was exceptionally so. The boat-hook, acting boom, was thrown like a spear from the hand of a giant against the shoulder of a veteran fisher, George Smith, while, as the mizzen mast crashed over the gunwale, it struck full on the steersman, who also received a severe blow in the fall of the winch. A landsman, named John Ramsay, was also thrown into the sea, and his escape was, perhaps, the most providential of all, for, unable to save himself, he must have become the prey of the hungry waves, but as he rose to the surface, the broken mast floated to his arm, and on this he rested like a life buoy till he was sometime after casually seen in the “water burn,” when he was dragged into the boat. In the meantime it was the impression on board that the shoulder of their comrade was dislocated or broken, and that David Meldrum had received a mortal hurt; but for while their every outcry and effort was to obtain assistance from the barque. It was all in vain, however, for deaf to every call, and with that heartless barbarity which unfortunately has only too many parallels in the story of the sea, the stranger never once changed his course, but held under full sail as before. In the darkness and agitation of the hour our fishermen failed to identify the barque, but, so far as could be made out, she seemed to be a foreigner, making probably for English coal port. The Ivanhoe reached Anstruther harbour some thirty six hours after the collision, when no time was lost in obtaining assistance for the injured men. Fortunately, in neither case was there any bones broken, and David Meldrum, for whose condition so much uneasiness was felt, is, we are glad to say from latest accounts, doing as well as can be hoped for. We understand that the authorities are investigating the matter with view of bringing the sea miscreant to justice.

1883

Mr James Henderson is giving the finishing touch to the Eastern Section of Rodger Street, Cellardyke, in a handsome corner block which has been rented to that rising practitioner Dr Flaxman.

1886

The Magistrates met in the several burghs, so far as there was any applications, on Tuesday. Phillis Carstairs, the widow of Alexander Gardine, who held a grocer’s license for premises in John Street, Cellardyke, asked for a transfer her own name, which was granted by Bailies and Smith, the Magistrates on the bench.—Walter Miles and Widow George Shelley, within a few doors of her, applied for a table beer license. Bailie Martin opposed the application on the ground that it would increase the number of licensed houses to six—a number out of all proportion in one street. Bailie Smith was more sympathetic—the one was a blind man laid aside by the infirmity of heaven from ordinary work, and the other was a “widow indeed ” if only by the frailty of years ; but on being referred to, Constable Martin said that these houses were often the most mischievous of all in the neighbourhood, when both were refused.

1887

New Patents

William Duncan and Alexander Black, Cellardyke, for “Improvements to Boots”

1890

Mr Archibald Guillan, Anstruther, having completed his hundredth year six o’clock on Saturday evening, the neighbours, to the number of 220 1 celebrated the event by a soiree in Anstruther Town Hall. The meeting began in the afternoon. The tables, &c., were tastefully decked with flowers and evergreens. The centenarian ascended the platform with an agility to be envied three score and ten to take his seat with the Chairman, Provost J. T. Darsie, ex-Provost Halson Anderson, the Rev. T. Murray, &c. The company were then served with tea and cake in way that would have done honour to drawing room by Mr M’Connell. ….. The proceedings were also enlivened with fine selection of songs by Councillor Melville, Mr Alexander Watson, the Misses Melville and Watson, Cellardyke; the Misses Wilson and M. A. Brown, Anstruther, &c. and charming violin music by Miss M. Cook, with the pianoforte accompaniments by Miss A. Oliphant. In moving a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr Cook made one of the most interesting contributions to the night reading from the columns of one of the Edinburgh newspapers published in the autumn 1790. Singular to say, it contained notice of the death of two of the apocryphal centenarians, in which the serials the period so delighted to indulge. …

1892

Yarmouth

The BF 372 Glad Tidings, hailing from Buckie, collided with Yarmouth boat on Monday night, with the result that her stern was stove in and considerable amount damage done. She is now in dock, but will ready for sea in a few days. The KY boat Hawarden Castle, from Cellardyke, had a collision with another Yarmouth vessel in the harbour, and she is also in dock.

Early Sunday morning the joists of a house in James Street, Cellardyke, were found to fire. The brigade was called out, and the flames extinguished without difficulty. A neighbouring chimney had been on fire the preceding night, and the flames had smouldered till the smoke alarmed tire inmates. Little damage was done.

1893

At Cellardyke Court, William Leslie applied for grocer’s license for premises in the village of Kilrenny. The application was refused, Provost Martin stating that there was no demand for license there, which had been without one for 40 years. John Pitt was granted renewal of public-house certificate for premises in George Street.

1895

The Maggie Scott, of Cellardyke, while lying at the wharf at Yarmouth, had been run into by the Glengarry, St Monance, which was tacking up the river. She was severely injured, and had to be beached. T

The liners, with the exception of the East Neuk, had to rest content with one shot, the details of which we gave last week. Judging from the great gathering of all kinds of craft to the lee of Elie Ness a heavy sea was raging outside the Firth, and the Bonito, which tried to face it, had to turn back. The Pioneer** which has been hired Skipper Adam Reid, was telegraphed from Shields on Wednesday with £104 for the first shot., but was unable to get bait for a second shot. A number of townsmen were in the Tyne on the same day, the details being:—Glenogil £89; Tennant, £31; Fair, £13; and Edith, £13; while the Maggie was at Newhaven with £50. The reports from Islay are far from cheering; little has been done by the Fife yawls, but it is hoped that change for the better will set in by another week-

**The Pioneer was owned by the Peterhead Steam Line Company and was not doing well under the previous crew, so they hired it out to Adam Reid who in the first few weeks of this new arrangement was doing very well.

1896

These are stirring times in the history of the Cellardyke men. Every eye is turned on the efforts of the liners, and the crews in their turn are devoting every energy to the management of their vessels. Sunshine and storm come alike. So long as there is a possibility of working the boats are at sea, and last week they had a baptism of storm which only the splendid qualities of the crafts and the seamanship of the men brought them through.

They did not leave the deep without forcing tribute from her bountiful store, as the following record of the earnings testifies — East Neuk £101; Tennant, £97; Isle of May, £52; County of Fife, £40; Copley, £25; Fair, £24; Maggie and Edith, -£22; Glenogil, £15, &c. This was the reverse side of the picture. The Kittiwake returned with all her lines carried away, and one of the crew of the County was badly cut about the face by the glass of the window of the wheelhouse, which was shivered by a sea. Other steamers lost lines and all bore traces of the fury of the gale which they had come through.

Only one week previously

…. the Fife boats the highest fishing which has ever been coupled with that of any fleet of vessels from one port. The County of Fife had pride of place with a coveted total of £179. Skipper Henderson in doing this has only capped a series of splendid hauls during the past five weeks, the average earnings of the liners being £103.

1897

The summer fishing proved the lowest for many years back. The average earning generally amounts to from to £150, but this year it was considered that £80 would cover it. The boats have now all left for the south coast, Scarborough, Lowestoft, and Yarmouth. The steam liners during the quarter have mostly been engaged at the herring fishing as well, and did very fairly, the average weekly gross earnings ranging from £50 to £45. An addition has been made to the fleet by the launch at Anstruther of the Rothesay Bay. This makes 20 steam liners manned Cellardyke fishermen.

1898

In the East of Fife the storm was most disastrous and caused great destruction to property. The east wall of Cellardyke Harbour was knocked over in several places, and the stones swept into the harbour, making it entirely useless. The walls of the houses fronting the sea in Cellardyke were torn down and boiler and washing-houses destroyed. The saw mill and fish manure factory at Cellardyke belonging to Mr Cormack, was completely wrecked, and the machinery twisted. Part of the coping at the east pier of Anstruther was swept into the harbour, while different places of the west pier were much shaken and torn. The wall of west Anstruther is covered with sea ware, and, and the churchyard walls which faces the sea has been swept away. Breaches have also been made in other properties. The west end of Shore Street. Anstruther, is covered with sea ware, sand, and large stones, while the causeway blocks in Castle Street have been lifted by the force of the waves and thrown about. It is impossible to estimate the damage, but it must amount to thousands of pounds.

Another report of the same storm

..it was Cellardyke that the greatest amount of havoc and destruction was wrought. The garden walls of the houses skirting the sea got the full fury of the storm, with the result was that on Tuesday morning scarcely a wall escaped right along from Anstruther to the end of Cellardyke—more than a mile in length. The breaches made an inlet to the sea to reach bark, boiler, and wash houses, many of which were knocked over, and the bricks and stones scattered over the beach. Cellardyke Harbour, which belongs Mr Bethune of Balfour, was also rendered useless by the east wall being broken in several places and the harbour blocked by the debris. The roadway the North Pier was torn and heavy stones misplaced. The saw mill and fish guano manure factory the east end Cellardyke, which stood in a very exposed position, were completely wrecked and the machinery twisted into every conceivable shape. The Anstruther lifeboat was called out Monday night, but the crew found it impossible take it outside the harbour, and the boat was wheeled to Methil. a distance of  15 miles, only find that the services of the captain and his crew were not required, the vessel had been taken tow and the crew rescued.

Two days later

About eight o’clock this morning the body of a Norwegian sailor was found on the beach at Cellardyke. He had only been few hours’ dead, and wore a lifebelt and cork jacket. There was nothing to lead to his identification.

Then a public appeal goes out in a letter to the papers

Sir,-The recent storm struck Cellardyke very hard. The sea-wall at the east end of the burgh is -its only protection-is almost demolished, and there is great risk of further damage to property if it be not restored. Another storm would wreck the place and invade the streets: Many private persons have suffered loss by the inroad of the sea, while the damage to public property amounts to at least £2000. The Town Council is quite unable to make this good; the community is a poor one, consisting almost entirely of fisher people, and on their behalf, through your courtesy, I appeal to all who know and love v the coast of Fife to come to their aid. Provost Thomson, Cellardyke, by Anstruther, will gladly receive and acknowledge any contribution.. H.T. Anstruther Gillingshill

1899

…an engineer was also to be in the town to make inquiries about starting linoleum industry, but he was afraid the old water supply would not be found sufficient, and inquiries would have to be made of premises in Cellardyke to see if they would be suitable for the purpose. He hoped these industries would yet be started in the locality and turn out success.

1870

Free Church Bazaar –  about ten years ago the members of the Free Church in Cellardyke erected a large hall for religious meetings, but that building having been found inconvenient and incommodious, a movement was set on foot  in the spring for an improved edifice and this effort was so spiritedly carried out, that a new Free Church hall of ornate design and suitable dimensions has just been completed in a fine situation in that enterprising fishing town The hall has cost £640, the fund for which was so far provided for by the £200 paid for the old hall, and £200 of donations, that there was thus a debt upon the building of £240, which  the committee proposed to liquidate by means of a bazaar….. there naturally was a lively interest excited in the bazaar which was held in the new hall on Friday last, Some anxiety we hear, was felt owing to the very unfortunate close of the herring fishing season; but all fears were soon dissipated in the brilliant success which from first to last distinguished the opening day…. Throughout the whole day the hall was crowded the number of visitors being estimated at 700. Nothing could be more interesting than the picture which was thus presented – the handsome, airy hall, flooded with light, and garlanded all about with green leaves and choice flowers, the stalls heaped with their glittering richly tinted treasure loads – the hundreds of elegantly attired ladies, full of the spirit of animation of the hour, gave equal brilliancy and grace to the fascinating scene which received a charm all their own from the pianoforte music so sweetly rendered by Mrs McDonald, nor should we forget the Tennyson Hymns given with no less pathos and expression by Miss martin and other accomplished young ladies of the neighbourhood.  The total raise was about £170 9s… we understand that the substantial aid the will leave little more than £35 on the building and encouraged by their recent success the committee contemplate making an effort to discharge this balance at once..

1872

After some days of anxious waiting for favourable change of weather, our fishermen, whose hopes are with the herring fishing on the Suffolk: coast, were enabled to make a start, with flowing sheet, on Monday morning. Within the last few years the fishing has become of great, may say of paramount, importance our Fife crews, most of them now betake themselves thither; preferring the chances of the season at Lowestoft or Yarmouth over the stormy voyages and fluctuating prices which are only too characteristic of the white fishing at home. The number of Fife boats which will be engaged at these English stations may be estimated as follows : — Cellardyke, which ranks as a kind of metropolis amongst her fishing neighbours in enterprise as in population, sends out 40 boats, which is one less than last year; Pittenweem, where the old spirit is once again pleasingly showing itself, has fitted out 9 crews; while the hardy sons of grey old St Monance have 16 boats so employed ; there are also two or three boats from Largo, and we hear of 14 or 15 crews from Buckhaven, so that about 90 boats, manned by nearly 940 fishermen, will, after this date, be nightly abroad on these English seas, some 400 miles away, where they will remain till about the beginning of December, when, with the close of the season, they will, if all goes well, once more hoist the sail on the voyage for home.

There is a twofold reason why our hardy fishers should prefer to seek their bread thus far from their own firesides. “We are sick of the haddock fishing,” the gallant fellows will tell you ; and no wonder that it should be so if we only take a thought of the winter squalls, and what is still more discouraging, the miserable markets which they may daily experience. Brighter prospects, however, invite them southward, where, unless the storm is all the more sudden, they have time to find secure shelter under the lee of the great sandbanks which stretch, like a vast breakwater, along the land, and effectually shield the harbours from those winds which every mariner has so much reason to dread on a tempest-beaten shore. “We escape many blast, and can sleep soundly there, when we could only look for wet jacket at the lines,” said the mate of the “Anna” to us the other day. But, besides this greater security and comfort the south-going crews have also the prospect of better returns at the herring fishing, which, since it was commenced has steadily proved an inexhaustible gold mine, though last year its very success so affected the markets as to make it very indifferently remunerative to most of our crews, though, with few exceptions, they are all willing to make another venture. The system of fishing is curiously enough, widely different on the Scottish and English coasts.  At home the nets hang from the head rope, which in turn is kept up by the floats some four or five fathoms under water, by which the ships can sail over the nets without doing any damage; but on the south coast the nets float at the very surface, with rope or messenger along their foot or sole of the drift, but most singular of all, the moonlight, which is reckoned a misfortune for the Scottish fisher, is, on the contrary, the chief hope and delight—welcome, in fact, as the harvest moon—to the sons of St Peter in English waters. Our fishermen, however, are in a position to prosecute the south fishing with Cc of success. At Yarmouth and Lowestoft the herring luggers—which, by the way, by no means possess the fine sailing and weatherly qualities of our fife boats—are, together with the outfit of sea gear and stores, the property of shore owners, who merely embark in the speculation for the sake of its profit, while the crews or the fishermen are simply in the position hirelings or of the half dealsmen who leave their work on shore to lend helping hand to our fishermen during the herring season. There is a broad contrast between these English fishers or beachmen, without any other stake than that of mere labouring men, and our Fife fishermen, who have a share every case in the nets, if not in the boat; and when this difference of relative position is understood, it can be easily inferred that the superiority of our Fife crews in industry and enterprise, as well as in the social virtues, are nowhere more conspicuous than while they sojourn in early winter on the English coast.

 A few days later

From telegrams received from England we learn that on Wednesday the Cellardyke boats landed from one to two lasts of herrings, which sold at from £8 to £12 a last. The report that appeared in Monday’s Scotsman stating that a memorial was to be forwarded to the Lord Advocate, asking hi  to grant permission to use scotch fir in the manufacture of white herring barrels, has excited some discussion among the fishcurers in Anstruther and Cellardyke, the opinions expressed are decidedly against the request being granted as the allege that the porous nature of scotch fir would allow the brine to escape from the barrels and render the herrings useless. The price of Norwegian larch delivered at Anstruther is at present 105s per thousand feet, and billet wood is 1s to 1s2d per cubic foot. Last year the prices were from 70 to 72s for the same larch and 8d for billet wood.

1873

The Cellardyke boats at present prosecuting the herring fishing on the English coast have so far been very successful, some of the crews having netted over £100 during the first fortnight . From telegrams received on Saturday it appears that the whole of the Cellardyke boats fishing- at Lowestoft had been out in the storm of that morning, but up to four o ‘ clock in the afternoon all but three had been telegraphed as in safety.

1874

Two brothers, residing in Kilrenny, David Kinnear, shoemaker, and Andrew Kinnear, miner, were charged with assaulting David Keith, jun., carter, Cellardyke, by striking and kicking him to the effusion of blood, near the Commercial Inn on Saturday night, and also with having committed a breach of the peace at the same time and place , The Panels pleaded not guilty …. Evidence being adduced for the indictment, David Keith, the complainer, whose face was frightfully bruised,  after evidence was heard the provost stated that the charge was clearly established and the brothers were sentenced to 21s or 20 days in prison.

1876

Boat Insurance Club. — This new institution, which was established shortly after the great destruction of fishing property during the severe storm of last autumn, promises to be successful. For the current year upwards of 50 boats are insured with the Club, and others are expected to be added to the number. As yet, with the exception of two from St Andrews and one from Fraserburgh, the majority belong to Cellardyke; but it is hoped that the fishermen in the other villages along the coast will avail themselves of the benefits of the Club.

1877

ANSTRUTHER. Departure of Fishing Boats fob the South. the course of last week than 70 of our fishing boats left for Lowestoft and Yarmouth, engaged in the autumn herring fishing there during the next two months. Each boat manned by seven men, and including the representatives of the carers, there will fully 500 persons from Anstruther and Cellardyke prosecuting the enterprise at these fishing ports.

1878

Cellardyke. Unexpected Abatement.—ln the Small Debt Court, Cupar, on Thursday, Thomas M. Rae, family grocer, Aberdeen, sued Alex. Tarvet, skipper, Cellardyke, for an account for groceries, amounting to £10 6d. Defender said the account was quite just, but he required time to pay it. Sheriff Bell pointed out that there were several items for rum and whisky that he was not bound to pay for under the Tippling Act. Defender, not understanding the Sheriff’s remarks, still insisted that the account was just. On the point being again explained to him by gentleman at the bar, and the question repeated from the bench, Tarvet created considerable amusement by saying, “Oh! I ken naething aboot the whusky. The amount for rum and whisky—£1 3s 11d —was accordingly deducted, and decree granted for £8 18s 7d, with 5s of expenses.

NB the Tippling act in Scotland 1836 prevented traders selling small amounts of alcohol on credit, so this could not be part of any debt recovery process.

1802

For sale by Public Roup

That SHADE on the Shore of Cellardyke presently possessed by James and Peter Davidson, and used by them for curing herrings and white fish.

1828

Crail- A fishing boat belonging to Cellardyke from Eden to Cellardyke, deeply laden with shell fish for bait, swamped within a quarter of a mile from the harbour here, and, melancholy to relate, six men were drowned, and only one saved. The man saved, named Davidson, has to lament the loss of two sons, a brother, and a brother’s son. (The boat was the Olive, part of a fleet of Cellardyke boats collecting mussels for line bait)

1842

Anstruther – A large specimen of the short sun fish, Orthagoriscus inula, was brought on shore here last week, by one of the Cellardyke fishing It measured upwards of four feet in length, six feet depth between the extremities of the dorsal and anal fins; its weight was from twenty-five to thirty stones. When first observed, its dorsal fin was only seen, and it was moving through the water very slowly. Though occurring but occasionally, it may be said to have been taken from John o’Groats to the Land’s End. Previous to present year, seven or eight examples have been known to occur in the Frith of Forth, and this is the fourth specimen which has been caught this year. Another is said to have been observed at the mouth of the Frith by our fishermen Saturday last. It is a dull, stupid fish, and when once seen may be easily caught. This fish has been considered general to live on sea-weeds and shell fish, but a large haddock was found half-digested in the stomach of the specimen under consideration. The fish was purchased by Messrs Goodsir, surgeons, here, who are preparing it scientifically for a place in their already well-stocked museum.

1849

Cellardyke. – Saturday, while the crew of one of the boats belonging to the above place were pursuing their usual avocation on the mighty deep, one of their number suddenly took ill, and being asked by his comrades what his aliment was, answered that he thought it was cholera. This announcement made them to cease shooting their lines, which they were then in the act of doing, and prepare immediately to haul those they had already shot. But finding him still getting worse, and the cramp (that sure forerunner of cholera being in its last stage) having attacked him violently in the breast, they immediately cut their lines and went home; but, before they could arrive there, his whole body was so stiffened with the cramp that he was like a marble statue. Having reached the harbour, a cart was immediately procured, which drove him to his own home, where he received that heat and comfort which his stiffened limbs most greatly needed, but which also came too late. He died the same evening at about nine o’clock. It is impossible for us not to sympathise with the wretched man in the circumstances in which he was placed, while he was attacked with the disease. In an open boat on the open sea, no comfort could be procured to alleviate the dreadful pain which he suffered, no medicine to allay the fierce effects of the disease, and no consolation from the partner of his life to soothe and assuage his sufferings, and to calm his grieved and troubled mind with cheering and consolatory words.

1851

Time was, says the Pittenweem Register in doleful treble, when “the fiddle and the bow,’ would have been heard in all quarters—in every town on the East Coast at the end of the fishing, but the failure of the present drave has cast a gloom over the spirits of our fishermen; and the inspiring notes of “the fiddle and the bow” are nowhere to be heard. Last year at this time five couples were proclaimed in one day at St. Monance—the wrights in Cellardyke were at work night and day making furniture tor those who were entering the happy state—but, this season, there is not the sound of a hammer. The tailors and dress-makers had likewise to work extra hours; and, though last, not least, the session-clerks will feel the scarcity of many a dainty half-sovereign in payment of their customary dues. The women, who are always the best informed in such matters, calculate that there are from forty to forty-five marriages postponed for the present, in consequence of the unfortunate failure in tile herring fishing.

1856

George Sutherland, cooper, Cellardyke, charged with assault there, was fined 10s or 10 days imprisonment.

1861

In Cellardyke, two houses were sold a few days since which rented £3 and £4 respectively, the former for £100 and the later for £153

Cellardyke, it is gratifying to state that there is no stagnation, especially in those matters which best indicate the prosperity and well-being of a community: we allude to the numerous marriages there in course of celebration. The other Sunday no fewer than five couple were proclaimed in the Parish Church; and as these occasions are marked with no little festivity and display, the town frequently presents gay and animated appearance. Strangers in the locality have often been surprised at the early age at which these unions take place, and certainly there is no class where the opinions of Malthus are so little regarded as amongst fishermen; the nature of their calling renders it necessary; but it may also be stated that a due regard is generally had to a proper provision for an event of which the weal and comfort of life so much depend.

The fishermen of Cellardyke, Pittenweem, and St Monance, enrolled in this naval force the number of 80 or 90, left this port on Tuesday by the Leith and Anstruther steamer Forth for Leith, to undergo month’s drill on board H.M.S. Edinburgh, lying in Queensferry Roads.

The White fishing —A partial commencement of the haddock fishing was made by two Cellardyke boats on Tuesday, when they returned with about forty-five dozen each—one-fourth of which were full -sized marketable fish. The boats of the neighbouring towns seem to content themselves with trawling the herring fishing ground off the port, to the detriment of future fishing seasons.

1862

On Saturday last, the Coast Volunteers belonging to the fishing towns of the East of Fife, embarked here for Leith on their way to join the training ship Menai, now lying off Queensferry. By the terms of enrolment, month’s attendance is required at drill the course of the year; and as the present is the least productive period of the fishing, it has been preferred for this purpose. They numbered about seventy altogether— forty being from Cellardyke, and the remainder from Pittenweem and Monance. Their appearance was highly creditable to their respective communities, they were all active, spirited young men.

1864

CELLARDYKE. Concert.—On Friday evening, a concert of vocal and instrumental music, under the patronage of the officers of the 3d Fifeshire Rifles, was given in the Female schoolroom here, by and for the benefit of the brass band of that corps. Besides the band, who acquitted themselves in admirable style, in a number of popular tunes, Mr Alexander Hay, and other amateurs also took part in the proceedings. Mr Hay sung with his usual taste and spirit several patriotic and sentimental songs, while the humorous element of the entertainment was contributed by Mr Gr. Thomson, who ably sustained, on this occasion, his wide repute as a comic singer and ventriloquist. Mr G. Butters also gave in a creditable style a number of select recitations. The various pieces were, all cases, much enjoyed and applauded by the audience, which, however, was less numerous than the merits of tie entertainment deserved.

The line fishing has now been actively commenced for the season, and when the weather has proved favourable, the boats have made daily trips to the fishing ground. The takes have ranged from forty to sixty dozen of haddocks; but in point of quality the fish have been generally inferior and small in size. The demand has been active, and the price may be quoted at 1s per dozen, for large and small indiscriminately counted. This season there are thirty-nine large boats belonging to Cellardyke engaged the white fishing, besides several yawls, manned principally by old men and boys, who confine their labours to the Firth.

1866

This season there will be thirty-nine Cellardyke boats engaged in the deep sea fishing; but, besides these, there are five yawls the line fishing the coast. In addition to this goodly fleet, six Cellardyke boats, besides the Pioneer, have proceeded the Yarmouth herring fishing, where they will be stationed until the approach of the New Year.

1867

On Saturday last, two dwelling-houses, situated near the harbour of Cellardyke, the one belonging to the late James Brown, and the other Mr Charles Carstairs, were exposed for sale in the Town Hall there. This the third time that these properties bad been publicly offered, but, notwithstanding, the eligibility of their situation, no sale could be effected. The upset price this occasion was reduced to £180 and £130 respectively, but in neither case was an offer made. It would appear from the comparatively greater demand for, and the higher prices which are being realised for houses in the west end the town, that this locality is being preferred by the fishermen, owing, of course, to its proximity to the Union Harbour. We hear of an old property situated in that part the town, for which no sale could be effected when offered a fortnight ago at public roup, having changed hands the other day for £13O.

The Cooper Trade.-—A few years ago coopering held a very respectable place as the staple trade of the locality; but since the failure of the herring fishing it has declined so far that instead of about 150 coopers being employed Anstruther and Cellardyke during the busy part of the season, as was then the case, there has been this year less than forty journeymen at work. Of course this number has been still further reduced now that the herring fishing is at an end, and according to the present prospects of the trade, there will fewer hands employed for some months to come than for any similar period since the fishing was resumed in the Firth. A dispute seems also exist amongst the fishcurers and their men as the rate of wages for the ensuing season, and this has caused a number of men to be thrown out of work for the time being. The coopers are demanding 18s, which is an allowance of 1s for making barrel “out the rough” as it is technically called. In some cases, however, the men are known to be working for 16s a-week, and so employers generally are disposed resist the higher demands of the unemployed workmen, who, on the other hand, contend that they have right at least to labourers’ wages, which now run at 3s per day. Under those circumstances, many of the local coopers are to proceed Yarmouth take employment under the fish buyers there. As the number of curers in Anstruther and Cellardyke who are about to engage in the haddock fishing is to be two or three less this winter than for the last two three seasons, it is not improbable that only about fifteen coopers will be working here during that period, at a rate of wages ranging from 16s to £l.

George Smith, Fisherman, Cellardyke was charged with having assaulted Charles Cook, on the 20^th September. He pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty and was sentenced to pay a fine of 25s or suffer 20 days imprisonment.

The Great Ocean Race.—Captain Keay, the commander of the Ariel, the winner of the great tea ship race, is a native of Anstruther, and Captain Rodger, of Glasgow, the owner of the Taeping, the great rival of the Ariel, is a native of the adjoining town of Cellardyke.

1868

Stonehaven – On Sabbath morning last, we were visited with a violent sea storm, accompanied by strong gale wind from the southeast, and a heavy fall of rain. Between ten and eleven in the forenoon, considerable commotion was caused by a report that a fishing boat was trying to make the harbour. Vast numbers flocked down to the shore, and preparations were made for launching the life-boat, but happily its services were not required. Notwithstanding the heavy sea running, the boat was ultimately safely landed within the harbour and proved to be the “Splendid” of Cellardyke, which had left Peterhead on the previous evening, when she was overtaken the heavy gale which rose towards morning. The crew were much exhausted, and they deserve great praise for the way in which they managed their boat in the tempestuous sea and strong gale blowing. Praise is also due to those in charge of the life-boat for the promptitude displayed in getting it out, and preparing for emergency which fortunately did not arise.

Anstruther

On Tuesday last, while the Cellardyke deep sea going boat of which Mr John Birrel is skipper, was out at the fishing ground, the crew observed a vessel floating bottom up about six miles distant in east south-east direction from the Bell Rock. When the fishermen observed the wreck they were busy working their fishing lines, but the waves were breaking white over her it was impossible to ascertain any particulars respecting the ill-fated ship. Nothing further therefore can be told of the disaster, or the fate of the unfortunate men who had formed the crew.

1869

For sale~ A YAWL, just finished, 19 Feet long, well adapted for the Clyde fishing. Also, a Ship’s boat (new), 15ft. 6in. long. Apply to JOHN Miller, Boatbuilder, Cellardyke.

The poor success of the white fishing is inducing many more crews to try their fortunes at the herring fishing in the Clyde, and some four or five more Cellardyke boats are being fitted out this week. These departures, with the boats that left in the beginning of the week for Yarmouth, will reduce white fishing fleet to about twenty boats, and this number would be further lessened if the herrings were to set in as they did last season in the west. From recent reports, however, comparatively little is being done in Clyde, and prospects are said to no means encouraging. At Yarmouth, also, the fishing is as yet a blank —the takes being light, and wretched quality.

1930

An accident which occurred on the road between Pittenweem and St Monance on Thursday last has had a fatal termination. William Wood, James Street, Cellardyke, died St Andrews Cottage Hospital yesterday as the result of his injuries. Wood was motor cycling in the direction of Pittenweem, and at the fork-roads Tofthill on the main highway between Pittenweem and St Monance, his machine skidded in front of an oncoming car, driven by Andrew Simpson, Randerston Farm, Kingsbarns. Wood was injured about the head, face, and one leg, and was removed St Andrews Cottage Hospital.

1932

Cellardyke Improvements Committee, Ratepayers’ Association, and Putting Green Committee are to co-operate in an endeavour to finish the construction of the new bathing pond. Bailie Carstairs and Councillor Mitchell have been elected presidents of the new body, and the other officials are the joint secretary and treasurer, Messrs Butters and Bowman. It has been resolved to proceed with the construction of the west retaining wall. When completed the pond will be one of the largest in Fife.

CELLARDYKE PUTTING WINNERS. In the weekly competition at Cellardyke putting green last night the winners of the prizes gifted by Mrs Guillan, baker, Cellardyke, were:—Ladies —Miss Nina Corstorphine, 45, after tie with Miss Kate Leslie. Boys—W. Jack, 44, after a tie with Alex. Smith. Senior Gentlemen—W. Watson. 47.

1933

There was keen competition for the purchase of the dwelling-house 17-19 Roger Street, Cellardyke, lately occupied by Mrs Janet Brown, which was exposed for sale by public roup in Anstruther Council Chamber. The upset price was £100, and there was a keen duel between Provost Carstairs, representing the Town Council, and Mr James Stewart, attendance officer to Anstruther District S.M.C Provost Carstair’s bid of £160 saw the property being knocked down to the Town Council. The Council intend to recondition the dwelling house, thus making it suitable for slum clearance tenants. There was also exposed for sale the property at the top of Rodger Street, Anstruther, occupied partly as a shop by Mr John S Leslie, and partly as dwelling houses by Mr Thomas Miller and Miss E. J. Anderson, the upset price being £250; also the property Nos. 23 and 24 George Terrace, St Monance, at an upset price of £500. No offers were made for these properties. Mr W. S. Bonthron was auctioneer, and the clerks of the roup were Messrs D. & A. Cook, solicitors.

A competition over three rounds took place at Cellardyke putting green. In the gentlemen’s section W. Gardner won the first prize, gifted by Mrs Rowlands, with the following score-37. 37, 42 —116; second prize, gifted by Messrs Bowman, Cellardyke, went to J. Christie, 34. 40, 43—117. In the senior gentlemen’s section the winner of a prize given by Councillor Laing was W. Lothian, 46, 42, 38 —126.

CELLARDYKE TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION. The unique fancy-dress torchlight procession held aid of the funds of the Cardinal Step Bathing Pond. Cellardyke, proved a great success, the sum of £14 being collected in the Anstruther and Cellardyke districts. To this gratifying result was added the proceeds of the carnival dance which followed. Over a hundred took part in the procession, which was accompanied on its tour by the Anstruther Boy Scout Pipe Band. Many original costumes were seen, and the spectacle illuminated in the dark by numerous blazing torches was weird in the extreme. The prize-winners were best dressed lady, Miss Muir, John Street; most original. Miss Cunningham, Crail; best dressed gent, Mr A. C. Bett; most original, Father Neptune; group prizes- Mrs Quiripel and Mrs Deas; Mrs Martin Gardner Mrs Hosie and Miss Anderson: special prize, Zulu (Leven). Over 200 couples attended the dance which was held later in Cellardyke Town Hall. Music was supplied by the Rialto Follies Lundin Links.

1934

CELLARDYKE GUILD CONCERT Under the auspices of the junior guild Cellardyke Church, a variety concert was given to a large audience in the church hall last night. The principal items on the programme were two sketches, in which the following acquitted themselves with credit: ” The Matrimonial Agent ” —Miss Martha Boyter, Mrs Hosie, Mr Melville Hodge, Miss Rena Smith, Mr Tom Wood, Mr David Jack, and Miss Aggie Boyter. ” Uncle Joseph “—Mr Tom Wood, Miss Aggie Boyter, Miss Annie Wallace, Miss Margaret Murray, Messrs Willie Muir and David Jack. Several choruses were given the choir, and solos were contributed by Mrs Doig, Miss Jessie Doig, Messrs W. Riddell, J. McLeod, and David Jack. Mrs Hosie and Mr McLeod sang duets, while a trio was rendered by Miss Rena Smith, Miss Mary Boyter, and Mr Melville Hodge. Dances were given by Miss Zandra Taylor, Miss Nessie Wallace, and Miss Elsie Wallace. A repeat performance is to be given tonight.

A Cellardyke drifter, Bene Vertat, was damaged in Anstruther Harbour yesterday morning. The drifter Norman Wilson returned from the great line fishing with the morning tide, and was berthed between the Bene Vertat and the middle pier. With the ebbing tide she listed over, with the result that the Bene Vertat’s deck rail was broken and some of her bunker plates burst. The Bene Vertat was lying readiness to proceed to the East Anglian fishing on Monday morning. She is expected to be laid up some days for repairs.

1935

A stained-glass memorial window was unveiled and dedicated at the forenoon service in Cellardyke Parish Church yesterday, in memory of the Rev. James Ray M.A, minister of the church from 1883 to 1916, and his two sons. Lieutenant Philip O. Ray, R. F. C., and Mr James F. Ray, both natives of Cellardyke. The window was unveiled by Mrs Ray; and the dedication ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr W. L. Levack, of Belmont Church. Glasgow, and formerly of Leuchars. The Rev. James R. Lee, B. D., minister of Cellardyke, also took part in the service.

The late Rev. James Ray was also minister of St James’s, Portobello, for seven years. The window is the gift of his wife and his son Robert. The subject of the window, is “The Light of the World,” Christ being depicted in the form of the Cross. The Holy Spirit is shown shedding its beneficent rays upon the earth, supported by four figures o £ the seasons in appropriate hues. The colour of the window is in a light scheme of amber, yellow ranging to rose, on a background of cool tints of blue and pale greens. The window is the work of Mr James Ballantine, F. S. A, Edinburgh.

ANY Solicitor able to give information as a Will by the late Miss ELIZABETH WATSON CALDER, Teacher, Cellardyke School, and who resided at “Dunalican,” Williamson Street, Cellardyke, requested to communicate with MACKINTOSH & MASTERTON, Solicitors. Anstruther, Fife

1936

Royal Sovereign’s Final Tests

A fishing boat which may do much to revolutionise the industry in Scotland and which is a tribute to East Fife enterprise underwent her final tests on Tuesday from Kirkcaldy Pier. She is the Royal Sovereign, and has been built to the design of Provost Carstairs, Anstruther, at his yard at Cellardyke.

Mr J. Henderson Stewart, M.P. for East Fife, and Mr George Hogarth, chairman of the Fishery Board for Scotland, were on board the vessel.

Provost Carstairs’ concern for the welfare and comfort of fishermen is well known. He has introduced the remarkable advance for a vessel of this type of providing deck-house through which the crew can pass from their living quarters to the wheel house in absolute comfort and safety in the wildest weather.

SPEED AND EFFICIENCY.

The Royal Sovereign is built for speed and efficiency. She has a specially-designed Blackstone engine, with remote control, and she is the only vessel of her kind with an electrically-driven capstan. Site is also lit by electricity.

Mr Henderson Stewart displayed great interest in the performance of the vessel and took a turn at the wheel.

 At an informal meeting of the official party at the end of the trials complete satisfaction was expressed at her all-round performance.

MR STEWART’S TRIBUTE.

Mr Henderson Stewart paid high tribute the attention which had been devoted to the comfort of the crew, and compared It with the dingy and sometimes nauseating conditions he had seen other drifter’s.

Referring to the critical situation of the herring industry, Mr Stewart said that the policy of the Herring Board was undoubtedly to cut down the fleet, policy which was going to mean throwing many men out of employment. He much preferred the viewpoint of Provost Carstairs, who advocated steps being taken to cut down the expense of catching.

“SOLUTION TO DIFFICULTY.”

In the Royal Sovereign he had that end in view. It was confidently hoped that she would reduce tire catching expenditure to provide a distinct improvement from the point of view of earnings of the crew. He hoped that with the multiplication that type of vessel there would be found the solution to a very difficult problem.

Mr Stewart hoped that the Herring Board would take note of the venture being made by Provost Carstairs and keep in touch with the performances of the Royal Sovereign.

Provost Carstairs said that, in his opinion, the day of the steam drifter, no matter what improvements were made, was past. Last season the steam drifter Breadwinner had a £445 crop, and the crew’s share was £l6 a-piece. The Diesel oil – engine drifter Greenaway had a £438 crop, yet the share was £33 5s each. The fishermen’s earnings in the future must come from a saving in expenditure rather than from an increased market, he maintained.

Mr Hogarth commended the effort embodied in the construction of the Royal Sovereign to find a solution to the problem by the reduction of costs.

1937

FIFE HOUSES OF PRESERVATION.  A list of the houses in Anstruther Easter, Anstruther Wester, and Kilrenny, which the National Trust for Scotland consider to worthy of preservation, has been forwarded to the Anstruther Town Council by the Department of Health for Scotland. There are five properties in the Kilrenny list, but so far Cellardyke is concerned there are no old properties worthy preservation in the opinion the Trust.

1939

Flying-Officer William S. Pryde, third son of the Rev. J. Marshall Pryde and Mrs Pryde, The Manse, Kilrenny, who died in England, was a former pupil of Waid Academy, Anstruther, and was in his 23rd year. He was well-known throughout the district, where he was very popular. Much sympathy has been extended to Mr and Mrs Pryde in their bereavement. The funeral took place on Thursday from the Manse to the New Cemetery, Anstruther, and was of a full military nature. Mourners included members of St Andrews Presbytery and a large number of townsmen from Anstruther, Cellardyke, Kilrenny, and district. The coffin, draped with the Union Jack and bearing a wreath in the form of aeroplane wings (a tribute from the brothers of deceased, George, Jack, and Dave), was borne a distance of mile to the cemetery on a lorry. The services at the manse and graveside were conducted by the Rev. Win. Borthwick. The pall-bearers were:—The Rev. J. Marshall Pryde (father), Pilot-Officer John Marshall Pryde (brother), Mr W. Crow, Haddington (brother-in-law); Dr Robertson, Crail: Mr W. Wishart Thomson, rector of Waid Academy; Mr Wm. Ferrier, classical master at Waid Academy; Flying-Officer Moule, and Flying-Officer Wallace.