Category: Uncategorized

1912

A wine bottle, tightly corked, with a paper inside, has been washed up from the sea and found on the beach at Mapleton by Mr T. Whvlie during the week. The paper is in good state of preservation, and contained the following: list of names Peter Murray. Peter Carstairs, William Smith, Tom Tarvitt, George Tarvitt, James Barclay. Angus McRay James Murray, Harry Seely. James Smith. 41, James, Street, Cellardyke, Fifeshire, Scotland; the crew of the Venus. August 16^th

1916

A sudden death occurred in Cellardyke yesterday morning. Mr David Keith, fish merchant, James Street, was going about on the previous evening apparently in his usual health, but on going home he became ill, and passed away in the morning, death being due to heart failure.  He was 63 years of age, unmarried, and was well known throughout -a wide area.

Reported Wounded

Black Watch, Wood, 2559, R, Cellardyke

Mr William Smith, skipper the steam drifter Olive Leaf, Cellardyke, received telegram stating that his son, Second -Lieutenant Thomas Smith, Royal Scots, was missing. This was followed shortly afterwards another telegram stating that it had been ascertained that he had been wounded in action, and was now in a Red Cross hospital. Second-Lieutenant Smith is only 19 years of age, and an old Waid pupil. He was attending classes at St Andrews University when he enlisted into the Royal Scots and obtained a commission. It is only about a month since he went to the front.

1918

Killed

Pte Alex Bissett, (21) RH third son of Mr Alex Bissett, cabinet maker, Kilrenny, formerly a grocer with Mr Fowler, Cellardyke.

This Afternoon. The Rev. Dr Ogilvy, moderator of the Church of Scotland, opening a bazaar at Anstruther this afternoon aid of the endowment of Cellardyke Parish Church, said in these war days it required a courageous people and a courageous minister to hold such bazaar. During the time he had been Moderator he had only once before opened a bazaar for purely Church objects. They were trying to raise the endowment from £120 to £160. There were a good many different ideas about what a minister’s stipend ought to be. It was a marvellously moderate request that was being made by the people of Cellardyke. The endowment should not be so large as to make a minister altogether independent, and it should not be so small to make him entirely dependent upon his people—a sort of modified independence and a qualified dependence.

That being what the people of Cellardyke were rightly trying to secure, he thought a sale of that kind had got a vast deal to do with the war, because they were trying to secure for all future time, however Cellardyke may progress material things, that they should also progress in the things that were spiritual.

Local Patriotism.

Dr Ogilvy paid high tribute to the patriotism of the people of Cellardyke and Anstruther, and to the progress made by that marvellously progressive congregation and church.

Mr Harry Watson, solicitor, honorary treasurer of the bazaar, announced that he had received £10 from Sir Ralph Anstruther, the convener of the county, and £5 from Sir Joseph Mac Lay, the Shipping Controller.

The sums in hand at the opening of the bazaar amounted to- £250. The congregation is promised £250 from the Baird Trust on condition that they raise £500 before the end of this year.

1922

The sad intelligence of the accidental death of Mr John Brown, marine engineer, was received in Cellardyke’ during the weekend, and cast a gloom over the community.

Deceased was third engineer on the steamer Onega, belonging to a Leith firm. This vessel left Hull recently for America, and from the meagre details supplied in letter from Newhaven, Connecticut, it appears that the young engineer met his death 0n the high seas as a result of a valve in the engine-room bursting.

A bright young man of only 27 years of age, Mr Brown was well-known as an enthusiastic member of Cellardyke Y.M.C.A. and also of the Temperance Association. He was an engineer of much promise. A native of Cellardyke, he was the son of the late Mr Leslie Brown (Smith) and of Mrs Brown, Fowler Street.

Much sympathy has been expressed to the widowed mother of deceased, his brother, and to his fiancée, to whom he was about to be married.

1923

CELLARDYKE HONOURS THE DOMINIE. LITTLE GIRL MAKES PRESENTATION Cellardyke School staff and scholars honoured their Mr R. M. Munro, yesterday by presenting him with a handsome travelling-case on the occasion of his leaving to take up the headmastership of Aberhill Public School.

Rev. J. R. Lee, convener of the School Sub-Committee, presided, and referred to Mr Munro’s worth as a headmaster, and also to the big interest he took in matters outside the school.  He was a member of the Parish Council, the Town Council, and took a keen interest in the Literary Society. He had also been a great help in the work of the Church. (Applause.)

Mr J. Gardiner voiced the regret of the staff at Mr Munro’s departure.

In a happy little speech, Miss Aggie Gardner, the senior scholar, handed over the gift to the headmaster. We regret very much, she said, that you are leaving us, “but at the same time we wish you all success. As a token of the appreciation for what you have done both for the school and for Cellardyke, ask you to accept this gift. (Applause.)

Mr Munro, in returning thanks, spoke of the happy years he had spent in Cellardyke. The boys and girls had, he said, always played the game, and he counselled them to continue to take pride in their school, and always to look on their school as the best school in Scotland.

Provost Mitchell also spoke, and the proceedings terminated with three hearty cheers for the headmaster.

1925

A distressing accident occurred at Cellardyke yesterday, when John Jack, second youngest of the family of four of Mr and Mrs John Jack, James Street, was severely injured. The boy, who is about four years of age, had been playing in the street during the morning, and had apparently endeavoured to cling to the rear of a coal lorry belonging to Mr J. Marshall, coal merchant, Anstruther, and driven by his son.

The driver, who was travelling along the street slowly, ringing his bell to announce the sale of bags of coal, was quite unaware that the boy had become entangled amongst the spokes of the wheel. The noise of the bell drowned the lad’s cries, and the lorry had gone about 100 yards before the incident was noticed Mrs Queripel, George Street. The lorry was stopped at once, and an endeavour was made to extricate the boy but first without result. Realising the need for prompt action, Mr William Woodward, John Street, secured a saw and assisted by Mr George Gardner and others, cut away the spokes, and the unconscious child was carried into his grandmother’s house in John Street.

Although the lad’s head, legs, and body had been entwined in the spokes of the wheel, Dr Wilson, on examination, found that no bones had been broken. The boy’s head, however, had apparently been crushed. The boy was making good progress last night.

While playing the vicinity of Cellardyke harbour yesterday, John McLeod, the four-year-old son of John McLeod, Dove Street, toppled over the pier into deep water.  The boy’s playmates recognised the danger he was in, and once informed his uncle, James McLeod shoemaker, Shore Street, who immediately rushed to the scene, plunged in, and succeeded bringing his nephew to safety. . , This is the second occasion on which McLeod has been instrumental in saving life.

1926

Complaint to be sent to Air Ministry

“Anstruther seems to be specially favoured with visits from aeroplanes, and I think that there must be some air pockets hero that attract them,” said Mr Mclvor at a meeting of No. 7 Anstruther district school management committee last night.

The committee was asked by the Kilrenny, Cellardyke, and Anstruther sub-committee to take into consideration the annoyance to the pupils of the public school caused aeroplanes flying over the district and making evolutions over the town.

Rev. James A. Paterson, who presided, said he thought it was a public nuisance and considered that something should be done to put a stop to the practice. Edie, Cornceres, Kilrenny, asked if they were supposed to know where the airmen came from.

Could the committee object to any particular aerodrome?

A Breach of the Peace.

The chairman said it was well known where the airmen came from. They did not know when one of the planes might fall and damage to any the houses in the town.

Ex-Provost Ferguson —It is not the duty of the police to report it? It is breach of the peace.

Mr Lee thought the airmen could easily select the open country for their practice.

Ex-Provost Ferguson—over their own aerodrome, in fact. There is plenty ot room there.

The Chairman said it was a nuisance, and only those who lived in the district knew that.

Miss Mitchell, teacher Cellardyke School and a member of the committee said that on one occasion when Mr Burt, the Fife Education Authority physical teacher, endeavoured to give tuition to the children Cellardyke, he could not be heard because of the noise made by aeroplanes. On that particular day, he said, aeroplanes flew about from nine o’clock in the morning until four o’clock in the afternoon. It was agreed, on the motion of the chairman, seconded Mr Ivor that a complaint sent to the Air Ministry.

1927

Erring Motorists in Fife

For exceeding the twenty miles per hour limit on the St Andrews-Anstruther Road, the following appeared:—John Murray, plumber, 5 Rodger Street, Cellardyke (31 miles per hour), 25/-; John McKenzie Horsburgh, plumber. 1 East Shore, Pittenweem (38 miles per hour), 30/-; Robert Williamson, joiner, 25 East Forth Street, Cellardyke (29 miles), 20/-.

Alexander Hodge, bus driver, 35 Shore Street, Cellardyke, was at Cupar Sheriff Court to-day fined 30s on a charge driving his motor bus backwards in a negligent manner at the junction Park Place and Bank Street, Elie. The Procurator said that in backing his bus accused collided with and damaged motor cycle combination which was stationary. The cycle belonged Robert Simpson, 5 Cowley Street, Denbeath, Methil. It was accused’s duty to look where he was going.

Hon. Sheriff Stark said that the case looked to him to be one of carelessness.

1928

Valuation Appeals Dismissed. Kilrenny Valuation Appeal Court dealt with two appeals. Mr W. Myles appealed against the valuation of £39 on his factory, including shop and house James Street, Cellardyke; the appeal was dismissed. The appeal of Mr A. W. Myles against the valuation on his house at Windmill Road was also dismissed.

1929

The Boat Tavern, Cellardyke, for long occupied by Mr Joseph Downey, and at present owned by Mr George Duncan, has been sold to Thomas Kinnear, Cellardyke. Mr Kinnear was formerly proprietor of the Masonic Arms, Anstruther.

Property for Sale. CELLARDYKE, Very Desirable business premises, at 34 James Street. For Sale, Private Bargain, the Premises which, for many years, good business has been carried on by Mr Robert Cormack, boot and shoe merchant.

John Duncan, publican, Boat Tavern. Cellardyke, was charged, before Provost Mitchell and Bailie Carstairs yesterday, with having supplied a glass of beer to two fishermen outwith the regulation hours. After evidence had been led, the Magistrates returned a verdict of not proven.

Extras for Alex

Breadwinner

17 June 1910

Aberdeen Morning

Guerdon 90 Crans

Violet and Pride o Fife 30 crans each

Afternoon

Carmi III 90 Crans

Lilly and Maggie 85 Crans

Breadwinner and Eva 80 Crans Each

Olive Leaf 70 Crans

Scots Greys 60 Crans

29^th June 1910

Anstruther

Eva and Nancy Hunham 100 crans each

Maggies 80 Crans

Breadwinner 50 Crans

Herring caught about 40 miles SE

23 Feb 1911

Anstruther

 Breadwinner 70 Crans

Refuge 50 Crans

8^th July 1912

Wick

Tuesday

Dreel Castle 55 Crans

Carmi III 35 Crans

William Tennant 25 Crans

Wednesday Carmi III 35 Crans

Glenogil 20 Crans

Breadwinner 20 crans

19^th Aug 1912

Best fished boats

Anstruther – record catch Plough – Martin Gardner Skipper 165 Crans, previous best Violet 140 Crans

Wick

Breadwinner 50 Crans

Scott 40 Crans

6 march 1914

Jessie Hughes 130 Crans

Families Pride 110 crans

Breadwinner 55 Crans

24 Feb 1915

Majestic 60 Crans

Breadwinner 45 Crans

Snowflight 30 crans

Torpedo boat Destroyer Is Damaged Forth by coming in contact with nets of fishermen

Wholesale Prosecutions at Cupar. Seventeen Fife fishermen appeared before Sheriff Armour Hannay at Cupar to-day charged with contravening the Defence of the Realm Regulations by fishing within the prohibited area in the Firth of Forth, &c. The accused were: —Martin- Gardner, skipper of the steam drifter Vanguard 111, residing at 18 Fowler Street, Cellardyke; John Muir (Keay), skipper of the steam drifter Camperdown, 29 Shore Street, Cellardyke; ! David Reekie, skipper of the motor boat Bounteous Sea, George’s Terrace, St Monans; David Smith, 20 Miller’s Terrace, Monans, owner and skipper of the motor boat Vesper; John Allan, jun., George’s Terrace, St Monans, skipper of the sail boat Johan; Wm. Davidson, East Shore, St Monans, skipper of the motor boat Mary Duncan; Robert Aitken, Braehead, St Monans, skipper of the steam drifter Camelia; Thos. Bett, Fowler Street, skipper of the steam drifter Scot; Henry Bett, Fowler Street, skipper the steam drifter Breadwinner ; Robert Anderson, Burnside Terrace, Cellardyke, skipper of the motor boat Sunbeam; George Davidson, 3 Backdate, St Monans, skipper of the motor boat Ebenezer; Thos. Guthrie, 38 Miller’s Terrace, St Monans, skipper of the sail boat Good Design ; Wm. Wood, 13 George’s Terrace, St Monans, skipper of the sail boat Barbara Wood; Wm. Mayes, Broad Wynd, St Monans, skipper of the motor yawl Sceptic; James Hughes Wood, Pittenweem, skipper of the sail boat Never Can Tell; Thos. Colville, fisherman, South Street, Dysart; and David Colville fisherman, 40 Fitzroy Street, Dysart; David Anderson (Muir), residing at Mid shore, Pittenweem.

Threat to Stop Fishing.

Martin Gardner, who was the first to enter the dock, and who tendered a plea of guilty, said it was not done intentionally. The tides were big. They shot their nets at two clock in the morning. They could not get their bearings at the May Island, seeing the light was not on it.

The Fiscal (Mr Geo. Brander), said that that was a large boat. There had been a great many complaints from the Fishery Board, and the Admiral in charge of Rosyth was urging that a stop should be put to that. About a week ago one of the torpedo boat destroyers was very much injured through coming in contact with the fishermen’s’ nets, and the consequences to that boat were very serious. Intimation had been received that unless the regulations were obeyed the whole fishing in the Forth would be at once stopped. There had been other forty cases reported _ within the last few days.

Sheriff Armour Hannay—l understand they just take in the case of a large boat the skipper?

The Fiscal—Only the skipper. The matter getting very serious, and the Fishery Board and the Admiralty wish severe penalties in order that the thing may be stopped.

The Sheriff—Where did you shoot nets?

Accused—The May Island was bearing about south-west by south. They pulled up foul of another boat at one o’clock in the morning, and they shot away again and ran down a little, as they thought, cast of the May Island, and shot thirty -two nets.

The Sheriff—What was the length of nets you shot ?

Accused-About three-quarters of a mile. .

The Sheriff—You recognise this is very serious and dangerous in inshore water where patrol boats are constantly passing to and fro

Accused—We never got any bearings from the May. When we pulled up the flood tide took us west. We did not see the position we were in when we did shoot.

Regulations Must be Enforced.

The Sheriff said apparently it was not done wilfully, but more by misadventure, and he must take that into account in fixing the penalty. It was very unpleasant to have to impose penalties in these cases. He took it the accused was what he appeared to be, a very respectable fisherman, the skipper of one of those large boats. Owing to the darkness and lack of usual coast lights he had lost his bearings, and the breach of the regulations was unintentional. But at the same time it was quite evident that these regulations must strictly enforced, and apparently the Admiralty and the local naval authority were satisfied they were not being sufficiently strictly enforced, and that some considerable risk was caused thereby both to patrol boats and otherwise, and that if the regulations could not enforced more strictly, then the end would be the fishing would be stopped. It was his duty to have these regulations strictly enforced, but in the circumstances he did not think he would be justified in imposing an exemplary penalty. The penalty, however, would be a substantial one, and accordingly he would have to pay a fine of £3, with the alternative of fifteen days’ imprisonment.

John Muir (Keay) and David Reekie were each mulcted in a similar penalty.

Other Penalties. David Smith and thirteen others, who admitted being within the prohibited area, but not fishing, were each fined £1 or five days. Mr T. W. Davidson, Cupar, who appeared on their behalf, said they had been fishing outside the prohibited area, and were coming in, but in consequence of the state of the tide they had to wait in the prohibited area until after sunrise, so that they could make the harbour. The Colvilles, who lifted their lines off Dysart on a Sunday morning, were each fined 3s, or three days. The Sheriff pointed out that the penalty for a breach of the regulations was £100, and that further cases would be dealt with in a different manner from those which had been before the Court that day.

23^rd April 1923

Cellardyke Victim of Storm. During the stormy weather which raged in the North Sea on Saturday morning George Jack, fisherman, member of the crew of the steam drifter Breadwinner (KY 253), fell overboard and was lost. The occurrence was reported by the skipper on the arrival of the vessel at Anstruther on Saturday. The Breadwinner left North Shields for home on Friday evening, and when approaching St Abbs Head, about 12.30 a.m., very stormy weather was encountered.

A heavy sea caught the vessel, and Jack, who was on deck, clutched a lifebuoy to save himself. Unfortunately, the lifebuoy camo away in his hand, and in the next plunge the drifter made Jack was thrown into the raging seas.

Endeavours the skipper to locate the man was impossible owing to the darkness, and after cruising about in vicinity for a time the vessel was headed for home, and arrived at Anstruther about 5 a.m. Deceased, who was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs W. Jack (Doig), Burnside Place, Cellardyke, was 36 years age, and leaves a widow and three young children to mourn his loss.

13 August 1925

Lerwick Highest shot Breadwinner (Cellardyke) 80 Crans

27 July 1927

Oban

Best catches, Lucrative (Burghead) Breadwinner (Cellardyke) 90 Crans

Wednesday 16^th Sept 1936

Launch of the Motor Drifter Royal Sovereign at Cellardyke, replacement for the Gleanaway

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 £16 a-piece. The Diesel oil-engine drifter Greenaway had £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.

20^th Sept 1950

Old folks and Bairns meet the queen

….The siren of the lifeboat, Nellie and Charlie, sounded a greeting at Anstruther. The crew (Hugh Gourlay, cox) lined the deck. On the quay, at The Folly, Provost W. W. Carstairs was presented. A bouquet was given to the Queen by Miss Chrissie Smith, the Provost’s niece.

The fisherwife’s shawl of Mrs Margaret Dunbar, Cellardyke, aged 71, attracted the Queen s attention. She stopped and exchanged a few words.

Fishing fleet pennants—Pride o’ Fife, White Queen, Breadwinner, &c.—were strung from the rooftops.

1896

Mr John Adamson, Pittenweem, has been appointed inspector of work in connection with the additions to the Public School, Cellardyke.

It is proposed to start a shoe factory in Cellardyke, Mr Smith, Colinsburgh, and Mr Mackintosh, Dundee, being the chief movers. A number of local tradesmen and other gentlemen have subscribed. The capital is nearly all gathered.

The steam line fishing, which was started only six years ago, has developed so rapidly that at present there are over 20 crews of Cellardyke fishermen engaged in these crafts. A dozen these belong to Anstruther companies the remainder being owned by Shields and Aberdeen companies.

Launch of a fishing boat – Mr Jarvis launched a new fishing boat built to the order of Skipper Gardiner, Cellardyke. She was christened the Margarets, she is a fine model and is 66ft in length and 20 feet wide. She is being fitted with steam to hoist the sails and haul the gear.

1898

The steamer Ugie, which arrived at Leith on Saturday. 3rd inst., from Peterhead with herrings, reports having struck what appears to be a sunken wreck on the 2nd inst., half a mile- S.S.W., of Cellardyke. The wreck was dangerous to navigation. The steamer did not sustain any apparent damage.

1900

On Saturday afternoon there was launched from Mr Fulton’s yard at Pittenweem one of these large sailing Liners now being adopted by our East Coast Fishermen. The craft which is 68 feet in length and attractive in design and finish, has been built to the order of Skipper Thomas Bett, Cellardyke, and was christened “Cornucopia” by his daughter Miss Maggie Bett. After being fitted up with patent steam capstan, for hauling gear &c. the craft proceeds to the herring fishing at Yarmouth.

1901

Montrose

On Saturday afternoon Messrs A & JF Scott, boatbuilders, launched a fishing boat for Mr Robert Davidson, Cellardyke. The craft is 69 feet long, 20 feet broad and 11 feet deep and will be fitted up with all the most modern appliances, including steam capstan. The christening ceremony was performed by Miss Davidson, daughter of the owner and skipper in presence of quite a crowd, such a function as naming a fishing boat being somewhat unusual here. The Guide Me, as the vessel was called, was the second which the Messrs Scott have launched with such ceremonial. The first being the Challenger last spring.

On Saturday afternoon, Mr Fulton launched from his building yard a large sailing liner to the order of Skipper William Brown (Reid), Cellardyke, which was named the Vineyard, by Miss Brown daughter of the owner. The craft, which is similar in design and dimensions to the other seven which the builder has executed for district owners during the course of the past year is to be fitted up with all the latest fishing appliances, and starts shortly on her maiden voyage to the Scarborough and other south herring fishings

The fleet of ten steam herring drifters belonging to the Smith Docks Trust Company, North Shields, which have been working the herring fishing at Shetland and subsequently at Fraserburgh and Aberdeen, and other east coast stations, under the management of Mr Alex. Keay, have had fairly successful for their 12 weeks’ business. The gross earnings of the ten steamers is £7300 or fully £7OO per boat, and only four nets have been lost the season. The steamers have been crewed mostly Yarmouth men, and as the shares seven to the crew and nine to the owners, the wages of the fishermen must have been very good. Mr Keay, who is a native of Cellardyke, has high opinion of the quality of the steamers under his charge, and the Scottish fishermen who examined them are mostly of the opinion that the trust steamers are particularly well adapted for herring fishing.

1902

The Anstruther fishing fleet, which encountered the full force of last Wednesday’s gale, all successfully weathered the storm but two. One of them, however, turned up on Friday evening, and relieved considerably the anxiety that was being felt. The other not having arrived by Saturday afternoon, five of the steam liners left Anstruther to make a complete search of the fishing grounds near the spot where the boat was last seen on Wednesday afternoon, about 45 miles off Aberdeen. In the fishing community very slender hopes were on Saturday entertained of her safety, and the belief was pretty general that she had foundered, and that the crew had all been drowned. The boat was named The Brothers, and was owned by Skipper William Watson, who was accompanied by his two sons, Adam and Alexander Watson, unmarried; David Muir, fisherman, Cellardyke, unmarried; William Peat, fisherman, Cellardyke, unmarried; and two hired hands from Broughty Ferry, one of whom was named Charles Norrie, and the other David Ferrier.

The following new Joint-Stock Companies were registered in Edinburgh this week: The United Fishing Boat Insurance Company, Limited, Anstruther, to insure against total or partial loss and damage at sea or elsewhere of boats and fishing vessels. Capital, £10 000 in £1 shares, for which the public are not invited to subscribe. Subscribers—Martin Gardiner, fisherman, James Street, Cellardyke, Anstruther; James Hughes, fisherman, Mid Street, Pittenweem; James Ogilvie, fish merchant, High Street, Pittenweem; Adam Reid, fisherman, Dove Street, Cellardyke; John Wood, fisherman, John Street, Cellardyke; Andrew Henderson, fisherman, George Street, Cellardyke, Thomas Cunningham, ship chandler, Harbour Head, Anstruther.

1903

As considerable speculation has arisen to the number fisherman voters that will away before the polling day in the St Andrews Burghs on Thursday, it has been definitely ascertained that yesterday and to-day 13 Cellardyke boats left Anstruther Harbour for the south fishing at Scarborough with 90 voters, and to-morrow others are to sail, making altogether 130 fishermen voters, the great majority whom are said to be Unionists.

At a meeting in Pittenweem Captain Ellice, Liberal Candidate, standing against William Anstruther Thomson, Liberal Unionist candidate answer many questions … he was to go on to win the St Andrews Burghs Westminster Seat, which we were then in by 36 votes.. out of a total of 2612 votes cast and was elected MP for this area.

Passing from the food tax. Captain Ellice got on the question of herrings. He had, he said opened with “herrings ” at Crail, and did not regret it. The more he studied the more he was convinced that the herrings industry would be affected by Mr Chamberlain’s proposals. He was aware that herrings were already taxed, but there were a great number of herrings which were admitted to Germany free. He put to them that for those who were engaged in the fishing trade, the question was—Would they sell their herrings dear and have cheap bread or would they have dear bread and sell their herrings cheap If ran the election on those lines the Captain believed he would win. He hoped he would win, and be asked then to put the cross opposite his name on the ballot-paper. We’ll pit twa crosses to spoil yer paper,” drawled Pittenweemite from the back of the hall.

Heckling being invited, Mr W. Lindsay, fishcurer, handed to the Captain a brief catechism. The first question was – is it not time that the country was waking up, seeing that the House of Commons did not know that for every barrel that went into Germany taxed, five go in free, which is a blessing to this locality.’’ The Captain agreed it was a blessing, and believed that if they were taxed it would be a great curse. The next question was – Do you think it right that when the fishermen are from home they cannot vote by proxy?” Captain Ellice replied that he had suggested to the fishermen of Cellardyke that a steamer with polling station on board might be sent out. The difficulty was that the fishermen might be 200 miles from home, and the ballot boxes would not get back in time.

1904

Forthcoming Wedding. A marriage is to take place Chalmers’ Memorial Church, Anstruther, on Wednesday first, the contracting parties being Mr John A. Mackenzie, consulting solicitor, Helensburgh, and Miss Margaret Helen McLeod, second daughter of Mr J. McLeod, Forth View, Cellardyke.

The bride to be attended by three bridesmaids—Miss Bella McLeod, sister of the bride, and the Misses Mackenzie, the daughters of the bridegroom, while the best man is Mr Fred Mackenzie, nephew of the bridegroom. The marriage is to take place 1.30 p.m.

NEW LIFEBOAT FOR ANSTRUTHER. INTERESTING PRESENTATION CEREMONY. The Shore Street and Middle Pier of Anstruther on Saturday afternoon presented an unusually animated appearance. The stir was caused the launching of a new lifeboat. The streets were gaily hung with flags and bunting, while from every boat’s mast in the harbour flew streamers of all descriptions. The proceedings started at half-past one, when largo crowds lined the piers. An enclosure and platform had been erected at the west end of the new lifeboat house, and among those present were:—Sir Ralph and Lady Anstruther of Balcaskie; Mrs Walker, of West Calder, the donor of the boat; Major and Mrs Anstruther Thomson of Kilmany; Colonel and Mrs Aitken, Innergellie; Lieutenant Basil Hall, National Lifeboat Institution, London; Mr W. Bertram, hon. secretary, North Berwick Lifeboat; the municipal bodies of Anstruther Easter, Anstruther Wester, and Kilrenny; the parish ministers and teachers the three burghs; and others.

HOW THE LIFEBOAT IS APPRECIATED. Provost Dalziel, of Anstruther Easter, occupied the chair, he had no doubt that the beautiful boat now presented by Mrs Walker would fulfil all that was expected of it. It was extremely gratifying that this boat was the gift of a lady who had done them the further honour of being present that day. (Loud applause.) Having drawn attention to the handsome new lifeboat house, built the generosity the London Institution, every detail and furnishing which was the best of its kind, concluded by calling upon Lady Anstruther of Balcaskie to open the lifeboat house. (Applause.) Lady Anstruther, amid loud cheers, gracefully performed the ceremony, and the vessel was pulled to the water’s edge and manned by the crew.

ACCEPTING THE GIFT. Lieutenant Basil Hall, the parent institution, in accepting the gift, said the last time he appeared in public in the town he was the audience and the fishermen the speakers, and the first of their remarks was to ask him to use his influence with the Institution to get them new boat. By the great generosity of Mrs Walker the beautiful boat before them was shortly to become one a fleet of nearly 750 lifeboats that ling the coast, ready to go forth day or night their errands of mercy.

The earlier boats were much of the same type, mainly propelled by oars, but times had changed, and the Institution had changed with them, and there were now several types of boats on their coasts. When the Institution were to give a new boat it was the custom for three representatives the crew to round the different stations and choose which style of boat would most suitable for their coast. In this three of the crew, along with another gentleman, went round several stations, going as far away as Denby, in Wales, where they saw this type of boat they considered would be most suitable for their coast, and that boat was now before them. (Applause.) She was all that modern lifeboat should be. She was built of two diagonal layers of mahogany, had two drop keels, twelve oars, and was fully rigged with lug and jib sails, and, indeed, had all the attributes a lifeboat should have. (Applause.) There was one point—the most important —that was the crew. The most beautiful lifeboat ever built was a useless log in the water without good crew, but in Anstruther and Cellardyke they had fishermen of stout hearts and strong backs, second to none in the country. (Loud applause.) He had, in conclusion, to call Sir Ralph Anstruther of Balcaskie to accept the lifeboat and house on behalf of the local Institution. Sir Ralph, who is president of the Anstruther branch, said was fortunate, in so far that his first duty as president had been to accept of these gifts, not only because it was tribute to the generosity of Mrs Walker, but because it and others were the best specimens their kind the coast. (Applause.) Mr Hall had been kind enough to say flattering things about the people (of the place in regard to lifeboat matters, and was sure the fishermen would their best to deserve these re- and that they would make good use of the lifeboat. (Applause.) The boat was then christened the John and Mary Walker, (Newspaper Mistake) and slid into the water to the accompaniment of the loud and continued cheering of those assembled. The 2nd Paraphrase and the dedication hymn was sung by the united choirs of Anstruther and Cellardyke, after which short prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Woodside Robinson, expressing the hope that the boat would long be spared to useful work in the district.

During the launching ceremony the pipe band of E (Anstruther) Company of the 6th V.B.R.H. paraded and down the middle quay playing selections, while body of collectors, with miniature lifeboats collecting boxes, and wearing red pilot cars, assailed the pockets of those present for subscriptions. It is pleasing to state that their efforts met with liberal response.

1905

The Shields trawler Reaper put back to Shields yesterday morning. While 29 miles from the Tyne the vessel was in collision with the Methil-bound steamer Bengal. The Reaper was extensively damaged the stem, and gave such alarming indications of foundering that the crew scrambled aboard the Bengal. Some hours afterwards they returned aboard, finding the trawler still afloat, and succeeded in placing canvas over the damaged part to prevent the inrush of water. The Bengal towed the Reaper Shields, and afterwards conveyed four the crew, who belonged Cellardyke, Methil, where they were landed last night.

1936

Thomas Chater, butcher, 15 Dove Street, Cellardyke, admitted that 2.45 a.m. on 24th July, allowed a motor car to stand without rear light in Main Street, Kingsbarns. For this he was fined 15s, and for having failed to have an efficient, reflecting mirror had to pay another 10s.

1937

DEATH OF A HAWICK POET. A painful shock was felt in Hawick last week when it became known a gifted and respected townsman James Y. Hunter, M.A., headmaster Cellardyke, Anstruther, had died suddenly at Crieff, where he had been on holiday.

CELLARDYKE SCHOOL APPOINTMENT Mr Alexander Kelso, first assistant of Denbeath Public School, Buckhaven, and headmaster of Buckhaven High School Continuation Classes, has been appointed interim headmaster of Cellardyke Public School

1938

THREE HURT IN FIFE CRASH MOTOR CYCLIST IN SERIOUS CONDITION Two Fife motor cyclists, the driver and a pillion passenger, were injured in collision with a car at the junction of High Street and Park Place. Elie, late last night. They are two men named Henien, thought to belong to Cellardyke, the elder of whom is believed to have sustained a fractured skull. The younger man suffered from cuts and bruises. They were taken to St Andrews Hospital. The driver of the car, Mr D. C. M. Thomson, Gowanlea, Earlsferry, secretary of Earlsferry Thistle Golf Club, escaped with slight injuries.

1940

Compensation of £275 has been awarded the widow of a Fife fisherman who is said to have been driven insane and taken his own life through fear of losing his sight.

The claimant was Mrs Ann Keay or Tarvit, 29 Rodger Street, Cellardyke, Anstruther, and she claimed as compensation for the death of her husband, Alexander Tarvit, from owners of the motor boat Taeping (Miss Elizabeth Bett, Fowler Street, Cellardyke; Mrs Annie Smith, Fowler Street, Cellardyke; Mrs Elizabeth Bett, 2 Burnside Place, Cellardyke. Anstruther; and John S. Bowman, butcher, Shore Street, Anstruther

Alexander Tarvit, was employed as a fisherman on board the motor boat Taeping during the summer fishing of 1939 in the Shetland Island waters. On 27th June, while assisting in hauling the nets aboard the boat he was struck on the right eye by a herring and received an injury which was sufficiently serious at the time to cause him to stop work and make for his home at Cellardyke after having his eye attended to at Lerwick. He reached his home on 2nd July, where he at once received medical attention and his eye was found to be very inflamed and painful, but in the opinion of his family doctor no permanent injury had been done to his sight and it was only a question of time till complete recovery would established. Deceased was seen daily by Dr Wilson until 13th July, on which date he committed suicide by hanging himself. These, he thought, were the undisputed facts of the case. There was no evidence as to the manner in which deceased reacted to the injury before he reached home, but there was abundant evidence, which he thought must accepted, that he was a changed man on that date and continued so until he met his death.

Claimant averred that his death was a direct and material result of the injury.

Sheriff-Substitute J. More found that when Tarvit committed suicide he was suffering from mental derangement, and that such derangement resulted from the injury which he received in the course his employment. His lordship found for the claimant with expenses, and assessed compensation at £275.

1941

Mrs Robert Gay, 81 George Street, Cellardyke, has been notified her son, James Gay, Royal Navy, has been ‘killed action at Tobruk. Aged 21, he was born at Methil and educated at Anstruther. He was a fisherman when war broke out, and volunteered for service with the Navy.

Five East Fife fishermen lost all their belongings when the St Monance motor fishing boat, Annie Mathers, was destroyed by fire in the Pentland Firth. The crew returned home on Saturday with a grim story of their fight for life when the vessel caught fire and they were forced to take to the small boat.

They had to row four miles before reaching land, and they took turns at rowing and bailing the water out.

The skipper was William Mathers, Sea View House, St Monance, and his crew were all Cellardyke men —James Boyter, 32 George Street; Martin and Robert Tarvit, brothers, 50 James Street; and Tom Murray, 57 John Street. They were on their way back from the herring fishing at Stornoway. The engine suddenly burst into flames, and the men were forced to take to the small boat. They had no time to collect any of their belongings, and all their clothing and money were lost. After rowing for an hour and a half they reached Crosskirk. The blazing boat drifted ashore at Crosskirk. All the gear aboard had been destroyed, and only the hulk was left.

Six years ago to a day Martin Tarvit was shipwrecked off South Shields when the fishing boat Venus was in collision with another boat.

1943

CELLARDYKE TEACHER’S DEATH The death has occurred St Michael’s Hospital, Leuchars, of Miss Christina Dowie Murrie, eldest daughter of the late ex- Provost John Murrie, fish salesman, Bellvue, St Monance. Miss Murrie, who was a school teacher, was only transferred to Elie from Cellardyke three months ago. She formerly held appointments at Stirling and Berwick-on- Tweed. She was a devoted member of Braehead Church, St Monance.

1948

Mr J. Butters, Cellardyke grows grapes at his back door on a vine which is frequently washed by high waves. He had a bumper crop this season.

1953

When Mr Corson, South Queensferry, and Miss Euphemia Muir, Cellardyke, were married in Cellardyke Parish Church, the service and the reception were recorded. The bride is a member of the well-known family of fishing boat owners.

 (another article)

WEDDING INNOVATION. At a wedding ceremony in Cellardyke Church tape recording of the proceedings was taken by a well-known East Fife firm of television and radio engineers. On being played back, the reproduction was perfect, even to the responses of the contracting parties. The recording will now be transferred to gramophone record, which, along with the photographs, will form a lasting memorial of the occasion. From enquiries already being made, it seems likely that the innovation will be largely followed at future weddings.

6/9/2017

1831

Found by a Cellardyke fishing boat crossing the Moray Firth betwixt Helmsdale and Fraserburgh, on Thursday last, a very large and valuable salmon net, perfectly entirely with its appendages. Whoever has lost it will have it returned to them, by applying to George Smith, Fisherman Cellardyke upon paying all expenses.

On Thursday night last, betwixt 11 and 12 o’clock, as one of the Cellardyke boats, returning from the north country fishing, was off Peterhead, a passenger the name of Wilkie, a flesher, belonging to St Andrews, while reaching forward with boat hook to some part of the tackling of the sail, unfortunately lost his balance and fell overboard. From the darkness of the night, and the boat being then under of sail, no assistance could be rendered him, and he was not seen after. Wilkie had been Helmsdale following his profession there during the fishing season, and is probable he would have some money; at any rate he had papers upon him, so that when his corpse is found he will be easily recognised.

1837

Anstruther – The herring fishing has been highly successful. The herrings have hitherto been, upon the whole, of the finest quality; the prices for them would, at the northern stations, have been reckoned extravagant, the average for the last five weeks being about 14 shillings per cran, and the quantity taken has been great, each boat averaging upwards of 200 barrels. One boat belonging Cellardyke after completing her compliment of 250 barrels at Helmsdale, delivered here no fewer than 103 barrels taken at the Old Haikes off Kingsbarns, a place from time to time frequented by immense shoals of fish.

1847

John O groats Journal-  Gale-

During the evening the gale moderated and ere morning the wind had changed to the NW and was by nine O Clock blowing a pleasant breeze eleven boats from Buckhaven and Cellardyke, which had been prosecuting the fishing here, taking advantage of the wind and tide left for home.

Anstruther – Several boats came in with good shots of Haikes herring, but on Saturday it was obvious the fish had left the ground as many of the boats were clean. Several boats, on Saturday were late in getting up, and their fish having been caught the day before, injured them so much that one or two curers refused the fish from their agreed boats. One of these refused 6s 6d in the harbour, and set sail for a French Lugger lying off the harbour, but the quality being so bad, they returned with them to Cellardyke where the fishermen cured them themselves. On Monday, all the boats were out, nigh off here, but got no fish. On the 26^th, with the exception of 16 lazy crews, who remained in the harbour, all went to Dunbar, most of whom returned tolerably well fished.

1890

ACCIDENT TO A FISHERMAN AT ABERDEEN, Late last night Charles Hay (32), fisherman on board the boat Florence of Cellardyke (Robert Brown, skipper), got his right arm fractured by falling from the Florence to deck of another boat. He was removed to the Infirmary.

1891

Fully 40 of the Cellardyke boats have returned home from the Northern Stations. A few having done very well, having netted between £400 and £500 for the season, while other have made barely sufficient to pay expenses.

1892

On Sunday the body of John Muir (19) son of David Muir, Cellardyke, skipper of the Reindeer KY 46 was found floating in the South harbour. He was last seen in Broad Street at on o clock on Sunday Morning and it is supposed that in attempting to board his boat he had fallen into the water.

GOOD NEWS FOR THE EAST COAST FISHERMEN. BOARD OF TRADE EXAMINATIONS. Mr George Watson, Cellardyke, bas passed his examination second mate this week before the Local Marine Hoard Dundee. Mr Watson had not nearly completed the four years’ sea which the Board of Trade require from candidate for examination for certificate competency as second mate, hut his service in deep-sea fishing vessels was allowed to count instead of the time he was short of the four years. This passing of Watson will show to fishermen on the East Coast that their service is of use, that is allowed count to qualify them to pass a Board of Trade examination for a certificate, and that they have not to serve much time to qualify for passing as a boy leaving home for the first time. It also serves to prove the statement of Mr Swanston, assistant secretary, Marine Department, Board of Trade, that “service in bona-fide deep-sea fishing vessel*, irrespective of the mode fishing, is accepted qualifying towards examination for a certificate of competency.”

1893

The Cellardyke boats which have been fishing at the northern ports returned home mostly on Friday and Saturday. The season has been a good one, the average over the 160 boats being estimated ab £130. The “king-fisher,” Skipper Adam Reid, of the Reliance, has £ 530, and the lowest £ 30. The great majority have -close on £ 180 to £200, although there are a few with £300 to their credit. Generally, the boats which were at Peterhead were the best fished. Crews are now being made up for the south fishing at Yarmouth and Lowestoft, while a few are to proceed to the Islay fishing.

Fraserburgh Police court

For failing to appear in answer to a charge of being drunk and incapable, George Moncrieff, fisherman Cellardyke, forfeited bail of 7s 6d.

Peterhead bails forfeited

Peter Boyter, fisherman Cellardyke, 10s

1894

The Cellardyke boats have all returned home from the North the highest being the Reliance with £420

Yesterday forenoon telegram from announced the sad tidings that Thomas Pringle, Cellardyke, had been drowned off Leven. The unfortunate young man was one of the crew of the Onyx, Skipper Robert Meldrum, and left Anstruther about 3 a.m., with the intention of beaching the Onyx in Leven Dock for the winter.  He was about thirty years of age, and engaged to be married in a fortnight.

1895

The captain the fishing boat Mizpah, of Kirkcaldy, KY 398 reported, on arrival Aberdeen on Tuesday afternoon, the loss of one of his crew, young man of the name George Watson, belonging to Cellardyke, and twenty four years of age. Watson was assisting, along with others of the crew, adjusting the boat’s sail, when about 10 miles east by north of Aberdeen, when, some means, he was knocked overboard. The boat was making considerable way through the water at that time, and the only immediate measure that could be adopted towards saving the unfortunate fellow was the throwing of oar his direction. He sank, however, and did not appear again during the time the Mizpah remained the vicinity. Watson resided 8 Rodger Street, Cellardyke, and intelligence of the sad accident was once despatched to his friends by the skipper of the Mizpah on its arrival Point Law. The accident will doubt form the subject of an official inquiry.

1921

The sad intelligence of the death by drowning of Mr William Smith, Cellardyke, at Hartlepool was received in Anstruther yesterday. Mr Smith was the only son of Mr James Smith (Ritchie), Burnside Terrace, Cellardyke, and was employed as fireman in the steam drifter Scot, belonging to Anstruther. Particulars of the fatality are at present very vague, merely giving the fact of the drowning accident, but it is added that the body has been recovered.

Rev. James A. Paterson, Anstruther Wester, who is the only minister at present resident in the burgh—the others being on holiday—made the sad news known to deceased’s parents. Deceased was in his 21st year.

1924

Hartlepool

There was a marked decrease in arrivals yesterday, 26 herring boats landed an average of 9 crans. The best Scottish catch was one of 30 crans by Home Finder of Cellardyke. There was a good market prices being better at from 37s down to 29s per cran.

1925

David Pattie, ploughman, Balhouffie Cottar Houses, Anstruther, or 5 Shore Street, Cellardyke, admitted before Hon. Sheriff Osborne at Cupar to-day a charge of having, on 11th May, on the public highway, opposite the dwelling-house occupied by John Douglas, ploughman, Balhouffie Cottar Houses, Anstruther, assaulted Clifford McHugh, ploughman, 12 Shore Street, Cellardyke, by striking him severe blow on the right jaw with his clenched fist, causing it to bleed freely, and loosened several of his teeth.

Sentence of a fine of £1, or ten days’ imprisonment, was passed.

For the fourth year in succession the championship of Anstruther Bowling Green has been won by John Birrell.

A gallery of about 100 witnessed the final tie, Birrell’s opponent being James Smith, Cellardyke. Smith is a promising young player, and this season has figured in many of the principal competitions.

The game opened with 2 for Birrell, and at the fifth head he led by 7-1. Smith came away, and by the eighteenth head the match stood 14-11 Birrell’s favour. The champion was hard put to it to find an opening at the next head, where Smith lay 2, but with a cleverly executed bowl broke the end to lie the shot, and eventually scored 3. The next two heads saw Birrell in his best form, and ran out winner 21-11.

 Mr Birrell a member of well-known East Fife sporting family. His brother, Tom Birrell, was a footballer of note with Kirkcaldy United and Edinburgh Hibs, while a nephew, late of Raith Rovers, now foots it with Middlesbrough.

1926

Anstruther – Several steam drifters which left on Monday returned yesterday afternoon well fished. Highest shots from the Cellardyke boats —Bene Vertat, 100; St Ayles, 100; Carmi, 40; Violet, 35. Early arrivals secured top price, 20s per cran. Herring good quality, and caught in the vicinity the ‘ Long Bank,” between 30 and miles east of the May Island.

2 days later

OnIy one arrival, the Cellardyke steam drifter Ayles discharging 90 crans, which realised 14r per cran.

3 days after that

North Shields – Fifty drifters landed 640 crans. Best shot 45 crans by Cellardyke steamer Acorn. Demand weak; prices, 14s to per cran. Total supply for week, 9725 crans, representing heaviest week’s fishing at the port since 1913. Total catch for season to date just under 45,000 crans. which is bigger than any full season’s catch since 1920.

1931

There was breath-taking thrill the North Shields Fish Quay to-day, when a barring drifter escaped by a few inches from being crushed against the quay wall by a collier.

The steamer was the Sheaf Arrow, and was proceeding up-stream from sea when was forced to turn starboard to avoid a vessel backing into the stream. The turn developed into a steer, which caused the steamer to move toward the long line of drifters moored in parallel line with stems against the quay wall.

Tremendous excitement was caused by the appearance of the collier gliding toward the drifters, the crews of which literally held their breath.

The anchor of the Sheaf Arrow was then let down with roar and a plunge in order check the vessel, and this succeeded in bringing it to a complete stop when the colliers stem was only few inches from the stern of the Kirkcaldy drifter Daisy. The Sheaf Arrow was then able to move away up the river again without the slightest damage having been done. The Daisy, which is owned in Cellardyke, had all ten men of the crew hoard. Mr Alex. Reid, the skipper, told a “Shields Daily News” reporter that when the steamer was brought to & standstill: “You could not get a plate between our stern and her stem.” “A narrow escape,” he observed, opinion which was endorsed all the crew.

In close proximity were the drifters Fifeness, Aspiration, and Forethought.

The crew of a Port Seton steam trawler, Choice, had narrow escape when their vessel foundered about 20 miles off St Abb’s Head.

The men, who were taken on board the Anstruther steam drifter Copious, captained by Skipper Joseph Wilson, Cellardyke, arrived safely at Anstruther Harbour yesterday.

The first sign of trouble aboard the Choice was observed by the chief engineer. While the vessel was busily engaged fishing about 9.30 on Thursday night he reported that water was coming into the engine-room. It is believed that the trawl board or some other under-water object had damaged plate.

From the first the skipper realised that the position was dangerous, and orders were given for signals be put up. These were answered the Copious, which tried first tow the vessel to land. After struggling for two hours the task had to be abandoned, and the ship sank.

On landing at Anstruther yesterday the men were cared for by the local branch of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. The names of the crew are:—.John Home, skipper and owner, Port Seton; Peter Allan, mate, Port Seton: William McKechnie, chief engineer, Rosyth; James Thomson, second engineer. Port Seton; John Ross, fireman, Port Seton; Thomas Blackie and Robert Barber, deck hands, Port Seton; Charles Black, cook, Port Seton.

1933

CELLARDYKE WANTS MORE TELEPHONES

Town “Cut Off” When Post Office Closes

Residents in Cellardyke have a complaint against the Post Office regarding the inadequate public telephone facilities.

While Anstruther can boast of several public ‘phones in its Post Office, and a callbox in Shore Street which is available at all times, Cellardyke folks have to be content with one public telephone. This is situated in the local Post Office, and when the office is closed the telephone is not available.

In cases of illness during the night, “when it is desired to summon a doctor, the residents must either seek the use of some subscriber’s telephone or travel to Anstruther where all the local practitioners reside.

Should one require the services of a taxicab after Cellardyke Post Office has closed for the night it is necessary, should one fail to obtain the use of some subscriber’s ‘phone, to walk to Anstruther to order the taxi. Surely a remarkable state affairs.

Call Box Suggested.

Much inconvenience would be avoided if the telephone authorities placed a call-box in one of the main streets of Cellardyke.

Or the problem could be solved merely by removing the instrument from Cellardyke Post Office, which is in James Street, and erecting it a call-box on the opposite side of the thoroughfare. An alcove formed by a building there would meet the purpose admirably.

Anstruther, although having better facilities for public ‘phoning than its neighbour Cellardyke, also has a grumble.

The telephone in the call-box on Shore Street appears to be a relic of the old National Telephone Company days, and to put through a trunk call is almost a test of physical endurance. The coin box will accept only pennies, and at the entry of each penny a knob has to be turned.

 1912

St Andrews

Mr James Morris, retired baker, died this (Friday) morning at the advanced age of 77. He has been a well-known citizen for many years. He was a native of Anstruther, and: for some years was in business in Cellardyke as a baker. Mr Morris then acquired the baker’s business of Mrs Kirk, in Union Street, St Andrews, and later carried the successful business in Market Street, now in the hands of his son, Mr David Morris.

RECORD HERRING CATCH AT ANSTRUTHER. Late on Saturday the steam drifter Plough skipper Martin Gardner landed a shot of herring, which was the record catch be landed at Anstruther, namely 165 crans, which fetched 30s per cran, or a total value of £247. The highest catch previous to this was landed by the steam drifter Violet, namely, 140 crans, at £1 per cran. Previous Saturday’s shot the earnings of the Plough for the season were £1100.

Pittenweem –  The herring which were caught for curing were caught 40 miles East South East of the may Island.

WICK – The best fished Fife boats on Tuesday were Breadwinner, Cellardyke, 50 crans, and Scot, Cellardyke 40 crans.

1914

CELLARDYKE FISHERMEN AND THE WAR. A large meeting of fishermen was held yesterday Cellardyke Town Hall to consider as to whether any steps could be taken utilise the steam drifters, which would give employment to the fishermen whose ordinary occupation has been interrupted by the war. The men were addressed by Sir Ralph Anstruther of Balcaskie and Mr H. T. Anstruther, ex-M P. for St Andrews Burghs. Mr Anstruther submitted communications from the Admiralty to the effect that at the present the steam drifters could not be utilised for defensive purposes. Mr Anstruther submitted details of the terms of service in the Royal Naval Reserve, and about 30 young fishermen indicated that they were prepared to join this force.

1915

OUTSIDE THE LIMIT. ADMIRALTY PROSECUTION George Anderson, fisherman, Rodger Street, Cellardyke, Kilrenny, Fifeshire, skipper of a fishing boat, pleaded guilty to having on 30th June last, contravened the Admiralty orders by shooting drift nets outwith the prescribed area the North Sea. The Procurator Fiscal (Mr Hilson) stated the facts of the case, which were similar to those cases brought before the Court few weeks ago, this offence occurring at the same time these previous oases. He asked his Lordship to deal severely with the case. Mr R. G. Johnston, solicitor. Duns, who appeared for accused, whilst admitting his client had gone outwith the prescribed area, said that previous to this offence, many other fishing boats had gone beyond the limit, and accused —thinking that this latitude seemingly granted by the patrol boats might also given to him —had done also. He also stated that those boats which had exceeded the limit had made catches of between £300 and £4OO value. Mr Johnston farther admitted that, of course, although such latitude perhaps might have been given by the patrol boats, that did not justify accused disobeying the law, but he contended that if the first boats had been made an example of, the present case would not have required to come to court. He asked that his Lordship to impose as small penalty he could see his way to do. The Sheriff said he had the utmost sympathy with fishermen, as could see there was certain amount of hardship imposed their having to remain within a certain limit; at the same time he could also see that the Admiralty, who were in charge of a responsible position, when they had laid down a certain mileage, had conceded a great deal. But whilst had, as had said, the utmost sympathy for men who are making their living, could not put it out of his mind that there were other people who were suffering hardship, and were not fishermen, in connection with the War, and was of paramount interest to everyone in this country as patriotic men to put an end to a War which was the largest in the history of the World. People in this country had got to understand that, however much the hardship might be, and that was the first consideration he had to apply. They knew from the orders issued to them that it was a very serious matter to shoot their nets in the fairway, where His Majesty’s ships were going up and down, the Government having attached £1OO to each one of the offences. He had imposed penalty of in respect to the last 3 cases that were before him, and he did not see any reason had been put before him why that should be reduced. The interest of the country must considered in the first place. £20, or 30 days; allowed 1 month to pay. John Fernie, fisherman. Reform Street, St. Monance, Fifeshire, pleaded guilty to similar offence, also did Alex. Reid, fisherman, 49 George Street, Cellardyke. Kilrenny, committed on the same date, 30th June. A similar fine was imposed in each instance. The Sheriff said wished some these men would take into consideration what would have been done to them in Germany if they had done something of this kind.

North Shields – Scottish drifters were most poorly fished, the best shot being twenty crans by sailing boat the Unitas, Cellardyke which averaged 72s per cran.

1916

It is reported that Private Andrew Dick, Black Watch, son of Mr James Dick (Henderson), fisherman, East Forth Street, Cellardyke, has been “gassed.”

Private Andrew Lawrie, Black Watch, who is son of Mr Andrew Lawrie, fisherman, Cellardyke, has been wounded a second time.

Private Archibald Carstairs, Gordon Highlanders, whose mother resides in John Street, Cellardyke, has been wounded.

Handsome Recognition of Gallantry. Skipper John Hughes, of the Cellardyke drifter Evening Star, has just received from the Admiralty a D.C.M. medal in recognition of services lately rendered in the sinking of an’ Austrian submarine when on patrol in the Mediterranean. Sometime after an Italian transport ship was blown up by mine. This vessel was cut in two, and the fore part sank very quickly.

About 200 soldiers 6 and sailors had just time to put off in small boats, while other 300 were crowded together on the poop of the ship, which kept afloat. When so many were in such extreme difficulties the Evening Star came alongside and took off the whole of the 300 men, and not only so, but also rescued those that were in the small boats, the result being that they were crowded together the drifter practically like herring in a barrel.

Fortunately, another patrol came to the rescue and took off a large number of those who had been rescued.

Skipper Hughes, Mate Robert Hughes (his brother), and the rest of the crew nave received handsome recognition both from the British Government and the Italian Government.

The skipper and mate of the Evening Star are sons of Mr Robert Hughes, fisherman, John Street, Cellardyke, and he and the family are naturally proud of the gallantry displayed by the sons in the rescue of life. It now 14 months since they went out on patrol service.

Mrs Pratt, Ellice Street, Cellardyke, has: been informed by the War Office that her son, Lieutenant D. D. Pratt, Highland Light Infantry, has been wounded

1917

(in amongst all the terrible war news – my favourite article)

Giovanni Brattesani, ice-cream vendor, at Cupar to-day was fined 10s, or five days, for selling three sliders to Cellardyke girls after eight o’ clock Mr T. W. Davidson, solicitor, Cupar, stated that the assistant who sold the sliders thought pity to waste them.

The Sheriff—Do sliders not keep over night?

Mr Davidson I believe not in consequence of the sweetening mixture that is now used instead of sugar.

Died of Wounds. Private George Corstorphine. Black Watch, second son Mr and Mrs Corstorphine, West Forth Street, Cellardyke.

And as I have already mentioned this week with the laying of the wreath, the story of the’ Janes’ and Andrew Henderson’s family Andrew, Alexander and His crew Thomas Boyter and James Wilson.  Here is the letter sent to the Skipper’s Widow.

“It is with deepest sorrow that I write to you to offer my sincere sympathy in your terrible bereavement. I am the Officer in charge of the patrol boats which guard the Eyemouth fishing fleet and I was the last person to whom your husband spoke in life. He had sent a message to me that there was an obstruction in his nets so we had come within a boats length and I was asking him about it when the explosion, which was undoubtedly  caused by a mine becoming entangled in the nets, took place. When the smoke and spray had cleared away nothing whatever was to be seen except broken pieces of wood, and there was no sign of the crew although we searched the spot carefully for some time. I am quite sure that everyone was killed instantaneously and that no one can have suffered any pain. Before leaving the place I read the funeral service because I thought that you and the other friends of the crew would like this. I knew your husband very well and I often spoke to him since I have been on duty here, and only on Friday last I had a long talk with him about his sons and his new boat and I had a great regard and liking for him as indeed everyone here seemed to have. I understand that he was home for the weekend and I saw the boat on her way. As I suppose you only parted from him yesterday morning I feel that nothing I can say can really comfort you, but we all consider that in meeting his death while working to bring food into the country he has given his life for our cause just as much as a man who dies in the trenches.”

The skippers of the Eyemouth fishing boats 18 in number, held a meeting that day and expressed their sincere sympathy with Mrs Henderson and the other relatives of the crew.

1892

The new premises in course of erection for Thomas Swinton, baker in George Street, Cellardyke, was the scene of a serious accident on Monday. The previous tenement is now demolished, while the different walls, &c., are being repaired. The builder, Mr Laurie, along with an apprentice named James Spence, was employed at the oven, and in digging near the foundation of a wall upon which a high brick wall had been erected it suddenly collapsed, and buried both under the debris. The other employees were speedily at the spot, and both were extricated, but Spence was insensible. He was bleeding freely from two wounds in the head, but Laurie, although suffering from pains, especially in the side, was able walk. A carriage was speedily procured for them, and Spence was taken home to Pittenweem, where Dc Cumming, presently acting for Dr Flaxman, was called. The lad’s head was deeply cut, and the doctor stitched the wounds. It is hoped that both, with a few days’ quiet, will be able to resume their work.

1893

On Saturday afternoon a boy named Henry Stevenson, eleven years of age, son Henry Stevenson, fisherman, 49 John Street, Cellardyke, was drowned in the Albert Basin at Aberdeen Harbour, he was seen on board the fishing boat Excellence, KY 459, of which his father is one the crew, about midday, his cap was picked the water about four o’clock in the afternoon. He is believed to have fallen overboard unobserved. The body was recovered by means of grappling-irons.

George Murray, skipper of the fishing boat K.Y. 71, of Cellardyke, was charged with a breach of the harbour bye-laws by refusing to remove his boat from one berth to another when ordered to do so by assistant berthing master. Accused denied the offence but was convicted on evidence. The magistrate spoke in severe terms to accused, and fined him 10s with the alternative of 5 days in jail.

1894

On the arrival at Anstruther of the Cellardyke boat Catherine Eddy on Tuesday forenoon the skipper. Alexander Thomson, reported the loss of one of the crew, named Neil Macaskill. The boat was about fourteen miles off the shore when he was observed to lose his balance and fall overboard. The crew lost no time in putting the boat round and throwing articles in the hope that he might be able to support himself until picked up. Their efforts were, however, in vain, as the young man never rose again. Macaskill was only 21 years of age, a native of Dunvegan, Skye, and came to Anstruther in June in order to take part in the Lammas fishing.

1895

Fraserburgh

By Thursday night the Fife men were at work, and, meeting with more remuneration, considerably increased their totals for the season. On Saturday friends could be met who had grossed £150 and many with £100. The week opened auspiciously—a general fishing and many boats over the average. The Docile had 35 crans at 19s, the Fifeshire 20, and so on. ……………The prince of the East Fife boats, would again seem to the Reliance, some being coupled with Skipper Reid’s name. He has thus a fine lead in the race, many of his neighbours having it may be said, hardly made a start yet. They have fought hard too, but with the most wretched of success.

While the herring fishing boat Providence, KY. 263, was about 20 miles off the Aberdeenshire coast yesterday David Moncrieff, one the crew was struck the main boom of the boat, which accidentally swung round, and instantaneously killed him. Moncrieff was between and 30 years of age and resided at Footdee. Deceased was a native of Cellardyke.

1900

Sad Drowning Accident off Anstruther Harbour—Gallant Rescue.— A sad fatality occurred off Anstruther harbour on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the death of young man named James Smith, aged 24 years, one of the crew of the steam liner. White Cross. While the White Cross, along with other two liners, was lying off the harbour at low water, part of the crew of the Isle of May, along with Alex. Parker, son of the skipper of the White Cross, came ashore in their small boat—the former to discharge a few baskets of herrings, and the latter to take out a box of cutch to the White Cross. While in the harbour, Parker took on board four young boys to convey them out to the liner. On reaching the liner, James Smith, along with John Anderson, both members of the crew of the White Cross, stepped on board the small boat and lifted the cutch on to the steamer. The skipper then told Smith to go out to the Isle of May and get two baskets belonging to the White Cross. Smith replied, “All right,” and asked him to give him a push ahead. The engines were put slowly ahead, when about minute afterwards the small boat, owing, it is supposed, to the rope coming off the stem head, was seen to lurch and half fill with water. The boys then ran to the opposite side, with the result that the boat upset, and the whole of the occupants were thrown into the water. On the crew of the liner observing what had happened, John Anderson and David McRuvie divested themselves of part of their clothing and jumped into the water. They managed to rescue two of them just as they were going down. The other three managed to swim to the boat and cling to it until rescued. Smith, who was steering the boat with an oar, was nowhere be seen, and it is supposed that he had been struck the stern of the boat. When the others were brought to land, it was found that two of the boys were unconscious, and medical aid had to be called in, which happily proved successful. Smith was a highly respected young man, and leaves a widowed mother, for whom the greatest sympathy is felt. Reference was made to the sad event from several of the pulpits on Sunday. Notwithstanding that continuous efforts have been made since Saturday to recover the body, no trace of it was found up till Thursday night. Out of respect to deceased, the liners in the harbour showed their flags half-mast both Sunday and Monday

A memorial service was held in Cellardyke Church on Sabbath afternoon, when special reference was made to the murder of the King of Italy and the death of the Duke of Saxe Coburg by the Rev. Mr Ray, who preached most appropriate sermon from the words—“ Be ye also ready.” At the close of the sermon, the Rev. gentleman made appropriate reference the drowning accident that occurred Saturday. Appropriate hymns were sung, and a most impressive rendering of the Dead March given upon the organ by Miss Anderson.

1902

The skipper of the Cellardyke boat Cousins, KY, 1651, arrived in Anstruther and reported that while lying about eighteen twenty miles off Bervie and Stonehaven a Granton trawler steamed through his nets and carried them all away, along with the gear. The loss he estimates at fully £100. He states that he gave warning the trawler before he came on, and that the boat’s lights were burning brightly the time. The matter has been reported to the Fishery Board.

1905

St Andrews – At a Police Court last Saturday—Judge Scott on the bench—William Gardiner, a fish hawker from Cellardyke, pleaded guilty charge of Annoying the inhabitants in North Street and South Street, by shouting “caller herrin’.” The Magistrate said they did not object to fish hawkers crying their goods in an ordinary tone of voice, but they could not tolerate bawling. The fine would be 5s. The accused evidently realising that hit voice was not melodious enough for St Andrews, assured the Court that he would not come back to the town again. The gentleman who had made the complaint, had done so more from the point of a municipal reformer than a revengeful grumbler, and he gallantly came forward and paid the fine. The accused smiled and thanked the gentleman.

1906

The steamer St Ninian, belonging to the North of Scotland Steam Navigation Company arrived in Aberdour last Friday with five members of the crew of fishing boat Puritan, of St Monance, which was wrecked on a reef rocks off Green Holm, near Lerwick, during the severe storm about ten days ago. Those who were landed were James Wood skipper and owner of the boat, St Monance; David Wood, 16 years, his son; Wm. Davidson, St Monance ; Thomas Swankey, Arbroath ; Patrick Rath, native of Ireland. Two of the members of the crew—Thomas Guthrie. St Monance, and who was badly injured; and Robert Smith, Arbroath left Lerwick for their respective homes several days ago. The crew of the Puritan had an exciting experience, and were in exhausted condition when rescued by the steam drifter Vanguard 111., of Cellardyke (Mr Martin Gardener, skipper). The unfortunate men were taken to the Sailors’ Home on their arrival Aberdeen, and were provided with railway tickets to enable them to proceed to their homes.

1880

Peterhead

Joseph Walker, Skipper of the boat Delight of Cellardyke, was fined 25s, for refusing to obey the orders of the Harbourmaster.

Wick

Owing to the tides large numbers of boats on Tuesday could not take the harbour till the evening, then ensued a scene of bustle and activity for six hours, worth watching at sufficient distance. Four Cellardyke boats finding room difficult to obtain in the harbour discharged their fish, and they had good shots, from the back of the north quay, the men swinging the baskets over the parapet into the carts stationed on the quay way. It is many years since this has been done before, during the time when the herring fleet here numbered close on 1100 boats.

Three boats returned home from Wick Thursday, after having fished amongst them 1300 crans. George Anderson, Cellardyke, has fished for Mr John Simpson, at Scrabster and Wick, 470 crans. On Tuesday last be had shot of 102 crans—the highest recorded this season. now goes home;

1881

Wick

The herring fishing at Wick has been fairly successful during the past week. The John O Groats Journal reports that one boat discharged 103 crans on Thursday, and on Friday the Cellardyke boat. James and Agnes, K.Y. 1527, James Smith, skipper, brought shore 103 ¾ crans. It is computed that the first-named boat would have on board upwards of 87,000 herrings, being fully £120 worth fish for the one night’s catch. He shot his fleet of nets, 6O in number, early on the previous night, and as showing the body of fish, there were 17 of his nets literally blank, while the rest were alive with herring. Smith after landing his catch to W. Begg, had made over 150 crans for the season.

1882

Gourdon, Friday.— 50 boats were at sea last night. 14 returned at noon. The highest catch was 3 crans, and average about 1 ½ crans. 4 boats put to sea on Wednesday night, and returned on Thursday with average of 8 crans. Highest catch 15 crans. 2 boats fishing Aberdeen put here with 36 and 27 crans over day’s fish. They were sold at 12s 6d and respectively. Their Nos. were KY 2022 and 453. Tbye report having encountered strong gale.

 Anstruther.— The total catch at Anstruther Thursday was 386 ½ crans, giving an average of 35 crans for 11 boats. Yesterday 16 boats and three yawls arrived with takes ranging from 1 ¼ to 63  crans, the total catch being about 400 crans. With three or four exceptions all the cargoes were composed herrings caught on Wednesday and Thursday, and being soft only from 5s 7d  per cran was obtained for them, one crew only receiving 2s 6d per cran. The price of fresh herrings was 33s per cran. Great loss of nets was reported, a St Ives boat having their whole drift, which is much less than that of our local boats, either lost or damaged. Cellardyke boat lost 30 of their nets, and others reported loss and damage.

A few days later

Anstruther – The trial was renewed on the Fife Coast on Monday night, but the best take was only in few dozens. The Fife boats by of their great offing were amongst the heaviest sufferers by the gale. One Cellardyke boat, the Medium, lost as many nets, and another, the Goldie, lost 23. Great anxiety was felt in Cellardyke for the safety of the Floral Star, which was known to be out in the storm, until a telegram from Aberdeen stated that she had arrived there.

Mr Thomas Fowler, merchant, Forth Street, Cellardyke, died very suddenly on Monday night. He was in ordinary health, and watched during the day with natural interest the fitting up of fine new shop for his growing trade; but towards eight o’clock he was seized with a violent haemorrhage, which was almost instantly followed by the closing scene. He leaves a widow and family to mourn his loss.

1883

Sad Occurrence.— The new railway near Kingsbarns was the scene of a deplorable accident on Monday afternoon. Two lads employed as “nippers,” were seated in the service waggon, when from some unhappy cause both tumbled to the ground. One escaped with slight abrasion on the head ; but the other, some fifteen years of age, James Fitz Symonds, the son of the Caiplie hut-keeper, was caught the wheels of the next waggon, which, before a finger could raised to save him, passed over one of his legs above the knee crushing the bone into splinters. Dr Saunders, who was promptly on the scene, met the danger of the moment by applying ligature, so to arrest the flow of blood, while he had the unfortunate youth conveyed to his own residence in Crail. It was evident from the first that amputation was not to be avoided, and with this view a telegram was sent in the meantime to Cellardyke, to his friend Dr Flaxman, when the operation was accomplished with signal success. Chloroform was in the last instance, of course, resorted to; but the poor lad bore his sufferings with extraordinary fortitude, and in the opinion of the doctors is doing as well as can hoped for in the circumstances.

On Thursday a Cellardyke boat No 1249, William Smith, skipper, fishing for , Messrs Sharpe and Murray, curers, of that place, arrived in Aberdeen harbour with her sails split. The crew having experienced very heavy weather, about one o clock on Wednesday afternoon, when they were about 4 miles off the Isle of May, a sudden gust came down upon the boat from the west and tore the foresail into shreds.

Our Peterhead correspondent telegraphed, —the south-easterly gale on Wednesday had its fatal consequences and several narrow escapes …………………… another carvel-built boat, Pride o’ Fife (KY, 1023) James Salter, master, was coming in last night, she was struck by heavy sea fourteen miles from land, which split the second board, next the keel. The water came in so fast that besides the pump the crew had to use buckets to keep her afloat. When she arrived the people on the quay were astonished especially when she kept sailing up the harbour at a rapid speed, and ran up the slip.

1884

Boat Capsized in Aberdeen Bay.—On Saturday afternoon, James Gauld, plumber, had a very narrow escape from drowning in Aberdeen Bay. The man left the harbour in the course of the forenoon in a small boat for the purpose of fishing for mackerel. He had secured a quantity of fish, and was returning to the harbour under sail. A stiff south-westerly breeze prevailed, and there was a heavy roll to thes. When several hundred yards in a north-easterly direction from the point of the North Pier, the craft was caught in a sudden squall and capsized, its occupant being thrown into the water. This accident being observed from the pier, the alarm was immediately given, and No1 pilot boat, along with the steam tug Britannia, which was in the chancel the time, at once proceeded to the scene. Before, however, the pilot boat or the tug arrived at the spot, the herring boat Club, of Cellardyke, KY. 1578 (David Christie, master), which was returning from the fishing ground, and the crew of which had seen the occurrence, bore down on Gauld. who had seized hold of one of the oars belonging his own craft, with which succeeded in preventing himself from sinking. He was taken on board the KY. boat, which landed him Point Law. When rescued Gauld, who had been about half an hour in the water, was very much exhausted, but he soon recovered. The small boat sunk almost immediately after the accident. (NB the boat was the Globe, not the Club)

1885

A collision of an alarming nature, by which a fishing boat was sunk, occurred in the entrance channel, Aberdeen, between one and two o’clock on Saturday morning. It appears that the fishing boat Mizpah (KY2024) of Cellardyke—James Cunningham, master, was returning to the harbour from the fishing grounds, between the hours mentioned, and, proceeding in a northerly direction, had just passed the south breakwater, when one of the crew observed the light a steamer which was coming down the channel. Thinking that the steamer was going to proceed south, the fishing boat was kept to the north of the entrance channel so to give the steamer plenty of way. The steamer the North of Scotland and Orkney and Shetland Company’s passenger boat, St Rognvald, was on her way to Wick, Kirkwall and Lerwick, and, of course, when leaving the channel was steering in northerly direction; and before the men in the boat had power to anything to save  their craft, the steamer was upon them. It is not exactly known whether those on-board the steamer observed the boat, which was carrying no lights, but the speed was somewhat slackened when the steamer struck the boat. The force of the collision was sufficient, however, to cut the boat to the water’s edge, and almost immediately after the craft sunk in deep water. Ropes were thrown from the steamer to the crew of the fishing boat, and fortunately they were all hauled board. The men were then transferred to the tug Bon-Accord, which brought them ashore. The men, as a matter of course, had no time to save any of their effects, and the whole of the nets and other fishing gear sunk with the boat. In the course of the day, two divers proceeded to the scene of the collision to attempt to save much of the fittings as can be got at; and in the afternoon the boat was raised by the tug Bon-Accord and beached at Torry.

Their names are :—James Cunningham (61), Cellardyke; Alexander Cunningham. Cellardyke: Alexander Gardiner, John Street, Cellardyke; George Oliphant, Cupar Fife; James Main, Green, Anstruther; Andrew Meldrum, Crail ; William Neil, Shore Street, Crail

1887

The Relief Committee in connection with the loss of the ill-fated boat Sisters, of Pittenweem, announce the subscriptions at £433 9s 2d. It deserves to be remembered, how- ever, that, at the loss of the Cellardyke boat Helen, in the spring of 1865, Mr David Murray of St Ayles raised, all but single-handed, the sum of £380 within two months of the disaster.

On Saturday morning Donald Sutherland, belonging to Skerray, in the parish Tongue, was drowned the Ord of Caithness. He was a hired man on board the Cellardyke boat Jeannie Wood, KY 407, (Skipper David Wood), at present fishing at Wick, and when engaged about the job he was struck by the sheet and thrown into the water, and sank before anything could be done to save him. He was 27 years of age, and unmarried.

1888

To-day the herring harvest is the grand event of the year along the Buchan coast; nevertheless, it only dates back to the year of the first cholera, i.e., 1832, when the Cellardyke skippers sailing from Wick were pelted with stones by the big crowd on this and that pierhead till they found a refuge, as it were, at Peterhead.

1889

Cellardyke Fisherman Drowned.— On Tuesday the herring fishing-boat Black Prince (1169 KY.) arrived in Arbroath harbour, and reported that on the previous night, about a quarter of a mile off the North Carr lightship on the Fife coast, James Brodie, fisherman, 24 years of age, unmarried, and residing Cellardyke, was knocked overboard while shifting a sail. There was a strong breeze blowing at the time, and the boat was running before the wind; and before the crew could return to the spot the unfortunate young man had disappeared.

1870

LEVEN. An Irish Pair.—Amongst the passengers our railway from Thornton on Thursday evening, were two rough looking Irishmen, thoroughly “wet with the dew of the Emerald Isle.’ As the “spirits’* within them, however, were likely to slumber, they were allowed to take possession of third class compartment, but at the next station—that of Cameron Bridge—they became the special care the active and intelligent guard, who in the usual prompt discharge his duty, turned out one the travellers, named Patrick McLauchlan, who had not or would not provide himself with a ticket. This was an insult, however, which the Hibernian spirit could not pardon, so in true Fenian style he proceeded wreak his vengeance oh the carriage, smashing glass and wood work like so many “eyes and noses” at Donnybrook. Being immediately expelled, however, from the station, he transferred his pugnacity and destructive propensities to the adjacent village of Windygates, but when after sundry acts of mischief and a case or two of assault, he was taken into custody and due time was sent to Cupar, when on the following day he was tried before Sheriff Beatson Bell, and sentenced to thirty days’ imprisonment. His companion, Patrick Harkin, though allowed to proceed with the train, very soon involved himself in trouble also, for on arriving at Anstruther, the railway officials not being satisfied that he had share in breaking the carriage, had him apprehended by Constable M’Kay, but the violent resistance he offered led to his being charged before the Magistrates of East Anstruther next day with a breach of the peace, for which he was sentenced to a fine of 7s 6d or eight days’ imprisonment. Those men, it appears were their way from Port Glasgow fill up berths as half-dealsmen at Cellardyke.

1871

Prevalence of Epidemic Distress in the Fishing Towns

We exceedingly regret to have to report that in the populous fishing towns of Cellardyke and St Monance the measles are very prevalent, and, at the same time, are spreading with almost singular rapidity in the thickly inhabited houses. In St Monance the epidemic appears to be of a more malignant type and one fatal case is reported; but seldom in both places have so many youth of the household been stricken down at the same time, thus leaving little rest and no end of anxiety and alarm for those who are called upon to watch by the bedside of distress……

Provost Martin, of Cellardyke, gave the employees in his oil-cloth manufactory their annual excursion on Saturday last. On former occasion the party visited the romantic village of Abernethy, but this year—though so much nearer their own neighbourhood—the place selected for the excursion was still more interesting, being the ancient and queenly city of St Andrews. The company, which mostly consisted of young women—all, however, without exception, being in neat holiday attire—took the road in a comfortably-seated cart, when, on arriving in the grand old city, they were entertained to a substantial dinner by their kind employer. After doing every justice to the good things provided, as people may be expected to do who have traversed through Kingsmuir and Dunino, the party left the hotel to visit the various places of interest —such as the Cathedral and Castle ruins, with the magnificent buildings which the wealth and taste of the present day is adorning the city. At four o’clock they all once more assembled to an excellent tea, at the conclusion of which the happy company again took their seats for the homeward journey, each and all delighted in the highest degree with the pleasures the day. The expense of the excursion was wholly defrayed by Provost Martin, who was also present, doing everything his power to promote the comfort and happiness of the party, who, on their part, appeared to fully appreciate the great attention and kindness shown to them.

1872

A melancholy accident occurred here on the evening Monday last, which resulted in the death by drowning of a fine boy, the son of Mr Alexander Martin, fisherman. That our readers may understand the nature of this sad affair, we may state that the shore at Cellardyke is ribbed as it were with long outlying skerries, covered in sea weed, and left bare by every receding tide. These rocks are the constant resort children, who naturally inherit an instinctive love for the sea; and like so many of his comrades, the unfortunate youth, Alex. Martin, was amusing himself at the brink of low water with his little fishing line, when, his foot slipping, he fell into a deep hole close by the edge of the Skerries- His terrified companions at once fled to raise the alarm, but the great distance of the scene from the head of the beach rendered their outcry of little avail, and all the more so as the crews were to a man at the herring fishing. Several women, however, who were standing on the shore heard through the gathering twilight, the voice of the drowning youth, in the agony of the death struggle, ”Oh, mother, mother, come to me.” The cry rose again and again above the lonely murmur of the shore, when, hearing of what had happened, Mr. David Black rushed to the spot, where by this time the poor victim had sunk to the bottom;  but Mr. Black repeatedly attempted, though vainly, to reach him. He was joined on the skerrie by several of the neighbours and a young sailor belonging to a ship lying in Anstruther, but their united exertions were fruitless till nearly half an hour after the accident had happened, when, of course, life was quite extinct. The body, however, was immediately conveyed home, when Dr. Macarthur was promptly in attendance and every restorative applied, but, as we have said, without avail. The father was absent in Stonehaven and the afflicted mother had thus to bear the heavy bereavement without that sympathy which does so much to assuage and comfort our domestic griefs. The unfortunate boy was about ten years of age full of health and spirits, and possessed to a singular degree those fine qualities of the heart which by showing a forethought and affection greater than years, win so largely the esteem and attachment of all.

ST ANDREWS.-At Sea in a Fog.- On Monday forenoon, a fisherman named Sandy Smith, a man of sixty years, belonging to Cellardyke, left that harbour all alone in a small yawl, intending to ‘proceed to the Island of May, to haul his lobster creels, and also to try the hand-lines. A dense fog came on, and failing to find his course, the boat was drifted by the ebb tide out of the Forth and into St Andrews bay. The Weather still continuing hazy the boat, was knocked about for-two days, and it was only on Wednesday night that land was made. On the evening of that day the boat was observed from St Andrews harbour, with sails set, running in on the east sands, opposite St Nicholas. A boat proceeding out of the harbour went to the rescue, and the boat, with its solitary occupant, was brought in the harbour and safely landed. During the two days the old man had been at sea he had been almost without food and water and was consequently much exhausted.

1873

THE POST-OFFICE FIRE. On Tuesday evening, one of the most severe thunder storm ever experienced in this district prevailed for several hours. Commencing about half-past seven at night, it continued with little intermission until nearly six o’clock next morning. The storm attained its greatest height about midnight, when the flashes of lightning were alarmingly frequent and of so vivid nature as to render objects at great distance quite plain for a few seconds. The thunder peals were also unusually loud, while the rain came down in torrents, flooding many shops and houses. Early in the evening a stack of hay on the farm of Carvenom was set on fire and consumed. At Cellardyke, the fluid entered the post-office by the telegraph wire, and set fire to the letter-box. The fire was fortunately soon discovered by the post-master, who, with the assistance of his son succeeded in putting out the flames the box and a letter-bag were destroyed. At Pittenweem lightning entered a house by the chimney, and, hurling the grate to the other side of the room, made its escape by a bedroom, happily without injuring the occupants.

1876

An Unruly Norlan

Alexander Mackay, native of Sutherland but for some time employed in the fishing at Cellardyke, was charged before Kilrenny Magistrates on Friday with assaulting Mrs James Watson in her public house near the Tollbooth, and also with a breach of the peace at the same time and place. Sandy repelled the charge of assault, when evidence was led, in the course of which Mrs Watson, Mrs Murray, and Margaret Fowler detailed the circumstances of the case. From these statements it appeared that Mackay had refused leave the house, when Mrs Watson threatened expel him with the poker, of which, however, she had been summarily disarmed by the brawny clansman After hearing parties the Magistrate found the charge of assault not proved, but sustained that of breach the peace, and sentenced the panel to a fine of 10s 6d.

Last night a boy named Muir, ten years of age, son of James Muir Fisherman, was drowned at Cellardyke. He was engaged along with a companion in fishing from a large rock near the harbour, and while throwing out his line, overbalanced himself, and was drowned before assistance could be procured. The body was recovered about an hour afterwards.

1878

Anstruther

On Monday afternoon while some little urchins were amusing themselves with their tiny fishing lines at the east pier, one of their number, Henry Stevenson, belonging to Cellardyke, missed his hold, and fell into the water. No help was on the spot, but fortunately the accident was observed from the windows overlooking the shore, and the alarm thus raised, brought William Parker boat carpenter, to the rescue. An excited crowd had already gathered on the pier, but in their inability to swim, it was left to this gallant young man to plunge to the assistance of the drowning boy, whom he had the happiness to deliver at the last moment from the jaws death. It excites astonishment that on this long and exposed pier—the constant resort of young and old—neither life buoy nor life line was or is at hand so as be available for any extremity that might happen by night or by day.

At the Small Debt Court held at Anstruther—a case was heard which caused considerable amusement. It was at the instance of James Watson, fishcurer, Cellardyke, against William Pattie carter there. It was for the recovery £5 of alleged borrowed money, and £6 2s 9d for coals and fish roes, being £11 2a 8d in all. The defender denied having borrowed the money, and Mrs Pattie made the Courtroom ring by an emphatic declaration that ” the ithers were her business, and she would speak for them hersel’.” The pursuer then went on to explain the circumstances under which the debt was contracted, when he was interrupted Mrs Pattie—” It’s no true, it’s lie. The Sheriff reminded her of the respect due to a Court of Justice. The case then proceeded, when Mrs Pattie admitted having received the coals and also the fish roes, but with regard to the former she said she had a counter account for driving, which more than paid them, while in reference to the fish roes she had paid them as she did others regularly every week. An altercation here ensued between her and the pursuer, who disputed some of her statements. “I manage my business; he manages his, though at the same time there was perfect confidence betwixt them. He’s no Mormonite, and has nae mair wives but me, and mair nor that (turning Bench with look of exulting triumph)—the Lord ‘ill hear me weel as he’ll hear you.” (Roars of laughter.) In reply to the Sheriff she said that Mr Watson had taken away the account book, and had refused to give it up. The Sheriff asked Mr Watson what had become of the book. The pursuer said—”l do not have it with me, it is lying about.” The Sheriff then proposed to continue the case for proof, when the pursuer produced the book from his pocket. His Lordship sharply demanded an explanation of this conduct, which he characterised as ” extraordinary,” and as attempt to deceive the Court. Mr Watson pleaded the excitement of the situation, and the hearing of the case was resumed, when the Sheriff decided that as the pursuer had no evidence that Mrs Pattie had borrowed the £5, and that as she, besides, was not authorised to do without the consent of her husband, the claim fell to the ground. With regard to the coals and roes, found that these were so far met by the account for driving, only to leave balance of 5s 7 ½d for which he gave decree, but without expenses.

Peterhead

LauchIan Ramsay, labourer from Argyllshire, was convicted on evidence. yesterday, before Baillie Smith, of having on the 15th inst. stolen a black cloth jacket from the fishing boat Bloom, of Cellardyke, when lying in the harbour here, and of having pledged the jacket at a pawnshop in town for 3s the name of ” Cameron.” He was sentenced to pay a fine of 20s, otherwise suffer 14 days’ Imprisonment.

1865

There has been collected by public conscription on behalf of the widows and children of the unfortunate  Cellardyke crew that perished on the 10^th May last, the sum of £375 14s 6d.

On Saturday evening the committee which was originally formed for the purpose of collecting and distributing the subscriptions for the widows and children of the fishermen who perished on the 10^th May, met in the Free Church hall here. Present, James Fowler, David Murray (Sharpe and Murray); Mr R Cunningham Baxter ; Mr C Carstairs, Mr G Barclay Rodger, and Mr A Watson Murray…… It was resolved that a monthly allowance of £6 18s should be paid to each of the three widows which they should receive at the shop of Messrs Sharpe and Murray on the first Monday of each month. It was also agreed to impress upon the widows the importance of sending their children regularly to school, and that the school fees should be paid out of the fund. Mr Murray was also empowered in the event of any extraordinary emergency befalling any of the families to afford what extra assistance he might consider needful in that circumstances…….

On Saturday afternoon last, as the salmon fishers in the employment of Mr George Thomson, were engaged in working their nets at Kilrenny Mill Bay, they found that a halibut of very large dimensions had been taken prisoner in the usual manner. It allowed itself to be quietly taken into the coble, which was so far fortunate for its two captors; but even as it was, the transfer was not completed without some difficulty, as the fish was fully six stones in weight.

Anstruther Harbour commission

The Provost who had been appointed with Messrs Macintosh, Martin and D Murray , Cellardyke, as a deputation from the Lifeboat Committee, had applied on behalf of the Committee for a site for the lifeboat house. The vacant ground at the roadway at the back of the East Pier had been granted for the erection of a wooden house for the coble originally proposed by the Cellardyke fishermen (N.B this was before the outer harbour was built , the site discussed would be at the head of the now middle pier), but as a building there could ponly be temporary, some members of the committee  wished that the boat house be placed contiguous with the ropewalk; but the opposition of the fishermen had led to a change in this intention, and the application now made by the Provost had reference to a site at the back of the West Pier contiguous to the cross, On consulting with James Balfour, mason, as to the probable expense of erecting a sea wall and bringing the site to a level with the street, and thus prepare it for the erection of the house the Provost said he had been told by Mr Balfour that an outlay of £160 would be required. The board, however, had nothing to do with the expense which rested entirely with the Lifeboat Committee, the only question before them being granting a site. After a lengthened discussion, it was eventually agreed to grant the committee either a permanent site at the cross or a Temporary one at the Forth, as a building there would have to be removed as soon as the new harbour works were in progress. An application was also submitted by the provost and from Thomas Tarvit, fisherman, Cellardyke, requesting to be appointed a harbour pilot. The provost said that Thomas had asked for the appointment not with the object of opposing the present pilot, William Parker, but solely in order that ship owners might recover the insurance of their vessels in the event of a disaster occurring while they were under his charge, as in the absence of the usual Pilot, he often acted in that capacity. A lengthened discussion followed on the matter, but it was agreed to let the application lie over until the next meeting when the sentiments of William Parker, the present pilot, could be learned as to the application..

The fishing fleet for the ensuing season – The following number of boats, which may be expected to be fitted out from various stations of the Anstruther district, with a comparative view of the fleet of last year

                                                                           1865                     1864

Anstruther and Cellardyke                     173                        170

Pittenweem                                                    58                         56

St Monance                                                    104                        103

Largo                                                                18                          15

Buckhaven                                                      120                        130

Crail                                                                    5                            5

Kingsbarns                                                      2                            2

St Andrews                                                     9                            10

1868

The Great Ocean Race. —We understand that Captain Roger (Cellardyke & Glasgow), the owner of the world famed Taeping and other first-class clipper ships, has just received intelligence to the effect that the magnificent vessel just named sailed from Foo Choo on the 28th May, with a full cargo of the first teas of the season, and that the new ship, the Lah Loo, of which so much is expected, left the same port on the 30th May, or two days later, also with full cargo on board. The Taeping is under the command of Captain Dowdie, and the Lah Loo of Captain John Smith, Anstruther. We are not informed as to the Spindrift, with which the latter ship competed so successfully on the outward passage, but it is believed that other ships will also by the above dates have sailed from Foo Choo, so that the great ocean race of this year is now being eagerly run, each captain of course tasking his gallant craft to the utmost night and day that he may be the first to reach the homeward goal. We understand that heavy stakes have been taken upon the Lah Loo, the newest of the magnificent China fleet, and, encouraged by her splendid outward performance, she appears to be generally regarded as the favourite ship of the race.

NB the Taeping beat the Ariel in 1866, The Lah Loo did not win the tea clipper race until 1870 but was no longer owned by Alex Rodger

At Justice of Peace Court, held on Wednesday, before R. Walker, Esq., Henry Lindsay, Esq., Collector of Customs, appeared to give information against John Jack, fisherman, of the Neptune, Cellardyke fishing-boat, for smuggling. The accused, while lying off the French lugger, St Maria, of Boulogne, in the river, had been seen by the out-door officer of Customs, Mr James Hendry, to carry jar from the lugger into his boat, which, on examination, was found contain a quart of brandy. He pled guilty; and was sentenced to pay fine of 7s. with 9s. of expenses.

1869

Seizure of Unwholesome Meat.—On Thursday last, flesher from Dundee of the name of David Bruce arrived in Cellardyke with the carcase of ox, which he exposed for sale in a cellar near the harbour. The town crier made the usual intimation with the bell, – the meat being offered at 6d per pound—a large quantity of it was soon disposed of to the inhabitants. While the sale, however, was briskly going on, George Watson, the vigilant Inspector of Nuisances for the Burgh, happened to visit the place, and his suspicions having been aroused by the appearance of the meat, he at once communicated with Bailie Sharp, which led to examination of the carcase, or rather what remained of it, by Dr McArthur, who gave it as his unqualified opinion that the meat was inflamed and altogether unfit for human food. Under these circumstances, and acting upon the summary provisions of the Public Health Act, Mr Watson seized the meat, and brought Bruce before the Magistrates, who met for the purpose in the Town Ball towards noon. Provost Martin and Bailies Sharp and Watson occupied the bench; when, the Inspector having stated the facts of the case, the Court ordered the meat to be forfeited and destroyed, but, on consideration of this being the first offence, no penalty was imposed, but Bruce was warned that, if he repeated the offence, he would be punished to the utmost rigour of the law. About ten stones of the meat were accordingly buried by the Inspector, but we hear that before the seizure was made Bruce had realised about £9 for what he had sold.

1851

The herring fishing in the North

Wick – we believe there will be a considerable increase in the number of boats in the district. Last year there were 800, while it is probable we shall have 1000 this season. Amongst others we have 10 from Lossiemouth for the first time, and the numbers from Cellardyke is about doubled…..

1853

The quay wall at Cellardyke has been finished and taken off the contractor’s hands. It has perfectly answered the expectations of the fishermen, and supplies them with a very superior landing place for their fish.

1855

Five young fishermen from Cellardyke were tried before Provost Grieg and Bailie Paterson on Saturday last, for a breach of the peace committed on the previous Saturday night, the pled guilty and were amerced the sum of 7s 6d each or ten days in prison.

1858

The deep sea white fishing in the neighbourhood of Montrose has been very successful lately The Ferryden b oats brought to the various curers in Montrose in the course of a week, upwards of 200 000 haddocks and those from Cellardyke about 35 000, making a total of 235 000. The fish sold I the town have been at price lower than has been reached for the last 14 years. On account of the calm weather the boats have been taken in companies to the fishing grounds by the Montrose steam tug.

1859

The stimulus imparted to fisheries by the rapidity of railways laying the markets of all large towns open to the coats for the supply of fresh fish has raised an urgent demand for deep-water harbours, so that the boats may get in at any time of tide to deliver their catch, and which are also most needful to the safety of the fishermen, who, as yet, have no ports of refuge that can be taken at low water. These considerations have stirred the towns of Anstruther and Cellardyke to unite their common interests, and to move the Board of Fisheries to cooperate with them in erecting a deep water harbour there. Before the fishermen of Cellardyke had consented to waive their claim for a separate harbour, the site of Craignoon, near at hand, had been fixed upon by them and surveyed at their request; but though possessed of some capabilities, it gave no promise of a harbour equal in convenience or accessibility to that of Anstruther improved, and this was perhaps owning to the results of this survey, that the parties saw their real interests lay, not in moving for spate harbours, and thus frittering away their money…..An enlargement of Anstruther harbour with the designation given it of the Union harbour, has been planned by Messrs Stevenson, the engineers of the board, and its design has met with general satisfaction

and approval. The erection of a harbour of this description at Anstruther has been recommended by the Harbour of Refuge Commission, but again the funds are wanting for its execution.

Its estimated cost is £30 000, a large sum to raise, nevertheless, there appears tom be means available for effecting a loan which, with assistance from the board of Fisheries, may, at no very distant day, enable the work to be executed.

1861

CELLARDYKE. Hairbreadth Escape. Monday last. While the fishermen were employed launching their boats for the forthcoming herring fishing, one of their number, named Robert Ritchie, narrowly escaped with his life. While pulling the rope attached to the boat, his foot slipped, and he fell in front of the carriage. Before, its impetus could arrested, one the wheels padded over his shoulder, providentially inflicting no greater injury than dislocating the bone. He was immediately conveyed home, and his recovery is progressing favourably. Although the use of the carriage materially adds to the safety and ease of these operations, yet, from the weight of these large boats, and the long and narrow way over which they are transported, they are still attended with considerable risk, the more especially as they are conducted with that activity and fearlessness which so imminently characterise our fishermen. It is, therefore, greatly to desiderated that more care and prudence were evinced where the safety life and limb are so intimately concerned.

1862

CELLARDYKE. Accident. —On Wednesday last, accident a serious nature occurred to a young woman, named Catherine Pratt, belonging to Cellardyke. She had been assisting the barking of some sails and, while carrying a hand-barrow a tubful of the boiling liquor used for the purpose down a steep lane, at the west end of the town, her foot slipped, and the greater portion the contents were spilled over her person, scalding her, particularly about the arms and shoulders, in a most fearful manner. The unfortunate sufferer lies in a very distressed condition, but hopes are entertained her recovery.

In the course of last week a cat belonging to family in Cellardyke had kittens, one of whom would appear to have been formed when Dame Nature was in frolicsome mood. It had two faces, one on each side of the head, which was unusually large. It appeared to have three eyes, two being so closely joined together as to seem but one. Each nose and mouth (situated directly below the ear) was well formed, as were the other parts of the body. Shortly after birth it was killed by its mother, but it has been carefully preserved a medical gentleman, who, we understand, is to present the Museum of St Andrews College.

1863

On Tuesday forenoon a small pleasure boat, with its sail set, was observed driving towards the rocks not far from St Monans harbour, with apparently no person taking care of it. A young man belong to Cellardyke expecting to obtain it a prize, took off his clothes and swam to it; but great was his surprise when he found man lying fast asleep in its bottom. In a short time two boats full of men had come his assistance and it was taken into harbour. The owner seemed very unfond giving any definite account of himself or cause of his being such a state of torpor.

THE HERRING FISHING.— Monday, several the Cellardyke boats sailed for Gourdon and Stonehaven, and they have since been daily followed by others, as they completed the requisite preparations. This season the number of boats belonging to this district fishing stations will be unusually large, and it is not improbable, should the prospects the fishing all encouraging, that nearly the whole fleet will be induced proceed thither until the shoals have entered the Firth. The lugger Alexandria, which has been lying idle in the since she was abandoned the Cellardyke fishermen, has been fully equipped for the herring fishing, and entrusted to the care an English crew. She has been provided with many as 59 nets, and sailed on Monday evening for her first cruise, the result of which is looked forward to with considerable interest.  Large numbers of men—principally from Skye and the Highlands—are now daily arriving by steamer and other conveyances, to fill up, or inquest of, situations as half-dealsmen. It exhibits marked degree the present depressed state of labour in the country that, notwithstanding the deficient fishings of the past two seasons, the supply of hands is likely to be much larger than what will be required, many, indeed, having already been disappointed.  A few boats are to make a trial the coast here in the beginning of the ensuing week. Should these, or the boats fishing it the north, meet with any encouragement, a general commencement will soon follow, most of the crews being now well advanced with their preparations.