Category: Uncategorized

Gales are not unusual in September – I lost a tree last night in my back garden

1891

In Cellardyke the fishermen’s out houses and stores for keeping their gear were washed away in more than half a dozen instances, while a garden wall of about 12ft in James Street, next the sea was torn down. The South roof of the Cellardyke Net Factory, belonging to Black and Co, was stripped off and the factory flooded. The fishermen has also an anxious time of it throughout the night looking after their boats, some of which were blown from their moorings.

1892

Owing to the gales of last week a considerable number of vessels have been disabled

1896

Alexander Muir, Fisherman, Cellardyke, was charged for using threatening and abusive language towards the Town Officer and was ordered to pay 15s of a fine or 14 days.

On the representation of Messrs H.B. Macintosh & Son, the local agents of the shipwrecked Mariners Society, Mrs Tawse widow of Alexander Tawse (Murray), who was drowned off Aberdeen some weeks ago has received from that society the sum of £8. The deceased was only a member of the Society for only one year. The annual subscription is three shillings.

1897

For sale the property of the late Provost Martin, Cellardyke. – Well-bred Bay Mare, 16 hands, 7 years old, warranted sound and free from vice, very fast; 1 Waggonette, seated for 6, in good condition, complete; 1 dog cart, 1 new spring cart, 2 sets gig harness, 1 set cart harness, 1 saddle, also stable utensils, to be seen at John Martin & Co Merchants Cellardyke.

George Tarvit (13) apprentice Sailmaker, Alexander Thomson Jnr (12) and David Wilson (10) schoolboys, all residing in James Street Cellardyke, admitted having on the 12^th Sept, stolen a quantity of beans from a field on the farm of Rennyhill, occupied by David Gibb. The Sherriff – Have any of the boys been punished? Mrs Tarvit – yes, twice over, sir (Laughter.) When the two older boys were signing their plea, Mrs Watson addressing her offspring, said – “Dinna Shak’, Dauvit, when ye’re daen’t” The Sherriff admonished the lads.

1898

Our Scarborough correspondents telegraphs;- John Gardiner (28), part owner of the Kirkcaldy fishing boat Maggie Scott KY 27, at present out of Scarborough, has been drowned. The vessel put into West Hartlepool a week ago and the crew, with the exception of John Gardiner, attended an entertainment in town and on returning, missed Gardiner, who was not seen again. Yesterday the crew received intimation that his body had been found in the water. Gardiner belonged Cellardyke.

1901

Sherriff Campbell held a sitting at Duns and took up an appeal by the defender in a debts recovery action by John Martin and Co , Manufacturers , Cellardyke, against William Patterson, fisherman, Eyemouth. Pursuers sued the defendant for £16 6s 9d, being a balance of an account held for goods supplied. The defender pleaded that he was not the debtor in the account, the business being his wife’s, for which he was not responsible. Sherriff Dundas had given judgement against the defender. Mr Ewart, Solicitor, Eyemouth, was heard for the defender and appellant, and Mr Fenton, Solicitor, Stirling for the pursuers. The Sherriff allowed the defender to lodge within 24 hours any accounts or receipts granted by the pursuers in name of Mrs Patterson, and made avizandum of the case.

1902

Death of Mr John Davidson, Peterhead – The hero of a Hundred rescues

………. On the 3^rd August 1876 he rescued three fishermen from The Worthy, a Cellardyke fishing boat, which went on the rocks near the mouth of the south harbour of Peterhead. For this he received a money testimonial on the spot, and was afterwards presented with the Silver medal of the Board of Trade.

1903

Sequestration of Alexandre Cathro, grocer James Street, Cellardyke. Examination of the Bankrupt will take place at the Sherriff Courthouse Cupar 8^th October.

1905

 Ever since the Creation of Anstruther Easter as a Royal Burgh in 1543 its inhabitants have been particularly sparing in the appointment of honorary burgesses. Yesterday Mr Archibald Williamson of Glenogil was added to that number…. Previous to the ceremony Mr Williamson, in presence of a large gathering, turned on the water of a handsome marble fountain which he erected at his own expense, in Shore Street in Memory of his late father, Mr Stephen Williamson. Unfortunately the weather conditions were of a very unfavourable character, rain falling heavily during the forenoon. But this did not deter several hundreds of persons from taking their stand in the vicinity of the fountain, and prior to the appointed hour for the ceremony the Anstruther and Cellardyke Brass band played several inspiring airs….  The inscription ….

Erected to the Memory of Stephen Williamson, sometime Member of Parliament for St Andrews burghs, Born Cellardyke 28^th June 1827, Died Copely Cheshire 17^th June 1902

At Scarborough, on Monday night, an inquest was held to the death of David Stevenson, aged 50, of Cellardyke, ( a sober man) who fell into the harbour late on Saturday night while on his way to board his vessel the Kirkcaldy yawl Integrity. David Coull Nicoll, a young fisherman on the Montrose boat Chevalier Wasa jumped overboard fully dressed and rescued Stevenson, who was lying helpless in the water. After artificial respiration had been continued for some time, Stevenson was removed unconscious to the hospital, where he died five hours later – The evidence showed that when the deceased stumbled into the harbour the light was obstructed by herring barrels. The jury found that the death was due to shock, accidentally received by the immersion and commended Nicoll for his pluck and promptitude – after the sitting of the coroners court, the deceased’s remains were conveyed to the railway station, accompanied by some hundreds of Scottish Fishermen, who were in the town for the herring fishery. The scene at the railway station, where the coffin was placed in the train for the deceased native township, was deeply impressive.

1908

While on her way from Antwerp to Bo’ness the large four masted steam vessel Memphis, an American cattle trade boat, went ashore on the rocks east off Cellardyke. The Weather was exceedingly foggy, although quiet. There was no cargo on board, and the vessel is lying scarcely 100 yards from the shore. She had become outclassed for the cattle trade and was proceeding to Bo’ness to be broken up. … Large crowds of people visited the scene of the wreck.

1912

Hull daily Mail – A wine bottle tightly corked has been washed up from the sea and found on the beach at Mapleton, by Mr T Whylie during the week. The paper was in a good state of preservation and contained the following list of names – peter Murray, Peter Carstairs, William Smith, Tom Tarvit, George Tarvit, James Barclay, Angus McRay, James Murray, Harry Seely, James Smith 41 James Street Cellardyke, the crew of the Venus August 16^th.

1916

During a sever north easterly gale experienced off the Fife coast on Thursday the Steamer Streatham was driven ashore on the rocks near Kilrenny Mill, near Cellardyke. The crew got safely ashore in their own boats but the vessel lies high and dry close inshore, but it is hoped she may yet be got off.

Mr William Smith, Skipper of the steam drifter Olive Leaf, Cellardyke, received a telegram stating that his son, Second lieutenant Thomas Smith, Royal Scots, was missing. This was followed shortly afterwards by 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 in the Royal Scots and obtained a commission. It is only about a month since he went to the front.

1880

The old tenement situated on the south side of John Street and so long possessed by the family of the late William Wood, was exposed for sale in the Tollbooth there yesterday, The choice situation gave a special value to the timeworn subject, which after a brisk competition, was carried by Mr Alexander Fowler for £318, being an increase of £58 over the upset price. Mr Fowler is understood to have acted for his son in law Mr John Butters, general merchant, who is to erect a place of business on the site.

Our masons are likely to have a breathing time, after a summer which has done so much of the house extension of the locality. We understand however that Mr Thomas Brown is to begin another twin house in Rodger Street where his last speculation has been sold in the one case to Mr John Watson and in the other to Mr Alex Davidson. The price being in both cases three hundred guineas.

1881

On Saturday a public meeting was held in Cellardyke for the purposes of presenting John Montador, Skipper of the boat Francis with the board of trade medal for bravery in saving the lives of the crew  of the fishing boat Monarch of Inverness… Provost Watson briefly detailed the circumstances of the rescue, and concluded by presenting the medal to Mr Montador. Mr Montador, who, although a native of France has long been domiciled  in Cellardyke, briefly replied, stating that he had tried to do his duty and could do nothing more. Provost Anderson stated that he had received from Mr Park Chief Magistrate of Fraserburgh, a sum of 20 sovereigns subscribed there as a slight mark of appreciation of the gallantry shown by Skipper Montador and his crew.

1882

On Monday morning as David Lindsay was going his rounds in Cellardyke with the Brewery Cart, the horse seems to have been startled by an explosion of steam from one of the traction engines employed in beaching the boats. Springing forward to arrest the animal in its headlong course he was unfortunately struck by one of the shafts and thrown as if by the blow of a battering ram to the ground. Nothing at this moment could exceed the alarm and consternation of the bystanders, so general was the impression that he had been killed on the spot. Bleeding profusely from the stroke on the head and shoulders this seemed to be only too well founded, but Drs Flaxman and McCallum being promptly in attendance, his injuries seemed to be less serious than there was at first reason to believe, and he is now, hoped to be in a fair way of recovery. The intrepid conduct of a young fisherman, George Boyter, deserves special record on this occasion. The horse was continuing its mad career along the crowded street when our hero sprang to the cart, secured the reins, and thus averted an all but certain catastrophe.

The following cases were disposed of before the East Anstruther bailies. David Davidson. Skipper Cellardyke was accused of a drunken outcry in East Green. Four convictions were also recorded against the panel, who put in the plea of ’Guilty, sir and I’m sorry for’t’ when being advised by Fiscal Peebles to ‘Abstain from that confounded drink, the cause of so much shame and regret’ he was fined 20s. Another Cellardyke fisherman, David Brown was fined 10s 6d for using threatening  and abusive language while in a like condition towards Mr Alex Wilson, boot and shoemaker, Rodger Street.

1883

The fisher folks of Kilrenny and Anstruther held High Holiday yesterday on the occasion of the opening of the new town hall which has been erected in Cellardyke through the munificence of Mr Stephen Williamson MP and the late David Fowler merchant London and Adelaide, both natives of the burgh. Both in the harbour and in the main street of the town there was a profuse display of bunting, banners at the east end of James Street adjoining the new hall bearing mottos like ‘Welcome home’ and ‘Our Noble Donors’… The cost of the removal of the old building and the new build is thought to have been between £4000 and £5000.

The proceedings connected with the opening of the hall began with a procession of the fisherman’s and other local societies who paraded the principle thoroughfares of the Anstruthers and Cellardyke. Mr Williamson was met by the processionists  on his way to the hall and was carried shoulder high for a considerable distance by six sturdy fishermen.

Bazaar, yesterday a Bazaar was held in the new town hall Cellardyke in aid of the building fund of the new native church at Pietermaritzburgh, South Africa, of which the Rev John Bruce a native of Cellardyke was lately appointed the pastor.

The Magistrates of Kilrenny have announced by placard a reward of £5 for the detection of the guilty party or parties who have maliciously smashed the glass in the windows of the new Town Hall in Cellardyke. One of the windows that of the café, was shattered by a stone thrown seemingly by some thoughtless urchin on the opening day, but another in the first floor was wrecked on Saturday night by a deliberate blow, though it is impossible to conceive the cause which could have led to the mean and dastardly outrage.

If the widely current rumour is to be relied on, several leading skippers in Cellardyke have associated for the purchase or hire of a steam trawler to fish in the North Sea.. The Enterprise is prompted, but not wholly so we hear, by the splendid doings of the steam fleet in Newhaven and Granton.

1885

The old tenement with the turret stair projection, or rather obstruction in the West end of Cellardyke, so long inhabited by Baillie Robert Waddel ‘ the king of the coast’ as he was called in his day, was  exposed for sale in the town hall there on Friday. The upset price was reduced from £350 to £325; but there was no offer, if we except the suggestion to reduce it to £225 by Provost Skinner, attending the possibility in the interest of the Police board. This house was at one time occupied by the father, and so became the birthplace of Mr Williamson MP – on the following day the two tidy tenements erected by our townsman Mr Alexander Wallace, were also exposed for sale by public auction. Each in turn was offered at £370 but as in the above case they failed to obtain an offer, though they are understood to have cost their enterprising builder 400 guineas. The depression, however as regards the state of the property market is not confined to Cellardyke, on the same day a tenement was exposed for a second time in St Monance; but no one put in an appearance as the story goes save the auctioneer and the Clerk.

1887

A lamentable accident occurred in the West End of Cellardyke on Monday, About 8 am in the absence of her mother on some domestic duty, a girl named Janet Murray the daughter of Mr Thomas Murray (Blythe) fisherman stepped so near the grate as to set fire to her chemise. A wild scream brought her mother with the loss of a moment to her side. She was enveloped in flames, but these were so speedily extinguished that it was hoped that she had not been fatally or even seriously injured. Unfortunately the nervous system had received such a shock that, despite every care and attention, she expired on this side of midnight. She was a fine bright girl of about seven years of age and much sympathy is felt for her family.

1888

Thomas Tarvit, Cellardyke fisherman was accused in the Anster Police court of throwing a big stone and hitting Constable White on the heel. It seems that the missile made a black mark on White, but the foot was not so badly injured that he was not able to capture the thrower and clap him inti jail. Tarvit gave the magistrate an explanation of the incident, stating that in the first place the stone was not a stone at all but a brick; and secondly, that he did not mean to strike the constable, but a Pittenweem man who had injured him. In spite of this explanation Thomas was fined 7s 6d and he hasn’t the satisfaction of having struck the Pittenweem man either. Next time he has to throw a stone at anyone that injures him, the Cellardyke man will see that there is not a policeman within range.

If the whisper is true in the milliners shop the bridal song will not be in full chorus till the return of boats from the south, but on Sabbath there were no fewer than four proclamations in the Parish Kirk of Cellardyke. There was a time when such an announcement would have fired fiddler Easson with ecstasy. The forty or fifty couple, every fisher lad in his spruce sea jacket, and his rosy partner like a ship about to be launched, with ribbons of every hue, passing along to fill the streets as with a gush of sunshine, and then the feast and dance, so as to make the rafters dirl with the joy of the young at heart. But alas! for all that has come and gone, like a tale of long ago, seeing that in these degenerate days the event passes without even the next-door neighbour always knowing of the occurrence.

1870

On Wednesday evening as Leslie Brown (Wilson) fisherman, Cellardyke was in the act of descending a stair in the East end of the town, he stumbled, probably in the darkness, and fell foremost to the bottom. When taken up he was found quite insensible, and in that condition taken home. Dr McArthur was soon in attendance, when the skull was found to be fractured, and other injuries of so serious a nature as to render his situation in the highest degree precarious.

Anstruther – After the fishing _ several of the crews having broken up on Wednesday afternoon, and the proceeds of the fishing having been divided, the usual scenes of drunkenness were commenced that night and continued on Thursday. No rows took place here on Wednesday night, but in Cellardyke several slight disturbances were observed, occasioned generally by some one attempting to get a friend, who had been partaking too freely, to go home quietly. On Thursday, a great many of the halfdealsmen left, both by coach and steamer. In the latter there would be nearly 100 of them, the most of them being worse of drink. A fight took place shortly before starting and the Police apprehended an Irishman who had been concerned in it. Immediately on the steamer leaving the quay, a regular melee took place between five or six halfdealsmen on board the steamer, and blows were freely exchanged. The Steamer, however kept on course and the fight lasted as long as she was in sight. Mr Kerr, the manager of the Steam Shipping Company, telegraphed to the superintendent of police at Leith to have a force of constables awaiting the arrival of the steamer, in order to be in readiness should anything have occurred on the voyage.

1872

The Good Templar Lodge of Cellardyke have, with an enlightened and exemplary regard for the benefit of the community, organised a special committee, whose avowed business it is to arrange for the instruction and amusement of its members, with the ulterior view of providing such approved means of popular entertainments as penny readings, lectures, concerts  &c.  This idea, so praiseworthy to those with whom it has originated, has also been adopted in the Anstruther lodge.

The Directors of the Anstruther and Cellardyke Gas Company in consideration of the advance on the price of coals have resolved to raise the price of gas from 6s 8d to 8s 4d the 1000ft. The high profits of this company have long led to much public dissatisfaction, and this step we hear, has induced some leading gentlemen to consider the possibility of starting a new concern, and taking the public feeling into account, such an idea may not be without some practical results.

1874

This season our East Fife Crews which are estimated at over 300 from St Monans to Cellardyke, which alone sends out about 170, have had their great rendezvous on the Buchan Coast , where as at Aberdeen they have met, it is gratifying to notice, with a higher average success than on any other season on record…

The Crew of a Cellardyke fishing boat, which arrived at Anstruther on Wednesday evening reported a narrow escape which four of their number had from drowning while on the voyage home. On arriving opposite the village of Cove , it became necessary for the crew, which consisted of Andrew Brown, the skipper, David Keay, James Thomson (whose wife was also on board) and two halfdealsmen from Skye – to hoist the mainsail, and while this was being done the mast suddenly broke over the middle and fell into the bottom of the boat. In its fall it knocked four of the crew into the sea, leaving Keay, who is an old man, and the woman, the sole occupants of the boat. Notwithstanding that his leg had been badly injured by the falling mast, Keay succeeded in getting one of the men in to the boat by throwing rope to the crew who were drifting away from the vessel,  (his efforts at first were somewhat impeded by Mrs Thomson, whose frantic cries for her husband confused him) and with his assistance the others were ultimately saved, but not until they had become greatly exhausted by their efforts to keep above water., by fitting up a second mast the crew succeeded in reaching home in safety.

The Local fishermen’s season in the north has been very successful with the average over the Cellardyke Fleet £200, which would represent a total sum of £35 000

1875

Yesterday Afternoon a young man named James Imrie, residing at 34 James Street, Cellardyke, committed suicide by hanging himself in a stable. He was 24 years of age and for some time has been the sole support of his parents, no cause can be assigned for the rash act.

Pittenweem

A splendid modelled fishing boat, which has been built by Mr Fulton here, was launched from his building yard on Wednesday afternoon, this is the third boat that Mr Fulton has built since he commenced business here, all of which have been on a carvel principle, which is now being most approved of by the fishermen. The boat is one on which great amount of care has been bestowed, in modelling her for fast sailing. Several parties were anxious to acquire her, and she has been bought by Mr James Wilson Cellardyke. During the launch a rather serious accident happened, whereby one of our fishermen, named David Taylor, received severe injuries. While the boat was being drawn over the foreshore, one of the chains at the stern post gave way, owing to the heavy strain upon it. One of the ends of which struck Taylor under the chin, which felled him to the ground, whereby he sustained a severe fracture of the right arm and had to be taken home.

1876

A thinly attended meeting of the congregation of Kilrenny Parish Church was held the other evening, when the Rev Dr Christie referred to the necessity of a mission church being erected in Cellardyke in order to obviate the inconvenience felt in inclement weather by old and young persons residing there in consequence of the distance to Kilrenny..

1878

Kilrenny School board – The Chairman, Bailie Sharp reported a donation of £5 from Mr Fowler, which had been expended on illustrations for the Infant School. He also submitted the account for maps, and likewise a large terrestrial globe for the new school in Cellardyke. The teacher Mr Barbour who was present, next gave a list of conceived requirements, which as in the case of a clock and seats were granted, but others including play shed were referred. It was agreed to withdraw the female assistant from Kilrenny, to the Cellardyke School, and it was further resolved as in the case of Anstruther to collect fees in advance.

1879

A Chapter of Crime in the East Neuk

The Magistrates of Kilrenny held a burgh court yesterday when Alexander Ross and Margaret Boyd or Ross, his wife, were charged with a breach of the peace and assault (this seems to have been a neighbour’s row), at the complaint of Isabella Kinnear, residing in Upper Kilrenny. The couple pleaded not guilty, but being convicted on evidence were each fined the sum of 7s 6d – Walter Myles, carter, Cellardyke was committed on a similar charge, at the complaint of Mr Alexander Blyth, and being an aggravated nature, he was fined the sum of 15s. The Magistrates of East Anstruther held a court on the same day, when John Scott, Carter, Cellardyke was charged with furious driving, and also with using unseemly language to the Police Constables. He pleaded not guilty, when witnesses were called by the Fiscal. One of these John Elder, Carter, prevaricated so much (Elder had such a ‘treacherous memory’) that, by order, of the provost, he was taken into custody. The charge against Scott was found proven and he was sentenced to a fine of 24s or 14 days in Jail.

Robert Trail, carter Cellardyke, and William Collins brick maker, were charged with a breach of the peace, but the latter only appeared and was fined in the mitigated penalty of 7s 6d. Warrant was also granted for the apprehension of Trail, and also against Alexander Montidore, fisherman, who was called to answer a similar charge, his absence being explained by reason of him being at sea. Before rising from the bench the Magistrates ordered the old carter, John Elder, to be placed at the Bar, when after a pointed reprimand by the Provost, who dealt with the very serious nature of the offence which he had committed, was set at liberty.

For sale Prize Poultry – Silver Polands, cocks and hens, cockerels and pullets, all prize winners – cheap, also Lop eared Rabbits, 2 East Forth Street, Cellardyke.

1832

The Cholera – At Cellardyke. we understand two cases occurred on Sunday, which have both terminated fatally, and another individual, it is said has since been taken ill.

1834

On the 14^th inst, a boats mainsail, was picked up at sea opposite Slaines castle near Peterhead.

The owner will receive it back by applying to James Anderson, Boat skipper, Cellardyke.

1844

The Brothers of Cellardyke, James Murray master has this year been the most successful boat employed in the herring fishery on the wick station having reached on the 22^nd ultimo, the amount of 349 crans in fourteen shots.

‘Seldom has there been such an irregular fishing as this year, for some boats do not exceed 20 crans, others range from 200 – 349’

1847

Storm – on land, about Buckhaven and Cellardyke , several houses were unroofed, and hayricks were scattered before the wind.

1851

Gale at Wick – The loss of nets was considerable. One Cellardyke crew lost 17.  A great many others 1 to 12.

1852

Agnes Tarvit or Meldrum, a widow, residing in Cellardyke, was charged with striking Janet Henderson or Wallace several severe blows on the head with a coffee-pot, whereby her head was cut to such an extent that the wound had to be sewed. She pleaded guilty and was fined the sum of 10s or in the event of her not paying the fine suffer 20 days imprisonment

1854

The 105 Cellardyke boats fishing at home this season up till Saturday he 26^th..have averaged 200 crans and for the 215 boats in the district the average is 160 crans; and not a few boats are above 300 crans. They have got very high prices throughout for their fish; in fact all the fishermen are astonished at the prices they have got here this season, so that appears folly in men to go so far from home, as some of them do, to another fishing station. Some curers have sold their stocks here and bought cured fish to fill their craft, at 20s per barrel for gutted and 12s for ungutted.. There has been a sad outcry for room to cure and store up cured fish on. The streets are crowded from end to end with barrels and there is curing going on beyond West Anstruther, and a good lot on Pittenweem Road

Estimated cost of the railway line running from Leven to Anstruther £5000 per mile or £60 000 in total. It is proposed raise shares of £10 each.. It is estimated the gross revenue from goods and passenger traffic would amount to £7500 per annum, the working and other expenses £3350 and the net revenue to £4200, or about 7% of the estimated capital

1855

On Monday evening last a party of seven fishermen left Cellardyke for Fifeness in a yawl to pursue the herring fishery; and, as the take was very considerable the boat got so heavily loaded that the gunwale was only about six inches from the surface of the water. Early next morning they proceeded homewards with a stiff breeze from the west. Knowing the danger owing to the heavy roll of the sea, they adopted every precaution, keeping near the shore they gave out as little sail as possible. When about midway between Fifeness and Crail a squall coming up the firth filled the sail and the boat instantly capsized and sank, throwing the men into the water. Parties on the shore who had witnessed the disaster, immediately dispatched a boat to the rescue of the unfortunate sufferers, but, ere they reached the spot, six of them had sunk to rise no more. The remaining one was picked up in a very exhausted state, but, by the application of restoratives, he soon recovered. Most of the men have left widows and children to mourn their loss.

1862

Alexander Trail, a carter residing at Cellardyke was accused of having on the night of the 6^th or morning of the 7^th ult, assaulted David Henderson Toll keeper Anstruther. Trail pled not guilty, and was defended by Mr C Welch, writer Cupar. Evidence having been heard the charge was clearly proven and sentenced the panel to pay 30s or 20 days imprisonment.

1864

Street brawls

It was beginning to be the subject of congratulation with the inhabitants that the town was likely to be spared this season from the disgraceful night brawling and fighting which were of such frequent occurrence while the herring fishing was in progress in former years. But on Saturday this hope was all but dissipated..  …. The east Green and Rodger Street were especially the scenes of much noise and disorder which required the most active and strenuous exertions of the Police officers, assisted by the special constables to supress them,, nor was peace restored until two of the ringleaders had been secured in the lock up…. Some disturbance was also caused in Cellardyke by the apprehension of James Haggart a labourer residing there who attempted to resist the constables, but he was soon overpowered and conveyed to the lock up where he was confined until Monday morning when he was taken to Cupar and was summarily tried for the assault he had committed on a young woman, to which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20s or 15 days imprisonment.

Burgh Court

Charged with breach of the peace

Joseph Lind, Alex McKay, Angus MacLeod, Alexander Beaton, Duncan McVicker, John Mckinnes – Half dealsmen,

William McGauchie, Baker, Cellardyke – breach of the peace and assault,

1865

Adverts for East Neuk of Fife Photographic Studio, Cellardyke

12 Cartes de Visite Portraits for 2s 8d or 6 for 1s 8d

Send Carte de Visite and 32 stamps, and perfect copies will be returned within 14 days.

J Porter Cellardyke

1866

Yesterday morning a very narrow escape was made by the Stork NO 10 a herring boat from Auchmithie, Skipper David Shepherd. It seems that between 3 and 4 in the morning, that boat had been lying about 15 miles off the Redhead, the crew began hauling their nets when she was struck in the right bow by another fishing boat, and a leak thus made at least a foot square. The crew on getting clear set part of their strength to haul the nets, whilst others at once did their utmost to stop the leak with old sails and clothing, and some wrought hard at the pumps……. The boat that ran into the Stork could not be seen in the dark so that the number could not be ascertained, the crew refusing to give it, and the only clue as to who caused the disaster was that the crew from the Stork think it was a Cellardyke boat from the dialect of the men that spoke…

1868

Andrew Wilson, Fisherman Cellardyke has been apprehended and lodged in Cupar prison, on a charge of alleged cruelty to two of his children, aged 11 and 13. The Police had received notice on Saturday evening from Wilson’s neighbours that the two children had been sadly maltreated by their father; and on the Policeman inspecting the house on Sunday, he found them both cooped up in a wooden crib almost naked, and their backs all black or discoloured from ill usage. On the case being reported to Cupar a warrant was immediately issued for Wilson’s prehension.

A smart staunch looking fishing vessel, on an entirely new principle has just been completed by Mr John Millar, boat builder Cellardyke, for Captain Macdougal, North Shields. She is a decked craft of the following dimensions; – 45feet long on the keel, 48 feet over all, 14 feet across the bilge (her broadest part) and 8 feet depth of hold; her measurement being 21 tons register. The vessel we understand, has been designed by and built under the direction of Captain Macdougal himself, who intends to employ her in the fishing according to the season on the coast of Northumberland. She has the long graceful lines and general outline of the Firth Fishing boats, but she differs essentially from them having her greatest breadth not as in their case at the gunwale or beam but at the bilge. We cannot give a better idea of this than stating that an ordinary fishing boat of the same length as the new vessel would measure fully three feet more over the gunwale, but rather less over the bilge. According to a well-known principle the somewhat cylindrical form which has been given to the hull will add much to its buoyancy, and enable the ship to stand up well to her canvas in a breeze of wind. The principle has indeed much to recommend it, although most of the ‘old salts’ may be disposed to favour that description of craft as being at once the most safe and weatherly, which, in many familiar phrase ‘keeps the gunwale’ the safety of the crew- who will be eight in number- when working the ship, is so far provided for by means of a low bulwark, while their comfort will be fully secured in two roomy cabins which have been fitted up as sleeping berths. She is to be smack rigged, with a jigger abaft, and by an ingenious contrivance the main mast can be lowered away in order that the vessel may ride easier in rough weather, or when lying at her nets.

1869

At this season fully a thousand men in addition to the native fishermen are required to man the boats from Cellardyke and St Monance. Many of the inhabitants of the district try their fortune as halfdealsmen, but generally speaking these are drawn from the Highlands or it may be from the Emerald Isle, and as may be expected from so large an influx of strangers especially of that class who are supposed to be most readily brought under the influence of drink, the peace of the locality has been often and seriously disturbed by them.. This year however, scarcely a brawl has been heard on the streets and although a few individuals have been in a tipsy state, yet as a whole the neighbourhood has been as quiet as if no addition had taken place to the usual indwellers. This is to some extent explained by the long absence of the boats in the North, and also, and that materially, the poor success of many crews. Undoubtedly the chief cause is the convenience afforded by the railway, steamer and coach for leaving the quarter immediately the season has closed. This is  a great advantage of former years when the men had to wait for days before they could find an opportunity for leaving for their homes, and, with the time on their hands, and with so many of their acquaintances about them they were so readily tempted with excess and riot,

1897

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

1900

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

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

1907

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

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

1916

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

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

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

1919

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

1924

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

1929

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

1931

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

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

1932

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

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

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

1933

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

1934

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

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

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

1935

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

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

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

1937

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

1938

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

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

1890

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

1891

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

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

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

1892

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

1893

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

1894

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

1895

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

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

1870

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

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

1876

Sequestrations

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

1877

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

1878

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

1880

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

1882

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

Next day

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

1856,

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

1864

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

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

1866

Dundee Courier 9^th Aug

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

Stonehaven Journal 9^th Aug

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

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

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

1869

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

Applications for Cessio Bonorum (surrender of good to creditors)

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

1805

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

1827

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

1829

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

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

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

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

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

1841

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

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

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

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

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

1844

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

1849

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

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

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

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

1929

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

1931

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

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

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

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

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

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

1934

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

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

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

Fancy Dress Prize winner’s parade

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

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

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

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

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

1936

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

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

1938

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

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

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

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

Several days later

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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