It was said that Dykers need never leave the confines of the town and stroll into Anstruther as you could get everything you ever needed there in the past. That can be seen by the number of businesses highlighted below. and the scale of some of the manufacturing was huge.
We have a changed town now with one baker’s, the Corner shop, a fish merchant and one hairdresser, a Chinese takeaway and two pubs.
Prior to the naming of the streets and the numbering of houses it is very difficult to pinpoint specific buildings. To give an idea of how many businesseswere here in 1862 click on this link below.
These pages are by no means a complete list, If you have any further info or photos or even corrections please contact us at info@cellardyketrust.org. Thank you
Many thanks in particular to Malcolm Macdonald, Rob Glendinning and Susan Cathcart – Thanks also to all the other contributors.
(NOTE THERE ARE 4 PAGES OF SHOPS AND BUSINESSES PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO ACCESS PAGES 2-4)
CADDIES BURN
- Scott and Stevenson’s – Carters – Fish hauliers and Coopers curing yard 1920’s,
- Tammy Murray’s – Builders yard 1950’s – 1980’s
- Baby Fayre
Tammy bought the yard in the late 1950’s, prior to this it seems to have still been a curer’s yard and cooperage, there were stables in the courtyard for the ponies.
The office entrance to the builders yard was on West Forth Street. Tammy and the family always refferred to the yard as “Scott’s Place”
One of Tammy’s plasterers, Munroe Brand, had a skiffle band and they would practice in one of the lofts, David Barnett remembers listening from underneath to Lonnie Donnegan tunes.
In the late 1960’s early 1970’s the Royal Mail garaged their vans in what had been the stables, after that they moved to Willie Band’s garage in Crail Rd, Anstruther
Hannah Murray, Tammy’s wife, ran Baby Fayre which opened in 1967 as a baby linen wool shop, one of the reasons for opening may have been that Anderson’s shop in Shore Street in Anstruther had recently closed and there was seen to be a gap in the market
Prior to Baby Fayre it had been the display shop for the builders yard displaying fire places The buildings were converted into houses starting in 1978. ( info from Georgia and John Murray)
Betty Wilson (nee Drummond) worked here.
The ‘Foot o’ Caddie’s Burn’
- (1920/30s) Geordie Kirkcaldy’s butcher’s shop. ( image to Follow)
(He also had a carter’s business up the Toll Road. He was reputed to have counted all of his horses one day and found one missing. He forgot about the one he was sitting on!!!)
- (post war) Gardner’s Ladies Hairdressers – May, Fay, and Agnes Gardner ran this for many years before it was taken over by Christine Lewis. It was turned into a private house. For many years it lay empty and was in a poor state of repair. However, in 2012 renovations were undertaken and it now looks good.
Behind this was Drummond and Watson’s Joiners.
JAMES STREET
6 James Street
- James Donaldson bakers appear in 1903 Slater’s directory see no’s 8- 10
7 James Street –
- Robertson and Wallace – In Anstruther, Misses Robertson and Wallace owned Toy and provison Merchants, first in Cunzie Street and then in East Green, This potentially could be the same women.
No. 7 and No 9 James Street
- Myle’s Motor Transport Services
“Jock and Johnina Myles were my grandparents. Number 7 and 9 were the cottages to a small farmyard going back a couple of hundred years or so. We have documents showing that an Alexander Myles was living there at the start of the 1800s. There was a stable and cart shed a pig sty and henhouse. When I was young my uncle kept pigs and hens in the yard behind No 9.
Number 7 was originally a cottage adjoining number 9.It was demolished to build a garage for the lorries when the family went into the motorised haulage business. On the west side of No7 was a yard stacked with fish boxes where lorries were parked and farm machinery was stored. The tall building No5? may have been used for fish curing prior to that. ” (Info from Christine Gray)
Jock and Johnina Myles sold tatties and milk. They farmed small pockets of land rented from the Sea box Society.
The family ran a haulage company latterly.
Big Eck Myles ran lorries that took fish from port to port, It is thought contracted to Joe Croan. Drivers were John and Willie Hughes, Bill Blythe, Bert Wright, Rab Christie and Bill Bell – also Jimmy Myles,
“Eck Myles used to keep pigs down his backdoor. As bairns, when we saw the big red gate shut we knew a pig was being slaughtered. He aye chased us away as he said it wisny something bairns should see or hear” Info Pamela Hughes
Eck retired early 1970’s. Eck also had the field on the seaside between Anster and pittenweem- I remember the Massey ferguson tractor. Jimmy and family, Betsy and Willie stayed opposite Eck and the garage (info Margaret Christie).
Now a private home
8- 10 James Street
- Alexander/ Andrew Donaldson’s Bakers
The Shop was number 8 and the bakehouse number 10. In the early 1990’s the brick oven was still in situ.
Alexander Donaldson was running a bakers’s business at 25 Shore Street Cellardyke until Nov 1885 when he sold it to Thomas Swinton, Alex had had a serious accident crashing his delivery cart at the The Buckie House corner in September, breaking Ribs and a colar bone.
In 1896 it is reported that his widow died at 6 James Street, and so he must have died prior to this, Is this when the business is re-established in James Street?
Attending a Master Bakers dinner in Cupar in 1899 – Donaldson, Birrell, Guiland and Black.
Also it is advertised several times selling tickets for Soirees in the early 1900s.
Andrew Donaldson, Baker, Cellardyke appears before a War exemption hearing and is awarded his exemption. and that is the last we hear of him..
Betsy Myles worked in the shop in the 1920’s
Further info welcome
Before WW2 it is thought Guthries Taxis operated from here, and their slogan was “We Never Sleep”
Fleming’s Plumbers workshop.
- John Fleming
14 James Street
- 1886 – William Bayne – Confectioners 14 & 16 ( Info from Slaters Directory)
- Early 1900s – Mrs Gibbon
Mrs Gibbon was lost her husband in 1901, he was a Joiner in Pittenweem, she may have only run the business after she was widowed and seems to have cleared the stock in 1906
Margaret Bett had a baby linen shop Pre 1920s.
It may have been pub many years before that.
22 James Street
1881
Mr James Seaton Hairdresser Begs to intimate to the inhabitants of Cellardyke and surrounding districts, that he has opened those premises, 22 James Street, Cellardyke as a shaving and haircutting saloon, and hopes by strict attention to business to merit a share of the public support.
All kinds of Ladies Work done on the shortest notice. Combings &c,. made into plaits. Gentlemen waited upon at their own residences. All orders shall receive prompt attention.
Business hours from 8am till 8pm, Saturdays 8 till 10
Razors Ground and set.
25 James Street –
- William Duncan – Grocer and Spirit dealer – Info from Slaters 1886 Directory
- William Walker – Spirit merchant
- Alex Smith – Grocer and Wine Merchant – appears in valuation rolls 1897 as a tennant
- Alexander Cathro – Grocer and Wine merchant. Takes ownership in 1903, having come from Broughty Ferry a few years earlier, then ran a van in Anstruther, but goes bankrupt within 18 months. and deserts his wife and family leaving them to get help from poor relief of the parish
- Brattesani’s Chip shop
Manegildo Brattesani ( Jimmy) was born in the house above his fathers chipshop at 25 James Street, which in 1905 advertised fried fish and potato suppers. It has been suggested that this was the first chipshop in Cellardyke. He worked for a few years at his fathers shop in Earlsferry then on Rodger Street, Anstruther before working in the confectioners in in 43 Shore street which his father bought in 1919, he ran that for about 60 years retiring in 1979.
28 James Street
- Mrs Scott in the 1950s –
31 James Street
- Duncan Oilskin Manufacturer – moved out in 1882 –
- Advert from 27th October 1882- J OGILVIE, TAILOR and CLOTHIER, 31 James Street, Cellardyke, begs to return thanks to the Inhabitants of Cellardyke, Anstruther, and surrounding District for the support they have given him sine be commenced Business. He now begs to inform them that he has Opened that Shop lately occupied by Mr Duncan, Oilskin manufacturer. Parties bringing their own cloth can have it made up at the lowest possible prices. Workmanship and Fit Guaranteed.
- Alex Wilson – Boot and Shoe manufacturer was in business in 1885
GREAT TERM SALE BOOTS, SHOES, AND SLIPPERS ALEX. WILSON’S, 31 JAMES STREET. CELLARDYKE. HAVING just received delivery of First Consignment of his AUTUMN and WINTER STOCK, A. W. desires to call the attention of his numerous Customers and the Public generally to the excellent value he is able to offer them. For extent, variety, and excellence of quality his Stock is unsurpassed in the East of Fife and Customers will find it much to their advantage to call and examine the same before purchasing elsewhere.
East of Fife Record 6th Nov 1885
32 James Street and 34 James Street-
It seems at some point early 20th C numbers 32 and 34 were combined as one shop under the name Davidson and Co. She advertises the business sometimes at number 32 and at other times at 34
- Davidson and Co – Drapers and Milners on the Valuation Rolls, Charlotte Davidson is the proprietor
- T Blackley’s Electrical shop – 8th Nov 1952 – Balckley residing at 55 James Street files for Bankruptcy.
- Adamson’s Baker’s shop
- Books and gifts shop
- now a private residence
In 1902 Davidson & Co are advertising at No 34 and in 1911 they are advertising at no 32. In May 1912 they are offering goods at a reduced rate as part of a Fire Sale- goods have been water damaged.
33 James Street
Advert in the East of Fife Record 28th August 1903 – states – “Notice of Removal – Robert Cormack Bootmaker, Cellardyke – Begs to intimate that he has removed from his old premises to that shop lately occupied by Miss Davidson, 33 James Street Cellardyke. RC takes the opportunity of thanking his numerous customers for his support accorded to him i the past and hopes by keeping the best materials and by paying personal attention to all orders to merit a continuance of same.”
34 James Street, –
- T Thomson with shops in Cellardyke and Anstruther first appears in Adverts in March 1885
- Davidson & Co, Drapers and Milners opened on the 18th March 1899 and the last advert for the company appears December 1916
- Tam Boyter’s chip shop (1936-ish) 5p for a fish supper!
- Alex Gardner (‘Gales’) & Lizzie Muir – chip shop (post war)
14th August 1885
T. THOMSON & SON, Boot and Shoe Manufacturers,
HAVE always a Largo Stock of BOOTS. SHOES, and SLIPPERS, At Very Low Prices.
Ploughmen’s Strong, Water-tight, Tacketty Boots from 9s 6d to 14s.
Gent’s, Lorne and Lacing Shoes from 6s 6d to 13s 64.
Ladies’ Boots, Shoes, and Slippers in the newest Styles.
Boys’ and Girls’ School and Dress Boots in great variety.
T. T. & Son have always a Large Stock of SEA BOOTS, KNEE BOOTS, WELLINGTONS, and BLUCHERS, at their Warehouses, 34 James Street, Cellardyke, AND 14 and 16 Shore Street, Anstruther. All Repairs done on the Shortest Notice. whether sold by us or not. Every inducement given for ready cash.
East of Fife Record 18 March 1898 – CORNER SHOP, 34 James Street, Cellardyke to Let, suitable for any business, with counter and fittings. Apply Alex Keay.
A year later Davidson & Co opens up
The next information we have is Robert Cormack- Boot and Shoe merchant seems to have operated from there or a few years , ending in 1929
35 James Street-
The description of the factory premises often state 31-35 James Street
- Robert Donaldson Fish Curer owned the yard according to valuation roles in 1896 and sold it in 1907
- Alex Black and Co, The Cellardyke Oilskin Factory ( part of the buildings round the yard must have been used for the oilskin factory and part for fish curing, as both operated simultaenously) was operating 1890 sold in 1925
- Myles’ Oilskin Factory, 1925-1948
- Ritchies May Island Crisps – 1950s
- M&J precast Concrete – 1950s
James Horsburgh sold a busisness to his son-in-law in 1876 who then went on to form Duncan and Black Oilskin Manufacturers
1876
INTIMATION. JAMES HORSBURGH takes the present opportunity of thanking the Inhabitants of Cellardyke, Anstruther, and Neighbourhood, for the liberal patronage bestowed on him since commencing and begs to inform them that he has transferred it to Mr WILLIAM DUNCAN, his Son-in law, hoping that he shall receive a continuance of their favour.
WITH reference to the above, W. D. hopes, that from his practical knowledge and experience, and supplying Goods of the best Quality at Moderate Charges, to merit a share of the public patronage so lung bestowed on his Predecessor. Cellardyke, 20th Nov. 1876. – East of Fife Record 1st Dec 1876
0ct 1884
“It gives a pleasing idea of the unslackened energy in the herring trade that Messrs Duncan & Black’s net factory in Cellardyke is busy, in the meantime, by night as well as by day. There are at present 16 machines in motion, hitherto, as elsewhere, by the fair sisters of the coast; but in the course of the week a party of young men arrived by rail to work the night shift, so as to enable the spirited firm to overtake the orders thus early in hand.”
In the late 19th C Alex Black Patented the Canvas Bough, (Drift net float) seen in the window of the shop, replacing the bladders and dogskin boughs of the past. He is advertising these boughs along with patent Keep-me-dry peticioat trousers in July 1890.
The factory was sold in 1925 to William Myles, fishcurer who was still advertising it as an Oilskin Factory in 1948. However Wm Myles whose address was Holmsgarth, Cellardyke died in 1948, an Executary Notice was placed in the Courier on 16th July for any claims against him and the business.
After it stopped working as an Oilskin Factory presumably after Wm Myles’ death in the late 1940s there were two fires. The first was in Mr T Blakleys store ( he ran the electric shop at No 32 James street )
FIRE IN ELECTRICAL STORE . —A fire , discovered in the early hours of yesterday morning , destroyed radio sets , accumulators electric bulbs and other equipment in a storeroom of Thomas Blackley , electrical engineer 39 James StreetCellardyke . Mr Alex Gardner , fish restaurateurJames Street Cellardyke , saw flames and notified the local fire brigade , who brought the fire under control . in an hour . The interior of the building which adjoins an oilskin factory, was practically gutted . The Scotsman – Tuesday 16 August 1949
An attempt was made to set up a Crisp factory by a Mr Ritchie – The second fire was more devastaing which put an end to that enterprise and the building was purchased by local builder Tammy Murray and his cousin Peter Jack. They formed a precast concrete company called M& J Precast, prior to Tammy moving his builders busines to Caddie’s Burn.
FIFE—Offers are invited for the FACTORY and STORAGE PREMISES at 31 JAMES STREET, CELLARDYKE, which were recently adapted and equipped for the Manufacture of Potato Crisps: the premises cover an Area of about 5500 Square Feet, and in addition there is a Three-Roomed House (Tenanted) and a Vacant Shop. For particulars apply to Messrs WM. & J. C POLLOK, Solicitors. Muir Street, Hamilton
The Scotsman – Monday 05 May 1952
No. 36 James Street
- John Bett – General Grocer listed in Slaters Directory 19O3
Owned by Thomas Bett and Agnes Ogilvie Bett.
It was their family home from between 1861 and 1871. When Agnes was widowed in 1877 the lower part of the house became a grocer’s shop run by son John Bett and his wife Charlotte well into the 1920s/30s. They sold groceries, sweets and also drapery.
Charlotte or ‘Chae’ was from ‘the north’, possibly Peterhead. Her favourite phrase was “Look at everything and handle nothing!”
No 48 James Street
- Robert Cormack – Boot maker appears in 1903 Slater’s directory
- Miss Watson – Dressmaker and Milner announces opening on 14th March 1912 but by 1913 she is operating from 60 James Street
- Jess Lowries’ sweet shop This appears in valuation rolls 1926-29
No. 49 James Street
- David Tawse – general store and ice cream sold from a barrow round the streets.
Some place opposite Tawse’s was the Dorran’s shop which sold their own home made sweeties and sold delicious sherbet – Any info on dates or the address would be welcome.
No 52 James Street-
- James Skinner – Grocers – 1885 he also has a Shop at 69 George Street selling teas spirits, ales and Ironmongery
- Lows Boot Makers – 1911
- Laing’s Cobbler’s – James Ure Laing, Originally from Glasgow, had a shop in School Rd, Cellardyke until 1929 then moved to James Street . He was a Town Councillor from at least 1932 until his death in 1940
- Dorran’s general store
- Fife Jewellers
- Reid the Shoe maker occupied this premises prior to moving to 54,
- Paint Shop Hodge St Monans,
- Gus and Sandra Mackie’s freezer store in 1970s
53 James Street –
- D Black, Bakers – In 1898 was running from Both 53 and 55
1890 CELLARDYKE. TUNKS’ PATENT CONTINUOUS OVENS.—Messrs Black & Son have this week had fitted up in their bakehouse in James Street, Cellardyke, one of G. S. Tunks’ & Co’s of Cardiff patent continuous ovens with two decks. Since the patent was taken out these ovens have become very popular especially in England and Ireland. They are of two decks and the merit claimed for them is that the flues, which communicate the direct heat are so arranged that they are entirely under the control of the baker. The heat can be increased or diminished as desired in any part or over the whole of the oven chamber. The ovens just fitted up Cellardyke are 8 feet by 6, inside measurement, and have a glazed brick front, which gives a tidy appearance to everything. The furnace is at the side, and the heat is so evenly diffused that the top oven can be made hotter than the bottom one, although the fire is underneath the latter. This is caused by a damper being opened which admits of the heat being sent to any extent to the top away from the bottom, and vice versa. Heat indicators are placed on each side of the ovens, so that the worker can understand at a glance the amount of heat in the ovens. The new ovens save a great deal of time, labour, and fuel, and are easily worked. No scuffling is required, and they are thus always very clean. The new ovens will enable the Messrs Black to more fully meet the inceasing demand for their ship and boat’s biscuits from the north. It may be mentioned that Tunks’ & Co. are the only people who have obtained permission to build an oven in the coming Glasgow Exhibition. – East of Fife Record – Friday 21 November 1890
The business came to an end during WW1
“As a Territorial Reservist, ( Captain Black) was among the first to volunteer for active service at the outbreak of war, thereby sacrificing a long-established and prosperous bakery business in Cellardyke, which in consequence has had to be closed down” – East of Fife Record Jan 1917.
In 1917 Captain Black, brother to the Provost, resigned his position of treasurer on Kilrenny Council and Elder of Chalmers Church when he took charge of Red House Homes in Musselburgh for training boys.
54 James Street,
- David Cunningham – Draper sets up in 1883 and retires in 1886
- James Skinner – opened in 1887
- Co -Operative Butchers -1930’s
- British Legion Club House –
- Drysdale and Bett, 1950s -1960s ( John Smith remembers watching the Coronation through the window in 1953.)
- Reid the Cobblers
- Ian Joy’s photographers
- Easton
- Mrs Stoddart’s Hairdressers – 1960s-to 1981 ( Mrs Stioddart had a hair dressing shop in East Green, Anstruther, in 1946 prior to moving to James Street, ) Kay Cumming and Catherine Gillon worked with Mrs Stoddart until she gave up. Kay continued working in Tangles, With Catherine doing an ocassional weekend to cover for family weddings etc.
- Tangles Hairdressers (Gladys and Michelle Barnett) 1981-
56 James Street
- Miss Christina Skinner – Grocer, general dealer and spirit delar – listed in Slater’s Directory 1903
58 James Street – Mr Daniel’s sweet shop ( 1930s) –
Bobby Bell – Barber 1950’s -until approx 1983.
Colin Murray believes he was Bobby’s first customer in 1950
Quote from Alex Watson -” As a wee ane sitting on a board placed across the seat to give Bobby the right height to cut, gave a great view of what was going on. On the wall was his price board “Mon to Friday Gent’s hair cut 1/6d” and under this was “do. do. On Saturday 2/0d” I always thought that this was a special plea by Bobby for customers to just give a little extra …do on Sat. please…It was only later I realised do. stood for ditto. Nice man. Staunch supporter of the Baptist Kirk”
James Murray “I hated going because he used hand clippers and always pulled hair out”
John Deas “plenty plooks after a hair cut from Bobby!”
Link to an article by Harry D Watson on Bobby Bell
60 James Street
- Post Office – in 1892 Michael Doig Operated a post office from here but moved to no 68 and operated from there until 1930
- Advert – 12th March 1897 – East of Fife Record- To Let- That Shop 60 James Street lately occupied by A Gardyne, rent £5, or said shop with back room upstairs at £7. Entry Whitsunday Apply H.B Mackintosh Solicitors, Anstruther
- Mrs Jessie McRuvie – Shopkeeper – appears 1903 Slater’s Directory
- Mrs / Miss Watson – Milner – advertises in september 1912 and again in 1913 she seems to have opened shop in number 48 James Street In March 1912 but is operating from No 60 by September of that year.
61- 63 James Street,
- Peter Thomson at no 63 – James Street
- Thomson Brothers – 61-63 James Street
- John Cleghorn – Sold bedding in 1980’s
- Malcolm Souter – Bike Shop originally from Dundee he also repaired washing machines
John Martin, oilskin manufacturer, in Toolbooth Wynd (this is just round the corner -Martin’s Court) began in business in 1844 and sold his drapery business to Bailie Peter Thomson in 1866 to concentrate on manufacturing – we do not know yet if Martin’s business operated from 63 James Street or if Thomson set up there after the purchase.
Peter Thomson, Draper, advertises a sale from no 63 James Street in January 1868. In 1877 he also appears in Warrels Directory . He was a member of the Police Commission, School board and Provost of the Town Council. Peter lived at 10 West Forth Street.
Peter Thomson advertises from 9th Dec 1904 that he was giving up business in 63 James Street and that the whole stock must be cleared out.
The new company opened up their shop as Thomson Bros in January 1905 – This was Peter’s son’s John and Robert.
1956
Mr John Thomson, Cellardyke, aged 91. Still takes an active interest his draper’s business in Cellardyke. He served with his father, Mr Peter Thomson. a distinguished native of Cellardyke, who served for many years as Provost of that Burgh and played an active part for more than half a century in the life of the Kirk and its Sunday School. His apprenticeship completed. Mr John Thomson went abroad and worked for about seven years in Africa, but about the beginning of the century be returned to Cellardyke to take his place in his father’s business, along with his brother Robert, who is now dead. John Thomson devoted his whole attention to his business and until a few years ago he attended his James Street premises daily. Nowadays he looks in occasionally to discuss important matters with his assistants. Mr James Keay, who has served him for 44 years and Mr Henry Miller who has been with him for 22 years.
(Henry Millar and Ella Leask) General Drapers who sold everything from women’s ‘stays’ to linoleum floor covering. The fishermen all got their ‘Kersey Breeks there! It was a favourite destination for the children in the weeks before Guy Fawkes Nicht. We’d go to ask Henry Millar or Ella Leask, his sister-in-law, if they’d keep the cardboard rolls from the linoleum or carpets. They made a great framework for the building of the bonfire. ( info Susan Cathcart)
65 James Street, –
- Aggie Swinton – 1950s and 60s wool and haberdashery, Aggie’s mother Pheme, made all the aprons and pinnys that were sold in the shop.
Miss Aggie Swinton’s, baby linen, wool and drapery. Floor to ceiling with boxes (thick cardboard boxes…which were reused but had contained pats of butter!) You could buy all you would need to make knitted garments or repair what you had already! Zips, buttons, wool, threads, needles and pins. The shop was to the left as you entered and her living room/kitchen was on the right. There was always a wonderful smell of baking and ALWAYS one or two ladies taking tea in there and catching up on the gossip of the day. Aggie’s sister Harriot (Hettie) was married to Carl Russell who ran the Observer Newspaper in High Street, Anstruther…where the pet shop is now.
Info Susan Cathcart
66 James Street –
- David Guillam – baker was operating in 1887
- J H Birrell- baker – The business may have opened in the late 1890s, it is listed in 1903 Slater’s Directory as being owned by Wm Birrell by the 1940s it was his son Jack (John) Birrell that ran the business until the early 1960s
- Mrs Wilcox(?) Gift Shop
- Maisie Abbott’s Post Office, Don Abbott also ran a Heraldic Plaque making business in the out houses.
67 James Street
Post Office – 1880 – 1892 run by Mary Bruce according to to directories, however an advert in 1891 states a David Bruce was running the post office in 79 George Street
68 James St,
- Post Office – Michael Doig operated the post office from here from about 1897 until 1930 – Mary Moncrieff – operated a post office from here afterwards
- Cargill’s chip shop –
- Mima Mairs chipshop 1940s and 1950’s
