Mussel Fishery
Local History
The line fishing industry is one of the oldest in Scotland, and at one time gave employment to about 45,000 men, but this is now much reduced by the competition of the trawler.
For the supply of bait to those men, a florishing mussel industry has existed here from time immemorial, 60 or 70 men being engaged in it, but at present the number is very restricted. These men were chiefly employed in dreging the navigable portion of the river where the mussels abound. It was a cold, dirty calling when done bt hand, but since the introduction of steam for propelling the boats and working the dredging apparatus the industry is pursued with greater success and more comfort.
There are many beds on the foreshore, where the mussels may be gathered by hand. In the year 1845, Mr Start Dougall, being of the opinion that he possessed an exclusive right to the mussels as well as to salmon and other fish ex adverso of his property, proposed to levy a charge on each basketful gathered. On this right being contested the Courts decided against him, so the scalps were left free.
In 1878 a Company was formed in Tayport composed chiefly of those engaged in the industry, their object being the sulture of the mussels on the foreshore, as well as to regulate dreging the river, in a similar manner to that in use on the Somme in France. Application was made to the Board of Trade for the necessary licence, but after four years ofwaiting and nothing being done by the Government the Company was dissolved.
sources:
- History of Tayport, by Sir James Scott, Kt. (at the age of 87), printed in Cupar by J. & G. Innes Ltd., 1927.