Marriage

Robert’s domestic life was to change significantly. On Wednesday, 22 July, Robert and Kate tied the knot at the Parish Church manse owned by the Reverend Alexander Robertson at West High Street, Methil. It had been a busy time for marriages as it coincided with the annual closedown of the pits, which had been extended from three to five days for the first time ever. Methil docks had also closed for the week for the first time. Robert had not far to come for the marriage ceremony as his address is given as Hazel Terrace, Braehead, Methil, now known as part of ‘Methil Brae’; a mere10-minute walk down the hill towards Methil railway station for Robert and his brother, John, who was to be one of the witnesses.

Robert and Kate's 1914 Marriage Record (Crown Copyright, National Records of Scotland).

The newly married couple had several choices for how they might spend their time before Robert returned to work the following Monday. The local newspapers advertised sailings around the River Forth from Methil Docks for the next three days. If seeking an alternative source of fresh air, Robert and Kate might have joined the crowd of more than 3,000 who attended the thirtieth Methil Highland Games that took place at Taylor’s Park, Aberhill. The venue was on the route of Wemyss Tramways. On the return they had an option to leave the tram near the Swan Hotel, cross the road and enjoy a cool and refreshing drink at Visocchi’s Soda Fountain, near the Gaiety Theatre, at Denbeath.

In the evening there were further opportunities for indoor entertainment at the Palace Cinema on Methil High Street, which was showing a very funny comedy, Lawyer Quince, based on a novel of the same name by W.H. Jacobs. The Gaiety Theatre at Denbeath featured a Gaumont film on two reels: A Father’s Judgement that claimed to contain sensational and stirring scenes.

Sadly, dark clouds were already brewing over Europe at this time.