Harley-Davidson Founder’s Ancestral Home Faces Bulldozer Threat Again‌ ‌

The ancestral home of the Davidsons in Scotland, is facing the bulldozers a second time after being saved from ruin in 2008. SAVILLS VIA SWNS

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An urgent fundraising campaign has been set up to save the family home of the Harley Davidson founder.

The ancestral home of the Davidsons at Netherton near Aberlemno, Scotland, is facing the bulldozers a second time after being saved from ruin in 2008.

It was bought by a dedicated group of fans who set about an ambitious renovation program to restore the house back to how it would have looked in 1858 when the Davidsons emigrated.

It was officially opened in 2012 and a festival to mark Harley-Davidson’s Scottish heritage was held annually in Brechin which attracted hundreds of bikers.

Davidson Cottage was home to Sandy and Margaret Davidson and their six children, one of whom, William C, became father to Arthur, Walter and William, founders of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

It was William C who built the iconic ‘shed,’ where the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle was built by his sons.

The cottage has again been put on the market and, recognizing the renewed threat, the Davidson Legacy Preservation Group (DLPG), now a registered charity Davidson Legacy Cottage SCIO (DLC), has started a fundraising effort with a target figure of £70,000 to help secure the cottage’s future.

Nyree Aitken, DLC project co-ordinator, said: “When we heard the cottage might be sold for development we knew we couldn’t let that happen.”

Nyree continued: “It’s more than just a house. It’s a tangible connection to the rich heritage of the Davidson family and the Harley-Davidson brand. It offers a glimpse into a time of immense significance for Scots at home and abroad.