News Is the home of the Davidson family, co-founders of Harley, under threat?

Netherton Cottage, the birthplace of William C. Davidson, one of the co-founders of the legendary Harley-Davidson brand, is in danger of disappearing. Here's the latest news (and it's not good news)...

Scotland, the forgotten cradle of Harley-Davidson?

Located in Aberlemno, north of Dundee, Scotland, the historic Davidson home is for sale for £320,000, or around 370,000 euros. Restored in 2012, it has been transformed into a guest house, attracting many enthusiasts of the famous American motorcycle, who come to pay their respects and sometimes leave a commemorative plaque.

However, since May 2021, there have been no serious offers to purchase the property, with the exception of proposals to demolish the iconic house. The roof is missing, but the oven and the old stove, still present, continue the history of this building where William C. Davidson was born in 1846. He emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1857, where the family eventually founded Harley-Davidson in 1903, after living in Milwaukee.

With a 200 m² plot of land, the house, including outbuilding and garage, is struggling to find a buyer.

Participatory financing until November 30

Faced with this threat, a charitable organization was set up to buy and preserve the property. In November 2023, the UK Community Ownership Fund promised a grant of £250,000, on condition that the missing sum of £70,000 was raised by November 30, 2024, or risk seeing the house demolished. Participatory funding has therefore been launched, but the target is still a long way off. Whether the Davidson family or the Harley-Davidson company will be involved remains uncertain, which does little to reassure us about the future of the house.

If this sum is not raised in time, the house, which symbolizes the European heritage of H-D's founders, could disappear under the blows of bulldozers. Both the Milwaukee-based builder's community and history buffs will be able to closely follow developments (or not) until November 30, 2024, when the house's future will be sealed. Who knows, the brand's most loyal fans may even have a role to play...

Photo credits: Davidson Legacy