The Scottish ancestral home of the family who founded the world-famous Harley-Davidson motorcycle has been saved from demolition.
The group preserving Davidson Cottage has secured more than £300,000 to obtain keys to the centuries-old building and plans to redevelop it into a visitor attraction.
Nestled in a peaceful and picturesque part of Angus, the motorcycle company has its roots in this tiny cottage in the village of Aberlemno.
“These are the original flagstones that were here back in 1857, when the family still lived here and was getting ready to leave to get the big boat to America,” explained Nyree Aitken from the Davidson Legacy Preservation Group.
William C Davidson emigrated to America with his family in 1857, aged just 11.
His three children went on to create the world’s most iconic motorcycle – Harley-Davidson.
STV NewsIn recent months, the home where William spent his early years had looked set for demolition.
But the Harley-Davidson Company stepped in at the last minute to provide the remaining part of a £320,000 funding drive.
“We were on the eve of, probably, failure to achieve the purchase of the cottage,” said Rory Aitken of the Davidson Legacy Preservation Group.
“So, it was really an eleventh-hour sort of achievement to get the funds that we needed and to move forward.
“But it’s really just the launch pad of the next phase, so the work doesn’t stop here.”
The cottage was originally restored in 2008 by a group of biker enthusiasts.
Today, another team of motorcyclists is aiming to continue its legacy, even those not old enough to take to the roads themselves.
STV NewsNyree’s and Rory’s daughter, Georgia, says she can’t wait to get started on the renovation efforts.
“You can see in the photos that the cottage was so broken down; the whole roof was practically gone.”
While the Davidsons left in search of a better life, almost 170 years on, it’s hoped this important piece of American heritage rooted in Angus is here to stay.
“Harley-Davidson is an international brand, so you really can’t knock it,” said Nyree.
“You ask any young person, ‘name a type of motorcycle’, and they’re going to turn around and say Harley-Davidson.
“Whether they’re a family of bikers or not, nine times out of ten, it’s Harley-Davidson.”
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