The Road to Thunder in the Glens 2024 - Part 1

The Road to Thunder in the Glens is a 3 part series from HOG-POD as they travel across Scotland to the ancestral home of the Davidson family beofre going on to the largest Chapter run event in Europe, Thunder in the Glens. The little stone cottage in Netherton, Angus is a testament to the bravery show by the great great grandfather of the three Davidson brothers who would go on to meet Bill Harley and form what is now one of the most iconic brands on earth, Harley-Davidson

This piece of history is at risk of being lost if funds are not secured to ensure that it falls into commuity hands and developed for generations of motorcyclists to come.

Davidson Legacy Cottage's fate hangs in the balance again. We urgently need to raise £70,000 this October 2024 to secure the cottage's future. The fate of this historic home of the Davidsons from Harley-Davidson was nearly sealed in 2021 when the current owners put the cottage on the open market.

The only purchase offers reported were to see the little cottage museum demolished to make way for a housing development. We couldn't let that happen and banded together three years ago to work towards community ownership.

We've been tirelessly working for these three years, raising awareness, setting up the charity to enable the community to save the cottage and now with two unsuccessful attempts at securing funding from the National Heritage Lottery, we're now facing a daunting reality. We are so close but just need a bit more!

£299,900 to lose if we don't raise £70,000!

We must meet a crucial deadline to avoid losing the significant £250,000 UK Government Community Ownership grant which we have already worked hard to secure in December 2023. This award must be used within the year, hence our plea for help to raise the match funding or we lose it! This award also comes with £49,900 for the much needed project worker and fees costs.

With your help, we can save the Davidson Legacy Cottage and help it reach its full potential and more. We know it is more than just a building, or museum; it's a symbol of our community's history and a potential catalyst for positive change. We envision it as a vibrant community hub, hosting events, workshops, and gatherings for all to enjoy.

Those who have visited will testify, “It doesn’t matter how many pictures you see or how much you have read about the story, it's not until you walk through those doors that you truly appreciate the history and the journey the family travelled to get to where they are today. “Kenny from H.O.G POD UK and Ireland.

Your support is more vital than ever. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goal of £70,000. Together, we can ensure that Davidson Legacy Cottage remains a cherished part of our heritage for generations to come. We have asked for £80,000 in our GoFundMe to help cover the GoFundMe administration costs that are involved and will use anything over the match funding of £70,000 received towards other repairs and maintenance needed for the cottage.

Why is this important?

A Community Hub: Our vision is to transform the cottage into a community hub, offering educational programs, workshops, and events celebrating local culture and heritage. We aim to create opportunities for volunteering through various initiatives, such as a café, grounds work, tourism, or simply a place to relax and enjoy.

Economic Impact: Preserving the Davidson Legacy Cottage will not only benefit the community culturally but also economically, attracting visitors and boosting local and national tourism. The cottage has already proven its ability to draw people from around the globe, demonstrating its appeal to both motorcycle enthusiasts and those seeking a step back in time.

A Piece of History: The Davidson Legacy Cottage is more than just a house; it's a tangible connection to the rich heritage of the Davidson family and Harley-Davidson. As a significant historical landmark, it offers a glimpse into a time of immense significance for Scots at home and abroad. Even without its iconic Harley-Davidson ties, it stands as a testament to the tumultuous changes in the lives of ordinary people. Preserving this cottage is vital for safeguarding a crucial part of Scottish history and the legacy the Davidson family built by following the American Dream.

The cottage's restoration in 2012 has already attracted generations of fans and Davidson family members, solidifying its status as a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts worldwide.