Sauchie: Landscape and History

Sauchie brings together themes that appeal to different interests when choosing a travel destination: the history of Sauchie Tower, the landscape around Gartmorn Dam and other cultural and historic sites. Auchinbaird Windmill, Sauchie Public Hall and the Sauchie War Memorial add to the area's architectural and local history. If you are looking for a hotel in Sauchie, this distinction is a useful starting point: are you more interested in historic buildings or in walking paths and scenery?

Sauchie Tower and its architectural history

Sauchie Tower was built between 1430 and 1440 by Sir James Schaw. Schaw came from Greenock and married Mary de Annand, a co-heiress of Sauchie. Another point of interest is the building itself: Sauchie Tower resembles the adjoining wing of nearby Clackmannan Tower and has changed very little since it was built. Sauchie Tower is also one of five sites on the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail. Alongside the building's history, its architectural similarity and its connection to the named trail are distinct aspects to consider.

Gartmorn Dam: landscape and walking paths

Gartmorn Dam in Sauchie lies at the heart of a 370-acre country park and nature reserve. There are well-marked walking paths at Gartmorn Dam. The focus here is on the landscape and walks, while Sauchie Tower is best understood through its construction date, builder and architecture. These are two different focal points to compare when considering your travel interests: a landscape area with walking paths and a historic tower.

More architectural and local history

Auchinbaird Windmill, also known as Sauchie Doocot or Dovecote, was a vaulted tower windmill dating from the late 17th or early 18th century. It stood on a low ridge at what was then the edge of Sauchie in Clackmannanshire, Scotland. In the early 19th century, the tower was converted into a dovecote; today, Auchinbaird Windmill is designated as a Scheduled Monument. Its history therefore spans several periods: its original building type, its later change of use and its current designation. While “Windmill” refers to its former function, “Doocot” means dovecote.

Sauchie Public Hall is a notable building by a prominent local architect. It adds another perspective on architecture to the history of the Tower and the Windmill's later change of use.

The Sauchie War Memorial is next to Sauchie Hall at the northwest corner of the junction of Mar Place and Fairfield Road in Sauchie. Its location by the hall and junction makes the site precise. If you would like to include a place of remembrance alongside architecture in your view of Sauchie, the memorial offers a distinct historical focus.

Discover more destinations: Alva, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, Alloa, Dollar

Go to the main travel overview: Clackmannanshire.