The land originally belonged to Clan Campbell, being mentioned in connection with Cailean Mór and Gilleasbaig of Menstrie.

In 1321 Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Sauchie to Henry de Annand, former Sheriff of Clackmannan.

The extant tower was built before 1431 when Mary de Annand, the co-heiress to the estate, married Sir James Schaw of Greenock.

The village developed a brick works by the River Devon which fell into disuse following the collapse of the local mining industry.

It was a grain mill and later converted to a dovecote and has been preserved as a landscape feature and tourist attraction.