[6] In Robert Burns's day Fail Loch was one of three plains that were flooded in winter to supply power for the mill that only worked once the harvest was gathered.

[12] Although the loch's drainage may have begun in the 18th century when Alexander Montgomerie, 10th Earl of Eglinton, was pursuing a number of agricultural improvements on his extensive estates and other landowners followed his example, further drainage work may have taken place in the 1740s as part of the improvements undertaken to provide employment for Irish estate workers during the Irish potato famines of the 1740s and the mid 19th centuries.

Many drainage schemes also date to the end of World War I when many soldiers returned en masse to civilian life.

[16] The 19th century Ordnance Survey maps show the site as 'Fail Loch' and state that it is liable to flooding,[17] and the drainage remains inadequate and the area dominated by marsh plants.

[20] Fail Loch, a Scottish Wildlife Trust designated site is also important as a wetland with over 125 plant species recorded.

Tarbolton Curling Club used Loch Fail in the 19th century, showing that it was prone to winter flooding at that time.