OS maps mark the loch as a curling pond and records show that from 1853 to at least the 1880s it was used for matches between clubs such as those at Tarbolton and Ochiltree.

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

[4] Blaeu's map of 1654, dating from Timothy Pont's survey of circa 1604, clearly shows and names the loch and indicates only an outflow to the Water of Coyle.

[7] The 19th century Ordnance Survey maps show the site clearly with an island present,[8] and an inflow from the Dalrympleston Burn, exiting to run down to the Water of Coyle at Gatefoot.

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