Organisers of one of Ayrshire’s top celebrations of traditional Scottish culture have warned that this year’s extravaganza might not go ahead, unless issues with the location are addressed immediately.

The Dundonald Highland Games is usually held every Summer on the Dundonald Playing Fields, in the shadow of Dundonald Castle. This year’s event is scheduled for August 6.

However, conditions at the venue have put the showpiece into doubt as organisers say that construction work has made the ground unsuitable for use.

The work concerned is the landscaping and resurfacing of the playing fields, a project by the Dundonald Community Sports, Recreation and Heritage Association (DCHRCA).

A spokesperson from the games said: “We have asked both DCHRCA and South Ayrshire Council to urgently rectify the problems and we have stressed the implications of their failure to do so.

“It would be very disappointing if Dundonald Highland Games were permanently cancelled due to development works undertaken without planning permission.”

The improvements, which were carried last year, are the subject of a retrospective planning application.

Councillor Arthur Spurling, a trustee for the DCHRCA, submitted the application, stating that work had been undertaken without permission as the DCHRCA were advised they were “only making the facility better, and so planning permission was not required”.

The Games organisers added: “We have no grievances or issues with the applicants, nor with Troon Dundonald amateur football club, who desire to make the playing fields their home ground.

“We are in favour of projects of this type that seek to improve the quality of local facilities and encourage sporting activity in our community.

“We hope that an amicable outcome can be reached that will allow a multitude of users to enjoy the playing fields, and for all our community organisations and events to flourish.”

Stuart Urquhart, chair of the DCHRCA said: “We have been, and are currently, working with South Ayrshire Council and their partners, Ayrshire Road Alliance, to have the work on the field restarted, after being asked to submit retrospective planning application despite being originally advised that no planning permission was required.

“Following submission of the application, DCSRHA have continued to have dialogue with the Games Committee to keep them up to speed on where we are with the field.

“We also hope to arrange a further meeting imminently. We want the games to be able to proceed as it has in the past.”

A council spokesperson said: “We are happy to provide DCSRHA or their contractor with advice on how the condition of the playing field could be improved but we are no longer responsible for its maintenance. Any representations will be considered as part of the application.”