Despite the growing interest in community–led organisations there remains some events operated by not–for–profit organisations that have not been fully explored. Even when there is a significant socio–cultural contribution to the host communities. Although this study is set within Highland Games there are many similarities to many not–for–profit event organisations managing traditional community events or cultural celebrations such as Hogmanay or Common Ridings. The challenges facing volunteer organisations are considerable when attempting to maintain cultural traditions and committee stabilisation, for many not–for–profit event organisations. Furthermore, the organisers of community events may not be traditionally perceived as the protectors of a country’s culture, there is no doubt that many events play a significant role in promoting unique elements of tradition and culture. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the article highlights some of the challenges encountered to maintain a stable support system for dedicated groups of individuals. Findings highlight the community focus and need for synergetic support systems in communities to ensure longevity of significantly important events.

This article provides an in-depth review of the Highland Games as an event that has achieved worldwide recognition, staged not just in Scotland but across the globe where Scottish Diasporas exist, although the focus here is on Scotland. Highland Games events are complex to categorise and conceptualise considering their multilayered nature and scope, encompassing a multitude of activities each based on diverse local histories and traditions. The article commences with a detailed historical analysis of the Highland Games in Scotland to illustrate the distinctiveness and uniqueness of this type of event. A review of the event literature follows to illustrate the complexities and problems that conventional event typologies pose for seeking to classify or categorise the Highland Games, emphasising the community basis of such events as a starting point for understanding this phenomenon. The article reports the results of an empirical study of Highland Games events in Scotland and addresses a number of the current concerns and debates associated with the staging of Highland Games, including the challenges that non-profit Games organisations face in continuing the community tradition of event hosting. One particular issue that features is an acknowledgement of the dangers posed by the more commercial priorities of contemporary event management to the rich cultural heritage that underpins the Highland Games which could easily become neglected or even eradicated through more professional organisation.

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