The company was founded using left-over funds from the short-lived Glasgow Repertory which had folded in 1914.
[1]: 75 [2] The Scottish National Players performed early plays by James Bridie, such as The Sunlight Sonata and Brandane's The Glen is Mine, as well as an ill-fated production of Neil Gunn's drama The Ancient Fire.
Sometimes criticised for its conservatism, Scottish National Players notably turned down Joe Corrie's early masterpiece In Time o' Strife in 1927.
[1]: 73–74 In the early 1930s, James Bridie, as one of the board members, attempted to push Scottish National Players to professionalise.
Although remaining supportive, he resigned after the board chose to retain its amateur status.