It is affiliated to the Scottish Trades Union Congress, and party to the Theatrical Management Association playwright's agreement.
It was established in response to a need for a co-ordinated voice for playwrights to be heard in Scottish theatre and to act as a playwriting development and promotional agency.
It was formally established, after its constitution was drafted by Ian Brown, its first Chair, Hector MacMillan and Ada F Kay in November 1973.
[1] In the first twelve years of its existence the SSP received funding from the Scottish Arts Council.
In 1985, the SSP had to close down its lively and wide-ranging workshop, publishing and copying activities and concentrate on its primary role representing the playwrights of Scotland.