Scottish society of playwrights
Scotland’s membership organisation representing the interests of professional playwrights.
The Scottish Society of Playwrights (SSP) has been the collective voice of Scotland’s playwrights for over 50 years. Join your union today.
Best Practice
Important information at your fingertips
Contracts and Rates
The SSP negotiates industry standard contract terms and rates in Scotland.
Best Practice Guidelines
Devising, co-authorship & translation development processes.
Freelance Rates
Advice for dramaturgs, translators and script consultants in Scotland.
Get Involved
Your Union. Your Voice.
Become a member
Playwrights play a crucial role in shaping the future of Scottish Theatre. Add your voice today.
Campaigns
Support the playwriting community. Explore our campaigns and see how you can get involved.
The Hector
Vote for the best new Scottish play. Discover The Hector MacMillan Award for Best New Scottish Play.
The SSP Council
Stand for election. Meet the people behind the scenes and decide if you want to stand for Council.
Fifty years of the SSP
SSP@50
The SSP launched its 50th anniversary project to honour playwrights and playwriting across Scotland, celebrating the achievements of the past five decades and looking forward to the next 50 years.
Through this national initiative, the project actively championed playwrights and playwriting, while inspiring future generations. Explore how the project shaped communities throughout the country and influenced playwrights nationwide.
A collective voice for scotland’s playwrights.
We envision a Scotland where playwrights are valued, empowered, and heard. A place where theatre thrives as a vital reflection of our diverse communities and stories.
News and Updates
Read the Latest News from the SSP
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SSP/FST New Standard Play Contract Published
Read More: SSP/FST New Standard Play Contract PublishedAnnouncing a new Standard Play Contract for commissioning in Scotland.
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A.I. Rights for Writers
Read More: A.I. Rights for WritersNew A.I. rights reservations seek to protect playwrights’ intellectual property.
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Making Tax Digital
Read More: Making Tax DigitalHMRC changes will impact some playwrights from April 2026.
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Fair Work Campaign
Read More: Fair Work CampaignThe SSP campaigns with fellow unions to improve freelancers’ conditions.
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Statement from the Council of the SSP
Read More: Statement from the Council of the SSPThe Scottish Society of Playwrights utterly rejects the poisons of…
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Software Discounts for SSP Members
Read More: Software Discounts for SSP MembersMembers can claim discounts on a variety of software packages.
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SSP Member Discounts on Theatre Tickets
Read More: SSP Member Discounts on Theatre TicketsMany theatres in Scotland offer discounts with our membership card.
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Liz Lochhead appointed Honorary President of the SSP
Read More: Liz Lochhead appointed Honorary President of the SSPLiz Lochhead becomes the fourth Honorary President of the SSP.
Affiliated with the Scottish Trades Union Congress.