Friday December 19th 2025
Wheatrig Farm, near Longniddry, is home to a business hub which will now have a tattoo studio
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A Scottish tattoo artist is set to open a new studio in the East Lothian countryside despite planners saying it has no ‘rural links’.
Diana Howkins Veidenthaler has been granted permission to change the use of an office in a converted steading into her new parlour.
The business will, Mrs Howkins Veidenthaler said, be appointment only with no passing trade.
The artist, who is renowned for her delicate, nature-inspired tattoos has worked from a studio in Leith in the past and is from Dunbar.
The new studio will be based at Wheatrig Farm Hub on the outskirts of Longniddry within a former steading which has been converted into business units.
In a supporting statement made to planners Mrs Howkins Veidenthaler says: “Tattoo machines are very quiet (comparable to an electric shaver) and will not cause disturbance to neighbouring units.
“There will be no amplified music, no large gatherings, and no noisy equipment. The activity within the unit will be quieter than many other typical business uses.”
Operating six days a week she adds that she has a stable client base and would not expecting to see more than two people on any given day.
A report by planning officers acknowledges most businesses established in the countryside would be expected to have some agricultural or rural links but says the farm hub has been established on the site for a number of years and it will not be out of place.
Granting the change of use, officers say: “The use of the premises as a tattoo studio is not a use related to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, infrastructure or countryside recreation nor does it have a locational requirement to be operational within the countryside.
“However, Wheatrig Business Hub has been in operation within this countryside location for a number of years. The proposal seeks to change the use of one of the office unit which would not impact any agricultural land or prejudice any agricultural operations.
“In this case, the proposed change of use of the office to a tattoo studio would not be contrary to policy.”
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