Tattoo artists in West Dunbartonshire say they feel “ripped off” as they’re charged licensing fees up to four times higher than anywhere else in Scotland — and they want answers.
Artists Cry Foul Over “Outrageous” Costs
Red and Natalie, who run River Styx studio on Main Street in Alexandria, have gone public with their frustration after discovering they’re paying £2,033.50 to renew their tattoo license — compared to just £371 in Glasgow.
“I feel ripped off and annoyed,” said Red. “Anybody in West Dunbartonshire would be annoyed. Why is it £2,000 here and £400 elsewhere?”
One short line: He’s not the only one baffled.
Numbers That Don’t Add Up
A quick glance at the numbers reveals the scale of the gap. Take a look:
-
West Dunbartonshire: £2,033.50
-
Glasgow: £371
-
West Lothian: £144
-
Orkney Islands: £803
The average cost in other council areas? Just £449.73.
One-sentence: No wonder tattoo artists are up in arms.
Where’s the Money Going?
So what’s behind the big bill? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
Red said he’s repeatedly asked the council for an explanation but hasn’t had a clear answer. “I want them [WDC] to explain to me exactly where that licensing money is going,” he said.
For many small studios, these costs are more than just an annoyance — they bite into already tight margins, especially during times when local businesses are trying to recover from rising overheads.
One short line: Artists say it feels like a tax on creativity.
What Do Other Councils Charge?
Here’s a snapshot comparing some Scottish councils:
| Council | License Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| West Dunbartonshire | 2,033.50 |
| Glasgow | 371 |
| Orkney Islands | 803 |
| West Lothian | 144 |
| Scottish Average (excl. WD) | 449.73 |
Bullet point: That means West Dunbartonshire’s charge is 4.5 times the national average.
Local Businesses Call for Answers
The River Styx team isn’t alone in feeling stung. Other local tattooists and body piercers say the costs are pushing them to the brink, especially given how tough it already is to run a business in smaller towns like Alexandria.
One short line: They want the council to justify the difference or drop the fees.
So far, West Dunbartonshire Council hasn’t given a full breakdown — but pressure is mounting for them to come clean on how they calculate the charges and why they’re so wildly out of step with the rest of Scotland.
Red’s message? “I just want it to be fair — we’re a small business trying to do things properly. We shouldn’t be penalised for that.”
