Hey,
It is supply and demand - and the number of shoppers on board!
That's why you'll do your circuits at Glenrothes, even thought it will cost you in flying time to position there.
Supply and demand is also why Prestwick (10 quid) is still cheaper than Cumbernauld (11 quid) or Perth (12 quid).
Of course, if you don't have to fly at a big airport you can save money. But in central Scotland, most of the light aircraft flying is at big airports because the MoD built their wartime ones in remote places like Campbeltown, Crail and Islay! So we don't have the same ex-wartime assets that there are down south.
We also don't have as much flat ground - so there is a huge demand in Scotland for flat ground for buildings. So not much chance for small airfields.
There are one or two, like mine at Strathaven. We charge 200 a year for unlimited landings. But we are microlight and sport flight aircraft oriented. ie Rotax 912 engines rather than Continentals and Lycomings.
All the best with your training, Colin