They are as old and outdated as the retired posters on these forums.
True, but not relevant to the UK FRTOL test - rightly or wrongly, the test profile includes these, as does the PPL syllabus (QDM/QDR, rather than retired posters!)
Radar coverage in the UK is excellent above 3000ft.
Less true I'm afraid, especially in the OP's area. There are many areas in Scotland where sub-6000' I've struggled for radar coverage in the past - usually single pilot IFR at night... True for the south though, although weekend radar cover is restricted by the lack of many LARS providers.