Numpty I'm just in the process of doing my PPL at Edinburgh Flying Club and so will be happy to answer any questions. I started my PPL at the beginning of October last year and now have 47hrs TT and am just about ready for my skills test.
Edinburgh is a brilliant place to fly from. You get the expereince of operating from a busy airport, with loads of jets coming and going, this is a great RT confidence booster. You also get the experience of training from the smaller airfields as all circuit work is done at either fife or cumbernauld.
Yes you are right learning at Edinburgh will not be the cheapest option, but I looked at the pros and cons and decided that edinburgh was the best overall option. Its close (only a 15min drive from me, I live right in the centre of the city) so I can just pop out when the weathers good.
They are the friendliest bunch of guys you'll ever meet and I've enjoyed flying with them and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
-EDIT- Flight acadamy aren't coming to EDI as far as I know, the BAA have limited the airport to just one school, which is EFC
I think there other base is going to be Aberdeen.