Timothy,
Here is a possible but plausible explanation from a Scottish viewpoint.
TAY sector (124.5) would have had to coordinate your flight with the TLA sector( the adjacent TMA sector) because you were at FL85. For traffic reasons or route (your intended track passes close to the TWEED hold - and blocks 2 levels) it was not offered by TAY or declined by TLA. By staying VFR, priority will be given to IFR flights and flights planned for the sector, particularly during peak demand. If you pitch up at a busy time, you can be just unlucky and not slotted into the teens of EGPH arrivals in some hours. The controllers involved unfortunately can't always explain their actions so I hope this may help your understanding of how it 'may ' have panned out on your recent flight.