I hope IO540`s assumption turns out to be a reality with hours counting towards something European, my IMC is up soon and I was wondering wether or not to revalidate.
I did mine with Highland Flying School and as far as I know they still teach this at a very competative rate and can provide next to nothing accomodation very nearby.
I`m not trying to promote them but when I was up there I was impressed with the whole set-up. If I recall it took me 5 days start to finish which was intense but fun..
Theres plenty of connections for getting up North for you Southerners.