Thats the cost of GA flying in the North East I'm afraid - as you say your money your choice. Some of us don't have much of a choice and if you want to fly you pay up
.
What I will say is that GA flying in and around ABZ is a great experience in Class D if you are not phased flying amongst the Commercial traffic.
I don't think that any of the possible alternatives mentioned are suitable for a first time landing with low hours and thats assuming you can get in. They are either farm strips / gliding strips / short grassy strips / microlight strips and not for the inexperienced first time visitor to the area. Really if cost is a major issue I'd have a rethink about visiting the North East of Scotland.
Even if you looked at Dundee as an alternative and got the train as has been suggested you'd not be that much cheaper all in than an overnight at ABZ and alot more hassle.