Nae bother about a PM but I have been out of the training scene for years now apart from a bit of PPL instructing recently.
But just to confirm Syd is a well known gentleman and instructor up North. You won't go far wrong having him as an instructor.
Another keen good instructor for PPL is in Carlisle, Graham Dawson if you want to do an intensive course but don't believe him if he tells you 85kgs for the mass and balance.
Danny and Dave at Highland Aviation up in Inverness of course I would say are excellent as well, but a bit out of they way for you. (please note I have an interest in this school when I am in Britain I instruct for them)
With intensive courses you need to be very switched on to the weather where you choose. PIK and INV are the only ones in Scotland I would look at
But you really do need to go down to Gatwick and get the class 1 out of the way before you spend any money.