The OP is in Glasgow. If he is flying in Scotland, forget about using IFR altitudes for VFR. Stay in good VMC. Stay well below cloud, and be very cautious if you see any cloud at your level.
Avoid the downwind side of hills by a good margin.
If renting, your local instructors can give you advice before any flight.
It's good to rent for a while before buying your own aircraft, or a group share, for that reason.
And think a lot before flying over cloud which is hard centred in an SEP.