A bit off topic I know and no doubt I will get shouted off the forum, but here goes nothing 
The snow here this week has been horrendous and I have to journey across pretty wild terrain most days to get to work and although I love my GTI am seriously considering trading it for a Land Rover Freelander, you may say but it's only 2 or 3 weeks of the year but in reality it can be 2 or 3 months.
I am really torn, advice required.
Gizzywizzy, I second Hartside.
I live even further north than you, in the Pentland Hills. Last year my new GTi was slithering all over the place, it was a total disaster zone. Frankly it was embarrassing. The only way out at that point was AutoSocks, which are great for getting you out of trouble in very thick snow, but not for everyday use.
When the car was due its first service last Tuesday, I insisted the garage fit winter tyres at the same time. They only did the front pair (and I didn't even get the Bridgestones back because apparently I'd already worn them out!). I didn't get picky about the brand or anything, I just left it up to Andrew, whom I trust to see me right.
Wow. Just in time, is all I can say.
Yesterday morning there was an inch of snow and I just drove out of the garage and off, no wheelspin, no drama. Traction really impressive.
Today I woke up to heavy snow, but only about two inches actually lying. I was due to take three friends to Edinburgh. People started phoning me saying, should we go. The radio was telling people not to drive unless the journey was really necessary. Heavy snow had apparently fallen in the city and it was said to be horrendous. More heavy snow was forecast for the evening.
I loaded up with the AutoSocks, a snow shovel, a bag of road salt and extra windscreen deicer, and told them they were a bunch of wimps. There was certainly a lot of snow around, and the city streets were very very snowy. But I didn't need any of that paraphernalia. Just drove to the concert, and drove back. No fuss, no drama, no skidding, no wheelspin.
All my passengers are now talking about getting winter tyres for their cars.
It's chalk and cheese. The difference is phenomenal. Don't give up on the Golf till you've tried the right tyres for the conditions.
Rolfe.