I'm in the same boat and did what David A and Hammy suggested - contacted Jon at Rough Luck Racing.
Called him Tuesday. Had a great chat and told him of all Roxy's woes. Got a verbal quote for the non-VVC head gasket work of £320, that includes cam cover, exhaust and inlet manifold gaskets, coolant and oil/filter change. Expected to have to wait for ages to have the work done, but he's got me in the diary for next Wednesday - AND he's driving all the way to South Ayrshire with his Memsahib Claire at an extremely fair mileage rate.
Very impressed so far. Will update once the work's done...