In reply to Diddy:
I'm still not quite certain what you are after! Basically the options are:
Nordic track - long skinny skis, no metal edges, no sidecut. Free heel floppy boots. Really needs prepared tracks to be fun. Very limited options in the UK (the 3/4 places listed by OwenM above, good conditions rare).
Nordic backcountry - shorter skis (but still thinner/longer than downhill), metal edges, some sidecut. Free heel boots but a bit beefier for controlling turns. More options in the UK, mainly east Highlands. Best suited to covering distances on undulating terrain without steep downhills.
Ski touring - skis more or less like downhill (though maybe lighter). Either alpine touring or telemark bindings and boots (the former is more popular these days). Best suited to skin up - ski down type routes without much flat terrain. Probably the most popular option in Scotland, with the most variety of routes and greatest availability of suitable conditions.