Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative has two rated Cyclo-cross bikes in their Winter Sale, check them out on the net.
Revolution Cross 09 - down from £450 to £350.(gets good reviews)
Revolution Country Explorer 09 - down from £650 to £500(with discs)
Someone posted on here they bought a Country Explorer last week - will edit in details later when I find thread.
EDIT:Search for "Revolution Country Explorer" on this forum - 2nd of Jan 2010 - if interested in more info/reviews, Sorry don't know how to post links.
Stores in Edinburgh,Aberdeen,Newcastle,Leeds,Manchester and soon Sheffield.
Just two ideas for you - I'm sure others wil have their opinions.