Cheers for the advice guys. I will check everything later on.

I know the timing is right... thats been set outside of the car, checked and double checked, turned by hand,

Then engine went back into the car and it was checked and double checked again with it being turned again by hand.

Head was purchased second hand but re-machined by Sutton Rebore and said to be fine although they did say it was now on its last skim. I will replace the followers in case they are damaged, then re-time it up and give it a go.... worst case I may need to take the head off and use a spacing plate if the head is over skimmed or just not allowing clearence.