As they say .... Crumbs!!
Unfortunately they are definitely a gonna, but will be great again with the work you mentioned.
Your MOT tester is blind
But some don't check from above, as LCA bushes on most other cars can be seen condition wise from underneath. That'll be a sloppy ride in the corners..
Get that buzzsaw at the ready..

 

Thanks. yeah looks like the rust has rotted them from the inside out. Scottish roads! cannot wait to get the refurb on the go. the handling is pretty poor- wandering when going in a straight line is the most obvious characteristic, cornering hasn't been too bad, but I'm sure I've just got used to the poor handling.

 

Mot tester has surely only checked for play with a pry bar or similar, lucky in my region grit rather salt seems to be my councils go to, and when cleaning the car the hose gets sprayed everywhere maybe washing it down clean.

 

Inner tyre wear will be evident as well Mat..

I'm actually gonna retire mine for winter this year, as it's so pristine underneath with zero rust anywhere. It lived in France for 7 years sunbathing.
Only a matter of time that salt chomps at the bare bits. Lanoguard or summut similar will be blodged on

 

Aye I wouldn’t be driving too much with them in that state, more from a handling perspective than a safety one. They’ll be so seized in I doubt they’re going anywhere on their own. Looks like someone’s tried to cover up the corrosion with some paint at some point. That top nut shouldn’t be painted for example.

If you’re going new arms I’d cut these out and check there’s no critical corrosion. If not slap the new arms in, enjoy it for the summer and worry about sorting the rest next winter.