i'm thinking of changing the timing belts on my 98' 2.0 diesel freelander,is this doable,has anybody got any short cuts or should i re-mortgage the house and pay someone..

The haynes manual will tell you to take the engine out. This is because there is so little room to move.
You can do it without removing the engine, the easiest way is to support the engine and remove the engine mount that is in the way, still tight though.
I would reccommend you pay a competent mechanic to do it because it needs to be done right.
I had mine done for £200, but I supplied the 3 belts.