Should be able to transfer the reg over OK, can't see any reason why you shouldn't. My old GSi Nova had a private plate on it when I bought it in England (K9 NJC) and I was able to transfer it OK.
I know when we are registering a car from the mainland, we have to fill in a V55/5 form, have you got an equivalent? (It's called first registration of a used car)
