'the difference between the British version of "presently", which means "soon", and the French-influenced (from "présentement") Canadian version, which means "now"?'

I believe "presently" means "now" in Scotland as well.
And when I went to the north of Scotland I was warned that if someone asked me "where are you staying?" they meant "where do you live?", not "are you in B&B or a hotel?".

And is it part of Yorkshire where "while" means "until"? A bit dodgy if faced with a flashing light and a sign saying "Do not cross while [UNTIL?!!] lights are flashing".