I started using Scala last year with the Play! 2 framework (did a write up on it earlier this year on HN) and was a breathe of fresh air. I didn't have any prior functional programming skills so it was a bit of learning functional programming and the language as well, but it was a fun experience. When ever I have the chance to choose the tech stack for a new project whether personal or professionally, Scala and Play! is the first choice. I just finished a Scala lib for rethinkdb (will announce later).