Since my last question, among other readings,
I've read more on Christopher Columbus.
Couple days ago in Samuel Eliot Morison's
"The European Discovery of America - the Southern
Voyages 1492-1616" came across this, perhaps
of general interest:

1. The most unhappy period in Columbus's life extended
over the next six years (1486-92). --battle indifference--
Hardest of all, he learned by experience the meaning of
the phrase 'cosas de Espana', the endemic procrastination
of Spaniards."
hmm - does Morison echo common stereotype?
or do even they accept this view?

2. As regards him visiting in Iceland, I'd also thought
it not unreasonable that he'd heard of the Viking sagas.
And this was not too long after Vatican mission found
that all in the Greenland colony had died out.
Morison thinks this "Not Likely."

3. And a comment re general interest (including newsgroups)
"Even in our day we have known men of great strength
of character who felt inspired by God in the pursuit
of some ideal goal who exasperated people who held
other views, and were almost impossible to fight
against. You can argue your head off against people
like that, but they always come up with a fresh
argument."
uh-ha.

And Hines - please do not cross post this,
it's no business on Scottish!