Thanks a lot to you all, guys: very kind of you, and very helpful!
I just contacted Scayles, Bassbags and Stringers, waiting for replies (but it's sunday in Scotland too, I think...).
My needs are not extraordinary: a simple 3/4 bass, preferably steel strings but gut is also ok (I use bow only sparingly). I'll be playing a sort of "world music" arrangements of italian songs in an acoustic quartet (violin, guitar, mandolin/oud/frame drums/etc, and obviously db) in two different venues, I've been told we will be amplified (I can take my own mic + pre). I don't need a wonderful instrument, but I'd rather avoid some chinese cardboard box. It all depends on the price, but it's the agency that pays, not me...
If there's any suggestion (those "interesting stories", Meddle?) I accept anything.
Thanks again!