Loganair technically does still fly to “the Continent” as Denmark was attached to it last time I was there! Norway also is quite a sizeable operation now.
There were a few routes to Düsseldorf (GLA) and Brussels (NCL and EMA) launched post-bmi Regional that did not work and were dropped when Flybe went bust, with capacity moved to vacant domestic routes.
GLA-DUS was really tough going with ATC delays every day, a baggage loader taking a large chunk off an E145 wing one day and generally all too difficult. Don’t recall NCL-BRU being as troublesome but still obviously not as good as using the aircraft on Southampton and Exeter.
And I think there is no chance of E-Jets. Why would you want to go into direct competition with the big boys?