The Dragon Rapide had no deicing equipment (other than the dubious expedient of spreading grease on leading edges!) With its struts and wires it was an ideal ice-gathering device.
When it was the mainstay of Scottish domestic services, captains were understandably reluctant to enter cloud in winter time - particularly as letdown aids were primitive and rare.
It follows that they devised many low level routes from town to town. It is possible to return from the Hebrides to Glasgow without exceeding 200 feet by judicious use of sea routes and the Crinan canal.
It is also possible to fly from Inverness to Stornoway without exceeding 1000 feet - although that could be a rough ride in strong winds and required accurate map reading!