For those that are interested, the 'official' word on the street is this.
The proposed WIK-GLA-INV route is still alive (and well?). The aircraft deployed will depend on the number of bookings taken for that week. If the numbers are suitable for the F406 then that will be used. If they are exceed this then a J31 will be used.
Both types are used earlier in the day for newspaper flights to Orkney and Shetland.
If no bookings are taken (usually known about a Friday) then its probable that both aircraft will return to base (Inverness) or go direct to GLA. There would be little point in arriving at Wick if no passengers are booked on. It is not possible to book a flight by just turning up at Wick. This route is not subsidised at all.
The ATR redeployment has meant that the mail contract has been 'subbed' out to a German operator with a 360.
The Western Isles PSO (subsidised) routes remain operational with no change (I am flying it today!) and have been re-awarded recently.
CRX.