I recall Eastern starting up on HUY-ABZ with a leased Icelandic SA227 Metroliner when Air UK gave up the east coast routes, so I have a lot of time for them.
As I remember complete with an orange or apple and a plastic juice bottle as the in flight catering, and a hostie sat on the bench at the front. Two large bearded blokes up front. (And the seat card emergency instructions in Icelandic if I recall). As you say something of a lifeline when KLM UK pulled out. (as did my jump seat rides!)
Still, made the J31 a major upgrade.