[4] It was also the first Runrig album to feature keyboard player Pete Wishart – forming the "classic" line-up of the band through what would be their most commercially successful period.

A 1995 re–release produced the single "An Ubhal as Àirde (The Highest Apple)", which made history by becoming the first song to be performed in Scottish Gaelic to chart in the United Kingdom.

[1] The band were joined by several session musicians for the recording of the album, including additional backing vocals provided by Kim Beacon, Chris Harley and Ann Turner, with Dougie Stevenson being credited for pedal steel contributions, John Martin for fiddle and Rab Howatt for additional guitar contributions.

Eight out of the ten tracks on The Cutter and the Clan had lyrics in English, and the album had material dealing with Gaels who had moved away from Scotland to the new world.

[8] During the albums initial release period in 1987, Runrig appeared on Mod For Rockers which was broadcast on STV.

[14] The Cutter and the Clan was certified Silver by the BPI in the United Kingdom in 1995, seven years following its original release.