From humble beginnings back in July 1988, with a basic looking twelve-page, one-colour leaflet, containing a few newspaper clippings and band biogs, The Wire has grown and flourished over the years to become the healthy, well-produced and informative magazine of the Runrig Fan Club. Originally named The Fan Club Newsletter, it was re-christened The Wire in 1994 after which, each issue was now referred to as a transmission! (As per song reference, The Wire, on the Heartland album.)

As the general appearance and layout continued to improve, a second colour was added in 1992. Further improvements and an increase in page numbers followed, and the 21st birthday edition in August 1994 saw full colour being used for the first time: this has continued ever since. The number of pages are usually 24 per transmission, although this number is extended to 28 or 32 depending on the volume of material. There are three transmissions per year.
Over the years, a wide range of topics have been covered, some of the most popular being the regular articles written by the individual band members - with many of the subjects not simply confined to Runrig. Many of the articles have, of course, reflected the continuing shifts and changes that have taken place within the band - none more so than when Donnie decided to leave in 1997. His Dear Friends article now a piece of Runrig archive history.

Band members and guest writers contribute articles on a variety of related topics providing fans with an ideal insight to the music of Runrig. Members also have an opportunity to purchase a series of CD's and DVD's called Access all Areas, which are not available elsewhere.