AFTER years of trying to win their land, the people of Knoydart were within days of losing the 17,000-acre estate to yet another outside interest.

But the community-led Knoydart Foundation overcame all challenges and yesterday confirmed its successful purchase for #750,000.

At least 10 other parties, two from abroad, were waiting in the wings for the foundation's bid to falter.

Although none tabled an official offer, it was revealed by receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers at a news conference in Fort William yesterday that the estate would have been put back on the market within days had the foundation not found the funding.

One of the last pieces in the foundation's financial jigsaw was pledged just at the end of last week, #75,000 from West End impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh. In January Sir Cameron, who owns one of the neighbouring estates, abandoned his plans to buy Knoydart and lease it back to the foundation at a peppercorn rent.

This had followed disagreements with the other members of the foundation which embraces the local community, the Highland Council, neighbouring land owners, and the John Muir and Chris Brasher trusts.

But yesterday foundation chairman Charlie King said: ''Cameron loves Knoydart and wanted to help.''

He was willing to match the Government's contribution of #75,000. This is being made through Highlands and Islands Enterprise's Community Land Unit, the largest such investment by the unit to date.

It is understood that Sir Cameron was persuaded to return to the project following the personal intervention by Scottish Environment Minister Lord Sewel.

Mr King unveiled the remaining financial details. The John Muir Trust has provided #250,000; and the Chris Brasher Trust #200,000. Scottish Natural Heritage has made a #50,000 commitment while the balance has been met by the public appeal which on February 8 was boosted by an anonymous donation of #100,000.

Mr Chris Brasher, who was in Fort William yesterday, said that he had approached the anonymous party. ''He is half English, half Welsh. He has never been to Knoydart, but he just loves the mountains and wild places.''

Mr King said yesterday that most of the foundation's funds had been used for the purchase and members were now anxious to renew the public appeal, setting a new target of #300,000 to implement their draft business plan.

But yesterday was a day for celebration.

The people of Knoydart found it hard to take in. They had finally won their land, and at half the asking price of two years ago. At long last they could now follow in the footsteps of the people of Assynt, Borve, and Eigg.

Mr King, who is also the local councillor, said ''This is a day I thought would never come to fruition. There have been so many ups and downs and twists and turns. But we have made it and I am absolutely delighted. We have a community buyout and we can now begin the hard work of community management.''

He said it was appropriate that the deal should be concluded so soon after the 50th anniversary of the Seven Men of Knoydart's celebrated, but ultimately unsuccessful, land raid. ''It has taken a long time but we have finally concluded the work started by these pioneers in 1948.''

Mr Bernie Evemy, the sub-postmaster in Knoydart and a community director on the foundation, said: ''The people of Knoydart are now free from the threat of suffering and injustice, which was once so brutally inflicted by its owners during the clearances of 1853 and at the time of the land raiders in 1948. This is a time for cautious celebration.

''We have won the first stage, but our struggle must continue if we are to once again establish Knoydart as a thriving community.''

Mr Brasher said: ''Since 1982 I have watched the decline of Knoydart with growing anxiety, a decline caused by the neglect of the entire fabric of the estate. As that physical decline has deepened, so has the spirit and will of the community strengthened.''

Mr Nigel Hawkins, director of the John Muir Trust, looked to the future: ''Here in Knoydart we are at the sharp end in delivering a partnership which offers the very best hope for one of the most wild and beautiful places in the country, and its community.''

Lord Sewel sent his congratulations, calling it a ''historic day''.

He said: ''The Knoydart Estate, and those who live there, have had to endure ownership arrangements of the worst sort. Taking into community ownership an estate with such a background is fully in line with our policies on land reform.''