THE inhabitants of Eigg finally took charge of their own destiny yesterday when they bought their island for #1.5m.

The island, sold by Keith Schellenberg to German artist Maruma for #1.6m two years ago, has changed hands nine times since 1828. But now control has passed to the local community and their partners.

Last night, their success in breaking the grip of private landlords on Eigg was being celebrated throughout Scotland as taking on the work begun in Assynt in 1993. But this time, with only 20% of the island under croft, it was without the potential weapon of the 1976 Crofting Act's right to buy.

The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, which comprises the 63 residents, the Highland Council and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which has reserves on the island, have paid #1.5m for the 7400-acre island, virtually all raised through a public appeal launched in August with a target of #800,000.

In December, an initial offer of #1.2m was refused by Maruma and a month later the National Lottery trustees turned down the islanders' request for financial help. In the end that didn't matter and last night there was understandable delight on the island.

Trust secretary Maggie Fyffe said: ''This is the day we have all dreamt about since we formed the partnership and set out on our journey into the unknown. We have experienced very many highs and some lows along the way, but our resolve and focus has never wavered and we are all overjoyed at the outcome.

''The public's response has been absolutely fantastic and makes us all the more determined to make a success of the way the island is run in the future. Renewed bids will be made for the lottery funding for individual development proposals and other agencies will be asked to offer assistance. And the public appeal remains open for further donations.

''The #2m that had been sought by Maruma was a ludicrous figure, as was the price we have paid. It was the public who made it possible. But there must be Government action to prevent Highland communities being caught up in such crazy land speculation in the future.''

The convener of the Highland Council, Peter Peacock, said: ''This a truly remarkable achievement and starkly demonstrates the public's wish to see major reform in the pattern of land ownership in Scotland.

''The Assynt Crofters gave the lead when they bought their croftlands in 1993 and the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust has built on this progress to set an example to other communities, who want to take their ownership of the land.''

David Hughes Hallett, SWT director and a trustee, said: ''At last. This is the beginning of a new era for the island of Eigg. This beautiful bio-diverse island will now be maintained and conserved in a ground-breaking, sustainable manner for the rest of its forseeable future.

''Its beauty, ecology and history hold the key to the future of the island and we will look to, and are extremely excited about, continuing our successful relationship with the islanders and the council.''

Eigg trustee Dr Michael Foxley said: ''We have set a major precedent for land and estate purchases involving local people, nature conservation and the wider public. And, it is remarkable that the trust has achieved this success without the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was people-power that won the day.

''Most importantly, this will give the islanders security of tenure and the ability to attract loans and grants to

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upgrade their homes and businesses.''

However, councillor and trustee Charlie King warned: ''A tremendous amount of work has yet to be done by the community and the trust have proved over the past year that they are prepared to work hard to make things happen. We will need to hold a public meeting very soon to discuss with the island community the plan of action in the short and longer-terms.''

In the end it was the complicated financial arrangements which had surrounded Maruma's ownership over the past two years which forced him to sell an island he had only visited twice as owner.

The Stuttgart-based Maruma was under a legal requirement to sell because of a loan for #300,000 (#140,000 plus $250,000) he raised in Hong Kong in 1995 against the island, from clothing exporter Hanz Rainer Ehrhardt.

Mr Ehrhardt was granted a decree at Fort William Sheriff Court on March 13 in respect of the default of Eigg Islands Ltd, Maruma's company, in repaying the loan. Mr Erhardt effectively took over the sale of the island and it was with his lawyers that the trust finalised the deal in Edinburgh yesterday.

The trust's bid is understood to have been accepted ahead of one other, from Graham Mellstrom, 67. The Surrey businessman/farmer was chairman of the bank National Guardian Mortgage which was taken into administration in March 1992 owing 10,000 depositors more than #10m. His stewardship of the bank attracted criticism from the Bank of England, but his personal fortune was reported at the time as standing at #7.5m.

In January, a representative claiming to represent the Pavarotti Foundation approached the Highland Council with a plan to set up a centre for 3,000 students of classical music and opera on the island, which has no mains electricity. This was quickly scaled down to 300. Shortly afterwards, the foundation accepted that Eigg was not the place for them.

Solicitor Simon Fraser, one of the trio who finally concluded the deal in Edinburgh, said: ''It was ordinary people everywhere who provided the money. It has been quite astonishing.''

KEY DATES

1996, late March: sale of Eigg cattle first hint island might be up for sale by controversial owner Maruma.

July 25: Highland Council offers advice on community-led buyout.

August 27: Public appeal launched. Community to work with the council and the Scottish Wildlife Trust in making a bid for the island.

November 4: SWT sends appeal leaflets to 200,000 members.

December 2: Bid of #1.2m rejected by Maruma.

1997, January 21: Maruma pays off his two estate workers.

January 22: Heritage Lottery Fund rejects grant towards purchase of island.

March 5: Renewed bid tabled by Eigg Trust.

March 13: Hong Kong-based businessman Hans Rainer Ehrhardt wins court order against Maruma to force sale of island because of default on a loan.

April 4: Bid accepted by Ehrhardt.

June 12: Date of entry.