PROPERTY developer and housebuilder Ruman Homes is diversifying into martial arts!
The Dollar based business, run by Mat Ruman and Kerry Jukes, is helping local rugby coach and jujutsu instructor Barry Munro achieve his dream business.
Having leased The Eagle Inn in Tillicoultry, a former public house which has lain empty for the past four years, the couple will transform the space into a modern gym and jujutsu studio, which will be leased by Barry.
In an ambitious development project, which Ruman Homes will project manage and deliver, planning approval has been submitted to turn the 170 sqm size building into the new studio, to be named Intensity.
Barry is well known in the local community as a rugby coach at Hillfoots RFC and Alva Academy. Having revitalised Hillfoots Juniors and grown Alva Academy’s rugby teams, he’s now bringing that same energy to his jujutsu club. Since 2023, Barry has had his own club within UGym, Tillicoultry.
Barry started with a handful of members and now instructs over 50 people. His team has experience success in both the Scottish and UK circuits, winning multiple medals.
“I am very grateful indeed to Kerry and Mat, who, in choosing to develop the Eagle Inn, and then leasing it to me, are investing in my business plans,” Barry said. “I have been keen for my own space for some time now, knowing I can grow my membership further, and attract even more local youngsters, in particular, to take up jujutsu, which is a fantastic sport for keeping fit, but also for supporting good mental health.
“In starting this new gym, I hope I can help local youths, who may have lost their way, stay busy and occupied in a positive way, with a new focus. They’ll find a very welcoming environment, where they can improve at their own pace. I’d also like to thank UGym for their continuing sponsorship which I very much appreciate.”
Mat Ruman from Ruman Homes added, “Not only is Barry a fantastic coach of both rugby and martial arts, he is held in high regard in the local community. It is our pleasure to help Barry realise his business dreams, whilst at the same time, the redevelopment of the old public house building is an importance step for us, as we move from domestic property development towards a more investment property focused business.”
Mat explained that the project will see Ruman Homes link up with Jon Frullani Architects in Dundee. “We work with John Davies, the architectural technician, who always brings a great deal to the table. It’s going to be a really interesting project, with one of the main challenges concerning the floor in front of the bar currently being on a slope. We think there was a staircase there at some point, but we really won’t know what’s underneath it until it’s lifted.
“Buildings of this nature can be a challenge, but we’re confident we can complete all the work, subject to planning approval, and have the gym operational by July.”
