The firm, run by Mat Ruman & Kerry Jukes, has leased The Eagle Inn in Tillicoultry, a former public house which has lain empty for the past 4 years. The couple will now transform the space into a modern gym & jujitsu 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, a Tillicoultry local, originally from Glasgow, is well known in the local community as a rugby coach at both local Hillfoots RFC, and also at Alva Academy. Having revitalised Hillfoots Juniors, and grown Alva Academy’s rugby teams, boosting numbers and success, he’s now bringing that same energy to his Jujitsu club in a new gym.

With his other passion being for martial arts, particularly jujitsu, since 2023 Barry has had his own club within UGym, Tillicoultry, Barry is a sponsored athlete with UGym, and will become sponsors of new gym.

Barry started with a handful of members, Barry now instructs over fifty people at UGym, a mix of children and adults, including Kerry’s 14 year old son, Baran in the discipline. Mat has also now taken up the sport. Barry’s competitive team has experienced great success in both the Scottish and UK circuits, winning multiple medals.

Barry said: “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.

“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 jujitsu, 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 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 would 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.”

Since it was established, Ruman Homes has carried out several significant projects, including the construction of two luxury, newbuild properties in Auchterarder, one for the buy to let market, with the other sold to a private buyer.

“Purchasing the land with planning in place, we set about creating practical and contemporary living spaces for families to enjoy, in a beautiful location. We focused on a high end finish, and in using as much of the space as possible. We were particularly keen to provide newbuild homes with extra storage space, as this can be lacking in most modern housing, so we included raised trusses to create a larger attic space. Both properties also had good sized gardens and driveways on a private road.”

“This development was very successful, with a timescale and scope of works that we are keen to replicate elsewhere.”