:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

I love Dundee’s attitude; fun and friendly with none of the pretence that you get from other cities. I think the thing I like most about Dundee is walking about, looking up and seeing some architecture that you missed before.
I love the Dundee accent, the building, the galleries, the pubs , the shops, the people, the history and heritage but most of all I love Groucho’s second-hand record and CD store. Magic!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unless you are from Dundee you might not always see it's name as being synonymous with music. You might struggle to hear the music in our accents and language. But when I think of home, I think of music. I grew up with a litany of bands past and present. I spent my weekends in bars and clubs seeing live bands. Dundee reeks of music, it's in the very stones. Songs have got us through hard times and good times. From a pakced out gig Blues Bonanza to a house party with a guitar it's who we are.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that it is geographically ideal. Within 90 minutes of the other three major cities, 20 minutes to the Angus Glens and 20 minutes to St. Andrews. Experience the city, experience the countryside, experience the coast, experience the golf, experience Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm most supprised by the amount of hidden gems, which many people simply do not know about, from the buildings/architecture, if you spend some time looking up! to the attractions and then on to the diversity of the open spaces and mixture on the doorstep. How many other cities can boast a beach, sea front and river bank, a volcano, universities and vibrant cultural quarters, not to mention quality attractions.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee rep have been at the leading edge of regional theatre for as long as I can remember. I grew up with so many great productions that I didn't realise how special they were and how lucky I was until I moved away from the city. It's not so much a hidden secret as a treasure hidden in plain sight, so much a part if the Dundee landscape that its easy to forget what a truly amazing resource it is.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved away 14 years ago, just moved back to the area, what a difference. So multicultural and diverse with some great redevelopment of stale and uninspiring buildings making Dundee a city to be proud of again.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, Dundee has presented the best music scene that Scotland has seen in recent years and hosted the best in art, computer art, animation and computer gaming.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came here in 2002 to attend University with every intention of leaving after...11 years on I'm still here plus a husband, 2 kids and a small but growing business. The diversity and choice on offer is something I want my kids to experience, enjoying a sunny but cold stroll along the beach at New Year or participating in many activities on offer. Dundee has been good to us I don't think we would be in the position we are in if we were somewhere else. Thank you Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite things about Dundee are the people and the accent! Friendly folk and a fab dialect! I'll hae fower pehs, twa sassidge rolls, a plen bridie and an ingin ane an a!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's music scene is different! I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's a lot of diverse musical activity in Dundee relative to its population size. For anyone interested in music and people, it elevates Dundee beyond its fabulous natural location. Maybe it's the geographical setting that inspires people so much. The air here is also good!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Mountain Festival! Always a great joy to go to. We are very lucky to hear and be inspired by epic adventurers each year, with the beauty of the great outdoors on our doorstep to enjoy afterwards.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was first dragged kicking and screaming from London to here by a Dundee girl 18 years ago but I have never regretted the move. I have watched the City transform itself over the years and I am really looking forward to seeing the completed waterfront and what will be the iconic V&A

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a creative spirit, and a many promising, developing creative industry. But I think that the most important 'hidden secret'of this city is the V&A museum and the configuration of the waterftont

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love RARA and the pretty vacant showrooms and the creativity it encourages through selling vintage and pieces from local designers. It's like a little treasure chest.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great quality of life - great little city with great access to countryside, beach, and bigger cities - best of all worlds. And it's the friendliest place I've ever lived. Lovely parks too, can't beat a sunny afternoon on Magdalen Green overlooking the sparkly Tay!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The botanic gardens were a complete surprise - an oasis in the middle of the city and my 2.5 year old loved it too!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History, warmth, calm and nice

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I cycle into Dundee from Fife I get this feeling... THE BUZZ... When I first visited Dundee in 2007, I couldn't feel the buzz. I now go for regular day trips to return home feeling inspired and creative from the real & lively encounters of the day. Nothing fake about Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University Gardens

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University's Saturday Evening Lecture Series - where town and gown meet, with no pretensions!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and raised in Dundee before moving abroad where I have lived for the past 28 years. It never ceases to amaze me how many lovely memories I have of the city and I have tried to pass these on to my children, one of whom is currently living there. Everywhere you go tells a story, be it the West End or the East End. As youngsters we went everywhere, Balgay Park, Baxter Park, Camperdown Park, Caird Park for the school sports and the cultural events were numerous!! I wish Dundee all the best in their bid. It's a city that never stops trying!!! My Bonnie Dundee!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Anyone lucky enough to see Gardyne's Land before it was turned into a Youth Hostel will know that Dundee was, once upon a time, a very influential city, not only in Scotland but Britain.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Discovering foody gems like 'The Cheesery' and 'T-Ann Cake' both on Exchange Street just a few hundred yards off the High Street.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of the city is fascinating

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Cheesery in Exchange Street is fab. Dorothy knows so much about the wonderful cheeses she stocks.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has so much to offer from historic interests right through to creative arts (games design companies) whilst having two internationally recognised universities making the city known far and wide.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many different things for a variety of ages etc.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Whilst I don't claim to know Dundee well enough to comment on the 'hidden secrets', I do plan to move there and find them out. What I like about Dundee is that it is not too big, is walkable in and around, has a lovely waterfront location and is brimming with potential. There are some cracking restaurants and lovely vistas all across the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How many interesting and creative people come from Dundee... Not least of all my husband and actor Forbes KB !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of science research and output from dundee

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the people are so friendly and happy to help! It really makes someone's day when someone smiles at you, it puts a spring in your step and that is what Dundee has done for me - given me the spring in my step and through the support of the many great people around me that I have gone on to persue my dreams, because they helped me feel like I CAN!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I was a kid all I wanted to do was get away from Dundee, there was nothing here I thought we could be proud of. Now, upon my return after having lived away for many years there's nothing I'm not proud of. The city is changing beyond recognition, but its sense of history and identity remains. It took me years to see the light, but all I want now is the best for Dundee and its people and to show the world what a great place this is.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Edinburgh, went to uni in Stirling and worked in other Scottish cities before coming to Dundee in 1989. What has kept me here is how real Dundee is ( oh and my husband whom i met in 1990!) I love the size of the city and the critical energy that seems to gather to support good things like the DCA and the enthusiasm to support campaigns like this. I work in Dundee and every day i drive in from Broughty Ferry i feel so excited to see the city taking shape day by day! Dundee has a uniqueness and a confidence that will continue to grow, it feels like the essence if Scotland because its comfortable in its own skin ( as well as the one that's being created !!!)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural history of dundee and its people.This year we celebrate the centenary of the death of Lily walker and acknowledge her contribution to social reform. There is a strong community spirit with many local events and festivals held across Dundee, which showcase the diversity of the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee went into an industrial nosedive in the 1970s, which I remember well. After many painful years it has emerged as a vibrant university town humming with energy, youth and ideas. It is wonderful to see old jute mills converted to artists' studios, to visit a refurbished McManus, to eat at the DCA and the Rep. The waterfront project is well under way, as is a physic garden being constructed by volunteers at Ninewells. Energy is the word !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The aspiring and positive nature of the city, coupled with the friendliness and incredibly welcoming atmosphere combines to provide a city which nurtures locals, guests and visitors alike, including the many students whom all grow to love their new environment.
There is an extremely vibrant social diversity throughout this city and a genuine excitement surrounding the gradual, yet very noticeable continuing improvements; revitalising OUR Dundee.
City of Culture 2013, 14, 15, 16 AND 2017!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How the city is able to retain its own depth of character drawn from its own cultural heritage whilst steadily and creatively adapting to the changes brought about by this modern age.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lively city minutes from sea, sand, hills and glens.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee is real, people from dundee are all real, raw and honest. there is no pretentiousness here. what you see is what you get.

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