We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Years ago, a guy who (asked to) push beside us in the queue at the Mardi Gras, bought us a drink as soon as we were all inside. He then quoted what has become one of my rules for life – “It’s nice to be nice.”

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lazy summer days at Magdalen Green. Chilli dogs in the Phoenix. Taking in an exhibition or two at DCA. Sun (decent amounts of it). Friendly attitudes. Fiddlers in Mennies. The Mandarin Garden (self proclaimed best chinese in scotland). Beaches on your doorstep. Countryside at your backdoor. The openness to change. The Big-Little city. Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The historical buildings, the Scottish culture, the use of traditional teaching aids in the University, the lovely River Tay, and when I was there, a new casino opened!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I first came here as a student in 2002 and after 4 brilliant years moved to Glasgow and then Edinburgh for work. But loved Dundee so much I am back and thrilled to see the city has moved on. The Universities, Shopping and Industries, although well established are on the up and I can only see positive things for Dundee and the surrounding area.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The community spirit. The stories people tell. The willingness to get involved in creative projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community full of caring, artful, sharing people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing live music scene. There is something to suit all tastes at a number of great venues. The Blues Bonanza is an event Dundonians can be proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and raised in Dundee but had to leave at the age of 17 for work. I have travelled all over the world and been to some amazing places but there's no place like home. I know that I will return I love Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people never cease to amaze me, like my late father Denis Naulty, who had such a passion for for the city, its history and civic wellbeing.....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> At first it always feels like something might not be 'right' for Dundee but there's such a diversity of people and interests that anything you want to create or do, you can find an audience for.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm constantly surprised by the huge amount of history in such a compact area, and the almost hidden current developments in area like art &amp; technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the sandy beaches at Broughty Ferry, the RSS Discovery in dock, and the Sidlaw Hills as it's backbone. What's not to like? Add to this the uniqueness of The Law which overlooks much of the city with the Mills Observatory in Balgay and you have a very special city indeed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's location at the mouth of the Tay offere unparalled natural beauty and light unlike any other.

The natural sense of pride the locals have in their city is well-deserved, it has incredible history from it's exporting days, fantastic educationional establishments today and a never ending culture of change in the lifestyles and culture of its people.

I lived there, first as a student and then working, for 17 years. I love the place. Sitll do. The best friends I have in this world still live there. There's a reason for that too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The architecture hidden in plain sight in the city centre!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is an architecture lover's paradise! The past wealth of the city is clear to see in the architectural beauty of so many buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having returned to Dundee after 12 years I am constantly surprised it how Dundee has changed for the better. It has become an articulate and confident city, one that I am proud to say I come from.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That the Tay looks different many times each day - and always beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in the city until the early 1990s and still enjoy visiting regularly. Now there's a much more diverse cultural life, great restaurants, good retention of the city's heritage alongside all the amenities required for modern urban living.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is special !!! Because it the only place in the UK that houses a great and creative acting and dance company in one building . Dundee Rep Enssemble and Scottish Dance Theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre is a place to be proud of .!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's historic roots are hugely important. Everywhere you go in the city you can catch a glimpse of fascinating parts of our history - you just need to know where to look. There's the group of five historic 16th Century houses in the High Street known as Gardyne's Land and the Wishart Arch which is built into a small surviving section of Dundee's 16th Century city wall. There's the award winning Verdant Works jute museum and Scott's historic Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. It also boasts the frigate HMS Unicorn which is the world's last intact warship from the days of sail, and the North Carr, Scotland's only surviving lightship.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An English friend of mine lived in London and said he drank in his local for four years before the regulars spoke to him. He visited Dundee once, ended up in the Jimmy Shand of all places, and said he was sat at the bar ten minutes before being adopted as a native son. He loves Dundee and thinks the people are as friendly and welcoming as he's come across anywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's full of creative people from a variety of disciplines
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a buzz about - new architecture resulting in amazing buildings that the world should share
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In 1901 the RRS Discovery was launched from Dundee and took Captain Scott on an epic joiurney of discovery to Antarctica. What I find exciting about Dundee is that it is now the city itself that is on a journey of discovery with the people of Dundee as the crew.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strength of Dundee women, passed down through generations. Can do attitude.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich amount of history. Walk off any Main Street and find something. Eg. Cemetery in centre of town, law hill, verdant works, unicorn, Tay bridge. Wherever you go there is history shaping the city,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always pleased to see so much activity to meet new people and discover what projects are happening. There is so much excitement to do with innovation and design. There are so many beautiful things that made so many creatives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance is based in Dundee and is the only training centre of its kind in Scotland. It is not recognised enough!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not sure about a hidden secret, the secret seems to be the combination of contrasts that enrich each (besides the emerging strengths of "real" culture):
The Tay, different from all heights and angles (foregrounds of beautiful parks (Balgay Hill, Magdalen Green) or industrial heritage or multis or Meggie's Centre);
Buildings old and new of different uses (the Mecca Bingo beside the church, the mosque among the old jute mills, the new university buildings beside old houses, the medieval arches under the pub back exit);
And then the "real" culture as it spreads throughout the city: Scottish Dance Theatre and Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Community Theatre in the Rep, small scale viewings in the DCA and Hannah Mclure Centre, school competitions (art and music).
Not sure this helps (sorry)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's always evolving!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the hustle and bustle of Saturday afternoon. Always changing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> having lived in the city off and on for sixty years, the Dundee of today is evolving into a modern 21st century city. Twenty years ago, that seemed unbelievable....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great new music and bands
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendliness, great music scene, lots of creative people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic little city, great energy and richness especially in young artistic community, tremendous sense of history diversity and investment in the future
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magnificent St. Salvador's Church in the Hilltown is a little-known artistic and architectural gem - the only one of the famous Victorian church designer Bodley's churches in Scotland. Set in a challenging neighbourhood, it has extended its ministry of lavish worship and social action to the Hilltown for 150 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for a weekend break 39 years ago and never left. All those beautiful green parks with stunning countryside on the doorstep. Four theatres and two museums and a planned Arts Centre( now the DCA) offer plenty to do. The people always were,and still are, welcoming and friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heritage of Dundee and how we have progressed so far in a few years to adopt culture, art, fashion, education to such a high standard. But still keep ties to our history as a hard working industrious city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian I'm not surprised, just proud, of what Dundee has to offer in terms of culture in the broadest sense. A prime example was the late lamented Michael Marra, whose genius lay in delivering the people's culture with dry Dundonian humour (listen to If Dundee Was Africa, Muggie Shaw, Hamish) as well as universal observations (try Happed In Mist, Hermless). See also how he inspired other local artists such as Vincent Rattray and the many groups he collaborated with at Dundee Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> can't think of a better place to live and work
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> countryside on your doorstep
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The pride of being home to 'the world's worst poet' William McGonagall. Taking a walk by the riverside you get to see the immortal words of the sage like McGonagall carved in stone next to his beloved 'silvery Tay.'
A city with a sense of humour.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has everything we need in terms of culture: we have the DCA with it's exhibitions and workshops and the cinema which brings films not always shown at Cineworld. Both cinema's have regular showings of live opera from the Met, and cineworld had regular showings of big rock bands. Soon we will have the V&amp;A which I'm so looking forward to.

In terms of leisure we have a brand new swimming pool opening soon, and Dundee has two major league football clubs and several amatuer clubs. There are many great places to eat like Marco Polo in the centre of town and several Indian and Turkish restaraunt up the Perth Road. There are many places to drop in for coffee and home made food like the wonderful T An Cake (not sure I've spelled that right) There is also a wide variety of shops including tradtional shops like Braithwaites who are sellers of teas and coffees from around the world.

Last, but not least, is the setting of the city itself: there are many green spaces with Camperdown Park as the main place to go for a picnic and a stroll, there are the walks along the Riverside, and there are the beautiful beaches at Broughty Ferry....and beyond, the coastal scenery going toward Monifeith and Carnoustie.

I came to Dundee 25 years ago to College and much has changed in the city since, except it's friendliness and welcome of the outsider. With the two universities and colleges and the Duncan of Jordanston School of Art, Dundee is a cosmapolitan city, with students from around the world and Indian, Pakistani, Polish and Romanian folk settling in the city and rubbing along together very well. Dundee has many churches; a beautiful mosque and a Sihk Gudwarra. This melting pot gives the city it's richness and expansiveness.

I now live across the water in Fife but feel Dundee is my city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a foreigner who has settled down in Dundee, I found Dundee very accommodating to internationalism. It's not surprising. Having the advantage of our harbours and wharfs, Dundee is used to welcoming visitors. The Dundee International Women's Centre has been servicing the international community for over 40 years. I love living in Dundee and the cultural diversities and dynamics here excite me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Close community and group of friends, a smaller city bringing more of us together.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When the sun even hints at coming out, magdalan green and balgay park become the local hotspots with a guaranteed brill atmosphere. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that continues to grow and develop with the times. Dundee has an ineresting history from whaling, the famous three J's - Jute, Jam and Journalism to developing the gaming industry, art, music, writting, science, drama, dance and sport. We also have the exciting prospect of the V&amp;A development which will bring with it more job opportunites and strengthen the industry and culture. There is something for everyone in Dundee - McManus Galleries and museum, the law hill and its panoramic views of the city, the Mills Observatory, Broughty Ferry beach (and the famous Visocchi's for homemade icecream), The Rep, Verdant Works, Sensation, The DCA, Magdalen Green and the bandstand - the list can go on and on. The general atmosphere and friendliness of the people in Dundee is something that is always a pleasant surprise
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Waterfront developing into such a beautiful and state of the art area from what was such an industrial start. It proves with investment and creative thinking a 'sow's ear can be made from a silk purse'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> broughty ferry beach
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Read a book called "The Big Picture - Cinemas of Dundee" recently. What struck me was the amount of cinemas sprang up in the really early days of cinema. Dundee really embraced the new culture of the time - we can spot a worthwhile trend! Glad to see the DCA continues this tradition today - there is always something to learn in that building.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location, location, location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the few places in the world where an adventure can be found behind every corner. I often describe Dundee as the worlds biggest village- everyone seems to know everyone. Yet, on the other hand, Dundee offers enough experiences to feel like the world is on your doorstep through cuisine, art, culture, music and Education.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view, from riverside you get stunning vistas of the Tay and Fife, from the Law you get stunning views all around. The people are intelligent, engaged and forward thinking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I meet several people during my forty days visit to Dundee. one person i would like to mention specially Dr. Laszlo from CTU, University of Dundee, UK. A lot has been learnt from him, politeness and smile on his face, the way he treated us as his students. I bow and regard him from bottom of my heart, UK will be remembered and discussed always because of the royal behavior of its people for all. The world can learn from Dundee how one can behave as human.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always loved Dundee. It is welcoming , warm, humorous, and enthusiastic. AN impressive location and important in the history of Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Jute, jam and journalism made Dundee, so they said in school. The real hidden secret though is the people, they make it! And, the Highland cows on the way in, the DCA, the University, the Beano, the Tay, McGonagall's poems &amp; the V&amp;A one day! It's a hidden hub of creativity. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The multitude of traditional music sessions hidden away in tiny local pubs where the music, people and real ales are welcoming, friendly and always enjoyable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of the jute trade
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most welcoming and Dundee is amazing :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over this past year or so I have become interested in independent retailers and discovered Dundee has many of these hidden gems dotted about town! Each one unique and welcoming for you to discover on a journey of your own to find some hidden little treasure that you don't find amongst the chain stores...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A stunning location and city full of hidden gems that can surprise and delight you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved up here from the Home counties Kent ,the garden of England to Dundee some 13 years ago. Away from the mad rush and no time for this and that.
The people in Dundee are so freindly and helpful they seem to have time for one another. It has a relaxing feel to the place and made to feel very welcome. It has a great deal to offer something for everyone, and iis at an exciting time with the city wide future development projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite the double recession Dundee is building for the future. Great things are happening to our city and it will be great to share them with people beyond Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had never visited Dundee before moving here for Art School in 2004. Since then I have made it my home. The best bit about Dundee is that it feels like a big village, you're always bumping into someone you know. Yet, as a city it has lots to do. The thriving cultural scene is rivalling Glasgow and Edinburgh and with all the new developments it will only get better. Once you get used to the Dundonian accent the people are great, so friendly and fun :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My recollection of first travelling out Strathmartin Road by tram will always stay with me. I am pleased that the tram depot is to be reopened as a transport museum. The tram cars were very sociable, they were where you met people, and found out what was going on. The secret was the way the turned, the conductors has to reverse the seats, and the driver changed ends!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonian people have a very friendly which has often led to the most interesting conversations on the bus!
It never fails to surprise me how helpful people can be when you need a hand.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the Dundee Laws - Amazing, the people are friendly and welcoming and a great place to live.

Both Universities have been wining awards for all stuffs and now it is time for Dundee to be UK City of Culture for 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view eastwards down the ancient Nethergate, with the spire of St Paul's Cathedral in the distance, is one of the country's most dramatic and under-rated street vistas.
<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 have lived away from Dundee for 5 years and every time i go home i see changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's esplanade provides some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland - its beauty is such that every time I view it, it leaves me lost for words like the very first time I experienced the 'Silvery Tay'.

One of Dundee's greatest assets is simply being able spending time on the banks of Tay. In the mid to late 1800s tourists travelled for miles to marvel at the spectacle.

'The Dundee Esplanade is unrivalled for cycling purposes, and it is truly the cyclist's delight,' says the full-page advertisement in the Dundee Directory for 1898-99.

'Be sure to visit the Whitmair Cycling Pavilion at the east end of the Esplanade, where cycles can be hired by hour, day, or month,' it continues.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is forward thinking in their ideas about what is best for the city. The work on the river front has been a great change for the aesthetics of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wee seceret thats hidden away in Milton St.. My art studio ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> IT's people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is that the people here stand up for their city. They wont hear a bad thing about it. Like any city it has it's good and bad points but dundonian's are very protective and loyal.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I came here as a student in 2006 and never left. It has every thing you could want, the DCA is brilliant with it's mix of cinema, art and educational resources. The REP is one of the best theatres in the country. There are nice places to eat, places to shop and the beach is only a short ride away. One of my favorite places in Dundee is the Howff cemetery. If you have had a busy day is a peaceful place to have a coffee and read a book.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an ever-changing city - re-inventing herself and surprising visitors from both home and abroad.

A totally hidden secret is part of the Castle Walls in the basement of an office in Castle Street, Dundee where I used to work.

McManus Art Gallery and Museum is not only an amazing building but filled with History, Art and Artefacts - a total treasure in the middle of the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are many 'secret' ballrooms in houses in the city with sprung floors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i like the view of coming in on the bridge or looking down from the law, the hidden history........all the hidden nooks for street artistry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each time I travel over the bridge by train, I am alsways filled with such pride being greeted by the simply stunning views. I've seen many a time where people have never travelled this way before are excited by the views, getting up out of their seats to try and see more, and the lovely comments you overhear people make, makes you smile from ear to ear :-) ...also, going down to Broughty Ferry Beach and watching dolphins - just wonderful. No where better in the world, and the sands and shores compete with any mediterranean coastline on a sunny day B-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a qualities that it doesn't boast about. It doesn't boast about the beautiful river, parks, buildings, people and even the wonderful weather. The people of Dundee are amazing and every day you meet someone interesting and talented. We ned to blow our own trumpets more.
As you walk around Dundee you see the most amazing buildings and art which you miss because they are a bit tired - give Dundee a polish.
Dundee has so many famous and talented artists show them off.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always inspired by the people in the City running their own businesses and getting involved in promoting the area - we live in a fantastic, innovative and creative place - its a stunning spot...I particularly love the architecture of our buildings!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The natural beauty of the City and its surroundings and the major changes that are happening in the City making it a great place to live !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are its best asset - witty, genuine and friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Access to outdoor activities such as paddlesport, in both kayak and canoe. There are many clubs locally offering access to the sea, rivers and lochs in a number of canoe and kayak disciplines. Many of them on a voluntary basis and at minimal cost.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an outstanding school's music program. Talented and enthusiastic teachers go to all of Dundee's primary and high schools weekly to work with children. The sheer quality of the music produced by the Dundee School's Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Rock Band, Percussion Ensemnle, Guitar Ensemble, Pipe Band etc etc is awe inspiring. These children are a massive credit to Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is amazing-something for everyone !!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City of Discovery, what an apt name.
There is beauty and history at every turn. A magnificent waterfront that has all the history attached to ancient ships for example the discovery, Captain Scott of the Antarctic ship.
Beautiful art galleries and a wonderful museum.
Dundee is a thriving city on the move.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very caring and friendly. I was so overwhelmed by the caring of neighbours when my mother developed Vasular Dementia. They were so good at looking out for her before she eventually had to go into care. I nominated one of her neighbours (and she won) a Wave 102 neighbour of the year award a few years back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love dundee ! I have lived here for a long time &amp; the people in the city are the best ! Hard working, kind,very funny, welcoming &amp; most of all very humble but still proud of their ever changing city. Dundee has wonderful artists &amp; musicians as well as well as very astute businesses. Let's celebrate them all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is its distinct character, as though it were an admired, trusty and respected friend to it's inhabitants and visitors alike. The city's bairns form the roots of this collective character that comes through in strength; it welcomes me home and puts me at ease. I smile and long to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Law Hill.
Always great to see when you have been away from the city for a while.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Tay, The Law, the bridges, the castles, the universities, the art college, the parks, the Nethergate, the V&amp;A, the Unicorn, the Discovery, the Lamond schools, Castle Street, the waterfront, the Hilltown, the mills, the history, the views, the people, the cake and the pies.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although living half way round the world in New Zealand every time I come back to catch up with family and friends I find that there is improvement from the devastation that prior city governance carried out in in 60s and 70s in the sake of modernisation. I applaud the improvements that are currently being carried out on the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from Dundee Law - opens up to the entirety of Tayside, the North and the Kingdom of Fife
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The tabletop gaming community! A great and growing group of diverse individuals, shops and organisations who help make amazing things happen in the city on a daily basis!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's ability to host cultural events at select locations. its rich young artists community, headed by the young artists themelves.
the scottish dance theatre and rep productions. the fact its under the radar for many outside scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer. I love the Agacan on the Perth Road. Simple, uncomplicated Turkish food with the bonus of massive portions. It's like a little section of Turkey tucked away on the bohemian Perth Road.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is set in the most beautiful setting, students, gaming, history beyond belief, Jute, Jam, Journalism!! What more could I say. Beautiful beaches, Winston Churchill Lived here!! William Wallace went to school here and we have Olympic champions too
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always surprised how Dundee feels like a smaller place than it actually is, with it's unique geography. I also like how proud Dundonians are of their city. And the waterfront development can only help make this city even better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has become my 'home from home' over the past 13 years. I moved here at 17 to study and have never left! I love the fact that Dundee is a city, yet it is right next to the countryside.I love running along the river front and strolling along Broughty Ferry beach with an ice cream from Vissochis. I enjoy admiring the views of Dundee from the other side of the Tay Bridge. I enjoy the buzz from the West End and the Cultural Quarter and the diversity of the people you meet here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of history and yet is a modern city with a great future and vibrancy. I love the simpicity of going down town and just having an urban adventure and seeing where we end up! The City Centre has wonderful streets, buildings (look up!) and the McManus is great to pop in or linger . The top of Dundee Law is different every visit and I love all the public art that makes Dundee a bit special don't forget the Victorian Parks where we can have fun, nothing beats Baxters Park on Fireworks Night!. We are very lucky to live and work here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We moved here from Lancashire 18 months ago because my stepson had been studying at Abertay University and during the many visits to see him, we fell in love with Dundee and the surrounding area.

We decided that when my husband retired, we would move here permanently. So we did! We have definitely not regretted one second of it.

It is a lovely area, the people are very friendly, the city is buzzing with lots of events. The money which is being spent on developing the waterfront area will make the city more attractive to tourists and residents.

I am probably looking at the city with a fresh pair of eyes, but we absolutely love it here. We in one of the outlying villages but I work in the centre of Dundee and we would never go back to where we moved from because it is just so much better here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I arrived in Dundee in 1966 as a student I was bowled over by the generous spirit of the working class people of the city. There was such an air of optimism then. Going back to Dundee as I do every year I'm shocked at the reversal of fortunes of those same people. The social housing stock being demolished, lack of jobs for young people. Showcase developments like the New Overgate are just a sticking plaster. Good luck with the Waterfront Project but I don't think it will improve the lives of Dundee's working class. The city's hidden secret are the city's poor and downtrodden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of animals at Camperdown Zoo suprised me. I had no idea there was such an extensive zoo in the middle of Camperdown Park! And the diversity and uniqueness of shops in Broughty Ferry is lovely, such a change from the high street. I lived in Dundee for 10 years and visit at least once a month, and it always feels like coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The museums and galleries, the cafés and bars as well as the talented artists, musicians and wonderful community spirit. When the sun shines the buzz in the air is fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student in 1993 and decided to make it home - a small, friendly City with an abundance to do and entertain - from theatre at the Rep, to events for the whole family at the DCA and McManus Galleries. Whether your passion is for music, film, science, art, theatre or literature, there is something for everyone in this wonderful little city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The stories my gran told me of her time in the jute mills will never be forgotten. What terrible conditions to work under, for very little pay. The hard times they lived through made the women of Dundee strong but humorous, and a real sense of family. My gran's, and her parents, philosophy on family has been passed down the generations to my own children. Dundonian and proud.

:)

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