We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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University – I wouldn’t have met my awesome girlfriend or any of my university friends. Dundee’s a great place full of friendly people, fun things to do and places to go. Very often underestimated!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the wonderful location on the Tay estuary. The views across the Tay from the city are tremendous as are the views from the Fife side. I also love the sheer Victorian quality of the city ---the large jute mansions , substantial public buildings and streets of tenements. The city has a vibrancy with DCA , the McManus galleries and the Rep. The new riverside project will add to this vibrancy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the advantages of a city, all the cosiness of a town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the wide variety of culture from ancient history like the Discovery to the new V and A coming to the city.....the Hutton Institute does some wonderful work across the world. The McManus Gallery has Picasso coming to it shortly...where else could you find such diversity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking out of my office window on a bright spring day makes me so glad to be Dundonian. The calm, still waters of the beautiful River Tay, beyond Seabraes Gardens with flowers in bloom and benches, invites you to sit and contemplate. I am inspired by the serenity of this City, safe and peaceful. There is an open &amp; honest nature to the people of Dundee reflecting it's surroundings. The University campus in the heart of the City is a hive of learning &amp; activity for many cultures and nations with no barriers. I am proud to be a Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Proud to be from Dundee. A city with not only a rich past for creativity and culture but a vibrant future through 2017 and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people - I've never met friendlier people in my entire life. Walks down by the Tay and afternoons spent on Magdalen green on a sunny day are unbeatable!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There really is something for everyone, music with the likes of the blues festival and loads of gigs, fantastic theatre both amature and professional, a variety of fine art or easy access to both urban and rural environments
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee as an undergraduate in the 1990s and grew to love the place like a second home. As a historian Dundee has many a fantastic story to to tell in social and maritime history. There is a wonderful walk around some underground chambers, that was conducted by by Professor Charles McKeand in the day, I believe the city flooded in the late 17th Century so they just built on top of it and as the flood receded the old chambers opened up; just one gem of many!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The number of amazing shops, cafes and attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the abundance of independent shops and businesses...true entrepreneurial spirit in our city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has contributed so much to the story of Britain. When it has done so it has done so without making a big noise about it. Dundee in its culture is hard-working, entrepreneurial, daring and resilient. Its character of modesty, coupled with its humanitarian and internationalist outlook, means that few outside Dundee appreciate what Dundee has done for Scotland, Britain, Europe and the wider world because Dundee has not boasted about it. Geographically, Dundee has been quite insular giving its culture a very distinct and individual character which, to the outsider can seem quite dark and obtuse, but humorously so!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of cultures and people in the city. For a small city there are lots of different peoples here. This is reflected in the shops and the langauges you hear on the street, shows that Dundee people embrace equality and diversity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of live drama and dance available at the Rep thetare but also from a number of amateur groups both in the city and in the close surrounding areas such as Carnoustie, Monifieth and Forfar.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me the most about Dundee is its music and art scenes; for such a small city, there is a huge amount of creativity, from arts and music collectives, to several galleries. The DCA and Hannah Maclure Centre show great exhibitions and bring great people to the city. Its the hidden treasures of the underground gigs and the Generator Projects that are treats and should be recognised, not just by the other people in Dundee, but for everyone who visits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> went to dundee to see the leonardo exhibition. it was wonderful but I was surprised at how wonderful the city was also. go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry has to be Dundee's best kept secret. Great beaches, great restaurants. It has a castle for christ's sake! ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There was a bookshop once, new to Dundee, but boy was that place embraced. Attracted a really varied cross section of the region &amp; everybody got involved. It was only as it was closing that it really hit home how much it had become part of the cultural fabric of the city - in reality it was only bricks &amp; mortar, it was the PEOPLE who made it such a great hub.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I would like to thank Baldragon Academy for the opportunities they have presented my daughter in her first year there. So far she has been successfully involved in the football, basketball, netball, and heptathlon and cross country teams. She has also taken part in the National Rock Challenge competition, Dundee Schools Art Festival in four different categories, sung in the Gold Leng medal competition and getting a main part in the school end of term show. Academically the school have also encouraged her to excel in all areas of the curriculum making her a confident and successful individual.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is always trying to make things happen with visions and plans that will take years to complete but the passion is clear to see. It is full of innovative and creative businesses and individuals that are putting the City on the map on an international level.

That coupled with an ideal location with access to amazing scenery right on our doorstep just makes Dundee ideal.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I don't think this is classed as a "hidden secret" but it's something I hope will be highlighted as part of Dundee's cultural activity - the annual blues bonanza held at the end of June each year - purported to be the biggest free blues festival in Europe, and hugely popular with the artists and audiences alike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the weather the sunniest corner of scotland. all the new changes going on its going to look fab. the people and the good clean air makes dundee special for me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fabulously diverse city, with a vibrant arts scene, from great productions at the Rep to outstanding exhibits at DCA, and the newly refurbished McManus galleries. There's always something to entertain, challenge and excite.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of great places to eat. Cafes, restaurants throughout the city. Anything from a quick snack to a wonderful meal. Especially seafood at The Blue Marlin.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many hidden architectural gems (despite the removal of so much of the historic centre)!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I worked in a city centre office in the shadows of the McManus, a highlight was my lunchtime walk up the Law - my Nearest Faraway Place. After walking straight up the "Conshie", past the university and the old DRI building, pausing briefly at the top of the Law to admire the spectacular panorama, it was back down past tranquil allotments, down Inverlaw Place and through Dudhope Park, complete with castle, back refreshed for the afternoon work ahead. Quality time!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> ...the huge pot of creative talent and the wealth of optimism in the city generally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A pint in the Snug Bar on match day. Having Banter with the lovely colourful ladies at Fellows Barber Shop. Fine Italian Beer and coffee in the historic Cafe Borsa. Live music in the Fishermans Tavern. All day breakfast at Cafe Rodi. Dundonian Seagulls, they are good chaps if a bit mental.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What I love about Dundee is the sense of equality that runs throughout the city. No one person acts like they are better than another and this gives the city a refreshing and welcoming feel.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The miniature bandstand on the Perth Road
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not Dundee born but live here now and will continue to. Not sure how exactly to put it into words, but I feel there is a feeling in Dundee of 'we're all in this together'. With that attitude, a lot could be achieved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee 5 years ago after living across the world.

What I love about this city is it's ability to evolve, to change with the times and to reinvent itself.

Above all it's home to me and my family and will always be home no matter where we are in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Without the chutzpah of Dundee Scotland would not have a games industry. As Scotland's leading games research publication, we strongly support Dundee's bid!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How since going to university, every time I come home something new has changed; in the last few years Dundee has become confident, and proud of itself! And obviously the all-night bakery is Dundee's biggest hidden secret...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians themselves. When in the city talking to peers often they overlook the vibrancy, riches and uniqueness of what the City has to offer.

The usp of the City and it's developing drivers is that: the City continually renews and evolves with the changing environ, no longer should the city be thought of as the City of Discovery and the 3 J's for Jute, Jam and Journalism, but that One City Many Discoveries, and the drive and development in sectors of bio medicines, digital media, renewables, developing culture - DCA, The McManus, Dundee Rep, the impending V&amp;A Dundee.

With that said, take a Dundonian out of the City, and it is inspiring to hear how positive an ambassador they are for their beloved home City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I left Dundee around 8 years ago and when I returned I barely recognised the place, what a transformation!! It makes me even more proud to be a Dundonian!! Well done and good luck.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a beautiful setting on a wonderfully rich estuary with the Law standing majestically over it like a jewel in a crown .

It is kith and kin, seat of ancestors and souls gone before, heart, warmth, fond memories, friends, and the dawning place of my family.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a past student of UoD, I can honestly say I would have rather gone nowhere else. The best student union in the UK and a strong student culture that is really celebrated by the entire city. Dundee is a city with the best parts of a busy city and a friendly town, the community really gets together and is united through love of their hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly people, diversity and surrounding beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lovely arty city with friendly people, close to the sea and the hills. There is also a thriving student community supported by Dundee University which is a first class University
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much is going on, from band gigs to comedy shows with everything, including drama and ballet, in between. Since I came to Dundee nearly 30 years ago, I've watched it transform from an ugly duckling into a swan, from something of a "cultural backwater" to a great, exciting and entertaining place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite being a group of amateur musicians, the Dundee Symphony Orchestra is fantastic! Utilizing the Caird Hall's magnificent organ and soloists from around the UK, I think it is a hidden gem!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love that it's cooler than everyone thinks when you dig a little deeper.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The plentiful times I have walked from the bustle of the city, along the waterfront, and spotted a little seal pup sunbathing near the Discovery in the coldest winter weather, have always warmed my heart. I love the contrast of the bustle and buildings with the tranquil nature, the city centre with the waterfront, the observatory and parks with the technology park.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I believe that Dundee has so much history and plays an important part in other countries throughout the world with its contribution to science, technology and the arts throughout the years and continues to do so today. With recent community development/regeneration, I am impressed that we are still incorporating our history in to modern design. Well Done Dundee!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing place with amazing cultural scene- and welcoming friendliness. I arrived in Dundee in 2000 from abroad and immediately felt welcome.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ease of travel. The DCA, handy city center and a great university city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry Beach - minutes from the City Centre
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It always has something new to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the sunniest city in scotland for many reasons.. most of the important things in my life happened in dundee, I grew up there, made friends for life and met the love of my life.. lived, loved, and laughed. its always in my thoughts and always in my heart.. a very special place that grows better and brighter with each return visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The team and young people at Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee city centre - amazing, top quality youthwork going on. It's like a family. Also the wee garden in the middle of Perth Road, opposite the university, with the miniature bandstand. The flowers are always lovely and the view is brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has inspired me to be everything i can be i live in Fife but attend university. The university of Abertay Dundee has helped me in my career to become a marketer thanks to the outstanding support through mentoring and teaching i have receive from DR Jason Turner the head of the marketing &amp; business programme at Abertay. I have met some tenacious and determined individuals who innovate and bring their business ideas to life with great support from Abertay. Thank you for inspiring me to be all i can be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always had unique character, attitude and humour. The setting is undeniably beautiful and the creative, academic and scientific talent unquestionable. However, it's the singular spirit, which has carried the people through some dark times, that will make the next phase in the city's life so amazingly, beautifully, quintessentially Dundonian. What does that mean? It means that it will be carried out with real conviction and no bull****. We have been viewed as underdogs for so long that once we are given the platform to shine, we won't take it for granted. And we have the best accent ever.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Seeing The Rings of Saturn for the first time from Mills Observatory on Balgay Hill ....... guided by Dundee's own municipal astronomer !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is very nice because of firth also there are a lot of parks. What is more there are lot of places to have fun with friends such as Dundee Law Hill where you can meet sunset and sunrise. People are awesome, so kind and always ready to help. I have never met such a nice people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is making such an effort to modernise with its riverfront plans.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has long been the central hub of video games development in Scotland. The days of 300 employee developers are gone, but in their place a thriving, vibrant community of smaller developers has emerged. More agile, more creative and more suited to the constantly changing world of video games. It's an exciting time for Dundee. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A beautiful &amp; peaceful cycle route, with fantastic views across the River Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm surprised there is not more opportunity taken by the council to have cultural events throughout the year. It is good to see the city developiong though and with the V&amp;A, the new City Square, etc., there is an opportunity to continue to develop a different side of the city. The City of Culture tag has done well for other cities it has attached itself to and would be a real boost for Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is the best city in the world and where I was born and most of my family live. Best schools and football team in DUFC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The energy and buzz in the city as the waterfront development progresses as well as the vibrant culture in the city with some great venues - The DCA, The Rep and the McManus all spring to mind. The addition of the V&amp;A is going to be fabulous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way that Dundee's communities embrace creativity as a tool to bring people together, to break down barriers and to look positively at what the future might hold.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden away and oft underrated Dundee is a really beautiful city with a huge amount going on for its size. The Tin Roof which from the outside looks like an abandoned warehouse is actually a studio which holds some awesome galleries and exhibitions, with live music, food, drink and bonfires which give it a vibrant festival atmosphere in the middle of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its friendliness and fun
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How every day I see the city from a different more beautiful angle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene!
In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful play to stay a beautiful place to visit and has a fantastic group of citizens , we have lovely hotels, nice eating places good bars and great night life, 2 football teams an ice hockey team, lovely places to visit in the city and surrounding areas, a great setting on the banks of the river Tay which is currently being developed with attractions to match including the new V&amp;A museum to learn more get yourself here you won't be disappointed
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are a number of extremely talented amateur dramatic and musical groups and societies in the city. Dundee Rep boasts an excellent professional repertory company which, I believe, is unique in Scotland and rare in the UK as a whole.
<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 rich heritage of the city represented in its buildings, museums and archival collections and the significant cultural renaissance in Dundee since the 1990s (perhaps best articulated by the creation of the DCA and the development of the city's 'cultural quarter').
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is large enough to be a vibrant city, but small enough to still have a small-town friendliness. I work in tourism, and visitors are continually surprised by the overall attitude of Dundonians - it's what keeps bringing people back to the city, and why I'd rather be here than anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is my hometown and has always been a friendly city. It has hugely improved since the 60s. Its great attractions with the two ships , The Discovery and The Frigate Unicorn. The music festvals and our well known Ninewells hospital.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a real and loveable second home to many students, like myself, who study here. I am in my second year at University here and I am still discovering new parts of Dundee and the countryside surrounding it. The view points particularly over the Tay from near the observatory at sun down are absolutely stunning and is one of my favourite places to be. There are many inspiring lecturers and mentors attached to the universities which make me proud to say that I am spending my student life here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The shining river Tay in all its moods and the 2 bridges that span it. We also enjoyed the dolphins swimming round the children in Broughty Ferry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay park because of its views across the river tay and observatory. Its good for walks in summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was a student in Dundee many years ago and recently visited the city. The city has changed so much - not in terms of the buildings, but in terms of the vibrancy and the general feel of the place.
Dundee is a compact city with a lively, creative arts scene, with the added benefit of being right next door to beautiful countryside and coast.
Above all else - Dundee is moving forward!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Culture is more than just art, theatre and buildings it is also about history and social morals and I believe Dundee is second to none on these areas.
1777 Dundee Joseph Knight a “Negro” slave won his freedom from his master Wedderburn when he successfully argued that “slavery was not recognised by Scots Law and runaway slaves (or 'perpetual servants') could be protected by the courts, if they wished to leave domestic services or were resisting attempts to return them to slavery in the colonies”. This was in effect abolishing slavery 100 years before the UK Parliament.
Dundee also has Mary Slessor who moved from Aberdeen to Dundee at the age of 11, Lily walker and many many more who stood up against tyranny and injustice to change the political and moral culture of our city and our country to make it more caring and equal for all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Rep, been delivering great theatre for years and has a commitment to the community excellent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of cultural activities and sites available in and around the city. From fantastic architecture (buildings and bridges) to a whole range of galleries and parks, to the theatres, cinemas, concert halls, football stadia, etc. Not to mention the mighty Tay and Macgonagall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The river is becoming such a feature of the City - great place to be and it is going to get better!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the people. The Blues Bonanza
Gardyne's Land
Chalmers' adhesive stamp
P53 - identifying what cancer is about
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the perfect sized city. Everything is close and you can walk the distances easily or take a bike. The location is also perfect. It's close to the sea and at the same time close to the bigger cities and the Highlands. A walk along the river Tay when the sun sets is always special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My son Don Nicolson and daughter Cindy Nicolson were both born in the city. Don is a singer songwriter who won Dougie McCleans songwriter of the year award a few years back, and plays solo gigs all over the place. Cindy is also a singer songwriter who sings solo and is a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter with the group Mamasbaby which plays all over Perth and dundee, the highlands and toured europe as did Don. They are very talented people and come from a long line of musicians. My father who died at the age of 37 from cancer was a singer song writer too and he was the trainer for the under 21s Osborne team in Dundee back in the 40`s.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Reading Rooms - consistently one of the best clubs in the UK and a veritable institution which continues to keep the torch burning for underground music. Little known fact - its predecessor Homeless was voted one of the top 15 clubs in the world by `The Face', at the time the most influential style magazine. What's surprising - it has survived when all the odds had suggested it shouldn't. The heart and soul of weekend nights in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local knowledge of the staff at the VisitScotland Information Centre(Tourist Information) is astounding, helped us get our feet in a City with a fantastic amount to DISCOVER!!!!

Discovery Point and RRS Discovery is also very good, built by dundonians for scientific research!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's people are it's greatest asset. The vast majority are helpful and honest. It's been said that if you're lost in Edinburgh and ask for help, you'll be giving directions, in Glasgow they'll draw you a map, in Dundee they'll get in the car and take you there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duke's Corner Beer Garden, The Blues Bonanza, The Botanic Gardens, The Continental Market on a summer's day, the cycle route, the City Square, the generousity and enthusiasm of people like Charlie Kean, the DCA, the live music scene, the Rep, the warmth of the people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many great things this small city has produced that have changed life for the btter not only in scotland but the world over
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live and work, has great links to other cities and places throughout Scotland. Its also one of the sunniest cities in Scotland!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a black medical doctor &amp; horonary Scot who graduated from University of Dundee at the millennia, I want to lend a supporting hand to Dundee's bid as City of Culture. Ninewells continues to be innovative, Dundee continues to embrace diversity and is a champion in believing in and bringing out the best in people. Our beautiful city has been transformed over the years sprinting into the future where others follow. She is warm, Eco friendly, appealing and is everything a modern city should be. We would be delighted for this honour to be bestowed on us.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a fantastic cultural depth which has integrated itself into the fabric of the city - the people who work full time in offices and building sites but make music with their friends in studios and pubs and halls at night; those who discover a love and ability for writing and poetry through attending writer's workshops and gaining support from others at literary evenings; and the artists who encourage each other to expose their work to strangers. In Dundee, this is all multigenerational and not bound by class.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> T Ann Cake! The best coffee and cake in Dundee, brilliant decor and you're always greeted with a cheery smile. Doesn't get better than this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the individual shops in areas like Broughty Ferry &amp; in the West End. Such a refreshing change from other cities. Also the Cheesery in Exchange Street in the city centre - we need more places like this in every town &amp; city. Dundee sets a great example
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much going on just now - the city is on the up. New buildings, future landmarks and an energetic creative community will ensure the city is an exciting place for residents and visitors now and in the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee sunsets are its secret, reflecting off the the river, within the sky and within the summer air enjoyed over a glass of wine enjoying friends company after a busy week in the beer garden at DCA or Dukes Corner or in your own garden. Dundee's a beautiful city with so much to offer but so often overlooked. Time to celebrate this wonderful place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have so many talented designers based in Dundee and seeing their work in the Telegraph is great! Local people are really proud of homegrown talent. All the old architecture and Dundee's history is beautiful &amp; fascinating.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&amp;A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its dynamic internationalism
<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> Dundee Literary Festival. Something for all ages and supporting reading.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much creative talent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's got a great location, lots of history, culture and vibrancy and is a great place to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are very welcoming and friendly people, Also the history of Dundee is very interesting.
<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> The resilience of the city and the people - we keep geting knocked down and we still show a unity to keep going until we succeed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university is so good
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City of Dundee has the current 'Scottish Hairdresser of the year' Kay McIntyre who is now in the latest member of and the only Dundonian in the British Hairdressing 'Hall of Fame'
Its also the only hair salon to have won a Regeneration Award and Commendation by the British Civic Trust...Oh and you get a great hair cut too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views across the city and across the Tay are ever-changing and always inspiring. I'm sure few outsiders would think of Dundee as a beautiful city, but everyone who's been here knows.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the whale oil an' the stoor

it's in the blood - way down
in the depth and the darkness of our river
you can feel it coming in
like a distant whispering in the wind
blowing in wi' the haar from the north east

it's in the sweep of the girders that cross the Tay
over the wide expanse of water

it's in the re built bridge that took us forward
to the re discovery

it's deep down
with the feeling of pride
in the building of ships
for the whalers
in the hard grey dockyards along the water's edge

the ships that connected us
with the world beyond
and reached out
to the furthest away places on earth

:)

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