:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Dundee has its very own Neollithic stone circle – in Charleston.

I hope that the focus on the City of Culture can bring more of Dundee’s history that is one the ground (and under it!) to the fore.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Reading Rooms in Dundee - different from everywhere in the city, hidden gem.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city, Dundee has so much going for it- one of the top art colleges in the UK producing graduates who go on to be Turner prizewinners and scooping most of the awards at the London graduate exhibitions; a multi-cultural society that mixes well; taxi drivers who are full of amazing stories and knowledge; one of the driest, sunniest climates in the UK; gorgeous sunsets!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of city is like none other, we have an extinct volcano which is a beautiful landmark which gives us views for miles around the city and across to the kingdom of fife

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I absolutely love that even in South East Asia people know who Dennis the Menace is and are even more impressed when they find out that he comes from Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unassuming. Despite the magnificent setting, the wonderful cultural quarter and being the gateway to some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.

The courage and vision of the Council which have led to so many changes in recent years, have created confidence but lost none of that lovely unassuming and quietly courteous quality which characterises Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Don't let the reputation fool you. It's way out of date. Dundee was my home for 2011 and 2012 and I enjoyed every minute of it. A beautiful setting for a city looking out across the silvery Tay. I met many good people and the town inspired me to be successful. A part of me will always be from Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It feels like home

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the closest two football stadiums in the world.

<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> Dundee has changed itself so much in the last 20 years - from a city where you had difficulty finding a decent restaurant to an city full of fascinating museums , a pedestrianised centre with quirky statues and restaurants that serve good food. A wonderful site overlooking the wonderful river Tay!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the Tay. We have a outstanding feature that most other Scottish cities do not have.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its tenacity

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of higher education on offer in Dundee is exceptional, as attested by warm and enthusiastic student reports. World class research in a range of academic fields is recognised in the wider academic community and places Dundee University (including of course Duncan of Jordanstone College) among the very best available.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My first time in Dundee was on late november last year, when Christmas lights turned ON for the first night and there were this fantastic atmosphere in downtown!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of the most engaging, entertaining and diverse people. Every time I leave my house, someone makes me smile!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee International Women's Centre is the only multi-ethnic centre for women of its kind in Scotland. They bring people from many cultures together with classes and activities, provide education, training, social oportunities and information to women who would otherwise not be able to access them. It has to be one of the happiest places in the city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I always want to go back. Having had the intention of going to Dundee and getting out as soon as possible, but the combination of arts, design and regeneration leaves me seeking a return every time I leave.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much individuality in Dundee's art scene, it always surprises and amazes me. It's always encouraged, supported and celebrated by a fantastic (art hungry) community.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm from continental Europe and moved to Dundee for its world class life sciences sector (and the nearby Highlands!), however I now find that Dundee has so many things going for it. One favourite is lunch at the wornderfully eclectic Tea an Cake in the city centre - original, fun and friendly!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a very clean city with no rubbish lying around. You can be sure that wherever in Dundee you choose to go for a walk whether it be in town or surrounding areas they are always clean and well cared for

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Saturday lecture series at Dundee University is a fantastic venture which more people should be aware of. Snapshots of diverse and intriguing subjects for a wide-ranging audience

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's the home of invention and Dundee's its Scottish home

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are immensely proud of their city and the know how to celebrate its achievements. When Dundee United clinched the Premier League title back in '83 by beating their local rivals, Dundee FC, it was no surprise that both sets of fans celebrated into the small hours.
In what other city would this have happenned?

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Voices in Harmony is a choir operating out of Whitfield Community Centre. Membership is around thirty plus and growing. The choir sings acappella and is led by Sarah Harrop who is very enthusiastic and inspirational.
Gigs are performed across the city including Marryatt Hall. Recently the choir worked in collaboration with Dundee Rep to perform "This Town" in Verdant Works.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is some truly amazing and interesting architecture in the Nethergate and South Tay Street - one of my favourite places in Dundee. The glimpses of the Tay estuary through the buildings add an amazing dimension unlike any other in the UK.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the local creative scene and businesses.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love how Dundee is always sunny! It's great to be able to look out over the Tay and see the sun glisten off it and feel the warmth - it's a rare find in Scotland!

<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> There are beautiful views across the silvery tay with twinkling lights on the bridges at night even more beautiful from the Law Hill monument where you can see across the magnificent sights of the picturesque Bonnie Dundee. We also have buildings which have the wow factors such as morgan academy and mcmanus gallery and other beautiful features such as Discovery .

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best friendships I've had have been those which constantly redefine themselves over a long period of time. That's the way I feel about Dundee. As someone who was born here, Dundee is a place that has meant a variety of different things for me as I have grown older particularly within the arts. The Dundee Schools music programme is a great way to get people involved in music from a young age, giving you the confidence to develop into a talented young adult. The music scene has always been fantastic, with places such as beat generator, putting on local talent and the recent programming of WestFest during the summer months this is something that continues to grow. Music is just one example of how Dundee thrives within the arts, we have the literary Festival, the science festival and a festival of shorts for designed purely for children. This is unique as far as I am aware. The talent is not just imported here from all over the globe, it also nurtured here, in the young which is extremely important.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art and music in Dundee is imbued with a strong DIY ethic. The best thing that encapsulates this is the local art collective Tin Roof - newly established and expanding further across cultural territories; Tin Roof provides Dundee with a platform for artists, and musicians alike. Audiences and general appreciators of culture can expect the intimacy and refreshing rawness of grass-roots level art and music.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The abundance of hope, positivity and generosity of spirit apparent across every part of this city

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the commitment of Dundee's volunteers.....most hours of the day and night there are a band of volunteers helping out those who need support. I am involved with the Dundee branch of Samaritans which has been on the go for over 50 years. There are many of us out there doing all sorts of things in our own time to lend a hand or an ear to another human being....so don't forget about them!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Centre doesn't cover a very wide area but it has everything you'd ever need. Lovely and compact but with all the big shops as well as the lovely independent cafes for some variation.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is an established cultural asset, as a foreigner to Dundee I was surprised to find such an amazing cultural institution such as the DCA! But Dundee has many surprises in store, be it the whimisical statues on High Street or the art that surrounds you on campus buildings on a daily basis. Dundee is full of culture but never does it loose its rooting with its people and pretend it is something it isn't. That degree of down-to-earth-ness is surprising for a cultural city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love it when visitors to the city tell you how much they have enjoyed themselves being here and how friendly we all are.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In Dundee you can just be who you are.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The new McManus Galleries are excellent.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All Dundonians have time for you, even if, and, maybe, especially if, you are a stranger.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Student life - having spent 4 years there is a culture seldom seen at larger universities where all of the students socialise together regardless of course or faculty and this also transfers into fitting into the City. There is a pride in alumni that I have never seen from other university graduates.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views of the River Tay from Riverside Drive out towards the airport - especially at sunset!

The excitement in the city at the arrival of V&A and the changes at the waterfront - it's going to be amazing!! Can't wait till the Tayside House building is totally flattened.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone! Its a collective of things that makes the city great. There are plenty parks, ponds and the beautiful 'Silvery Tay'. Its a convenient and enjoyable place for families, couples, students and anyone who gives it a try! Easy to commute to and from. Ninewells is a fantastic teaching Hospital that is often in the news with the latest in science and technology.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's proximity to the beach at Broughty Ferry and the wildness of the Angus Glens (and mountains!) The friendliness of the people and the number of different things available to do with my children on rainy days. Even though I have never lived there, (my extended family did and still does) every time I visit it feels like a homecoming!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that is green, warm in the summer and has a good community spirited people. Having moved up from Plymouth 6 years ago and lived here with my wife in Tayside in a multicultural relationship I have been accepted as part of the community and has had few problems.

Dundee is a family orientated city with lots of family activities that are cost effective.
After returning from Plymouth when I see the sign welcome to Dundee, I get that feeling of being at home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like that Dundee has culture without pretentiousness;
that we have bands who play big festivals but still play in local pubs, and world class classical musicians playing in community centres and day centres for older people; and that I can be entertained on the way home from seeing Scottish Dance Theatre by a homeless guy dancing joyfully in the aisle of the bus while his mate plays a mouth organ.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people, the amazing views over the Tay, the Rep, the parks.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Only in my second year in Dundee, after going to the Fireworks display in Baxter Park, did me and my flatmate go for a wonder and found ourselves at the city quay. We had never known about it and were amazed, it was night time and looked amazing by moonlight. So we walked about and explored the ship near by....it's a lovely part of the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's history and how it has constantly been trying to build itself up to be a more positive place

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Seals barking on the sandbanks

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My birthplace and although I have not lived in the UK for 32 years when I return it is still my home. I have watched it's development over the years and at times have shaken my head at decision made by the planners and council. That being said I believe the new development plans are on the right track. The town has always been extremely supportive of the culture of scotland and of its own heritage.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A history that could compare with any other major city

<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> The supports of Dundee United are a very well dressed bunch. Kudos! Dundee, more than any city I can think of, deserves this title. A boost is more than due!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly city with close links between the academic institutions and the city supporting the arts and and exciting scientific activities, especially in biological and medical sciences. Punching way above its weight!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green - an inspiring open space that overlooks the ever changing river. A great place for meeting folk, exercise and relaxation.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a charity worker in Dundee I am constantly amazed at the number of people who approach me to join as a volunteer to support the people with disabilities our project works with. They are always willing to go that extra mile!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its cinemas and theatres - such good quality in a smaller city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> underwater harbour

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place is the The West End, a vibrant neighbourhood with small craft shops, local food shops and cafes frequented by students and other residents. There are lovely views down Windsor strret across Magdalene Yard Green to the rail bridge across the Tay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is: spring walks in Camperdown park, summer trips to Broughty Ferry, a malt whisky in an old pub on an autumn evening, in winter a frosty night walk up Balgay Hill to look at the stars.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for a year. Its a peaceful city with full of awesomeness. Bicycling around the city and nearby places was something I loved and I did quiet often when I was there. To be more specific, walking/cycling towards the Tay Port was always been a pleasure to me.

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