:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Dundee’s industrial history as a centre for textile production is apparent throughout the city. Numerous former jute mills remain standing and while some lay derelict, many have been converted into alternate usages. Of particular note are the Tay Works, built by the Gilroy Brothers c.1850-1865, Camperdown Works in Lochee, which built and owned by Cox Brothers, one of Europe’s largest jute manufacturing companies, and begun in 1849, and Upper Dens Mill and Lower Dens Works, built by the Baxter Brothers in the mid 19th century.

<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> 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 always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!

<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&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 discovered my love of independent cinema at the DCA whilst a student in the city. I had been eating dinner with friends and stumbled upon the small cinema in the building. That night opened my eyes to a wealth of thoughtful, original films - British and international - and I have since studied evening film courses and joined film clubs. All thanks to a fun night at the DCA!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's amazing how much the city is developing, The new waterfront with the V&A will be another outstanding addition to a fabulous city

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grants the butcher does the best mince.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that Dundee's law hill is actually a dormant volcano! And that it's got a secret tunnel through it! And that you can walk to the top for breathtaking views :-)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City of nature. Lush green, fantastic landscapes, stunning views of Tay from every corner of city. A city for nature lovers.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> history of the jute mills , history of the discovery.
dundee REP theatre, and the scottish dance theatre the inspiration the ambition and the talent from all people involved so much happening in this small city !!!
not to mention the DCA and McManus galleries just a few reasons of why i am backing DUNDEE :)
Dundee might be a small city but it has BIG things happening... past , present and future!!

<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> It sounds daft, but often when I'm in the queue at Tesco on Riverside, I'll have a look out the window across the Tay and think just how lucky I am to live in Dundee – with the sun streaming down the Tay, it really is a gorgeous view. The river has been underutilised in the past, but with the V&A opening, and the redevelopment of the centre, hopefully that will be addressed. And while Dundee has a great view across the river, those on the other side have a great view of Dundee’s skyline.

<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 council music and musical theatre provision. Fantastic.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> magdalene yard road gardens, on a sunny day, with friends, bubbles and laughter x

<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> its friendliness and fun

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated in a beautiful location. Easy access to Angus Perth and fiFe. No other town I know of. Has such a perfect Location

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual 'Dundee Blues Bonanza' is a great event for meeting people from all over the UK and Europe. Lots of bands, large and small, play in cafes and bars all over the City and also do music workshops, for young and old!! It's the biggest 'free' Blues Bonanza in Europe and this year is it's19th anniversary!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a hidden secret fae the west end o dundee, a man wa goes by the name alfie, the mans been entertaining fowk ah eez days wi eez patter and eez always dressed ti impress.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Caird Hall was the place where I went to to escape from being homesick when I studied there. Beautiful music was always a way to forget my woes. The building itself was something to admire.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Take a walk through Balgay Park on a frosty winter night. Wind your way up through the trees till the heavens open up above you. The observatory is there but you won't need it; the stars are close enough to touch.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Incredible Roll Inn on Whitehall Crescent, just a stones thow away from the new Waterfront Development and Neighbour to the Malmaison Hotel is a sandwich bar with a difference. Come try our tasty treats!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are so friendly. I get lots of foreign visitors at work and they all say this.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city!! My favourite place in Dundee is Camperdown park which I remember going to regularly as a child and there was so much to do, whether it was exploring in the woods, feeding the ducks, playing in the playpark or visiting the zoo.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I feel Dundee women have a deserved reputation for being strong independamt women as they have been since the days of the jute mills

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of broughty ferry, my home. I had wedding photos taken on the waterfront looking out to Dundee on one of the most beautiful days this summer. A fantastic memory in photos

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland is probably the greatest place and family in the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City has lovely walks down at riverside.

<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> 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> 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> Over the last decade Dundee has shrugged off its Jute, Jam and Journalism image for one of a technology, media and bio-science leader. A pheonix rising from the ashes of its past.

Dundee's progress is unlimately recognised by the decision to site the V & A museum in the city which is a massive boost of confidence for the city. Dundee should be awarded the UK City of Culture 2017 as a recognition of its transformation and as an inspiration to other cities that they too can re-invent themselves.

<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> I have always loved this city. When outsiders talked it down I always talked it up as they did not know the city as I do. I really enjoy the Blues Festival every year. No matter where you go, you always meet someone you know. Dundee is really a great city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me...thrilled to find Dundee is finally getting the recognition it deserves. It's always been Glasgow or Edinburgh, then later Aberdeen, to get any accolades going, Am I biased? Of course a little bit, just a little, but if we are/were really familiar with Dundee's history being a city of culture isn't a revelation.

<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 not the city people think it is - it is much more: dynamic, cultured, historical, international and at the forefront of research in areas such as life sciences or digital art (including video games). And all of this, near one of the most beautiful countryside and riverside backdrop!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is physically transforming itself at the present. As a centre for so much learning (education, science, medicine, IT.....) it has changed it's face!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing waterfront

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible welcoming I received by all sort of organisations and people during the period of my PhD studies and which made my stay in Dundee an unforgettable time.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The architecture! Some of the most gorgeous gothic and 18th century buildings, completely hidden. So much more rewarding and arguably beautiful when they are hidden amongst or disguised as houses/shops.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place that is reinventing itself.
Arts health, education, culture, history, geography and the people's of Dundee all contribute to to a strong identity and sense of
place for the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently started living here (moved from London) I have been struck by the warmth and very welcoming attitude from all those I have met - at work, the bus drivers, shop assistants, various tradesmen to name a few. The compact city has a great history with hidden gems around many corners. The old city walls to the west, a medieval house in the city centre now the Backpackers hostel, the incomparable moodiness of the Tay, RSS Discovery and of course the Unicorn. So understated, so much to shout about.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hub of knowledge, culture and innovation. People come from all over to participate in shaping the future of our city, country and general humanity.

<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> Has anyone mentioned DC Thompson's yet?! The Beano, The Dandy, The Broons... and my fave, Twinkle :) ... spawning the talents of Jacqueline Wilson, Alexander McGregor and Andrew Nicoll.

<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!

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