We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The bars and pubs are ace! My two favourites are The Art Bar and The Speedwell Bar (AKA Mennie’s) – quite different from one another but both very friendly, unique and wonderful.
The fact that 20 minutes drive in any direction takes you into fantastic countryside. Dundee is surrounded by beautiful hills, glens, lochs….. Great for outdoor activities. Hill walking in summer and snowboarding / skiing in winter (or spring this year!).

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The talent and prowess the city has in the technology and digital media sectors never fails to blow me away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's whaling history and the associated exhibition in the refurbished McManus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DoJ Art &amp; Design College (where I studied)

It doesn't have a fancy heritage like Glasgow or Edinburgh, therefore the students &amp; the staff have to rely on simply making great work and a lot of it. No sitting back and resting on old glories.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here when I was 17 to go to DOJ and I thought I would move straight home after i got my degree. 4 years later I am still in Dundee, and can truely call it home. There is loads going on and the people are 'braw'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two universities, a college, galleries, great pubs with live music, home of Oor Wullie and The Broons but has Desperate Dan and a dragon stalking its streets - what's not to like..?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green holds some of the fondest memories from childhood, messing around on the bandstand with my grandparents, playing football with my parents. When the carnival would come, I'd make my uncle come on all the scary rides with me (while my mum watched on in horror). Off to the west side, in a more overgrown area, my friends and I had a rope swing, which I consistently fall off (with enduring rope burns). Sometimes on a nice spring day like today, I'd like to go back to Dundee and magdalen green and give that rope swing another go.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every day I'm pleasantly surprised and enthralled by the breadth, depth and richness of the cultural activities and endeavours of the people of Dundee. Not just the large, and growing, artistic, musical, theatrical and literary community but the ordinary people as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee has to be one of the friendliest places I have been to. there is always a smile and a welcome and humour without the sarcastic aggressive tone that often goes with Scottish humour. Good luck Dundee URIT
<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 Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, as part of the University of Dundee, is ranked among the top art colleges in the UK for research, and led the country in student satisfaction surveys. As a testament to the quality of Education provided at DJCAD, its students have won more awards at the London New Designers exhibition than students from any other institution in the UK for two consecutive years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is an amazing place in the city centre where I have taken part in many workshops, used the dark rooms and been to many amazing performances and exibitions. It is also a great place to meet your friends for lunch, hopefully in the Sun and you can even catch a movie.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much to be surprised by about Dundee. It's one of the most beautiful settings in the world. The people are open and friendly and have wonderful spirit. it's packed full of Creativity across Art, Dance, Film Making, Music, Theatre and more. There is so much to engage in as audience, participant, practiitioner and student. There is wonderful partnership working within the Arts . Excitingly there is the potential for SO MUCH MORE!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views, the wealth of culture, and the warmth of its people. Dundee truly is a Historic City and the V &amp; A is coming to a prestigious location in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are two paintings in The Pillars Bar depicting the sacking of Dundee during the17th century by General Monk's troops. Seeing these as a young man gave me a lifelong love of the history of the area and that is why I became a fine-art curator.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The very fact that fans of United &amp; Dundee can easily share a pint on match day without the ugliness of other derbies. Derby days can produce terrific dundoinan banter amongst friends. Neil Forsythe portrays this kind of banter well in his bob servant books
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing I like about my city is walking through a wonderful diversity of shops in the centre of town, then five minutes on any bus takes me to the outskirts of of the town to a marvelous countryside that surrounds us with the River Tay flowing past on the other side
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden beauty of a past industrial city surprises me every day. I am new to the city, having chosen to study in Dundee over the other cities that the UK has to offer, and every time I travel I am stunned by the beauty that the city has.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't feel the need to try and prove itself - resulting in a very chilled out and welcoming atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the sport in Dundee is good, there's lots of activities you can do for everyone :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A very strong artist-led community, with events at Tin Roof, Generator and WASPS studios.
<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> Dundee is the kind of city which never ceases to surprise even its own citizens. When I heard we were in the running for City of Culture, my first thought was "Yes, why not?" we have had so much to offer over the years and so much still to offer; art, music, scenery, setting, "couthieness". We deserve the chance to show the rest of the world just how great we are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The burgeoning independent film scene (Closure, Location Scouting among others), the home of Yuck'n'Yum,lots of local bands, Ickle Film Fest, the Dundee Comics Day, the creativity of Dundonians clearly attracts more creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This beautiful little city of mine, I have lived here all my 66yrs of life, It never ceases to surprise me it grows better year after year with all our redevelopment of the Waterfront which will be fantastic when finished, to the V&amp;A which will bring in loads of visitors to our city. We have a wealth of great things to do, like the D.C.A, REP, Verdant Works,New swimming baths,Ice Rink, Discovery ship, music venues, loads of restaurants, Our great Universities that bring young people from all over the world. The great singers, song writers and actors that Dundee has produced known world wide. And off course the Dundee people well what can I say none better world over .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible array of highly detailed building facades - all one has to do is LOOK UP!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first time I went to Stage 2000 I was amazed at how such a vibrant place could be hidden away in such an unpromising building. It definitely needs funding and a spruce up but as it caters for a massive age range from primary school beginners to seasoned old codgers with attitude, it deserves a higher profile and recognition. You can book on-line and the costs are very reasonable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So much within the city and so much around the city - a diversity of countryside - river, beach, hills etc. - just minutes away. Wonderful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ever since my wife and I moved to Dundee, we have been delightfully surprised by so many public lectures on various topics in the forms of Saturday Night Lecture Series, Arts Cafe and Science Cafe. I had my favourite book singed by the author in one of the lectures. In addition, the City is full of exciting galleries, restaurants and cafes, many of which are used for the public lectures. Surrounding the City, there are so many breathtaking natural sceneries, which are very much intellectually stimulating and at the same time emotionally comforting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee isn't an 'obvious' place - you have to dig a bit deeper than in other major cities. Once you do, you start to find places like Generator (pop up exhibitions by emergent visual artists) you see Performances in community centres and other strange places (by the Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre) and mini festivals for families all across the city. The difference is that you need to seek it out. You need to talk to people and make connections. Communicate with people and Dundee is one of the most exciting places you'll come across. It's all there for the taking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In a work capacity, I was asked the other day for details about Dundee as the lady had not visited before, i.e. accommodation with the city centre. I ended up sending a rather long email, about how accessible Dundee is.
We have a great bus and train service in and out the city, there is plenty of great value for money places to stay from hotels to small B&amp;B. For catering, there are fantastic places to eat (think of a food and you'll probably find you can have it somewhere in the city). Great shopping for us ladies within a 1 mile radius. There are free places to visit such as McManus Galleries, Mills Observatory, Broughty Castle, DCA all within walking distance or a short bus journey. If you have have a love of the outdoors and wish to relax, again only a short distance and accessible there is, Camperdown Park, which includes a Wildlife Centre, Baxter Park, Templeton Woods, a lovely sand Beach at Broughty Ferry (cant visit without stopping off for an ice cream at Vissochi's). There are also many acitivities in and around the city, whether it be via sports development, creative learning workshops, easter hunts and of course not forgetting the Dundee Flower and Food Festival (an annual event), if you visiting Dundee, be well assure Dundee Is Worth It!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's commitment to research and development, that it welcomes all with the friendliness and generosity with her citizens are renowned for. What surprises me is how surprised visitors are at how much to see and do there is here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No Body's Fool..... Dundee is the peoples city. Bordering now on all sides by Dundee relocaters Inclduing heading up the coast to Monifieth and beyond....invergowrie and Inchture and beyond including Newport, Tayport and St Andrews. Dundee has a great surrounding of People offering artisan, cultural and musical ideas and delivering something special for and too our City.
To me Dundee has it all .....too small to be a big shot and so different that you canna forget her!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> First of all Dundee has a wonderful location as it is located on the River Tay estuary, close to the North Sea. Secondly the people are very friendly and co-operative with whom we never felt that we were foreigners. It has several worthwhile places in its vicinity like St Andrews and the Scottish Highlands. You can also very conveniently go to Edinburgh and south to England.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved Dundee's people and their accent. It took getting used to but I soon came to love it and the many words I never knew exsited.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I still find it amazing how many creative people live and work in Dundee. I am always hearing about someone new working in the creative industries e.g. at the Pecha Kucha nights in Dundee. These are great nights to find out more about what talented people are working here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing warm feeling I get when I see the Tay road bridge as I approach my hometown on the train.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What i love about dundee is Balgay park, the gorgeous hidden forrest trails, the wildlife living there, An observatory, the ancient graveyard you can explore for days, the haunted bridge ... the rose garden...i could go on. I have spent so many weekends of my life swinging on those brilliannt swings overlooking the gorgeous greenery of the hill. One of the best parks i have ever been to and a real dundee gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite enduring economic hardship in Dundee throughout the ages, Dundonians have been remarkably resilient in their stoic defence of human right and civil liberties. When then rally call has gone out, we have banded together, worked as a social and culture team to withstand and survive adversities. We are now in the process of, once more, evolving into the 21st Century as a major, global, technological player.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history to be proud of, and so many positives to look forward to. I love the views across the River Tay, the ability to see the whole City from The Law and the abundance of green space The vast changes that have taken place in the past 100 years from the 3 J's to manufacturing to biomedical and gaming hub is astounding! Dundee is just big enough to keep you excited, but small enough to retain a sense of community and you 'cannae walk aboot toon withoot bumpin intae somebody ye ken!'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a beautiful city with a surprising amount of things to do for a city of its size. It has a large amount of independant shops, cafes and bars which add extra personality to the city. The student life is amazing, tonnes of things to do, most things a walkable distance away from the centre/university campus, lots of support and events from the University, great resources with the Library, DCA, ISE Gym. Dundee also has the Science Museum, Art Museum, The Discovery and it is the home of The Beano and The Dandy!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having worked and travelled around the UK &amp; further afield, Dundee has its own unique personality. For example, it's nigh impossible to stand at a Dundee bus stop for any length of time without a fellow traveller striking up a conversation with you. It's been a city for a long time but it still feels like a big village.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer welcoming atmosphere from the people who live there. I'm not a resident - in fact I live on the other side of the globe. But I visit frequently to see family. Every time I visit everybody I meet in the city is extremely friendly and welcoming and eager to chat it up. The people are amazing and I have yet to be received the same elsewhere in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonian's really have a great banter, our sense of humour is second to none, and we are unique in that OUR 'village' follows the 'one degree of separation' rule - everyone knows someone, who knows someone. Also, regardless of where anyone stays or works in the city, you're only ever 10 minutes distance away!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people. Everyone here is so friendly! The beautiful sunsets over the River Tay, and the beaches too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Aberdeen &amp; Grampian Chamber of Commerce wish Dundee the best of luck in becoming the UK City of Culture.
The City of Dundee has our full support as the only Scottish representative.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here in the mid 80's to study and didn't leave! Dundee is such a beautiful and vibrant city. I love it's distinctive language, history, architecture, amazing music scene and close proximity to the sea, to name but a few. Most of all though, I love the people. Dundee is full of friendly, creative and very talented people and in my opinion the perfect choice for UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The airport is a treat - 5 minutes from check in to take off - and that's without a private jet.
<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> I recently moved to Dundee, the first thing that struck me was the friendliness of the people and the 'village' atmosphere even though it is a city. I enjoy the interesting architecture and street art depicting the history of the city ... or just for fun. There are so many events hosted to share knowledge in the sciences and arts - science cafe, saturday evening lectures, comedy clubs, many of which are free to the public. The Discovery point, McManus gallery, Science museum and other museums also add to the interesting things to do. Not least also the view across the Tay to North Fife is spectacular. I moved to Dundee from Switzerland and find that my life is actually richer and more varied here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Universit yof Dundee Saturday Evening Lecture Series is Scotlands oldest continuous free public lecture series, celebrating its 90th Anniversary in 2014. Each event sees between 200 and 800 members of public from across Scotland attend, sparking debate on many different topics. The people of Dundee are always very keen to support University activities, and we work closely with Dundee City Council and V&amp;A at Dundee among others to ensure we bring the biggest and best speakers to our campus!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Braithwaites coffee shop. It's like stepping back in time!
<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 depth of creative talent in Dundee is something we should be immensely proud of, and we should be making more of a big deal about it. There are tiny gigs and exhibitions going on all the time in the city, and you never have to look far for one. We have so many talented people and they are so often overlooked.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful situation on the banks of the Tay River. Still some lovely old architecturaly pleasing buildings. Upgraded macmanus gallery with excellent exhibitions. Dramatic site of The Ship Discovery with excellent exhibition and attractive visitor centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way it has constantly evolved as the traditional industries have changed with the times.
Lots of hidden secrets,some well known assets.
The rich musical heritage furthered by talented singers,songwriters and performers who just want to share their particular talent with people,not for riches.
The Finlathen aquaduct a hidden listed building taken for granted but an important reminder of a rich industrial past.Also a well known local battleground for the various"tribes".
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Broughty Ferry is one of Dundee's little gems, lovely little seaside village, great little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the quintessence of quirkiness and that's why I love it. Independent bar Clarks on North Lindsay Street is my favourite place for a night out- a rare gem where people go to have a great time with friends and strangers alike, with good prices, excellent music and a genuinely friendly vibe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible generosity of spirit in the people. Unseen at first, but just waiting to be uncovered.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city which deserves to be recognised as the UK city of culture. There are various reasons for it including the various interpretations of the term 'culture'. In terms of cultural capital, there is a lot of cultural diversity within our communities, which come together through public fora and work of the organisations such as our primary and secondary schools, two universities, college, Dundee Rep, DCA, McManus Galleries etc. One has to just google 'what is on in Dundee' to realise that we have various cultural events everyday and every individual in the city directly or indirectly plays a part in making this city so culturally rich. The arrival of V&amp;A is going to put us even more prominently on the world map as the cultural city of not only UK but the world. We strongly believe that Dundee is THE UK city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have studied twice in Dundee and lived there for three years. It's a friendly welcoming place, full of real people. I knew very little about the place when I went there but would recommend it to anyone. It is an unassuming place with lots to offer. The fun is in discovering all the things that make Dundee unique whether it is historical, cultural, the scenery or the weather!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so impressive. Scenery and Science!!
What a great place to learn, work and meet incredible people!
I've loved my time here and I can't wait to see what the city will look like in 10 years time.....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the city's proud attitude thats why we always surprise people with the welcome we give them!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing beats the magical feeling during the Universities graduation ceremonies in the Caird Hall and City Square in June. Graduates and their families and friends fill the city with colour, celebration and culture. These celebrations start for me with the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show earlier in the season - you get a great sense of creativity, potential, excitement and the ultimate start to a cultural summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always blown me away. From the first time I came to look round DJCAD as a hopeful student-to-be in 1994, this sunshine city floored me with it’s warm, genuine, open and friendly nature. During my time in the City I have witnessed several rebirths of it’s landscape; from the pedestrianisation of the City Centre, the demolition of the Nethergate Centre, the transformation of residential areas such as the Ardler Village development, and the opening of the DCA in 1999. It has a determined spirit to change and progress and look to the future. Dundee’s renaissance is seemingly unstoppable. It’s driving force, the folk that make up the Dee’s colourful landscape are gritty, determined, creative, edgy and hopeful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I relocated to Dundee from Glasgow 10 years ago and I love this city. It has everything, restaurants, shows, casinos and lots more.. Loads of stuff for the little ones too, from the Science Centre to Camperdown Park AMAZING city to live in
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way Dundee is situated next to the River Tay. It is different everyday. You can see a seal bobbing along or an oil platform being towed out to sea. It also gives great views when you're higher up in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I attended the College of Art in the 70's and afterwards worked for the City Council for a short while. I was always impressed by the friendliness of the people and the richness of all art forms. After some time I revisited the city lsst year and the growth in arts venues and performance was fantastic. Dundee has worked hard over the last 30 years and deserves recognition for it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic food spots on offer! The overall vibe from the city is great!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Magdalen Green Bandstand on a bright morning standing majestically looking out over the Tay - surely one of the most picturesque views in Scotland...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the city, its only 1hour away form the mountains, glens etc
<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 people of Dundee possess a good mix of enrgy, self-reliance, enthusiatiasm, community spirit and a certain toughness in the face of adversity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Some of the best assets of Dundee is it's small bars and cafe's. They are very inviting and have a great atmosphere. Due to Dundee's landscape there is many hills which give you tremendous views over the city centre and the Tay. Dundee also has many fabulous parks such as Baxter park. The best thing of all though is that everything is very central, so it's easy to get everywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amazing ancient archaeology under our feet, just waiting to be discovered: the medieval burial grounds under the Auld Steeple; the mystery of the Bronze Age Balgarthno Stone Circle, and the McManus Galleries with their unique collection of Pictish monuments inspiring us to gaze into the past and wonder who? what? and why?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is second to none in Dundee. So many versatile and hugely talented bands and individuals who contribute to many artistic streams within the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We Dundee... A city brimming over with design, creativity and optimism; warm and welcoming people with resilience and determination to succeed; fantastic jewellers, artists and designers (young talent: Scarlett Erskine, Leanne Evans, Hayley Scanlon); creative entrepreneurs like Vanilla Ink and the Fleet Collective where collaboration and talent ignite; the Parlour Cafe and Jessie's Kitchen; so many shows, exhibitions, festivals and events from the universities, the Rep, the DCA, the theatres, the galleries &amp; museums; and a stunning location to live, work and enjoy. My Dundee is fabulous!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heritage assets that the City has are enviable.Not just the decor of the traditional but magnificent museum but the historic cultural assets of the Verdant works and the football teams which capture the city's own history of immigrant Irish labour in Victorian times.
Dundee's cultural history mirrors much of Scotland's but its "discovery" reveals its own unique ingredients.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the sunniest places in Scotland (when the sun actually shines) and looking out to the Tay, especially from the top of the law, is always breathtaking.
<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&amp;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 amount of talent that originates from home grown routes right here in the city and makes an impact both within the city and world wide. The potential and capability of the people is extremely inspiring and should challenge us all to work harder.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived here all my life and can see the changes in the city, we have a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population, and Dundee continues to grow and evolve. Dundee has struggled against a negative image that it does not deserve, and communities are gaining strength and resilience through local projects and volunteering. Dundee used to look tired and old-fashioned when I was growing up, but the new developments, cultural sights and Overgate shopping centre make it a place that people come especially to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I studied at Duncan of Jordanstone art and design college. The diverse culture and variety in Dundee made it a great place to live in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place with interesting little pockets of history from the Howff graveyard to the Mcmanus gallery and surprising little art deco details of some forgotten old buildings. I like looking out for all the little bits of public sculpture as well - I think the penguins heading for Discovery are my favourite!
<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> Dundee is a strong community which is full of people who are more than willing to embrace change to the city. It has got a great mixture of old and new and plenty of things to do for all ages. Plays, musicals, dance, sport, live bands, art, great restaurants, bars, pubs, shopping, outdoor activities, parks, woodlands, beach, the tay, with plenty more on the doorstep how could you not love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing ability to reinvent itself, grow and thrive. Our georgraphy means that we have to make an effort to connect with others and make things happen. You can see that in our history with Jute from Pakistan; Marmalade and oranges from Seville; and today we reach out with our imagination and creativity; Stem Cell research and the V &amp; A @ Dundee. What we create - shapes us! Dundee continues to transform - our city and our culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's gritty determination. It's a city that just won't back down, always looking forward and has a belief in itself.
And the best fish suppers can be had at The Silvery Tay in Menzieshill!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, beaches, the Tay, its location, gateway to the countryside, Perth rd pubs, cafes, students and multi-culturalism.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is eternally encouraging towards the cultivation of new groups and ideas no matter what the subject matter is. I make cartoons &amp; comics, a big part of that comes from Dundee's comic publications I read when I was young!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A little city with a big personality, there are so many individuals working towards a culturally rich Dundee. I would love to see a collaborative approach to a creative physical and spiritual wellness collective in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walk along Dundee's riverside on a summers afternoon, wind blowing gently, ice cream in hand and admire the best kept spectacular vista in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think the judges would be surprised at the number of parks that are in Dundee City - Camperdown in particular is beautiful and has something for everyone. The McManus Gallery, Verdant Works, The Law and RSS Discovery are but a few attractions that are well worth a visit. Dundee City is not just grey buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Hill - a lovely walk, with nice views across the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Vibrant, ambitious and determined. That's how I'd describe the city and one of my most favourite Dundonians. This person whom I met 20 years ago was part of the set up of King Tuts and was a part of the city's nightlife scene for many years, he then went on to be an instrumental player in T in the Park. He thinks big, as does Dundee and I love that!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from The Law, the hub of the City. Each view is like the spokes on a bike with different cultural experiences awaiting in every direction. The South to the city centre the bridges and beyond the Tay to Fife. The South East to the grassy beach and the delights of the Ferry, and the bombs and biodiversity of Buddon ness. The East to Arbroath the birthplace of Scotland and the great beaches and cliffs of the east coast. The North East to the invention of the Bridie ,the Angus Glens and wild adventures, the North to Golden Eagles and the heart of the Highlands, and the North West to Birnham and Macbeth country. Finally the fantastic view to the West of the Tay Estuary of the Tay winding its way to the heart of Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The forward thinking of the City Fathers in developing the waterfront.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Echoes of history from the proud jute mills turned homes - colour and style in a modern landscape
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spending 4 years with an eclectic group of students, from across the globe, engaged in learning, interaction and growing up. Formative experiences were the foundations for what we have subsequently become.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a student at DJCAD the city offers so much in the range of influence and inspiration, that's why I love it here, there's so much to offer for students at the uni. Shame the V&amp;A can't come quicker.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly People
new independant shops opening

Events - Free Dundee Uni lectures on a Saturday
<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> There are so many kind people when I walk round the city centre. Who open doors, help me with the pram up stairs, or if I look in difficulty. Photo is of the gorgeous view from my house of an oil rig arriving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Cannae beat a proper Dundonian cultural experience in the twa Clarkys- starting with Clarks live music bar on Lindsay Street for the most bangin' new folky vibes you'll find in Scotland and a few pints with the local belters. Best followed in the early hours by a peh wi a panini fae Clarkys 24 hour bakery (Scotland's finest 24 hour eatery). Glorious
<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> It's a great city for walking in. A 30 minute stroll can encompass wonderful waterfront views, a gallery or museum and a great independent cafe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of ethnicities in the city who all love Dundee and see it as their home. This is due to the warm, friendliness of the people who were born, live and work here- making it a joy for others to live and be a part of. There's a general sense of community when it comes to improving Dundee and a great excitement for what the future will bring!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The students are super uber friendly and engaging. They will always be the first to inject energy and spirit into any and all projects within the Dundee community which only strengthens the bond between the people of Dundee and its connection to its fine educational institutes.

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