We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Dundee, it’s no secret, some love it whilst loathing it but it’s always home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A great city - first class university in design, art and ground-breaking medical research. One of the few theatre repertory companies still active in UK. Braithwaites coffee and tea emporium which is one of Dundee's cultural centres. Superb location on the river Tay. Verdant Works and the McManus first rate exhibitions and museum. Well deserved location for the V &amp; A
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have a contemporary arts centre, a reportary theatre company, Scottish dance Theatre, The Scottish School fo Contemporary Dance, Duncan of Jordanstone Art's School, a Concert Hall, and a centre of world class journalism and medical research......How much more cultured can you get!?!
<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> 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.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As trite as it might sound the city's hidden secret is its people, their down to earth friendliness that so much has helped an 'outsider' like myself to feel at home from day one!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an incomer I have discovered so many hidden wonders, from her Industrail Heritage in Jute, Jam and Journalism to the strength and vitality of the women of the city, as Civil Rights and Trade union Leaders as well as religious icons. Dundee's history is a wonderful web of intrigue enriched by her people.
I love that the Universities integrate so well and add to that.
We have much to be proud of! A walk round Balgay Cemetery tells amazing stories.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spirit of inquiry and learning
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The growth of the University of Dundee &amp; the student activities it offers is fantastic. I worked in the students association for 4 happy years &amp; it inspired me to develop my career. I now live in New York!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Im always proud to say Im from Dundee and it almost always gets a positive reaction when meeting new people and if it doesnt its really easy to get people to think again about their views when sharing some facts about our history, music, culture, football team (DUFC) etc etc
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is smaller than Glasgow or Manchester, Dundee's thriving musical community is one of the best in the UK. The sheer quality of music that is being churned out and played in many of the live music venues is often under appreciated. It should be recognised and celebrated throughout the world!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Museums - Discovery, McManus Gallery, and Verdant Works are all fantastic visitor attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised at Dundee City councils softly softly approach towards the "Occupy Dundee" protest at the Steeple Church in the city in 201.They were so forthcoming that the occupiers agreed to abandon the protest before a costly eviction,which would have been a burden on the tax payer. In doing so the council offered the occupiers a building in Castle street as a base. I beleive that offer still stands,and the premises may well be used as a soup kitchen for the homeless in the near future.
<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> I enjoy the fact that the supporters of both big teams in the city get along so well before and after the Derby's in the local pubs. Both sets of fans want their team to win with a passion, but after the game they enjoy a pint and a chat together win,lose or draw.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After living in Dundee for over 30years the river continues to delight me. You can see it at the same time every day and it is never the same, weather , tide, time of year and light. It is so much an integral part of the city yet sets the city off. To the landward side of Dundee there are fantastic walks in the Sidlaws. Living in Dundee gives you the advantages of a city yet within 30 minutes drive you are in lovely countryside. An incredible combination.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That after completing my dance degree in Dundee I have managed to get a full time job with Smallpetitklein Dance Company which is an exciting and dynamic company based in Dundee. Under the artistic direction of Thomas Small the company has a successful international performance company as well as a diverse community strand. Everyday is new and exciting!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, and endless summer days of digging our allotment up on the Law, enjoying a BBQ and the amazing view over to Fife...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two aspects of Dundee do it for me. Firstly the youthful feel to the city. Evidenced by the welcome exuberance of the student population of the city; and secondly the architectural gems that are dotted about the city and are chanced upon quite often by accident.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great tourist attractions, museums, parks. Ideal for river walks and views. Interesting places to dine and ideal place to live plus it is easy to get to other Scottish cities from here. Great for shopping and lovely Botanic garden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having lived all my life here there is little that surprises me anymore. It's when I visit other cities that I appreciate the relative calm and lack of awful traffic in Dundee all the more.
<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> My strongest memories from growing up in Dundee are tangled in the city's wildlife, and the spaces that allow it to thrive.

I loved feeding the ducks, and netting for stickle-backs at Stobsmuir Ponds, watching the annual transformation of tadpoles into frogs in Baxter Park, catching crickets in the long grass at the Den O'Mains, seeing lazy seals basking on the sand banks under the rail bridge over the Tay, watching peaceful herons resting in low branches over the Dighty Burn and visiting the stately swans at Broughty Ferry beach.

The many beautiful parks and waterways in the city, and the beaches and walkways along our incredible river, provide spaces for wildlife to thrive and for our communities to come together.

I think all Dundonians share a strong connection to the Tay, the Law, Camperdown and the parklands across the city. These places are woven into our group identity. While they aren't always stumbled upon by outsiders, they are an important part of our cultural heritage and yet another reason why Dundee is a brilliant place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love when I travel along in Perth road with a double decker and I can see the beautiful river Tay with the clouds and the sun. My original hometown is a big,busy city so I could hardly experience the nature like this. Also I love the green grass.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The transformation! The huge amount of creative talent in the city is amazing &amp; really, still to be fully discovered!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a group, event or club for just about anything you can imagine.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Some beautiful old buildings, an exciting waterfront, good shopping streets, plans for new V&amp;A gallery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live. It has a wonderful collection of moods as the seasons and activities changes. Love the dolphins, sailing, students, schools and youth activities. So many clubs and societies with engaging activities at every corner. The University Library will love to create an even wider set of activities for the City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that the city has the feeling of a town, but still has such great amenities. We have museums, universities, shops, restaurants, parks, etc all so close together; for visitors it's an ideal 'no hassle' place to come and explore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I took part in Dundee's 48 hour film competition in 2012, which was an amazing opportunity to meet new people from different creative industries
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never fails to amaze me. From the jute, jam and journalism era to present day, its rich culture of down to earth, hard working men and women is a legacy that will live on. Dundee is a city with a small village attitude - well known faces in well known places - that's the magic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My wife and I have lived in Dundee since 1968. The transformation of the city since then has been amazing! Dundee has moved on beyond expectation in many areas of its life, including, education, medicine, research, the arts and culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Contempory Arts........Great venue, great food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city, Dundee offers everything and more than some large cities. As well as great shopping and numerous places to eat and drink, Dundee has many places where you can get away from it all. The many parks, the beach at Broughty Ferry and the Sidlaw Hills, all havens of tranquility when the pace of modern life gets too frantic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is gorgeous!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, Dundee has presented the best music scene that Scotland has seen in recent years and hosted the best in art, computer art, animation and computer gaming.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that is full of character. Having grown up in this city, I feel very privildeged to be amongst the best people in the world. Dundonians rock! Dundee is home to the three J's; Jam, Jute and Journalism which we couldn't live without. Additionally home to the best TK Maxx and Fudge Doughnuts (courtesy of Fischer and Donaldson) in the whole entire world. Dundee, I love you!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The law,a place you can see all dundee. The Bonney bits and the not so Bonney bits
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazingly close network of young up and coming designers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here at the start of my degree almost 10 years ago and I'm still here, despite now studying in Aberdeen. Dundee is the best place to live. With its ideal location I can get to anywhere else in Scotland easily, and the links to the rest of the UK are fab too. The people in Dundee make it what it is, and it has its own individual character. You don't have to go far to find lovely areas like Magdalene Green or Baxter Park, and there's always some great architecture (old and new) lurking round the corner.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage that spans millennia, from the Balgarthno Stone Circle to hillfort ramparts on the Law, the Dark Stane Roundie, the De'il's Stane, King Alexander I and his Queen Sybilla living in Menzieshill in the 1100's, the many castles around and into the industrial era and the connections to the world via the river and railways. Some of which may be gone, but need never be forgotten.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University's Saturday Evening Lecture Series - where town and gown meet, with no pretensions!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having moved to Dundee 30 years ago, I have witnessed a huge growth in our cultural ambition and confidence. This is in no small part down to the spirit of collaboration that exists and sets us up as a thriving centre of creative talent. As if that isn't enough, Dundee is set in a perfect location with great people that makes it a wonderful place to live and work!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> "The Speedwell Bar ( Ma Mennies'), Perth Road, Dundee
is one Edwardian public house that has retained its original shopfront and fittings, due to their exceptional craftsmanship.

One of the very few pubs in Scotland and the only pub in Dundee having been listed for the quality of its interior"
Adam Swan, Chartered Town Planner, Dundee District Council"

Built in 1903 on the site of a well for the Lord Provost James Speed the Speedwell is acclaimed in the Daily Telegraph (3/4/09) asone of the Uk's best 70 pubs.

Home of Dundee's William McGonagall Appreciation Society
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When Dundee chose to bid for Uk City of Culture 2017 nobody held it up for ridicule! We have believed in our city's qualities for a long time and the outside world is beginning to agree.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A great place to study and reflect on beautiful Scotland. People are lovely and full of their history too. I back the bid.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great little city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Climbing the monkey puzzle tree in Camperdown, 40 years ago and now watching my children do the same
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming from Edinburgh, I didn't know much about the rich history of industry and the variety in which it came in. But after studying at the university's art college for four years, I have learned a great deal about that history. I imagine a successful bit would help bolster and reignite the city's connection with what once made it a great place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee "law" provides a spectacular view to the whole city center and from which you can enjoy the amazing view of Tay River. The Law itself has a very old history whereby it was used as Iron Age hillfort and prehistoric graves dating to about 1500 BC have been uncovered on its slopes. Roman pottery dating from the 1st century AD has also been discovered (see http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/supportservs/dundeelaw).
<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 strong community spirit is a key feature of Dundee. I am constantly amazed at how the city has developed creatively building on the legacy of jute, jam, journalism, whaling, ship building etc. Learning from the past ... Looking to the future
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, just look at the view of our city we take for granted every day. Some people moan about our city, lets make a comparison when you compare our city to a lot of other city's throughout the uk and the world. Is it safe to walk our streets ? and we do like a good moan about everything but do we like it when people from other city's moan about us, so lets hear it for Bonnie Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden creative community which is so strong and friendly. It is very supportive, especially when you look at Vanilla Ink.
<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> The most spectacular view of any city in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The purple lights in the trees on Perth Road.

The DCA!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the river surprises me every single time I see it. Especially when it goes completely still, as the tide changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing that surprised me most when i moved here was the number of independent shops and restaurants, there are some hidden gems like Dukes corner for music and food. Just walking down Perth road there is hardly a chain store on show, with numerous independent coffee shops and small art stores. Its not all bad in Dundee at all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where would the city of Dundee be without it's truly inspiring son? William Mcgonagall: Often referred to as the worst poet by many.

"When the moon is fair and roond
Aw the fishes swim fae Ayr tae Troon
When the moon is roond and fair
Aw the fishes swim from Troon tae Ayr"

Truly the worst but also the best poet to have ever lived.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the inscription of McGonagall's poem about the Tay Bridge Disaster, along the pavement on Riverside Drive. It was a joy to literally stumble upon it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Family! Dundee is where my family and I were born, where we grew up and where I go home now to catch up and visit them all-that's why I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The building of a pioneering ultra-Low energy, autonomous studio in the Botanic Gardens of Dundee, by Masters Architecture students at Dundee University.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> we have the closest 2 football teams in the world. and dundee united are the only team in europe to have beaten barcelona everytime that we have played them in europe
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, by far the most alluring spot in Dundee is the Law Hill which on a clear day has one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Scotland. It has a timeless feel, being able to survey the remnants of the City's history with its factory chimneys and tenements and its future in the waterfront development. One can gaze in wonder at The Silvery Tay and the two bridges whch span it, taking in the Kingdom of Fife to the South and the Sidlaw Hills to the North.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of Dundee's size there is a massive amout going on culturally and otherwise. The city is renowned for its medical teaching and innovative scientific research and also for the D of J college which produces some of the worlds finest artists. This, mixed with the ever evolving music scene makes Dundee a fantastic place to live and visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, my home city, always has something new to offer, after 30 years here im still finding new things to do and see. :)
<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> A walk up the law never gets old.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think it's great that the sun shines so much in Dundee. Seeing Dundee from across the Tay with the sun shining on it is a wonderful sight. Every time you look you see something different.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a university city. It is multicultural, it is international. It has the sea, amazing landscape, nice amenities and a proud history. Above all, despite hard economic times, its people are simply wonderful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is very dynamic and currently the regeneration near the River is inspiring. Dundee deserves this accolade.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative resilience of the people. And how much I still like a peh.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> everything is within walking distance! encourages healthy life style :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved going to school in Dundee with the children's international film festival at the DCA. A pile of tickets for a bundle price and I was able to go in on the bus every day after school.... I was just sad that not more people knew about it at the time. It is great to see the more recent film festivals better attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history involved in any City but for me, Dundee is one of the most interesting. Being one of the first major City's to follow the French Revolution to fight for freedom, liberty and justice. With the most corrupt Provost in almost all of time Lord Provost Riddoch and not to mention the actual Tree of Liberty was thrown into a prison known as the Thief's hole! Being an Interior Design student and being able to take part in a live project which see's this Tree replanted is one of the many reasons I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative hub that Dundee has become... What many people still don't know is that Dundee is a hot spot of creative talent waiting to be utilised. From the well known such as Hayley Scanlan, the DCA and Vanilla Ink, to the undergraduates at DJCAD who are always pushing the boundaries and ready for more. This is a clear reason for the V and A choosing Dundee as its scottish venue and a great reason for Dundee to become 2017 city of culture.
<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> The views are superb from everywhere especially from the top of Ninewells Avenue !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many unique features, but can't fail to be impressed by the view approaching the city over the river. Especially at night.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> how many people are in dundee and how amazing the services are here. like ninewells A&amp;E is a level 1 trauma centre i did not know that
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An amazing hub of creativity for my own field of jewellery and metal art generally. The metalsmiths are the most open and friendly team anywhere in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love many things about Dundee, from the Theatre's with something for all ages, the Science centre, the Discovery and Verdant Works to trips to Broughty Ferry and a "donder" down the Perth Road. There is so much variety, you're never stuck for a park, a scenic walk, or a place to eat
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the Darcy Thompson museum. The university has a wonderful collection of art as well. The breadth and volume of cultural events in the city is amazing. Dundee's siting is handsome being on the river and its parks are a wonderful asset - areas like Balgay and Magdalen Yard, Camperdown, etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing can beat looking at the Tay rail bridge on a clear day. What a beautiful city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This city of ours has such a wide range of artistic talent. What I truly love about it is how proactive everyone is about making great things happen. Tin Roof and Generator projects are artist run studio/exhibition spaces ran by collectives which produce such a high quality of work and harness an inspiring attitude. Similarly the music scene spans all tastes. Dundee bands have always had a very high standard as far as output which despite the cities size proves there's magic in these here streets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's location on the North shore of the River Tay makes it a bright place to work and live all year round. It is unique in that the river is visible from most places in the city and not just from its shoreline. That's what makes Dundee special to me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Waterfront developing into such a beautiful and state of the art area from what was such an industrial start. It proves with investment and creative thinking a 'sow's ear can be made from a silk purse'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've come to this place to learn new skills and never planned to stay. That was about 8 years ago.

Ever since then this city has kept me fed, happy, working, learning, experiencing amazing new things, meeting great new people and not wanting to leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Awards - we award this to a senior pupil in Dundee Secondary Schools for the work they have done to contribute to the ongoing citizenship of Dundee - always amazes us - the extent of our young people's talents is immense.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in many cities and the people in Dundee are by far the friendliest I have come across. I think the fact that we have more sunshine here than anywhere else in Scotland does help
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our little city on the beautiful Firth of Tay is full of vibrant, funny, clever, talented people engaged in a myriad activies. You guys never cease to amaze me!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ship Discovery is a great icon in my city let hope more people discover Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovation and culture that are driving forward a more welcoming, diverse and creative Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently worked with elderly pensioners in the city on a food project entitled 'Food as a Trigger for Memory'. The narratives of Dundee described by the people of Dundee was a very humbling experience. What was most striking for me was the sense of community that existed in Dundee. One woman explained that in her family on a Saturday if you worked you were given a Wallace's Bridie and if you didn't you were given a pie. Another pensioner could tell the time of day by the smells coming from Nicol's Bakery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The availblity of the arts for everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love watching the skaters in Dudhope Park (lamenting my complete lack of balance)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two of the less known gems I know of are Preston Watson from Dundee who pre-dated the Wright brothers with the first motorised flight.

The other story I have heard and cannot confirm is that the sand within the Tay is a perfect consistency for Baseball mounds and running areas, so close to perfection in fact that it is dredged and shipped out to the USA and is exclusively used for MLB matches by it's official teams. Would love this to be true!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant modern city with a wonderful history
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has everything we need in terms of culture: we have the DCA with it's exhibitions and workshops and the cinema which brings films not always shown at Cineworld. Both cinema's have regular showings of live opera from the Met, and cineworld had regular showings of big rock bands. Soon we will have the V&amp;A which I'm so looking forward to.

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

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

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

I now live across the water in Fife but feel Dundee is my city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE

When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town,
They spruced it up with a lick of paint
And then they showed him round,
Two bands played in fierce competition
As the rain came down,
And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town."

A man called Walsh hung from a window
With the Starts and Stripes,
And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette"
It was sweetness and light,
But as they sang the fire bell rang
And they ran for their lives,
"What well trained little orphans and a precious little song."
Said the General's wife.

A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green,
Before the darkness fell,
With a short stop over for the ladies convenience,
At the Royal Hotel,
And the General frowned through the last of the speeches
Though he took it well,
"What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple,
What charming little houses and such cheerful little people,
But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town."

- Michael Marra.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2017 will be the centenary of D'Arcy Thompson's amazing book On Growth and Form, "the greatest work of prose in 20th century science". Written in Dundee using the specimens in D'Arcy's museum, it has literally changed the world, influencing not just biologists and mathematicians but artists, architects, philosophers, geographers, engineers, cyberneticists, computer scientists, anthropologists and umpteen others! Today the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is one of the city's hidden gems, its amazing collections brought to life through a diverse programme of events and exhibitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> SUNSHINE! dundee is unique among all scottish cities beacuase of the amount of sun it gets. It should in fact be 'sunny dundee' not 'bonny dundee'!
Dundee is a place where you grow, develop and experience new things, where you meet genuine, helpful and kind people, make fantastic friends for life and even find love of your life. And so it becomes one of those special places you can call home...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of the city is fascinating
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remarkable fund-raising achievements of its citizens for cancer research and medical equipment. It's many unsung medical, scientific and social pioneers eg Thomas Maclagan, James Bowman Lindsay and Mary Lily Walker. The past European successes of its football teams epitomise how so often Dundee punches well above its weight. The gradual eradication of multi-storey buildings is an indication of the city rediscovering its architectural heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly place with great theatre, art and architecture with the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Hill and the observatory.
The Law hill.
The riverside.
The public parks and good network of path/cycle routes.
<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.

:)

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