We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Dundee is a vibrant city. A city we can (and all) love. A city with so much to see, full of heritage. A city with so many creative talents, that inspire so many people. Dundee is a homely city, a city we should be proud of.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing splendour of the Tay. Each time I cross the bridge the views are different. Sometimes the water is wild, rough and very dark. Other times it lives up to it's reputation as 'The Silvery Tay', mirror-like, flat calm and very beautiful. It is always changing, always spectacular.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blue Sky Photo Club is run by an exceptional and inspirational young photographer, Ross Fraser McLean and operates out of DCA. Around 25 digital camera enthusiasts from semi professional to absolute beginners explore the artistic and technical challenges of the medium on a weekly basis. There are regular exhibitions in Roseangle Cafe Arts ( another hidden gem) in which members share and display their best work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Living in dundee offers more than just a great location to live by the river and the countryside is only 15 mins from city centre.

There are lots of gems to visit in dundee whether its cultural/educational, shopping or eating out.

Seek and ye shall find!

There is lots to see and do!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A beautiful city in a beautiful location with a great tradition of industry, education and the arts.

My favourite location is Riverside Drive, the walk between the two bridges is always stunning regardless of the weather
<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 light. This city is full of greenspace and trees resulting in an amazing light and freshness. I moved here in 2001 and do not see myself living anywhere else as everything is available on our doorstep. You have open spaces, shops, entertainment and above all the people, they are friendly and funny, all with stories of the rich history of the city. Our allotment is an environment in where we feel a real connection with where we are in location and in our lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is an incredible thirst for knowledge in Dundee as can be seen in the great variety of public meetings and the huge numbers that attend them. Some of the Saturday evening lectures at the university attract 800 people or more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the city with its hotchpotch of architectural styles and the friendliness of the dundoneons! The history and the way the city preserves and reveres its local history and its people!
<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> That it continually reinvents itself as a city of learning and life. Keep up the good work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McGonagall Walk on Riverside Drive is a truly genious piece of both Dundee's history and its future. You can see the railway bridge featured in Dundee's bard's famous poem, take in the "ludicrously ideal" setting; see a seal or two sunning themselves on the sandbanks and have coffee and cake in the Bridge View cafe at the end of the mile walk out from the city centre, before turning to walk back, breathing in the health-giving ozone whilst imprinting the river in front of you and the hills behind, to put in your memory box for darker days
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The density of amateur theatrical groups in such a small area is amazing for one of Scotland's smaller cities. The nurturing that young people are given to participate in the performing arts through Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Dundee Schools Orchestra and Dundee Unuversity Music ensure the continuing breadth of involvement of the people of Dundee in the performing arts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Fabric Mill at Halley Stevensons . This mill at Baltic Works now supports creative endeavours by supplying a huge range of fabrics for designers and artists. Hidden away amoungst the old mills it is a gem .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact the even although Dundee is a city, it can feel so small. You will always find someone who knows someone else you know. Lived here all my life, apart from a short stay in Glasgow, but coming home either over the bridge or from any other direction, seeing a landmark and knowing I&#039;m home is the best feeling in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has a wonderful welcoming warmth - built on its people, traditions and heritage and its developing future. There is something for everybody to be both pleased with and proud of. You are never bored with vibrant Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's never ending vibrancy, energy and beauty, the friendly people, the eclectic mix of born-and-bred Dundonians alongside the annual intake of students falling in love with the city. All the benefits of a large city condensed into a campus type environment, yet only a short drive to rural idyll. It's Fundee, it's Sunnydee, it's Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a beautiful city with warm quirky people, with amazing views across the Tay, which changes every day with the light. The city is vibrant, youthful and ever changing. Small enough to buzz and big enough to rock!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness. West End. MacManus Galleries. Dundee Contemporary Arts. Overgate Centre. V&amp;A. University of Dundee. Tay Estuary. Riverside. Broughty Ferry. Tentsmuir Beach. Even with all these, the layering of local people, visitors, students, businesses and a quiet ambition makes Dundee a culturally rich place to live. Help us give the city even greater depth in 2017.
<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> the trades
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's been surprising, but delightful, to notice how the city is regenerating itself. From the stunning rows of daffodils lining the roads into the city today, to the beautiful views along the river and the varied responses to economic growth, the city is a remarkable example of renewed confidence in itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Flower and Food Festival is a huge, fun event, attracting thousands of people to the Camperdown Country Park every September. New visitors and exhibitors are always amazed at the scale of what we do!
<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> Love the beauty of Dundee, from the Law Hill until the River Tay. Love the poem engraved in stone as you walk by the river and how majestic the Discovery Ship is. I love to live in the city of discoveries and innovation!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is filled with the best people. Take some time to speak to the people and you will find amazing story tellers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was Scotland's second city for over 200 years and by area had Scotland's largest medieval city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovation in Dundee. From inventing ways to weave material that was thought too weak to use (jute) through to being at the forefront of computer gaming Dundee is always adapting to suit the times.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much going on and it is all within easy reach! Having two Universities, the fabulous DCA (Dundee Contempory Arts) and the McManus Art Gallery to name only a few brilliant cultural resources there is always public lectures, exhibitions, activities and places to meet family and friends to eat and drink. Broughty Ferry has beautiful beaches which are great for walks, sunbathing, water sports and the castle ~ not forgetting New Years Dook!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> art24sevenMedia is the newest addition to Dundee's creative and cultural activity .. It is currently a hidden secret but hopefully not for too much longer ... It is set in the heart of the cultural quarter, right opposite the Rep Theatre and a minute from DCA and Q Gallery. It gives artists opportunity .. And art lovers another venue to source quality art!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed by the vibrancy of the arts community in and around Dundee. and feel proud to have many of these artists as my friends. I came to the area to restore a ruined Baronial castle to the north of the city, in an attempt to bring back built heritage from the brink. However. so impressed have I been with the artists in the area, I would love to make the castle a cultural centre as well ... perhaps for 2017?
<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> The Architecture, which is a mixture of neo-classical, Victorian and Modern ... you only have to raise your eyes in Dundee, past the shop fronts and detritus of modern living to be amazed by the detail and beauty of the city's buildings!
Not only that but Dundee's commitment to the Arts is represented by the DCA and the literary festival and by students and gradates of the numerous arts programmes that the city hosts. With the coming of the V&amp;A I can only see Dundee's Cultural future is set to grow and grow
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact it's a small city with big ideas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Location, Location, Location!
Dundee has the most magnificent setting on the banks of the Tay.
Visit Reres Hill in the Ferry - with Queen Victoria's 1887Jubilee Arch, a carpet of daffodils in April and always wonderful views from the top.
I love living in Dundee!
<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> Such a small city - can feel like a village, in social terms, but with everything a city should have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of diversity. I was a student there, and there is an ingrained culture and inherent creative spirit of learning which really makes it a place you love.

The DCA is a hub of film and creativity. The local pubs and restaurants build up the atmosphere. The history of comic books and journalism. The old factories and the production of Jute.

It's a city that will stay with you long after you leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a wonderful sense of community , people are proud of their city and show this by pulling together to influence change and improvements in their local areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's hidden attractions is Balgay Park. The park itself is lovely with beautiful walks through the trees an stunning views. There is also a Plant Trail walk up Balgay Hill leading to Mills Observatory which holds entertaining Planetarium shows and has several interesting objects related to space.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual Dundee Jazz &amp; Blues festival is an amazing experience that really brings the whole community together and creates a fantastic feeling in the city. It also highlights the cities passion for creativity and is attracting fans from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it has improved since I was a student there in '60s
<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> I like the ambition of the waterfront project, and the collaboration between different agencies in the city which are bringing it about, and hope that it surpasses all expectations.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee warms my heart. It is the city I fell in love in, made my best friends in and have grown up in.
<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> Getting to know Dundees creative scene is a rich journey of discovery. It's not a city to wear its cultural heart on its sleeve but once you start to squirrel in on what's keeping the artistic pulse beating it turns out the heartbeat is strong, varied, hard hitting and rich. And most of all friendly and welcoming. Come investigate under the skin of the city too...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an extraordinary city. The genuine wealth of culture within the city is defined by the character of its people. This richness of character has offered exceptional music and art over many decades and continues to do so every year. Should Dundee be successful in this bid, the honour would be embraced with a very real and very true passion by it's people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As soon as there is a hint of sunshine I love the way students at Dundee University sit on the grassy areas on the University campus and bring these areas to life. Different languages and cultures mingle together enjoying the light and sunshine which has a special quality in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a social and mobile games developer headquartered in the heart of Scotland's creative industry, we have been privileged to meet and work with some incredibly talented people. Whether industry professionals, graduates or students, we are continually blown away by the creative and innovative minds of Dundee's experienced and upcoming creative talent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is hugely respected outside of Scotland and even outside the United Kingdom for the strength of our scientists. We are on the map for our intellectual contributions of the world and this will continue and grow our the coming years!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the view over the tay is breathtaking as is the view from the Law
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As Tony Blair said "Education, education, education." what a wonderful place to study. Why is the ISIN project not being backed by a city full of engineering and education?
<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 never ending opportunities and support to develop your own ideas, or the chance to help with someone else's. There is always something going on in Dundee to help you learn and meet like minded people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the rooftops

From the ground, the city centre is a modern thriving metropolis, but look over the rooftops and you're transported to yesteryear. Intricately carved stone memorials to a time where people, not technology were the workhorses of the city. The courthouse, Tay works, the spires of the many churches, I sit in my fifth floor office, gaze across the unseen cityscape and consider what life must have been like, what's been lost and, more importantly, what's been gained. Dundee a city of history, that's trailblazing into the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee for over 20 years now and have watched it grown into an exciting cultural city. The city has some fantastic events including Dundee Women's Festival, Community and various music festivals. Hidden secrets ...The strong women from Dundee who have helped shape the wonderful City ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The high level of cultural events, and places to visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Too long the hidden gem, it is fantastic to witness Dundee shed its undeserved downtrodden image and become the vibrant, confident, culturally diverse and welcoming city it has always had the potential to be. If ever a city deserved the City of Culture title it is Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a friendly village feel with all the benfits of a big city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its amazing to be here in Dundee. I feel people in Dundee are more inclined to respect the rights of the others. This quality of the inhabitants is fostering unimaginable diverse cultural horizons to the city, society, and the Scotland. I feel very easy to go around and most of the time find help for any problem in hand without facing any kind of racial or colour discrimination. The city is full of life, pleasure, ease and help. Thanks to Dundee for being the first place of interaction in UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History remains to be seen in the everyday life of Dundee. In the town we have old gas lamps (converted to electricity) standing in the middle of the street and tram lines and cobbles to follow through town. I recently found one of my ancestors was on the voyage to save Captain Scott in the Antarctic and so even I, who have lived here all my life, am still learning about the importance of Dundee on a Global scale (being one of the first parts of Britain to trade with India for the Jute trade) and on a personal level.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Waterfront and beach great places!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dragon, Minnie the Minx and Desperate Dan sculptures. My children love climbing all over them and running away from the dragon. The sculptures are accessible, contemporary and have relevance for every age group.
<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> Why Oor Wullie hasnae got a statue!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in the whole of the UK with Red Squirrels within the city boundaries. As an iconic species for Scotland this says a lot for Dundee and shows the depth of commitment from its Ranger Service and Parks Management. Camperdown Wildlife Centre is a very important conservation site for endangered species across Europe and the World, and plays an important role in educating our younger people and serves as a main centre of attraction.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry! The beach, the views over the tay, the castle, the sunsets, the swans, the dolphins, the fresh air and my girlfriend all make it a beautiful place. Along with all the lovely restraunts/cafes/shops and friendly people to share it with. Dundee is a small city and everywhere you go, you are bound to bump into a friendly familiar face. It has a good music scene and a great talent has come from this little city. The Associates, enough said.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The lovely views, sunrises and nature in Dundee. Camperdown wild life park is an amazing pocket of nature and the giant park it's self is a great place to go and visit on a lovely sunny day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I moved here from Aberdeen 10 years ago and have always found the people here so friendly and down to earth. they are honest (sometimes too honest) but i like that! Dundee is my home now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How Broughty Ferry can feel like a quaint seaside resort town but still be only minutes away from the bustling city centre.
<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> With a bit of digging, you'll find that Dundee is one of Scotland's hidden treasures. The city is a rough diamond, made even more special by its unpolished edges. If we win the bid for UK City of Culture, hopefully Dundee will shine in the eyes of the rest of the UK too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's can-do attitude. There's such support form the creative community and a permission here, if you want to do something creative, just get out and make it happen!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The imagination and determination of our young people. Take the recent "Dundee Roundhouse" initiative, where a group of young people have transformed a derelict factory site into a hidden organic garden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything about Dundee makes me proud to it's my home
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Westport to Perth Road area has a range of different pubs, cafes, shops that has something different for everyone but easily walked round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camper down park
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seemingly endless stream of talent from the artschool.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our ability to repeatedly rise again despite the odds.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the waterfont and views are incredible
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The great art collection in the McManus Gallery. And the great mixture of Architecture in the city such as the grand old houses.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have been doing some work with school children on the Dundee Waterfront Project and their enthusiasm and pride in rejuvinating the city was truly inspiring. I know it's 'not cool' to show enthusiasm when your a teenager but they let their passion for Dundee shine through and overcome their natural reluctance to reveal their true emotions. Brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Space, at Dundee College where acting and performance and dance students and soon to be technical theatre students get trained and supported by very committed, enthusiastic staff to develop their skills and realise their full potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The no-nonsense Dundonians, who share creativity, great humour and pride in the town's development
<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> Dundee is full of surprises (for those who don't yet fully understand how wonderfully vibrant our wee city actually is!) There is a huge amount of creative and cultural activity happening all over the city... you just have to be dedicated to seeking it out! And if there's something in particular that you think should be happening in the city, whether that's a new club night or a new Japanese restaurant ;) ... then there is a strong network and a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm around to support new ideas and put them in to action!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i'm not too far from anything. i can walk to everything i need- university, gym, pub and the shops! improvements are constantly being made to the city which is very exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee 's friendly locals, its beautiful setting on the Tay, its stunning architecture, sunshine and outstanding art school all drew me to the city which I now call home. The passion and talent of Dundee's creative community and the various organisations that support it, with my particular favorite being Vanilla Ink Studios, have continued to surprise me, with their commitment and determination, inspiring and motiving me in my own practice. Dundee creatives are putting this great city on the map, and well, you may be surprised, but I'm not! :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's historic roots are hugely important. Everywhere you go in the city you can catch a glimpse of fascinating parts of our history - you just need to know where to look. There's the group of five historic 16th Century houses in the High Street known as Gardyne's Land and the Wishart Arch which is built into a small surviving section of Dundee's 16th Century city wall. There's the award winning Verdant Works jute museum and Scott's historic Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. It also boasts the frigate HMS Unicorn which is the world's last intact warship from the days of sail, and the North Carr, Scotland's only surviving lightship.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the sunniest cities in the UK and has a rich history and culture kept alive daily by the humble Dundonian. Lying on the North shores of the Firth of Tay with two leading Universities, a teaching hospital and home to large businesses like Alliance Trust, Michelin and NCR as well as a host of other multinational and local businesses Dundee is a great place to live. The cultural quarter with museums, theatres and restaurants and the upcoming V&amp;A at Dundee make Dundee a worthy contender for City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the locals has got to be listed as one of Dundee's best assets. Anytime I come home from Australia the welcome mat is rolled out. Good luck with your bid!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee science community has a really appetite for collaboration, innovation and growth. Exciting new projects between disciplines are creating a new future and discoveries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural history of dundee and its people.This year we celebrate the centenary of the death of Lily walker and acknowledge her contribution to social reform. There is a strong community spirit with many local events and festivals held across Dundee, which showcase the diversity of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being Dundonian born and bred, the thing that surprises me most about my home town is that so many people (who don't live in or visit the town) don't have a true sense of what makes it the diverse and exciting city that it is. They are unaware of the history that helped shape it and it's people. They are unaware of the rich cultural seam that runs through the city (and always has). They don't appreciate it as a city of significant medical research which has an impact across the world. It is a place of innovation, compassion, confidence and creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> all the little details - benches in the street which are wiggly rather than standard straight ones, arty bollards, dragon wrapped around a street sign etc etc etc, so many
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of 'characters', people who are distinctly Dundonian, but speak to the common strands of humanity everywhere. Likewise, Dundee is a city that has encapsulated so much of the world in its time. What better place to celebrate culture?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at all the beautiful medieval buildings there are in Dundee-hidden jewels.
<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> I love Exchange street. It's full of little independent shops, cafes and restaurants that are way better than the usual chain stores.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - sunniest city in Scotland, fact!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of great private and public golf courses, that are very well designed and challenging, including the links course at Carnoustie and the beautiful landscaping of Downfield Golf Club. International visits could purchase special passes during the year of culture to Dundee private and public clubs in order to play golf on them all - a passport - could be offered.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The collaborative and supporting atmosphere of the visual arts scene in Dundee is amazing. I have visited for various exhibitions, projects, fairs and talks and always felt an amazing energy, passion and commitment from everyone involved. Spaces like DCA, Generator Projects and Tin Roof are all doing great things and I'm really excited to see what new things spring up over the next 5 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each time I come back to Dundee I love to walk down by the river near Broughty Castle. It always brings back great memories of the harbour swim training and the cross-Tay swims that I participated in many years ago and that still continue today. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The magnificent concert organ in the Caird Hall built in 1923. this was the first concert organ built by Harrison &amp; Harrison, Durham and designed by the blind organist and composer, Alfred Hollins. It is today considered one of the finest concert organs in the world and the Friends of the Caird Hall Organ (FOCHO) was formed in 2010 to help preserve it for the culture of Dundee and the heritage for tomorrow as well as encourage the introduction of the instrument and its music to young people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way that Dundee's communities embrace creativity as a tool to bring people together, to break down barriers and to look positively at what the future might hold.

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