We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Magnificent St. Salvador’s Church in the Hilltown is a little-known artistic and architectural gem – the only one of the famous Victorian church designer Bodley’s churches in Scotland. Set in a challenging neighbourhood, it has extended its ministry of lavish worship and social action to the Hilltown for 150 years.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful memories of student life in Dundee in the early 1980s - the intimacy of a small city, the wry humour and endearing local dialect, the rich history (jam, jute and journalism), the creativity and individuality.... Small city with BIG personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing views!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love United!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me most about Dundee is the continual diversity of our City in terms of people, its space and location. Dundee is Scotland's fourth largest City but yet it's small enough to allow for strong community bonds and a shared cultural past and future. No matter how long you live or stay here there is always something hidden away that will one day jump out and surprise you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> New Years Eve at the Balgay Bar: Live folk music and super friendly atmosphere in the only pub in the world where people say hello when you walk in. At the bells its straight into Auld Lang Syne and 200 old men descending on you for a handshake and a kiss! Classic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has seen a revolution in the past 20 years
With lots more to come
It's rich heritage, now matched by it's forward outlook makes it the ideal City of Culture,2017
<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> Dundee is often described as the world's biggest village and it's true. Everyone knows nearly everyone and if you don't, the old adage rings true that strangers are friends we've yet to make! I no longer live in Dundee but I miss the place heaps - unlike most people I know who have left their home towns &amp; don't look back. Dundee's community education is revered throughout Scotland and outside of Dundee acknowledge them as leaders at the forefront of this sector. And it's not just education Dundee are leading the way in but science, medicine &amp; also the gaming industry, with even the infamous Banksy paying homage to Lemmings, an icon of an era, invented in Dundee... The city really is one of many discoveries :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I stay in Tayport which is over the Tay and in Fife, but I have worked in the City of Dundee for nearly 30 years.
I love cycling in to work along the Tay taking in the beauty of Dundee. From the beach and Castle at Broughty Ferry, the changing skyline and heart of the City, the twin peaks of Balgay Hill and the Law Hill, the Discovery in its dock.
The new V&amp;A will be a new wonder to look at along with the rest of the waterfront changes.
City of discovery and worthy of this accolade!
<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> 24*7 open Clarks bakery always attracts me with variuos flavors, tastes of pasteries and pies. I am loving it so much that I started living nearby it &amp; let open my window for the sweet fragnance of cooking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I meet several people during my forty days visit to Dundee. one person i would like to mention specially Dr. Laszlo from CTU, University of Dundee, UK. A lot has been learnt from him, politeness and smile on his face, the way he treated us as his students. I bow and regard him from bottom of my heart, UK will be remembered and discussed always because of the royal behavior of its people for all. The world can learn from Dundee how one can behave as human.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything is walkable within an hour. Up the law, Balgay park, great views. Serenity of the Houff cemetery city center. Along Perth road to Invergowrie/ Kingoodie for the botanic gardens or carry on to the quarry. From the docks along the waterfront to Broughty Ferry, much more but only 100 words.
<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> Looking towards Dundee and over to Fife from waterfront at Broughty Ferry, really pretty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think we have great potential to visitors and locals in that there are great closie tours of Victorian and medeaval histories. Stuart Walker does these tours and could speak for ages on the history of Dundee but we don't do enough of these tours and promote our own town. We could do more and shout about our town from the rooftops but tend to hide and don't push ourselves enough.
Dundee folk don't shout about their town and what it has, like the Macmanus Galleries, The Unicorn, The Discovery. Up wi the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unlike many cities in the UK, in Dundee something that i can proudly say is i work and study in the creative industry. the vast amount of support and creative industry community in this city is second to none. with the rich creative history and exceptional collages and universities not only for creative's and the arrival of the V&amp;A this creative community and presence will only strengthen and further enrich the city and its people.
<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> The big sky and light quality of the estuary. Havana Swing and "The Smiling School for Calvinists". Dry weather and humour.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always had unique character, attitude and humour. The setting is undeniably beautiful and the creative, academic and scientific talent unquestionable. However, it's the singular spirit, which has carried the people through some dark times, that will make the next phase in the city's life so amazingly, beautifully, quintessentially Dundonian. What does that mean? It means that it will be carried out with real conviction and no bull****. We have been viewed as underdogs for so long that once we are given the platform to shine, we won't take it for granted. And we have the best accent ever.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Improvements in schemes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee area is like an Aladdins cave of experience, its one of those places where you pick your kids up from school, and could be standing next to a cleaner, a plastic surgeon and an artist. It never ceases to amaze me the variety of people that live here, hiding their lights under very unassuming bushes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the beauty of the Tay
the people's pride in their city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have rich history which many people outside of Dundee would not be aware of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from Canada and have visited Dundee a few times.
1-It is a wonderfully &amp; welcoming warm city.
2-It's people are quick to helpful, with a sense of humor that renews my soul.
3-They have the best fish &amp; chips in the whole world.
4-The city is beautiful and easy to get around.
5-The Law Hill is a highlight of my trips especially on the 1st day of summer.
6-If I could managed it I would immigrate to Dundee, as there is no where in the world that I would rather live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has amazing cultural and geographic attributes but its chief strength is its people with their unique sense of humour and caring attitude to each other that I have not encountered anywhere else in my travels all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 straightforward honesty of Dundee people allied to a razor sharp wit mixed with amazing creativity, particularly displayed by young people, makes this one of the most surprising places to be.
<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> 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> 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> Caird Park - growing up I loved going to Caird Park, we would go to the Carnival when it was there, play in the grounds of the Castle, the old cemetry, at the ponds... it was always a great adventure! Dundee has amazing parks, people from all area's of Dundee have easy access to large parks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Perth and did not like Dundee. Now i am older I know this was clever spin, the term 'hidden secrets' sums up The Jewel on the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local knowledge of the staff at the VisitScotland Information Centre(Tourist Information) is astounding, helped us get our feet in a City with a fantastic amount to DISCOVER!!!!

Discovery Point and RRS Discovery is also very good, built by dundonians for scientific research!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the cultural diversity of the city, the many different people from so many walks of life, dundee is fast emerging as a place to be whether you are into music, the arts, the outdoors, the city has a plethora of different things to offer everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing live music scene. There is something to suit all tastes at a number of great venues. The Blues Bonanza is an event Dundonians can be proud of.
<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> 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> How much it has changed for the better since I was an undergraduate in 1978-1982!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> underwater harbour
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My daughter first came to Dundee 5 years ago to study medicine, it was very daunting for us as parents to send our first born to little known to us city in a foreign country. We needn't have worried she fitted in like a duck to water from the very minute she moved there and now it seems she has met the love of her life a local Dundee lad.. She has never felt unsafe in Dundee and on our many visits we have always enjoyed ourselves immensely, one of Dundee's greatest assets is it's close proximity to the sea, there's nothing we like more than taking the bus to Broughty Ferry. It's wonderful to see the amount of work in progress in Dundee and when it's all complete soon it will have undergone an amazing transformation. People of Dundee should be proud of their wonderful city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Never has a more creative city hidden its talents so well. Whether it be artists, jewellery designers, photographers, fashion designers, writers, food producers or dancers, Dundee has it all and more. A Scottish Montmartre... I would say it's time for the rest of the United Kingdom to hear about this secret of a city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic views over the Tay from the Law and Balgay park.

The friendliness of the locals, the fact that the two football stadiums are on the same street!

The volume of Whiskey/ Whisky in Speedies!
<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> dundee has some magnificent trees and green spaces, renowned for some of its champion trees and some really remarkable trees in urban areas . Dudhope gardens is an amazing space with view of the city and the tay which is breathtaking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> THE LAW, Magdalene Green, McManus Gallery, and the comics industry!
<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> Dundee has such a great location - between the Tay with it's dolphins and seals and the fabulous Angus glens. Great art centres, museums, theatre, cafe's - it's diverse, yet on a scale that feels more like a big village than a impersonal urban sprawl. And I the Wellgate clock - when I was little my grandpa would take me to see it chime at midday - I still love it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am always surprised by how beautiful and vibrant this city is and i have lived here all my life so far. I also studied in Duncan of Jordanstone a really breeding ground for creative thinking. I now teach in a local High school, and have observed over the last few years how the pupils attitudes to their city have changed for the better. The whole atmosphere is becoming more confident and ambitious and hopefully greater things are still to come! Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I remain struck by this rugged diamond of the North, a world class centre of education and research in the finest European traditions, embedded in local communities and business while reaching out to virtually every corner of the globe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The new development and VAnd A
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has some hidden gems of delightful restaurants and cafes that are original and varied. Having lived in Dundee for 6 years now I am still amazed at all the new places I am discovering. This on the backdrop of amazing surroundings and scenery is just one of the things that makes Dundee amazing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A brand new MLitt in Theatre Studies in collaboration with Dundee University and The Rep launched with a flying start - the enthusiasm of everyone involved has been spectacular, and I'm so happy to have chosen to study here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> what surprises me is how often I'm surprised. A pub I went into for a bar lunch had a poster up about live music sessions. My wife and I went back out of curiosity and were amazed at the quality of the performances, and surprised to find that we were not the only middle aged people there and surrounded by young things! the crowd was really mixed and enthusiastic, and the programme for the next few weeks looked really eclectic covering a wide range of music tastes. We live outside Dundee but still rely on Dundee for music and drama - and it never lets us down.
<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> The amazing view of the city as you walk over the bridge
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I told people I was moving to dundee everyone back home was under the impression that it was a nasty city - dirty and full of trouble.
I've lived here 2 years now and loved every second.
This bid could help change people's opinions and could help show them all that dundee has to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much nicer it is than it nationally is thought to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The arts scene in Dundee is not simply a matter of excellent facilities, strong grass-root commitment, and the way the size and mix of the city encourages participation: it regularly features artists and performers of international importance: see the history of performances for Dundee Chamber Music and shows at DCA. We have seen the same work featured in DCA and in the Venice Biennale; we have heard the same performers in the Caird Hall and in Alice Tully Hall, NYC. Also, Caird Hall is a major recording venue for classical record companies, such as Philips and Chandos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great place to live, work and enjoy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Mills Observatory; the only full-time public astronomical observatory in the UK / and of course the sunshine most days.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's not a lack of things to say that's kept me from posting here, but the opposite. For such a small place there's so much cultural cache, from a vibrant and multifarious music scene to a fantastic art college, brilliant artist-run spaces and obviously the excellent resource that is Dundee Contemporary Arts. Above all though, within &amp; without the cultural hubs of Dundee it is the genuine sense of community that makes the place so special.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a black medical doctor &amp; horonary Scot who graduated from University of Dundee at the millennia, I want to lend a supporting hand to Dundee's bid as City of Culture. Ninewells continues to be innovative, Dundee continues to embrace diversity and is a champion in believing in and bringing out the best in people. Our beautiful city has been transformed over the years sprinting into the future where others follow. She is warm, Eco friendly, appealing and is everything a modern city should be. We would be delighted for this honour to be bestowed on us.
<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> 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 author of Frankenstien, Mary Godwin Shelley, holidayed in Dundee as a girl. She even mentions it in the introduction to her famous novel. A plaque marking the site of the cottage where she stayed is embedded in a building on the city's South Baffin Street off Broughty Ferry Road. This is just one of Dundee's literary claims to fame!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter of the DMCA, the rep and all the events happening!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> River Tay is amazing on any day with its many facets. Dark and gloomy, foggy and mysterious, bright and sunny, and the occasional seals.
The research ongoing in University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital aiso punches above its weight internationally.
<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> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again”
Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!
<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> A history that could compare with any other major city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If there was ever a person which embodied Dundee it would have to be Amanda Lowson from Dundee Rep Theatre. She exudes creativity, joy, resilience and a fiery passion for the city and the people who live here. Through her work at Dundee Rep and her general outlook on life, she unknowingly makes the city a brighter place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rest of Scotland sneering at Dundee, because...?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having relocated from Edinburgh over four years ago, I was surprised at how positive and ambitious the city was (and is). There is a real sense of excitement being generated. It's about time Dundee got recognised for how much it has to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative talent found at Art Angel. This is a centre for people with mental health difficulties to develop and expand their gifts in writing, painting and photography. It gives me an outlet and a lifestyle I could never have anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City of Dundee nurtures the talents of their young and old to be the best they can be in the ever evolving world of industry and creative arts. Great singers, musicians, dancers, artists, actors, designers have been created &amp; inspired by the people and history of this town. Not to mention the amazing universities and teaching hospitals we also have for medical and dentistry work. The City of Dundee is not only full of lovely, friendly, talented, inspiring people but it is also a beautiful city to look at, with an extinct volcano right in the middle of the city allowing us to admire it's greatness :o)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came. up from The Scottish Borders in the seventies and have never left ! This is because I think Dundee is a great city. There is a special bond and pride in Dundee shared by Dundoians of all walks of life. For me I have always found the music and musicians of Dundee to be secondvto none. My favourite being Michaek Marra. Art theatre , despite it's size ..Dundee has it all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that boasts two different football teams on opposite sides of the same street.
It has a hill that is the Law &amp; should never be known as both.
The past is remembered &amp; cherished &amp; the future faced as a challenge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden lanes in the west end. It's like stepping back 200 years and you can still feel the presence of those who lived there and hear the carriages the lanes were designed for. Each turn is a surprise. Great to get lost in!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It contains one of the best UK universities. The Dundonians are blessed with the human feelings. Dundee at my time was an ideal city for education, and I am sure it is still. The weather is stunning and marvellous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof studios and others like it are a little known asset to the city. It is an example of one of the many collectives to be found in Dundee which exist because like-minded people want to get together and share their interests.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In Novemeber, I was involved in, and attended the launch of Hayley Scanlan's first fashion collection. The event was at the McManus Galleries.

To see someone from here moving up and gradually becoming a global name in the world of fashion is great for Dundee. It shows the creative side of our city, which may be (unfairly) overshadowed by other which are more normally associated with the arts and creative industries. I.e. Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland and the usual ones south of the border.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is outward-looking boasting the Mills observatory, one of the few major public-access observatories in any UK city, as well as having introspective tendencies with high resolution microscopy, and views both inward and outward looking via satellite receiving stations.

The unaided views to the naked eye are also quite stunning from estuarial sunrises to majestic river Tay sunsets, and all the intervening splendour of a cosmopolitan urban landscape. We are also pretty good at ultimate frisbee !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised at how many things there are to do in Dundee. Every day there are many options for cultural activities. The people here are also very friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Baldovie toll is at the start of the Kellas Road NE of Whitfield. Here you can find the old toll bridge which is the best place in Dundee to play Pooh Sticks! Robbie is watching his stick floating downstream.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene, the nightlife and the underground music scene
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am a visually impaired musician born in Dundee. It is never short of amazing venus, and it has plenty of opportunities to hear some some amazing bands.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an undiscovered gem for many people in the UK. Full of creativity, culture, humour and sunshine - it is a vibrant exciting place to be. Straight-talking Dundonians are without a doubt the city's its best asset. I couldn't be prouder to tell anyone in the world that this great place is where I live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&amp;A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a child my granny, who is 93, still healthy and living in Dundee, took me to all of the local "great spots." My favourites were always The Unicorn and The Discovery, so much so that when civil wedding ceremonies became available on The Discovery, my husband and I were married on the decks of the boat. I think The Discovery has been well preserved and would wish the same for The Unicorn - its another amazing ship with a rich history; it should be less of a secret and used as an attraction to bring more tourists to Dundee. One city, two ships.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery, McManus Galleries, Caird Hall, Law Hill, The Waterfront and so many more things is what makes Dundee such a wonderful place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in Scotland which has a dedicated internet TV channel which anyone can join in and Dundee is just like that it's a place willing to accept new ideas and try out new concepts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the people and the continuing willingness to embrace what we have and promote it to the World!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Approaching Dundee over the Tay Rail Bridge has to be one of the best ways to arrive into any city in the country. The whole city is laid out before you. Before you reach the station, you'll see beautiful parks, the vibrant university, galleries and museums, modern architecture nestled amongst the old. It's exciting and breathtaking every time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> World-class music events like the Jazz Festival where I saw the Esbjorn Svensson Trio, by far one of the best concerts of my life.
<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> Nothing positive 'surprises' me about Dundee, but one of my favourite aspects of the city is its welcoming community. No matter what your background, nationality, class or accent, the city accepts new comers like family. It is so easy to make Dundee home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The site where Mary Shelley stayed, our public observatory (only two in the UK), our incredible views over the Tay from the Law Hill, our parks, our beach, our football teams.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I can't just write about one thing in particular, yet I feel that the University of Dundee and its many different events are vital to the city's culture growth. Talks, shows, films, the list is endless. I have been to many different events that have been planned by the university and/or Dundee Science Centre; Bright Club, Café Science, psychology talks, etc. The public engagement with science is excelsior, many members of the public mention the interest that has been sparked in relation to science.
I personally feel a great amount of pride and excitement knowing that I have been a part of this tremendous cultural growth and being able to contribute to this myself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to an international world-class scientific community including universities, research institutes and companies. Scientists from over 60 countries participate in cutting edge research and also take part in workshops in local schools, festivals in the Dundee Science Centre, and public lectures in local coffee shops.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of our coastline, looking onto the Silvery Tay each morning as the sun rises. What a wonderful panoramic view everywhere you look. The hustle and bustle of our small but gregarious town, friendly, neighbourly and people are just generally happy. I think our town is the best town in Scotland and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just down off the road bridge to the east, right on the front, theres a little spiral-staircased platform on which one can spend any amount of time in tranquility and contemplation looking off into the river or back into Dundee's heart. Beautiful place, have been atop it many times with many people. I guess its somewhere to catch a breath amidst the wild and constant cultural offerings of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design continues to 'fleh heh' as one of Britain's Top 5 art schools, but paradoxically remains a hidden gem, both locally and nationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is evolving! An exciting place to live right now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such an interesting history for a relatively small city. There's plenty evidence to see as you walk about. The two universities bring a large student population and a youthful dynamic. Dundee has some beautiful parks and scenery and the silvery Tay is never too far away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The atmosphere, the friendliness. That I can be at the beach, up an inactive volcano or shopping from big name retailers all within 10 mins of my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the buried hidden secrets for me is the old Dundee Rep Theatre. I was lucky enough to work there as a child and teenager. These opportunities embedded within me a voice, a confidence and an understanding of others.
It also catapulted me into drama school, teaching and lecturing in colleges and universities across Scotland.
Dundee introduced me to the Drama and shaped my personal,professional and cultural life/lifestyles.
Work has taken me away for 35 years and I only returned 2 years ago.
A working class "laddie fae the scheme" who turned "oot no too bad!"
I am not the hero in this story..Dundee is!! Cityof Discovery indeed!!

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