We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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Dundee has a fantastic cultural depth which has integrated itself into the fabric of the city – the people who work full time in offices and building sites but make music with their friends in studios and pubs and halls at night; those who discover a love and ability for writing and poetry through attending writer’s workshops and gaining support from others at literary evenings; and the artists who encourage each other to expose their work to strangers. In Dundee, this is all multigenerational and not bound by class.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The general atmosphere of this city is absolutely outstanding when I first stepped off the car in February of 2009 for my interview for Abertay, I was just taken aback but what truly surprise me is the wealth of creative talent in our games sector. It's, of course, known that Abertay and Dundee fosters a games community but to see the actual quality of talent coming out of Dundee and spreading across the globe. It's absolutely thrilling to be a part of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of strong characters who bind our communities together with a shared sense of resolve, grit and determination. I am always struck by the strong sense of identify that exists in Dundee and how when implemented can be a real force for positive change. That identity is not something that comes through nothing but through a development of a particularly strong culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lively city minutes from sea, sand, hills and glens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a compact yet diverse city, providing far more for my education than simply getting a degree! The ability to get to know so many students over so many disciplines and meet so many of the local Dundonians over a four year period has been an abiding memory for well over thirty years! An honest,down to earth city with a rich academic and industrial heritage, marvellously blended with it's enchanting outlook over the Tay! Culture without a hint of pretentiousness!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university and industry events, the community of creative people, the museums, the richness of the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I believe that Dundee has so much history and plays an important part in other countries throughout the world with its contribution to science, technology and the arts throughout the years and continues to do so today. With recent community development/regeneration, I am impressed that we are still incorporating our history in to modern design. Well Done Dundee!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Mennie's Bar (Sunday name is Speedwell Tavern) on Perth Road is a gem of a pub. Spent many happy hours in my youth being served by Mrs Mennie herself and her Manager Ian Thomson
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a lovely wee city and an obvious choice for the UK City of Culture 2017! The view of the bridges driving along Riverside Drive are breathtaking. There are lots of lovely independant wee cafes and shops making it unique and there is so many exciting new developments taking place it really is the place to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of things there are to do in Dundee. Never a dull moment!
<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> Having spent my past 44 years living around the Tay estuary, I regularly re-discover the incredibly vibrant local music scene with which I first became familiar in 1969. The current crop of young musicians[I recently saw a 14 year old playing Peter green, Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix], supported and encouraged by the early 20 + year olds who had themselves been supported and are still supported by earlier generations. The Blues festival is rightly famous but you can go round many venues in Dundee weekly and hear music of the highest calibre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite Dundonians propensity to bemoan and belittle their city , Dundee punches above its weight for many reasons: Two universities that are leaders in their respective fields; University of Dundee, the mature sibling an internationally renowned leader in medicine and cancer research. Abertay, the cocky younger sibling, leading the way in video gaming, forging dynamic international links with major players and its internationally acclaimed ‘Dare to be Digital’ competition. Art with the nationally acclaimed Rep, local amateur companies and the DCA with cutting edge exhibitions and foreign cinema. Accessible history with the McManus Museum, Discovery Point, Verdant Works and the Howff an ‘A’ listed Burial Ground.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Gardyne Theatre is a gem of a place to watch and listen to live theatre and music performances.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful sunrises when i walk to work looking over the river towards Fife, the daffs when they are out in bloom, the lovely parks and open spaces, the friendliness of the people, I have lived here all my life and I love it here.
<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 Goldilocks analogy definitely fits Dundee juuust right! It's a cheeky chappy of a city with lots of surprises to keep you smiling (SPOILER: mosaic waiters will greet you outside Agacan, a fierce dragon rules the high street and penguins waddle around a triple whammy mega church, which faces Mecca)...

When the sun is shining and the water's sparkling, life feels pretty darn Dandy here, sprawled out on Magdalene Green or Baxter Park with some good tunes and funny people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quirky city centre public art embedded in the street furniture and hidden in open view in buildings + Active cultural calendar and venues + People as chatty and open as Glaswegians + what's round the corner ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth of the city when I return to see my family, great memories of growing up in Dundee that will stay forever. Dundee has that pull that brings you back time and time again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I left Dundee around 8 years ago and when I returned I barely recognised the place, what a transformation!! It makes me even more proud to be a Dundonian!! Well done and good luck.
<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 Duncan of Jordanston College of Art and Design is always a fantastic exhibition. I have to go at least 3 times each year because I dont want to miss anything!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The "couthy-ness" of people here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spex pistols.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of nature and natural history in and around the city amazes me, we have the Miley, Trottick, Clatto and the new reserve at Riverside. I also love being so close to the Angus Glens and the Perthshire hills where you can see all sorts of different fauna and animals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What it has to offer. Dundee is steeped in history and has a more diverse cultural population split today than it ever has. DUNDEE womens festivalis hugely successful......local people recognise their city as somewhere with a depth of commitment to put dundee on the map ascan internationally recognised tourist destination.........the support for V&amp;A at Dundee....redevelopment of the waterfront....Malmaison coming to dundee...Icould go on!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful people, the attitude &amp; way of life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The council music and musical theatre provision. Fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great communications to all parts of Scotland and UK. Fantastic setting on the Tay and beaches up the coast to Broughty Ferry and Carnoustie.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of its size, Dundee has a wealth of cultural activities from the DCA, free lectures at the universities, theatres, an art gallery, to name but a few things - all within easy reach. The two universities and FE college have resulted ina youthful population and plenty of entertainment. Dundee is also ethnically diverse with with Polish, Russian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Philippine supermarkets. I moved here last year and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's amazing history of artistic talent - for example the Celtic and symbolist movement in the 1890s and 1900s, formed by amazing artists like John Duncan, Stewart Carmichael and George Dutch Davidson, whose work is still staggeringly beautiful and mysterious today. Plus all the great comics artists like Dave Sutherland, a living legend who has drawn The Bash Street Kids every week for 51 years - give him a knighthood now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene is thriving, welcoming and diverse!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Well Dundee is my home city and I just love it! The people are fun and friendly. Eh just love the way we speak! Pure teckle!
There are loads of amazing parks to take the bairns - the swannie ponds is fab in Summer and Winter - I grew up with stories of ice skating on the ponds.
Tannadice is hallowed ground - I grew up there with my uncle and cousins, and now my wee boy is United daft too. And what about the brilliant Michael Marra's song about Hamish McAlpine and Grace Kelly!
The Lochee baths - aye freezing, Victorian splendour and full of characters.
St. Mary's Lochee Catholic Church - absolutely beautiful - and funded by Irish immigrants that helped build the population of Dundee from the 1840s.
Juteopolis - a brilliant book about Dundee and its people.
The Cleppie Road - and the imaginary 'secret tunnel' that goes from Aunty Isabel's bin store on the Cleppie, underground to Tannadice. (Ok - so its not real but its in my imagination).
Lawside Academy - my young days of joy roaming the streets of Downfield and Ardler with my pals - days out up the "Seedlees" (Sidlaws) with picnics, swinging over the Dighty Burn on a rope swing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of paradoxes and contrasts. Whatever mood you're in or whatever you fancy to do.......Dundee will have a place to suit, to suprise and to inspire. All of this within an ultra-compact city form set in a stunning landscape and seascape.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Oozing with creativity, and supportive people, from far and wide. Dundee, as many of its inhabitants, stands overly modest about what a great place it is to cultivate culture, with many exceptional pockets of talent and ambition, the city is a stage set for a fantastic show.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> sunset in riverside.
from Roseangle road to alongside the train railway.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That despite people's perception of Dundee it has an incredibly vibrant creative culture which is only growing. It is very exciting!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Twenty odd years ago I was first acquainted with Dundee as a part of the design team for the Discovery project and I now have a home just outside of the city. My main responsibility was the design of things on-board the ship itself which included the flock of sheep (not as big as it could have been) on the shore, etc. It was a period of great energy and creativity, but was grounded in solid research.
At that time there was a lot of talk about how good things in the city could be, and most of it has happened plus a lot more. The later things such as the V&amp;A are an extension of that vision for culture whilst not loosing sight of the past. This is the core of Dundee.
The whole place has a 'life' to it and all of its attractions are not only for visitors, but are of relevance to all who live there.
I am thinking in particular of the McManus, the DCA &amp; the Rep'. It has a dynamic student population and a world class Art &amp; Design School in The Duncan of Jordanstone.

The proposed long term plan for the waterfront looks as though it should work well, and take advantage of the truly wonderful river aspect. But whilst I am glad to see the back of the Council Tower, various blocks of flats &amp; the Olympia pool, the Railway station &amp; the ex Stakis/Hilton might be a loss in terms of architectural progression - not all '70ies was bad.

The Unicorn needs to be integrated much more into the scheme of things, it is a gem, and perhaps a museum of transport and the docks, should be considered, in particular as unlike at a lot of other places, the docks still work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Whilst I don't claim to know Dundee well enough to comment on the 'hidden secrets', I do plan to move there and find them out. What I like about Dundee is that it is not too big, is walkable in and around, has a lovely waterfront location and is brimming with potential. There are some cracking restaurants and lovely vistas all across the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I spent many a happy year at University here and loved the University life. Dundee is a great city to study and live, I have very fond memories of my time there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In terms of a walk from edge to edge of town, there is an amazing variety of specificities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its own Gaelic Choir! Under the baton of Wilma Kennedy it meets every Monday night and represents the city at The Royal National Mod each year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has a romantic side, and it's always good to see how people of all sorts of backgrounds get along with each other.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a strong musical heritage, encompassing a variety of styles and tastes. From musical societies and choirs, to singer song-writers and bands; from theatre concerts to open mic nights, there is rarely an evening in Dundee when lovers of good music will fail to be entertained. There is a vibrant live acoustic scene, showcasing Dundee's talent and banishing the karaoke culture of many other towns and cities. We have much to celebrate; not least Dundee's very own multi-instrumental 'Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' who last month were named 'Best New Scottish Band' at the Scottish Variety Awards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me this is about saying 'thank you' to a city that made me feel so welcome and has become home! And, for me, it's the hidden surprises that make Dundee so special; the enigmatic jute mills awaiting rescue, the seals on the sandbanks under the rail bridge, daffodils in The Howff in the spring; the lovingly tended parks and forestry.... All this and we still have so much to look forward to! The V&amp;A and the whole waterfront redevelopment - I can't wait!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunniest place in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I live in the west end of the city, high up above Perth Road and just in front of Blackness Road. I have an uninterupted view of the River Tay. I waken each morning and the view never fails to amaze me. It is fantastic and the ever changing river provides a backdrop for all sorts of wildlife. I can look west towards Perth and see what sort of weather is coming my way and I look east and sometimes see the 'haar' rolling up the river.I am a very fortunate Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I would want to live In Dundee forever!...
It is a city that feels like a "vibrant village" full of friendly and inspiring people from all around the world. A magical place that keeps re-inventing itself. The V&amp;A at Dundee will be the icing on what is already a very rich cultural cake!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One Cultural event that I really enjoyed taking part in was the city wide production of "Witches Blood 2". ( This was community theatre at it's best! ).

There is many more current examples of community theatre in Dundee, the production of "This Town" at the Verdant works being a another good example.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great northern soul scene where people of all ages come together and share their love of brilliant soul music and dance the night away. Everyone who goes dances and its all about the music. Everyone who goes loves it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and raised in Dundee but had to leave at the age of 17 for work. I have travelled all over the world and been to some amazing places but there's no place like home. I know that I will return I love Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Centre doesn't cover a very wide area but it has everything you'd ever need. Lovely and compact but with all the big shops as well as the lovely independent cafes for some variation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing creative community who are extremely supportive of one another. More and more creative talent is coming out of Dundee. With The V&amp;A coming, The Waterfront Development and more young designers / artists deciding to reside here its only proving how exciting the future is for the City and its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spending 4 years with an eclectic group of students, from across the globe, engaged in learning, interaction and growing up. Formative experiences were the foundations for what we have subsequently become.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gems that are not often publicised. Duncan Of Jordanstone produces so much artistic talent not often known about. Landscape is beautiful and there are many open spaces.
Shopping Culture and Entertainment is vibrant in this city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Always a thrill to drive over the "Silv'ry Tay" on the approach to Dundee-it looks different every time depending on the weather, but "silvery" it always is!  Then there is the "Can Do" attitude which is apparent everywhere in all the building work at the Waterfront, and finally the down to earth friendliness of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a wonderful very early painting hanging in Ninewells Hospital of a Dundee doctor - Dr David Kinloch (1560 - 1617) Written on a document he is holding are the words - "Life is short, Art is long, Opportunity is elusive, Experiment is dangerous, Judgement is difficult." How true!!
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<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> The well in the Botanic Garden that never runs dry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quite and calm streets, diversity and cultural richness of Dundee are the most spectacular part of my memories; so much that I would love to come again and again. Discovery and Verdant Works take us back in history when courage was the only saviour of mankind. The mini gardens around the Dundee Law, all grown by citizens, is another experience I would like to recommend and replicate in Pakistan. And of course, best of all, the University of Dundee...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much is in the vicinity, culture and golf.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much I miss about Dundee - I live near Aberdeen now and there is no comparison. The Rep, Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, vibrant degree shows at Vision, walking thorough the City and feeling the energy and of course the music
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I believe you can walk anywhere in the City and not feel intimidated.
<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> 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.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the abundance of independent shops and businesses...true entrepreneurial spirit in our city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the aspirations of a larger city but the scale of a town. That scale fosters the feeling of community; whether in a cafe on the Perth Road or a pub in the city centre, a hike up Balgay Hill or a walk along the esplanade, you always bump into people you know or recognise faces you pass. Dundee is a Jeckyll and Hyde city with local Dundonians; their communities and institutions sharing the city alongside thousands of students with their bars and shops. You make up your mind which is Jeckyll and which, Hyde!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Music, vibrant arts and culture, grassroots self organised cultural activities going on as well as via more established organisations like DCA and other venues
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin roof and all the artists associated, the cinema at DCA with its great program... And the PEOPLE! The city is bubbling with ideas!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's national contemporary dance company is based in Dundee at the Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The welcoming and 'can-do' attitude that supports a culture of great art and science here, demonstrated by the fact that even the taxi drivers are proud of the achievements of the University of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the views
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grants the butcher does the best mince.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so many gorgeous friendly people who are so welcoming. I love the places to visit, so many hidden treasures.
The scenery around the city is so beautiful to visit.
Dining out is an amazing experience, so many culinary delights.
Its simple a great place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by the changes within the city. It continues to grow and diversify in this current climate of recession.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Heading into Dundee over the Tay rail bridge early morning, with mist on the Tay and the sun coming up is magical
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city oozes with history and many stories of discovery and determination
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The open attitude toward change and bringing culture into the city. Not many cities see culture as an important aspect of social life. People in Dundee are excited about change rather than being grumpy about even hearing that something new might happen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a masters degree student: the inclusiveness, fairness and friendly international climate within the University of Dundee.

As an experienced Latin American knowledge entrepreneur, the quietness of the city that helped me revisit my professional goals in life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a spectacular location that amazes people who visit for the first time. There is a lots of green space in the city with lovely well maintained parks. There is something for everyone in Dundee with concerts and exhibitions of various kinds and good shopping. The people are friendly and will go out of their way to help you. A great place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth and friendliness of the Dundonians always makes me smile. I love the sense of history, the hidden gems, the cafe culture and the great selection of shops. Everyone you meet has a tale to tell, or a joke to share. I love walking down the Perth Road either past the university into the bustle of the town or out towards the Botanical Gardens, a special place of peace and tranquillity. I love to walk in Dudhope Park, especially when the leaves are changing in the Autumn or sit looking out over the Tay in the evening when the light is changing. There is hope and potential in it's people and it's places.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Magdalen Green Bandstand on a bright morning standing majestically looking out over the Tay - surely one of the most picturesque views in Scotland...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalene Green on a sunny day is a complete delight; the whole community gathers and basks in the sun, having BBQ's and playing sport. Is a delight to join or just to watch.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The V&amp;A is coming!
<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> Dundee's rich heritage ... a century ago one of the most prosperous small cities in Europe ... the richness fading during my lifetime as two of our famous three J's - Jam, and Jute - disappeared ... five decades of recovering and building from such unanticipated adversity ... we have grown though all this ... and now ... about to reach for the stars ... 'If a man's reach can not exceed his grasp, then what's a heaven for' ... my city is ready ... to fully recover it's self esteem ... it will be a great day for Dundonians if City of Culture day dawns on the Tay ...
<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> The amazing work our volunteer organisations do with the youth of today – be it Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade, Brownies, Guides or Scouts and not forgetting the many sports teams, community centres, dance or music classes that Dundee volunteers support.  The many volunteers who help the sick, elderly, vulnerable, meals on wheels, support charity shops, fundraising events, support at courts and hospitals and many other tasks not listed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Only in my second year in Dundee, after going to the Fireworks display in Baxter Park, did me and my flatmate go for a wonder and found ourselves at the city quay. We had never known about it and were amazed, it was night time and looked amazing by moonlight. So we walked about and explored the ship near by....it's a lovely part of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm often astonished by extraordinary architecture in our city centre streets, especially if you look upwards at the rooflines. Dundee has some magnificent buildings evoking earlier periods in our city's long and famous history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is an exciting time for Dundee and I look forward to the completion of the waterfront development and of course the V&amp;A. I actually live across in Fife but look upon Dundee every morning as I come over the bridge and have always said 'Dundee looks beautiful from across the water'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dolphins in the Tay,which I can see from my bedroom window.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazingly vibrant and creative visual art community, buzzing with talented artists, designers and makers and sustaining an exciting range of creative activities and events. It is home to fantastic arts organisations and institutions including Dundee Contemporary Arts, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art &amp; Design, Generator Projects, Wasps Artists' Studios and McManus Galleries. Dundee also has a wonderful open feeling – you can see views of the sky and the River Tay from all over the city, and there are beautiful beaches and countryside just a hop, skip and a jump away!
<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> 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> 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> The oldest iron bridge in Scotland, folk music in the fisherman's tavern, ancient graveyard on church street, Dundee Choral Union, our vision &amp; Downfield Music Society.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From it's unique cultural diversity to the well balanced synthesis between large-city and small community living, Dundee offers a unique balance which caters for everyone. Developed with environmental aesthetics in mind, the myriad of green spaces and waterways combine contemporary urban landscapes with more naturalised ones. The small hidden gems are plentiful with many unique shops, cafes, pubs and entertainment venues, representative of the eclectic nature of the city and it's residents.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff - a graveyard in the centre of town where you can relax &amp; chill.
<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> The peacefulness of the rock gardens at Broughty Ferry. I walk there with my disabled son and it brings me a chance to switch off, revitalise my batteries and thank my lucky stars, we live in such a peaceful area. Living by a beach so close to us is a bonus to us as well!x
<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> I was born in Dundee in the 80s. The city has really changed since then. Dundee has worked so hard on it's cultural side. Every time I go back to visit there is always something new to see or do. Go for it Dundee! You deserve it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many hidden architectural gems (despite the removal of so much of the historic centre)!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city on the east coast of Scotland, but with the most fantastic sunsets! Stand at the top of Ninewells Avenue when the tide is out and enjoy the amazing views of an almost empty River Tay.
<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> Art bar, Reading Rooms and DCA!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee people are proud of a city which has seen hard times but is reinventing its self as a modern city which embraces change and new opportunities.

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