We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

I came to Dundee for University, not knowing anyone and living by myself for the very first time. It was scary to say the least. But, Dundee is one of the most friendliest places I’ve ever been and straight away I felt welcomed.
I’ve grown to love this little city and can’t ever imagine leaving so much so I’m staying another year to study my Masters.
As well as this the city offers so much for creatives, in Summer 2012 I got the chance to intern for ‘Vanilla Ink’, it is businesses like this that make Dundee, and it should be recongised, we may be a small city but we have A LOT of talent!

<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> Dundee is a great city, with great cultural facilities from the Rep and DCA to the Caird Hall and McManus and many others. There is also a vibrant culture right across the city. Dundee deserves to be the UK City of Culture in 2017 because there is something for everyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What doesn't surprise me about Dundee? As an 'incomer' 19 years ago what struck me then and now is the never ending enthusiasm of the people, the fantastic natural surroundings, the long term vision for the place and its proximity to nature, wild places and other cities. The creative talent in the City is amazing from musicians, film makers, dancers, games developers, artists, actors, theatre groups..... I could go on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's diverse cultures, bonny buildings, welcoming and friendly people.
<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> Dundee never let's go of your heart.the people ,young and old welcome you .the architectur,history ,people are unique.the,law hill,road bridge ,old and new.rail bridge.the rail disaster,teaching hospital,dental hospital ,university.Jute ,jam ,journalism .Broughty ferry.berry fields.river Tay.Salmon,pearls.The Discovery,Card Hall.DC Thomson. No hidden secret.Dundee shares whatever they have with whoever wants to look. Find. Explore and experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay park is just beautiful and people don't mention it enough or talk about it. Exploring the really old massive grave monuments on the hills in the park on a sunny day are great.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's hidden secret is its people ! We like to laugh, we like to sing, we like to dance and make merry. We are spirited and determined, while being approachable and welcoming. The winning of this bid would enhance the opportunity for the people of Dundee to let the nation and beyond recognise what this City has to offer. Which is an abundance of ' hidden treasures ' in one shape or another. Ye ken it maks sense !
<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 hidden secret is Dundee itself. Before moving to Dundee for work, one of my former colleagues expressed candid surprise at my decision to move from Southeast England. She said she had been to Dundee, and that it was not a very nice place. After having spent almost a year here, I can say she was utterly wrong. The city is one of emergent wealth, thriving because of several factors -- lively students, vibrant arts, beautiful outdoors, surprisingly sunny weather . . . The city is well connected by bus, rail and air.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city Dundee punches well above it's weight when it comes to musical talent. Dundonains were involved in bands such as The Average White Band in the 1970's to to The View in the 2000's. I was also surprised to learn that the Blues Festival held in Dundee is the biggest free blues music festival in Europe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee university enriches life thru llunchtime concerts and free Saturday eve lectures with wide ranging speakers. All free. Mcmanus galleries featuring exhibits from V and A. Broughty Ferry Art society classes. DCA featuring National Theatre and opera from the Met.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is physically transforming itself at the present. As a centre for so much learning (education, science, medicine, IT.....) it has changed it's face!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I would like to thank Baldragon Academy for the opportunities they have presented my daughter in her first year there. So far she has been successfully involved in the football, basketball, netball, and heptathlon and cross country teams. She has also taken part in the National Rock Challenge competition, Dundee Schools Art Festival in four different categories, sung in the Gold Leng medal competition and getting a main part in the school end of term show. Academically the school have also encouraged her to excel in all areas of the curriculum making her a confident and successful individual.
<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 first time I went to Stage 2000 I was amazed at how such a vibrant place could be hidden away in such an unpromising building. It definitely needs funding and a spruce up but as it caters for a massive age range from primary school beginners to seasoned old codgers with attitude, it deserves a higher profile and recognition. You can book on-line and the costs are very reasonable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Broughty Ferry on a sunny day, the views of the Tay are spectacular and it's always nice having a castle!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee blends the past with the present. Its steeped in history has many iconic places and landmarks from east to west. One of the advantages is that even being a city the countryside is near by with lovely villages and towns surrounding it.The scenery for most parts is eyecatchíng has historical ships castles and many more appealing things for the visitors to the City
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although living half way round the world in New Zealand every time I come back to catch up with family and friends I find that there is improvement from the devastation that prior city governance carried out in in 60s and 70s in the sake of modernisation. I applaud the improvements that are currently being carried out on the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> University - I wouldn't have met my awesome girlfriend or any of my university friends. Dundee's a great place full of friendly people, fun things to do and places to go. Very often underestimated!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is not the same as its reputation dictates! In spite of being a sizable city it has a welcoming, homely and village-ish feel. You don't feel crowded or far from greenery at any point yet all the amenities that city life provides are right at your fingertips!
<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> The DightyConnect project (a sub-division of Broughty Ferry Environmental Project) which for the past few years has involved people along the Dighty from the Ferry to Kirkton in a variety of activities: planting wild flowers &amp; trees, gardening, mosaics, poetry writing, dramatic performances, decorating bridges, studying plants &amp; wildlife, foraging, industrial archaeology, geology, assorted artwork... the list goes on. Check out the website!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city looking to the future combining a new dynamism while also maintaining strong links with its cultural heritage. The city offers an excellent quality of life and provides an environment which fosters creative opportunities for both individual and business enterprise. For a small city it hits well above its weight and more than deserves the title of City of Culture 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the sandy beaches at Broughty Ferry, the RSS Discovery in dock, and the Sidlaw Hills as it's backbone. What's not to like? Add to this the uniqueness of The Law which overlooks much of the city with the Mills Observatory in Balgay and you have a very special city indeed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently worked with elderly pensioners in the city on a food project entitled 'Food as a Trigger for Memory'. The narratives of Dundee described by the people of Dundee was a very humbling experience. What was most striking for me was the sense of community that existed in Dundee. One woman explained that in her family on a Saturday if you worked you were given a Wallace's Bridie and if you didn't you were given a pie. Another pensioner could tell the time of day by the smells coming from Nicol's Bakery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> 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> something for every age group
<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> Not sure about a hidden secret, the secret seems to be the combination of contrasts that enrich each (besides the emerging strengths of "real" culture): The Tay, different from all heights and angles (foregrounds of beautiful parks (Balgay Hill, Magdalen Green) or industrial heritage or multis or Meggie's Centre); Buildings old and new of different uses (the Mecca Bingo beside the church, the mosque among the old jute mills, the new university buildings beside old houses, the medieval arches under the pub back exit); And then the "real" culture as it spreads throughout the city: Scottish Dance Theatre and Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Community Theatre in the Rep, small scale viewings in the DCA and Hannah Mclure Centre, school competitions (art and music). Not sure this helps (sorry)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> ....there's a fabulous zoo with lots of animals including bears, wolves, lemurs and Scottish wildcats. It's called Camperdown Wildlife Centre and, because it's run by Dundee City Council, the entry fee is really low
<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> Dawson Park ~ where everyone can go thru out the day and do their thang ~ dog walkers, ,joggers, runners, schoolchildren doing sports with their school, dog walkers, keen gardeners, after school hanging out, dog walkers, sports clubs ~ a great green place with good facilitles for everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing that surprised me most when i moved here was the number of independent shops and restaurants, there are some hidden gems like Dukes corner for music and food. Just walking down Perth road there is hardly a chain store on show, with numerous independent coffee shops and small art stores. Its not all bad in Dundee at all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful ,location on the Tay Estuary surrounded by wonderful countryside and beaches. Fascinating historic buildings like Macmanus and Caird Hall preserving a proud history. People cheerful and friendly despite recent economic difficulties.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant literary community- we have the Dundee Literary Festival, the International Book Prize and lots of author events, poetry readings and live literature going on all year round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful situation and Dundee Contemporary Arts - fantastic venue, fantastic atmosphere, amazing works of art, and workshops. Lucky Dundee!
<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> I love the fact that Dundee has the most friendly, funny people and that once you break the ice we are all global citizens. That and the fact that we are grounded and there are no pretensions.
<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 number of amazing shops, cafes and attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there's nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I've been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2 universities each prominent in its expertise draw in students and researchers from all over the world. These visitors bring the rich diversity of so many different cultures to the city and many become long term residents . Living in the West End I am constantly reminded of the cosmopolitan nature of Dundee in 2013 which was largely absent as I was growing up here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I come from Christchurch, New Zealand though I have lived in Dundee for nearly 15 years now. On its journey to Antarctica the RRS Discovery stopped at Lyttleton, New Zealand which is just over the hill from Christchurch. I think there are few places in the world that I could choose to live in that would take me so far away from home however even here there are strong ties. Dundee has such rich cultural diversity which is not what most people expect - my daughter’s nursery school has children from over 26 nationalities!! One Dundee, Many Cultures.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of sporting alert in Dundee is amazing, hockey is my sport and to see it grow so rapidly since renovation of facilities is wonderful
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the obvious attractions, etc available in and around Dundee you just have to ask people who are not from Dundee, students , medical trainees, art students, what they think and why they want to stay, it is the warmth,humour and friendliness of dundonians which make this city inviting and a home, there is something for all ages in Dundee. From Invergowrie to Monifieth, from across the Tay from Fife there is easy access to all amenities and attractions, people want to come back to Dundee. With future plans e.g. the new train terminal, the museum ,waterfront redelopment Dundee moves on to the future and makes it even more attractive for locals and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer welcoming atmosphere from the people who live there. I'm not a resident - in fact I live on the other side of the globe. But I visit frequently to see family. Every time I visit everybody I meet in the city is extremely friendly and welcoming and eager to chat it up. The people are amazing and I have yet to be received the same elsewhere in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful staff at the DCA who brighten up the day no matter what time it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best thing about Dundee that you will never find anywhere else in Europe is our football, the closest grounds in Europe and win, lose or draw, there will always be friendly rivalry (or banter) yes we will wind each other up, but fans can still drink in the same pubs before and after the match, our fans are disciplined, #fact - welcome to Dundee where equality is happy!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are many 'secret' ballrooms in houses in the city with sprung floors.
<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> When it's sunny, the city comes alive. People of all ages, shapes and sizes come out and enjoy the sun - and each other's company. People are having picnics, enjoying the sun, having some food and drinks, laughing and having fun. It's all relaxed and everyone's happy. Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland, which shows not only in the weather but in the way people are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing cultural diversity of the local population, the student population, and the provision of music, drama, theatre, learning and leisure opportunities
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No Body's Fool..... Dundee is the peoples city. Bordering now on all sides by Dundee relocaters Inclduing heading up the coast to Monifieth and beyond....invergowrie and Inchture and beyond including Newport, Tayport and St Andrews. Dundee has a great surrounding of People offering artisan, cultural and musical ideas and delivering something special for and too our City. To me Dundee has it all .....too small to be a big shot and so different that you canna forget her!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee surprises you with unexpected opportunities, events, people and places. A fantastic, creative and inspirational city with heaps of personality that makes it stand out from the crowd.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live and work, has great links to other cities and places throughout Scotland. Its also one of the sunniest cities in Scotland!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Well for such a small city, I personally think it is a great and fun place to live. I love the city centre, it might be minute compared to other cities but it is continuing to grow and develop into a place that could possibly rival the bigger cities centres. I think that the water front project, once it is finished, will look great and will bring more people down to Dundee. Also, the seating area outside the caird hall is being changed around, which will also make the town centre look better. There are some great looking buildings in Dundee right now and more on their way, such as the new olympia. There is no denying that Dundee has a lot to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The whole city never fails to amaze you with its scenic views and great atmosphere, as well as the wonderful University (Dundee)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm excited by the excitement change is bringing: Dundee's cultural contribution is yet to be defined. So many parts of a new way of binding a city together are in the froth along the Tay: knowledge, history, clean next-generation energy, sustainability, digital promise and information culture. Dundee is becoming something new, something beyond what each ingredient adds to the soup. It's where a diverse past is becoming a vibrant future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to The Scottish Dance Theatre, The Rep. Theatre, The Gardyne Theatre, The Whitehall Theatre, The McManus Art Gallery and will soon be home to The V&amp;A museum. We have staggeringly beautiful views and incidentally, the only city in Britain where you can still see Red Squirrels. Dundee has nurtured world class medical research, top notch software companies and two universities whose reputations are second to none. We have The Sensation Science Centre, Captain Scott's ship RRS Discovery and The only full-time public observatory in the UK. For a population of 140,000 that's surprising.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking along the beach in broughty ferry on a warm summers day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It appears to be a small city. That it is but it is filled with friendly people and has scenic treasures everywhere. Not many cities have the beauty of Dundee, the buzz of the university and kind people on every corner. Definite selling point is the sunset over the Tay; beautiful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even after 10 years of living in the city I seem to stumble onto new things in and around the area of Dundee. :)
<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> The view from The Law, the hub of the City. Each view is like the spokes on a bike with different cultural experiences awaiting in every direction. The South to the city centre the bridges and beyond the Tay to Fife. The South East to the grassy beach and the delights of the Ferry, and the bombs and biodiversity of Buddon ness. The East to Arbroath the birthplace of Scotland and the great beaches and cliffs of the east coast. The North East to the invention of the Bridie ,the Angus Glens and wild adventures, the North to Golden Eagles and the heart of the Highlands, and the North West to Birnham and Macbeth country. Finally the fantastic view to the West of the Tay Estuary of the Tay winding its way to the heart of Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hidden jewel....it has a special energy and is full of kind and blessed people who radiate love. Dundee is on the edge of great things........it's only a matter of time!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> that little spot behind the river wall just past the bridge café. on asunny day at low tide.
<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 hugely supportive and inclusive student culture. The West End of Dundee is a hub for all sorts of student activity and promotes a truly welcoming vibe. The number of independent traders and retailers along places such as the Perth Road makes Dundee thrive and elude individuality. It is great to see residents supporting local business and hailing from Derry, the current city of culture, I can see how winning this bid could only boost Dundee's already growing culture sector.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing. I've always loved the city and the people in it. There's a lot of genuinely nice and helpful people on the city despite the image that is often portrayed by other parts of Scotland. There's nowhere in Scotland that I'd rather live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great cultural richness, but the area in which I feel it excels is that of theatre. Both professionally, with the ensemble at Dundee Rep, and in the amateur field, Dundee presents an amazing variety of theatrical performances. Recent amateur productions include "Cats", "The Sound of Music" and "Whistle Down the Wind" with "Miss Saigon School Edition", "Parade" and "Spamalot" still to come this year. Absolutely fabulous darling! l
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Discovery Point is an amazing visitor attraction in Dundee. A must see for any visitor.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a fantastic location. Within no time you are either at the sea or in the hills. The law, parks and museums are great places to visit and with the waterfront development well under way Dundee will be a great city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a hidden secret fae the west end o dundee, a man wa goes by the name alfie, the mans been entertaining fowk ah eez days wi eez patter and eez always dressed ti impress.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As someone who has lived in and visited many great cities, I have to say that for such a small city Dundee has such a vibrant cultural community driven in large part by the universities and the multicultural students it attracts. The Reading Rooms can rival any club/music venue I've ever visited and I have tried desperately to find somewhere which satisfies in the way it does. The music is varied and never rests on its laurels. The arts, design and fashion communities are so innovative and willing to take chances. The city is steeped in history but refuses to let it define its future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The off the beaten track arts in the city . Weather its the colour of westfest or the viberance of the artists its all good .Very very good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount and variety of bars the city has to offer
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is not the city people think it is - it is much more: dynamic, cultured, historical, international and at the forefront of research in areas such as life sciences or digital art (including video games). And all of this, near one of the most beautiful countryside and riverside backdrop!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is growing into a vibrant city, with the new waterfront development now taking place and also the V &amp; A plans, Dundee is becoming a very cultural city. With two universities it also has a wide variety of students from different cultures. With the McManus Galleries and the Discovery it also offers history. And the iconic River Tay and two bridges sets Dundee apart from a lot of other cities, the views are just beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came here over 30 years ago to go to University and loved it so much I stayed. I am now proud to call this my city and my home. So much has changed, so many amazing things to learn about - who knew the reverse gear was invented by a Dundee man and that Dundee woman once owned a huge tract of Texas?!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The View (from the Tay Bridge when the sun is setting towards Perth). Dundee United (in sport for all the community). Brian Cox (Stack, a nod to our industrial heritage). The Discovery (of a place where all are welcome). The Road and the Miles to Dundee (and also the road to Broughty Ferry for an ice cream at Visocchi's). Magdalen Green (future for the Waterfront). The Beano (we will all have in 2017).
<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> It's not just about the Ferry or the west end : even smaller local areas have marvels like Fortes cafe, the Balmore Bar, Jessies kitchen and so many others. Dundee has wonderful architecture all over, not just in the currently affluent areas, and around every corner there are wonderful parks and green spaces. Dundee is beautiful if you look past the billboards and industrial sites....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is open and welcoming with a diverse and vibrant arts culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's fascinating history of whaling is still largely untapped. It inspired Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein and led directly to the amazing exploits of Scott, Shackleton etc. Shackleton even once tried to become MP for Dundee! The Tay Whale in the McManus is awesome and there's loads of animals brought back from the Arctic by the whalers in the university's zoology museum.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of raw talent this city possesses. Eh Write! writing group at Fintry Community Centre, Voices in Harmony singing group at Whitfield Activity Centre, Art Class at Panmurefield village Church. Ordinary citizens with extraordinary skills and abilities being/needing encouraged. Becoming UK city of Culture 2017 will hopefully draw out and highlight these hidden gems. They are there - they only need to be uncovered !!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the best city in Britain for seeing red squirrels.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Theatrical elements of the cultural life in Dundee only exist due to the hard working off stage volunteers (and staff) who spend time on committees, creating costumes, making scenery, dealing with the admin, fundraising, marketing and lots of other tasks. They are often under appreciated.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing diversity of music available in Dundee - everything from punk, ska, classical, jazz, blues, indie and pop, there's always something going on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The miniature bandstand on the Perth Road
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sits on the banks of a beautiful river. It has an historic ship the discovery that was used to navigate the seas. It will host the V&amp;A museum and has the vibrancy and artistic temperament to make this a world leading area for arts and culture not just for a year, but for a lifetime.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have an amazing memory of my grandparents house, Pitkerro House. It was the most amazing place when I was little. Every corner of the property was like being in wonderland and my grandparents where both amazing fun to be around. I only found out that my Grandad had bought and renovated the property after he passed away, but it amazed me how much love he had for the place and how it always buzzed when the whole family spent time together there. I miss those days.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very caring and friendly. I was so overwhelmed by the caring of neighbours when my mother developed Vasular Dementia. They were so good at looking out for her before she eventually had to go into care. I nominated one of her neighbours (and she won) a Wave 102 neighbour of the year award a few years back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> did you know the original voice of micky mouse was born in dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visitor to this beautiful city I was struck by the diversity of people and how well everone got on together. They made us feel so welcome and were so very helpful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The waterfront location an view over the two bridges is stunning and so unique. It has variety of different architectural styles such as old mills and unique cosy geogrian style flats.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan it is – out on Friday met Spaniards, Italians and Russians – all studying in Dundee!! So, it is already a City of Culture just need the recognition of the rest of the UK!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its constantly changing and for the better. There is always plenty to do throughout the city and surrounding area's whether its entertainment in the city centre and the Caird hall, or taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside at Camperdown park, templeton woods and the sidlaws. Dundee has an amazing back drop which should flourish and be appreciated over the coming years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Free access to cultural attraction like the McManus
<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> As someone not native to these shores, I am proud that I now live in Dundee. It is a super-compact city that has everything on your doorstep. But What I appreciate the most is the warmth, the helpfulness that local Dundonians have offered me. Ten years down the line, I am still here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has deserved City of Culture status for a long time now. In our city we have so much in the way of arts and culture that celebrate our own local history as well as what Dundee has done for Scotland, the UK and the world. A lot of people have worked incredibly hard to get our city to where it is now and the recognition is rightfully deserved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic place to be right now. Great Art, Great Music, Great Design and Great Talent everywhere you look. Something for everyone here and much more. Happy vibes indeed. A warm welcome awaits all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Diversity, humour, twa teams, a Rep to be proud of, migrants adding to the mix of the city now and over 100 years ago, ground breaking research, AMWWF, and my adopted city...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always struck by how good it feels to see so much going on all around me. Just last night I was walking up the Queen's steps from the Greenmarket to the Perth Road amongst people just leaving Dundee Science Centre, excitedly discussing the Cafe Science talk they had just seen. They all soon merged with people gathered outside the DCA who were themselves indistinguishable from the theatre goers all heading towards the Rep to begin their evening's entertainment. Great to see.

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