:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Dundee is a place of true innovation, reinventing itself time and time again. Drawing it’s strength from it’s communities, their tenacity to deal with life, look to the future and strive to make a difference. From the sciences, technology and arts it is a truly inspiring place to live!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee is amazing. Gardynes land in the high street was always for me Dundees best kept secret,however when doors open day in Dundee comes about I'm always amazed at the other hidden treasures Dundee has to offer. As a several generation Dundonian born and bred, I am extremely proud of my culture and heritage. Whether it be the law or the auld steeple Dundee stands proud, as do I.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian, but moved here some 28 years ago from the "West Coast" - and would never contemplate moving back.
This city has everything, and the ability to evolve with the times. It constantly improves - just as you think it couldn't get much better. There might be bigger cities in Scotland - but none has anything Dundee can't match or indeed - better.
Sometimes thought of as the biggest village in the world - it has everything whilst retaining the special feeling of a small and friendly town. That is the magic of this city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The language. A man called, rather shouted, snow - "SNA!". Amazing.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual Dundee Jazz & Blues festival is an amazing experience that really brings the whole community together and creates a fantastic feeling in the city. It also highlights the cities passion for creativity and is attracting fans from all over the world.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> perth road dundee is really a melting pot with dundee's large international student population.it feels very cosmopolitan and you can almost sense a creative feel about the area as you walk down the perth road with the university /old art colege and also the dca /rep all in close vicinity.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hub of knowledge, culture and innovation. People come from all over to participate in shaping the future of our city, country and general humanity.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the tay

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city with a lot of character,friendly and helpful people and the thing that stands out for me is the view we have on any route into Dundee and the silvery Tay,

<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> Dundee is ‘Culture-tastic’. For Art lovers there is the award winning McManus Galleries or the DCA to visit. For music lovers, there are several vibrant pubs offering a diverse selection of music including the annual Blues Bonanza which attracts musicians from all over the world and bring people out in their thousands. Dundee is also steeped in History and provides great attractions like the Discovery and Unicorn ships or the Verdant Works highlighting Dundee’s past involvement as one of the world’s leading cities in the production of jute. Regular markets in the city square also provide a great selection of local and European foods.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has without doubt the most heartbreakingly beautiful sunrise/sunset landscapes in the UK and perhaps in any city anywhere. That is reason enough for anyone to visit it but it also a city of gritty, entertaining and sometimes endearing character. It has a unique relationship between a very industrial and scottish local population and a very new and international university. The University also boasts an impressive art school populated by quirky and impulsive people who help to make the city fascinating

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Space, at Dundee College where acting and performance and dance students and soon to be technical theatre students get trained and supported by very committed, enthusiastic staff to develop their skills and realise their full potential.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the only women's trail of its kind in the whole of the UK. You can get the free leaflet and talk a walk from plaque to plaque round the city centre, marvelling at the interesting lives and achievements of 25 notable women, and then go home and read of many more on the website dundeewomenstrail.org.uk. This is a city which has been known for its strong women. Doctors, witches, artists, mill workers, Suffragettes and business women - they're all here.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the sense of community Dundee has, it's something you don't find in many places. I noticed this when speaking about Dundee to people from other places around Scotland.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the sunniest places in Scotland (when the sun actually shines) and looking out to the Tay, especially from the top of the law, is always breathtaking.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's history and how it has constantly been trying to build itself up to be a more positive place

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is always trying to reinvent it'self, trying to be better than it's percieved. Dundee is different, we are brilliant and it's time for the rest of the world to see that too.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian I'm from over the bridge in Fife but I've visited Dundee many many times since I was a child. It was always where we chose to go 'on a proper shopping day out'. Over the years I've seen so many changes to this wonderful place. I loved it when I was a kid but I remember it looking quite dated, its now having an overhaul and being sympathetic to some important features unique to the city, it really is starting to look the part. Dundee definately deserves its place as a city of culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like that Dundee has culture without pretentiousness;
that we have bands who play big festivals but still play in local pubs, and world class classical musicians playing in community centres and day centres for older people; and that I can be entertained on the way home from seeing Scottish Dance Theatre by a homeless guy dancing joyfully in the aisle of the bus while his mate plays a mouth organ.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> friendly

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived away from Dundee for 5 years and every time i go home i see changes.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Awards - we award this to a senior pupil in Dundee Secondary Schools for the work they have done to contribute to the ongoing citizenship of Dundee - always amazes us - the extent of our young people's talents is immense.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In my opinion Dundee is the ideal candidate for City of Culture. It has a 'ripe', 'up for it' feel that reeks readiness for the challenge and the honours that come with this accolade. The goodness in the people of Dundee will fulfil this role and will ensure a rich harvest of culture with the greatest of pride.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> so many wonderful things about a city always looking towards the future of discovery. whether its art (v&a), music (rustyhipcollective) or science (research centre) dundee has it all!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish.
Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fabulously diverse city, with a vibrant arts scene, from great productions at the Rep to outstanding exhibits at DCA, and the newly refurbished McManus galleries. There's always something to entertain, challenge and excite.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> We have lots of beautiful parks for anyone who wants to play or walk. Balgay Park is an unexpected treasure culminating with the observatory at the top.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There"s a willingness to make things happen; people listen, consider and act and it feels as if the door is open. It's a city which aspires and inspires.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently started living here (moved from London) I have been struck by the warmth and very welcoming attitude from all those I have met - at work, the bus drivers, shop assistants, various tradesmen to name a few. The compact city has a great history with hidden gems around many corners. The old city walls to the west, a medieval house in the city centre now the Backpackers hostel, the incomparable moodiness of the Tay, RSS Discovery and of course the Unicorn. So understated, so much to shout about.

<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> Our ability to continually innovate, inspire and engage is difficult to beat. From Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, The Rep Theatre and DCA, to computer games, technology and design the City, in its own quiet way, makes a big impact across the world.
The UK should be proud to have Dundee as City of Culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are a number of extremely talented amateur dramatic and musical groups and societies in the city. Dundee Rep boasts an excellent professional repertory company which, I believe, is unique in Scotland and rare in the UK as a whole.

<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> Modern architechture mixes with old, a centre of excellence on so many fronts, new shopping facilities, a vibrant nightlife, a varied spread of cultural entertainment-what more could anyone ask for. Already very popular with university students and a safe environment for all.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I absolutely love that even in South East Asia people know who Dennis the Menace is and are even more impressed when they find out that he comes from Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came here in 2002 to attend University with every intention of leaving after...11 years on I'm still here plus a husband, 2 kids and a small but growing business. The diversity and choice on offer is something I want my kids to experience, enjoying a sunny but cold stroll along the beach at New Year or participating in many activities on offer. Dundee has been good to us I don't think we would be in the position we are in if we were somewhere else. Thank you Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view, from riverside you get stunning vistas of the Tay and Fife, from the Law you get stunning views all around. The people are intelligent, engaged and forward thinking.

<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> I love the setting on the river and the way the sky continually changes but what gets me every time is the unexpected humour of the people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic little city, great energy and richness especially in young artistic community, tremendous sense of history diversity and investment in the future

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the view over the tay is breathtaking as is the view from the Law

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community full of caring, artful, sharing people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The excitement and anticipation I feel when I pass through what will be the new waterfront. It is like a flower waiting to burst into full bloom. I can't wait!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry Beach, The Law Hill, The Perth Road, Magadelen Green, Camperdown Park, the friendleness of the people!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's the home of invention and Dundee's its Scottish home

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible richness in the arts and science, and a thriving live music scene. Many fantastic musicians reside in Dundee and perform regularly. Dundee hails one of the best all female bands in Scotland and the UK over the past 2 decades - the very talented "adam812", who were asked by Henny King to represent Dundee City and perform at the Octcentenery Awards in the city square and in London at the St James Palace Hotel. Adam812 - one of Dundee's hidden secrets!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Blues Bonanza! Europe's largest blues festival, now expanded and showcases many different genres, the city center is buzzing for two days. One of my favorite things in Dundee of many - Degree show, west fest, the ferry, many parks, views from the law, water front, DCA, Mcmanus, reading rooms, Dundee oldest pub pillars, the SALTY DOG for one of the most unusual pub experiences unlikely to be found anywhere else in the UK. And best of all the people!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the Top of the Law (hill) - on a clear day you can see just how far Dundee has come in the past 100 years. Look north and you see the chimneys of old jute mills, look south and you see the University and Welcome Trust building at the University fo Dundee.

<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> I think the judges would be surprised at the number of parks that are in Dundee City - Camperdown in particular is beautiful and has something for everyone. The McManus Gallery, Verdant Works, The Law and RSS Discovery are but a few attractions that are well worth a visit. Dundee City is not just grey buildings.

<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&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> Great musicians, poets and artists working in an exciting environment.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Galleries - a great treasure trove!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from Dundee Law - opens up to the entirety of Tayside, the North and the Kingdom of Fife

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the people. The Blues Bonanza
Gardyne's Land
Chalmers' adhesive stamp
P53 - identifying what cancer is about

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich amount of history. Walk off any Main Street and find something. Eg. Cemetery in centre of town, law hill, verdant works, unicorn, Tay bridge. Wherever you go there is history shaping the city,

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is simply a stunning place to live, with incredible views and access to nature and wilderness on your doorstep, but all the history and vibrancy of an ancient and thriving city. The people are warm and canny with an eye always open for progress they can believe in.

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