We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Two universities, a college, galleries, great pubs with live music, home of Oor Wullie and The Broons but has Desperate Dan and a dragon stalking its streets – what’s not to like..?

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee roller girls great bunch i just joined, the theatres the dca my daughter loves going to the art shows, the universities diverse people you meet
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, unofficially known as Fundee, due to the happy memories and good times had during my university days. Great people, culture and attitude makes each return visit something to look forward to.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city steeped in culture with so much to see and do from theatres and restaurants to museums and ships. With the waterfront development it is set to become a must visit for tourists both from Scotland and abroad.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The natural beauty of the City and its surroundings and the major changes that are happening in the City making it a great place to live !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Stunning landscapes, amazingly friendly people, hidden gems such as Lundie Crags, great weather, diversity of talent from computing to biosciences, views over the Tay, free tennis!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 'Forgotten' history and potential...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm surprised there is not more opportunity taken by the council to have cultural events throughout the year. It is good to see the city developiong though and with the V&amp;A, the new City Square, etc., there is an opportunity to continue to develop a different side of the city. The City of Culture tag has done well for other cities it has attached itself to and would be a real boost for Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the hustle and bustle of Saturday afternoon. Always changing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over the last decade Dundee has shrugged off its Jute, Jam and Journalism image for one of a technology, media and bio-science leader. A pheonix rising from the ashes of its past.

Dundee's progress is unlimately recognised by the decision to site the V &amp; A museum in the city which is a massive boost of confidence for the city. Dundee should be awarded the UK City of Culture 2017 as a recognition of its transformation and as an inspiration to other cities that they too can re-invent themselves.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunniest city in Scotland with people with the biggest hearts and friendliest natures
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an international student I presented a topic by powerpoint in a language class about , " Dundee, the city of innovation and the city of discovery "
My presentation was well but what I would like to let you know is the history I tried to learn about this city from prehistoric era till date are really amazing. Those are with so many discoveries and innovations.
particularly my take home message is Dundee went on through castles and battles in earlier ages, city of discovery (year-1900),jam-jute -journalism—late 18th century, a golden time in 1950s and 1960s- employment vs industrial revolution, city of scholars and researchers(one of the intellectual communities in this planet).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay with panoramic views across the river, to North Fife. It is both an intellectual and a cultural city, with two universities, theatres and the Dundee Contemporary Arts. It is a sociable, friendly city which deserves to to be on the limelight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is lovely city, I was impressed by the cleanliness in the city and the commitment that people have in their jobs. I attended the epidemiology classes and it was amazing. the reception on arrival was fantastic, the organization was lovely. we had wonderful lecturers who were knowledgeable. The rooms where we were putting up were lovely and we also had a wonderful kitchen where we prepared our meals. I also admired your public relations. keep up the lovely culture. bravo and have a lovely time during your Bid. I would love to visit Dundee again and enjoy their hospitality
<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> friendly and arty
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the impact artists past and present have had on the city.

Currently Im looking forward to exploring more of Vince Rattray's work, as he is talked about with so much warmth by Dundonians. And I was fascinated to discover Pat Douthwaite's amazing paintings.

She was born in Glasgow but chose Dundee has her home because she liked it so much and took up a permanent residency at The Queens Hotel.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The daffodils
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunniest city in UK, in an exquisite setting on the Silvery Tay. Small and compact yet has with a vibrant social and academic environment, including two Universities.
<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> Such a friendly city and also so much great music groups about. Choirs, Orchestras, bands etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a creative spirit, and a many promising, developing creative industry. But I think that the most important 'hidden secret'of this city is the V&amp;A museum and the configuration of the waterftont
<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> Walking down by the Tay on a sunny day lifts my spirit, even on a blustery day it is a good refreshing and scenic walk. The Agacan is a small gem of a restaurant. The city's football clubs are based in the same street, without any trouble. I also hold general sentimentality about my hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is a wonderful place, always showing great movies that wouldn't be seen at the multiplexes, as well as giving plenty of opportunities to learn about film and to be artistic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I take Dundee for granted, every time I visit another city, even bigger ones, I'm amazed there are more events, talks, gigs and exhibitions going on back home - I've never seen the range of things going on in any other city with the exception of some major metropolitan areas - Dundee really punches above its weight with its cultural events! Also - huge deal - so many of them are free!! Which lets EVERYONE benefit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are the friendliest people living in one of the sunniest places in Scotland. Give a smile and you are sure to get one back, sit on a bus and don't be shy to strike up a conversation with the person next to you. Dundee isn't a hugh city like London, it still has a sense of community and it also has fantastic things on offer. Music, theatre, museums, a thriving pub and club scene, and art everhwhere you look.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised when the 48hour film competition came along how many extremely talented writers, film makers, photographers, actors, singers, songwriters and musicians were present in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It always has something new to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city with such a rich history. Much to celebrate!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A real sense of community and a buzz about the wealth of creativity in all areas - there are so many opportunities for all to be involved in the many exciting events, festivals and new developments in the city. It has a fabulous waterfront setting with glorious sunsets to inspire you - and a cracking cafe culture too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since coming to work in Dundee I have got to know the city and it's people. I have made new friends and have been made to feel very welcome. Dundee is a city that is going through a fantastic period of development and this already beautiful place will be even more magnificent when this work is finished. It is a city full of very talented people and has some brilliant historic figures to draw inspiration from. I am so proud to be able to witness and enjoy the great things that are going on here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was Born in Dundee Royal Infirmary and Like so many things in Dundee it is gone and been replaced with something Better. I moved away when I was 18 (Now 45) I always had fond memories of MY home City but when I returned 20 odd years later it had transformed from the old City it was into a Vibrant Beautiful City it is today the best thing I liked was the Big ship Docked there in the edge of town. But it has retained the best parts of the Old City the architecture is still beautiful.
<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> Dundee's esplanade provides some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland - its beauty is such that every time I view it, it leaves me lost for words like the very first time I experienced the 'Silvery Tay'.

One of Dundee's greatest assets is simply being able spending time on the banks of Tay. In the mid to late 1800s tourists travelled for miles to marvel at the spectacle.

'The Dundee Esplanade is unrivalled for cycling purposes, and it is truly the cyclist's delight,' says the full-page advertisement in the Dundee Directory for 1898-99.

'Be sure to visit the Whitmair Cycling Pavilion at the east end of the Esplanade, where cycles can be hired by hour, day, or month,' it continues.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live. It has a wonderful collection of moods as the seasons and activities changes. Love the dolphins, sailing, students, schools and youth activities. So many clubs and societies with engaging activities at every corner. The University Library will love to create an even wider set of activities for the City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not from Dundee but I love visiting, there's always so much going and always something wonderful, inspiring and exciting to do or see.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's proximity to the beach at Broughty Ferry and the wildness of the Angus Glens (and mountains!) The friendliness of the people and the number of different things available to do with my children on rainy days. Even though I have never lived there, (my extended family did and still does) every time I visit it feels like a homecoming!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Without doubt the most underrated city in Scotland, 4 years there as a student made me proud to have chosen Dundee over the traditional university cities which peers from my area were choosing. An innovative forward thinking city with the best weather in Scotland! People are missing out on a great city by listen to the sterotype, Ive done my bit to change my friends views by getting them to visit the city and the city played its role to perfection too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The it has the small town feel while being a city. That feeling welcomed me here back in 2005 while interviewing for university. It made it feel like I belonged.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sightseeing from upstairs on the number 73 bus. It runs from Ninewells through Dundee and Broughty Ferry to Arbroath. Amazing views, free wifi and good banter!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The waterfront is something that makes the city standout . As we are making it better, it will make Dundee a Scottish city landmark.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having studied at the University of Dundee for almost three years now, the way in which the university runs itself in relation to the city is incredible. I have really enjoyed the uni bringing in all aspects of Dundee to uni campus. It makes me feel like I not only belong at uni but I belong in Dundee itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As someone who grew up on the other side of the Tay, Dundee was a quiet, slow burn for me. Once discovered, however, I loved the light, the people, the culture, the history, the new, and the magnificant river that reflects its glory and ambition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In a work capacity, I was asked the other day for details about Dundee as the lady had not visited before, i.e. accommodation with the city centre. I ended up sending a rather long email, about how accessible Dundee is.
We have a great bus and train service in and out the city, there is plenty of great value for money places to stay from hotels to small B&amp;B. For catering, there are fantastic places to eat (think of a food and you'll probably find you can have it somewhere in the city). Great shopping for us ladies within a 1 mile radius. There are free places to visit such as McManus Galleries, Mills Observatory, Broughty Castle, DCA all within walking distance or a short bus journey. If you have have a love of the outdoors and wish to relax, again only a short distance and accessible there is, Camperdown Park, which includes a Wildlife Centre, Baxter Park, Templeton Woods, a lovely sand Beach at Broughty Ferry (cant visit without stopping off for an ice cream at Vissochi's). There are also many acitivities in and around the city, whether it be via sports development, creative learning workshops, easter hunts and of course not forgetting the Dundee Flower and Food Festival (an annual event), if you visiting Dundee, be well assure Dundee Is Worth It!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ancient history, never realised it has been a settlement for thousands of years! The Jacobite rising started on the Law, how amazing! love the city events for Christmas etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee "law" provides a spectacular view to the whole city center and from which you can enjoy the amazing view of Tay River. The Law itself has a very old history whereby it was used as Iron Age hillfort and prehistoric graves dating to about 1500 BC have been uncovered on its slopes. Roman pottery dating from the 1st century AD has also been discovered (see http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/supportservs/dundeelaw).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the parks, especially around the observatory an early morning!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great mix of people.
Good cultural mix.
Set on the silvery tay.
Climb the Law - see for miles.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I relocated to Dundee from Glasgow 10 years ago and I love this city. It has everything, restaurants, shows, casinos and lots more.. Loads of stuff for the little ones too, from the Science Centre to Camperdown Park AMAZING city to live in
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful and vibrant city, alive with character and history. It has so much to offer visitors to the area and is undergoing a period of significant redevelopment and growth, with national and international interest rising.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee is very broad and would excite those who are into its study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The resilience of the city and the people - we keep geting knocked down and we still show a unity to keep going until we succeed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm from continental Europe and moved to Dundee for its world class life sciences sector (and the nearby Highlands!), however I now find that Dundee has so many things going for it. One favourite is lunch at the wornderfully eclectic Tea an Cake in the city centre - original, fun and friendly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness Industrial area, rich in history with many old jute mills, today they hold some the cities gems. There are art spaces and studios such as tin roof, the verdant works museum and furniture recycling center.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student in 1993 and decided to make it home - a small, friendly City with an abundance to do and entertain - from theatre at the Rep, to events for the whole family at the DCA and McManus Galleries. Whether your passion is for music, film, science, art, theatre or literature, there is something for everyone in this wonderful little city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian born and bred, I love how the city continues to change and evolve and know that in the very near future Dundee will rival the bigger Scottish cities as THE place to visit!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a city which feels fresh and vibrant.
Love the quality of the light and the sense of space beside the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has lots of hidden gems as well as a great and growing music scene.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff - a secret store of history, stories, beauty and death. It really is an amazing place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With a bit of digging, you'll find that Dundee is one of Scotland's hidden treasures. The city is a rough diamond, made even more special by its unpolished edges. If we win the bid for UK City of Culture, hopefully Dundee will shine in the eyes of the rest of the UK too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of secrets - a walk around the town shows so many hidden things we miss when driving around. The Dundee women's trail, for example and the Time Gun at Dudhope Park. Our parks are glorious!

I also believe we are responsible for the culinary innovation of 'The Mince Roll'. We deserve credit for that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of cultural activities and sites available in and around the city. From fantastic architecture (buildings and bridges) to a whole range of galleries and parks, to the theatres, cinemas, concert halls, football stadia, etc. Not to mention the mighty Tay and Macgonagall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two of the less known gems I know of are Preston Watson from Dundee who pre-dated the Wright brothers with the first motorised flight.

The other story I have heard and cannot confirm is that the sand within the Tay is a perfect consistency for Baseball mounds and running areas, so close to perfection in fact that it is dredged and shipped out to the USA and is exclusively used for MLB matches by it's official teams. Would love this to be true!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Whenever I travel back to Dundee I am always surprised at the beauty I see. Travelling over the water on the train I never fail to remember how lucky I am to be able to see our landscapes and treasures in architecture, history, creativity and community... That and a good pub!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of its size, Dundee punches well above its weight - for good and the bad. While there are many problems to solve, thankfully the great cultural and social movements underway in the city are driving change on a scale that could have real positive impact.
<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's aspect, the river, its bridges, the weather, but most of all its friendly and talented people.....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Generator Projects! With out a doubt my favorite thing about Dundee, a really strong curatorial team who curate some of the best exhibitions of emerging artists anywhere in the UK. Then there are the Yuck'n'Yum guys with there AGK (Annual General Karaoke)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a surprisingly large African community in Dundee. And with that brings a whole new culture, especially food, clothing and genre of music which I love - Afrobeats, dancehall, soca, hip hop and rnb. The good thing is that everyone has an open mind and are willing to try anything.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am Dundee born and bred. The best thing about Dundee is its people - they are so friendly. Where else would most people say hello as you walked or cycled passed them?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great new music and bands
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tannadice is heaven on earth :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have so many talented designers based in Dundee and seeing their work in the Telegraph is great! Local people are really proud of homegrown talent. All the old architecture and Dundee's history is beautiful &amp; fascinating.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> CULTURE!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A Californian native, born and raised, I've made my way over to Dundee to attend university, and I can't even begin to describe my fascination with this little gem of a city. I've never resided in a more genuine, unpretentious place. Dundee presents itself at face value, and exists in its stubborn manner of take me as I am or don't take me at all. Meeting new people, I'm familiar with their immediate reaction of, "Why on earth would you leave California for Dundee??" but I'm content and thrilled to be in this city of dialect so thick I can hardly decipher it on the best of days. Because after two years of living here, I can't imagine walking down the street and not being able to ask the kilted man if he's a true Scotsman.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is plenty to keep the kids occupied at little or no cost! From visiting The McManus Galleries to walks in Templeton Woods. Spending time at Camperdown Park with a visit to the Wildlife Centre for a very small charge. They can also expand their knowledge by visiting Dundee Science Centre or The Discovery. And there are plenty of nice cafes that are child friendly too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a beautiful city with a surprising amount of things to do for a city of its size. It has a large amount of independant shops, cafes and bars which add extra personality to the city. The student life is amazing, tonnes of things to do, most things a walkable distance away from the centre/university campus, lots of support and events from the University, great resources with the Library, DCA, ISE Gym. Dundee also has the Science Museum, Art Museum, The Discovery and it is the home of The Beano and The Dandy!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Overgate and Wellgate. Got nice shops.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about this city, having worked all over the uk the best road in this country is the one from Fife! You see the splendour of its setting and as a colleague from London once said at the top of the Law "what the hell you doing living in London?" Dundee has something which maybe only Glasgow has " its got soul" FIFA paid tribute to our city when Dundee United lost the Eufa cup final they found our friendship so great they brought out the fair play award. This epitomises Dundonians , We have SOUL !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have everything you need - all within easy reach. The city has lots of culture to explore and just beyond countryside to be amazed by.
We as a family love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the people are so friendly and happy to help! It really makes someone's day when someone smiles at you, it puts a spring in your step and that is what Dundee has done for me - given me the spring in my step and through the support of the many great people around me that I have gone on to persue my dreams, because they helped me feel like I CAN!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Botanic Gardens is a hidden treasure of Dundee. Lots to see, do and eat for all the family at any time of year! Dundee people are always positive, happy, friendly people and this is one of the best things about the city.
<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> Since a young age, the Rep theatre has always been a place of awe for me growing up. There's something about it that just feels magical &amp; buzzing with creativity &amp; energy. Dundee Uni campus itself is a brilliant place to be - unlike any of the 3 other universities I studied at after graduating from DofJ. Not only its huge size &amp; location, with amazing views that any student would value, but its ability to not exclude the public from its joys. Magdalen Green will forever hold special memories for me &amp; my student days. I defie anyone to have had a better student flat in a better place with views like I did, of the Tay &amp; the bridge. Stephen Fry said it perfectly regarding Dundee's unique, stunning location for a city. Aside from these factors, Dundee has a power over people who visit - they don't want to leave!
<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> I love Dundee as it's my centre and gateway to magical Munros, beautiful white beaches, and scottish villiages, towns and cities to explore.

The ever evolving face of Dundee and the new exciting opportunities on our horizons is truly making Dundee one of the great capitals on Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of our coastline, looking onto the Silvery Tay each morning as the sun rises. What a wonderful panoramic view everywhere you look. The hustle and bustle of our small but gregarious town, friendly, neighbourly and people are just generally happy. I think our town is the best town in Scotland and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> 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> I am constantly surprised by the river; the way it moves, the way it changes.
I am happily surprised by the dedication of the community, especially in the arts and culture field, to bringing Dundee to life; to building social houses to eat and laugh; to making any environment one of creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art in such a small city, particularly visual art and theatre is of an amazingly high standard. There is a huge appetite for more and the City of Culture designation could really help this. It would tie in nicely with revamping the city centre which will make the city visually pleasing itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When you go on a wee donder somewhere you always find cool stuff to have a look at what you've never seen before
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> THE LAW, Magdalene Green, McManus Gallery, and the comics industry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Hoolywood website is great - showcasing Dundee's creative talent and history with a lot of humour thrown in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best friendships I've had have been those which constantly redefine themselves over a long period of time. That's the way I feel about Dundee. As someone who was born here, Dundee is a place that has meant a variety of different things for me as I have grown older particularly within the arts. The Dundee Schools music programme is a great way to get people involved in music from a young age, giving you the confidence to develop into a talented young adult. The music scene has always been fantastic, with places such as beat generator, putting on local talent and the recent programming of WestFest during the summer months this is something that continues to grow. Music is just one example of how Dundee thrives within the arts, we have the literary Festival, the science festival and a festival of shorts for designed purely for children. This is unique as far as I am aware. The talent is not just imported here from all over the globe, it also nurtured here, in the young which is extremely important.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a born and bred Dundonian, I often feel that Dundee is Scotland's "silent city" - that is, most people (particularly down south) think of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen first when naming a Scottish city. Yet, it has so much going for it in terms of its transition towards an artistic culture, its "student friendliness", and its beautiful location.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way the people welcome you into their lives, their dreams, their failures, their success.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gem of our city is the attitude of the staff at the university. They are a family; they are colleagues; they are accepting and inspiring. University can be hard for students, as it was for me on occasion; the staff at my school made life easy and academia enjoyable. We have one-on-one with lecturers and support staff, and even the Dean over coffee, wine, and stand-up comedy- this is not a closed community. The secret to Dundee is that it is realises that to be great you need to integrate and evolve, and that is what I have done here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee in 2000 and intended to stay just long enough to do my degree, I am still here 13 years later, I fell in love with a city with a warm and friendly feel. My favourite thing in Dundee is our selection of parks, I particularly love Baxter Park, I'm lucky enough to live overlooking the park. Me and my dog love walking in the park. It's beautiful, clean and well looked after.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich and dazzling diversity of faiths and cultures which Dundee is home to is truly unexpected and fascinating. Dundee celebrates community better than any city I know and champions traditional and contemporary arts, theatre and dance. The Scottish Dance Theatre, The Rep Theatre, The DCA etc. etc. etc. The Nilupul Centre with it's traditional Buddhist Shrine room and artwork is a real 'hidden gem'.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendliness and work by the council on encouraging events and businesses to the city (I organise an event in the city, annually, and am struck by the support for it by the council and staff.)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite things about Dundee are the people and the accent! Friendly folk and a fab dialect! I'll hae fower pehs, twa sassidge rolls, a plen bridie and an ingin ane an a!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&amp;A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> That it continues to keep discovering good (and great) things about itself - it continues to grow.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has lots of lovely buildings, botanic garden and the best place of all for kids growing up in Dundee and the surrounding area is camperdown park. Dundee is also the sunniest city In Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage that spans millennia, from the Balgarthno Stone Circle to hillfort ramparts on the Law, the Dark Stane Roundie, the De'il's Stane, King Alexander I and his Queen Sybilla living in Menzieshill in the 1100's, the many castles around and into the industrial era and the connections to the world via the river and railways. Some of which may be gone, but need never be forgotten.

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