We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

From the west end of Dundee, the sun always rises from one ‘end’ of the the tay, and sets into the other. So it’s lovely every day.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee as a student many years ago and found it to be a real warm, homely, friendly city. One key memory was the 555 celebration in 1991. My son, Roy, was one of the first babies born in Dundee that year and he and I went to the great party for babies at the Caird Hall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Cheesery in Exchange Street is fab. Dorothy knows so much about the wonderful cheeses she stocks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We moved here 18 months ago and it already feels like "home". I love the mix of the old and new, the ups and downs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of the exhibitions Dundee attracts to the recently refurbished McManus Galleries, such as the opportunity to view Titian's 'Diana and Actaeon' at close quarters in a quality space. Just breathtaking!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The unexpected glimpses of the river Tay and the Fife countryside as you walk through the centre of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee rep have been at the leading edge of regional theatre for as long as I can remember. I grew up with so many great productions that I didn't realise how special they were and how lucky I was until I moved away from the city. It's not so much a hidden secret as a treasure hidden in plain sight, so much a part if the Dundee landscape that its easy to forget what a truly amazing resource it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee for me will always be the place where I found love as my future husband hails from is glorious shores!

As an American who moved to Scotland 6 years ago, choosing to live in Dundee will always be one of my greatest decisions! Loved the university experience I got while there and the city will always have a place in my heart. It is a place that has seen so many changes over the years and is constantly working to improve and rejuvenate itself.

Little city with a big personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee annual half marathon - great value and great race!
Bridgeview Restaurant and T Ann Cake - definitely hidden gems.
Cycling along riverside drive - invigorating and wonderful views
Dundee Law - what a view!
Dundee parkrun - almost a year old and a Saturday morning challenge at Camperdown
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of great places to eat. Cafes, restaurants throughout the city. Anything from a quick snack to a wonderful meal. Especially seafood at The Blue Marlin.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> when ever i am away driving on the west coast i always look forward to coming back and i can guarantee that when i am coming along the perth dual carriage way i am always on the look out for the top of ninewells hospital then i know i am home,,,its a great site to see......
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I visit I'm amazed at the positive changes taking place - especially along the waterfront.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On a visit a few years ago we visited the Discovery Centre and a sweetie factory in one day, there is lots to see and do in Dundee, just wish I lived a bit closer so that I can visit more often.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The historical nuggets that are under our noses every day are amazing we just dont recognise them.. Dundee is steeped in history which is not only important to the local area but Scotland, Uk and internationally. It is about time the City was recognised for its cultural diversity and its potential as an international focus for artistic and industrial development.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's historic roots are hugely important. Everywhere you go in the city you can catch a glimpse of fascinating parts of our history - you just need to know where to look. There's the group of five historic 16th Century houses in the High Street known as Gardyne's Land and the Wishart Arch which is built into a small surviving section of Dundee's 16th Century city wall. There's the award winning Verdant Works jute museum and Scott's historic Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. It also boasts the frigate HMS Unicorn which is the world's last intact warship from the days of sail, and the North Carr, Scotland's only surviving lightship.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it adapts to the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyone is connected in some way, it's a small place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Legend has it that Jack the Ripper is buried under Bell Street... Last man to be hanged in Dundee... Allegedly....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that has the ability to keep reinventing itself. From whaling to jute, jam and journalism to electronic technology to biomedics. A city that encourages each successive generation to achieve to their full potential. Music, writing, drama, dance, sport...a truly amazing place to have grown up in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I walk by the McManus gallery staircase, I become 5 years old again - they are beautiful enough to belong in a fairy tale.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The loyalty and pride of Dundonians in their city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not a lot of people know just how good we are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having moved to Dundee 30 years ago, I have witnessed a huge growth in our cultural ambition and confidence. This is in no small part down to the spirit of collaboration that exists and sets us up as a thriving centre of creative talent. As if that isn't enough, Dundee is set in a perfect location with great people that makes it a wonderful place to live and work!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A Dundee local, Jenny Wood-Allen MBE, set the world record for being the oldest female marathon finisher. She walked her last London marathon in 2002 at the age of 90.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the buzz around town! Everyone is always cheery and chatty, and no one hides away from anything. The city is full of confident individuals which makes living in the city a beneficial experience for everyone! I come from a small village, but living in Dundee has certainly given my small town attitude a makeover!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great place to live, work and enjoy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a black medical doctor &amp; horonary Scot who graduated from University of Dundee at the millennia, I want to lend a supporting hand to Dundee's bid as City of Culture. Ninewells continues to be innovative, Dundee continues to embrace diversity and is a champion in believing in and bringing out the best in people. Our beautiful city has been transformed over the years sprinting into the future where others follow. She is warm, Eco friendly, appealing and is everything a modern city should be. We would be delighted for this honour to be bestowed on us.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Billy Mackenzie !!!!!!!!
<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> As far as cities go, everything's here - niche boutiques, lively coffee shops, young fashion retailers, award winning shopping centres, two universities - it's so vibrant, and that's what makes our city flourish. If you are lucky enough to live and work in Dundee then wherever you go it will stay with you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always had the roots of a great city.
I studied Medicine there, starting in 1990 and had a fantastic time.
It's always been a relaxed place, not taking itself too seriously.
And yet it's increasingly renowned nationally and internationally in the fields of Medicine and Science. Among others.
Having returned from there just this afternoon, it's abundantly clear that the city as a whole continues to flourish and is now truly in blossom.

Good luck for 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the waterfont and views are incredible
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> SUNSHINE! dundee is unique among all scottish cities beacuase of the amount of sun it gets. It should in fact be 'sunny dundee' not 'bonny dundee'!
Dundee is a place where you grow, develop and experience new things, where you meet genuine, helpful and kind people, make fantastic friends for life and even find love of your life. And so it becomes one of those special places you can call home...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has changed itself so much in the last 20 years - from a city where you had difficulty finding a decent restaurant to an city full of fascinating museums , a pedestrianised centre with quirky statues and restaurants that serve good food. A wonderful site overlooking the wonderful river Tay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am originally from Switzerland and made Dundee my home 9 years ago. Many friends who have come to visit agree that Dundee is like an insider tip for travellers. Often ignored by the usual tourist trail its hidden treasures stay unseen. We need to put Dundee back on the map! It deserves to be known again, for its sights, its great location and most of all its unique and creative people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City has lovely walks down at riverside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Roseangle gallery, art exhibitions at the Botanic gardens,the paintings in the new gallery on South Tay street, the beautiful jewellery at the DCA shop...the list goes on.So much talent and so much creativity in his town.As an outsider who emigrated toDundee from India in 2001,I have watched the city reinvent itself culturally.I love Dundee and I hope to never leave.
<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> Scotland's Jute Museum at Verdant works.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> all the little details - benches in the street which are wiggly rather than standard straight ones, arty bollards, dragon wrapped around a street sign etc etc etc, so many
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community in Dundee is 2nd to none and continues to grow! 
Coming from Glasgow I love Dundee as it feels more like a big town than a city. The people are extremely friendly and it has some beautiful scenery. Anytime you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town the countryside is just moments away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are its best asset - witty, genuine and friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene!
In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way Dundee is situated next to the River Tay. It is different everyday. You can see a seal bobbing along or an oil platform being towed out to sea. It also gives great views when you're higher up in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth and diversity of creative individuals all in such a close and accessible proximity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art and music in Dundee is imbued with a strong DIY ethic. The best thing that encapsulates this is the local art collective Tin Roof - newly established and expanding further across cultural territories; Tin Roof provides Dundee with a platform for artists, and musicians alike. Audiences and general appreciators of culture can expect the intimacy and refreshing rawness of grass-roots level art and music.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Enjoying the views from the Top of the Tower Building cafe, (University of Dundee, main campus) and see how changes of the weather are reflected upon the city, the rooftops, the parks, the bridges and the river. And if you are lucky, this is prime location for spotting rainbows in the distance.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth and friendly people who are natural and kind. Live music scene, small independant retailers, vintage clothes shops, top quality hairy stylists, the history of the City which you can enjoy as you stroll throught the City Centre, the fact that its a City which is sourrounded by Sea, Sand and Country side.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love the rich history! :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Is a nice and quite place. It has good universities and everything (shops etc) are all nearby.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sounds daft, but often when I'm in the queue at Tesco on Riverside, I'll have a look out the window across the Tay and think just how lucky I am to live in Dundee – with the sun streaming down the Tay, it really is a gorgeous view. The river has been underutilised in the past, but with the V&amp;A opening, and the redevelopment of the centre, hopefully that will be addressed. And while Dundee has a great view across the river, those on the other side have a great view of Dundee’s skyline.
<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 city of Dundee has to be one of the friendliest places I have been to. there is always a smile and a welcome and humour without the sarcastic aggressive tone that often goes with Scottish humour. Good luck Dundee URIT
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact the even although Dundee is a city, it can feel so small. You will always find someone who knows someone else you know. Lived here all my life, apart from a short stay in Glasgow, but coming home either over the bridge or from any other direction, seeing a landmark and knowing I&#039;m home is the best feeling in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The river, let's make more of our fantastic waterside location...fishing competitions for kids, more access to the water for the people of Dundee. Seal watching, bird watching, picnics by the river. Develop commercial opportunities to get more people on the water.  Riverside dining...get some funky lights on the two bridges
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee people are proud of a city which has seen hard times but is reinventing its self as a modern city which embraces change and new opportunities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving to Broughty Ferry on a Winter evening and parking the car facing the Tay. One red, and one white pudding supper takeaway and back to the car. Sitting in the warmth watching the lights of Newport and Tayport reflected in the calm black water. Looking at the cars on either side and the same ritual is taking place, A line of parked Dundonians chomping on their suppers looking out across the river ... fine dining and romance Dundee style.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of cultures and people in the city. For a small city there are lots of different peoples here. This is reflected in the shops and the langauges you hear on the street, shows that Dundee people embrace equality and diversity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The brilliant variety of live theatre, music, venues, quaint independent shops, cafes, restaurants....the list is endless. A university town, vibrant and colourful that cares about itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With the whole country in what feels like a downward spiral of negativity, Dundee seems to buck that trend just now and there is a real sense of optimism. The physical transformation of the city undoubtedly contributes to a positive mindset, but in this case the mindset seems to be based on more than just bricks and mortar. Open minds, and a belief that things can be better if you are willing to work to make them better are setting the city up nicely for a great future which does justice to its great history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every yeah Dundee's DCA holds a 4 day horror-fest called Dundead (and one day Dundead events all year around) which is where they show double-bills of old and new horror movies. That's how I became the horror movie buff I am today!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Scouringburn- it can come up from culverts to surprise people when the tide is high. A phalanx of jute mills, bristling with chimney stalks, between Dudhope Park and Hawkhill used that tiny stream again and again for steam engines. Many of the mills are successfully re-used by artists, businesses, students and residents. Industriekultur is alive here like nowhere else in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's music scene is different! I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's a lot of diverse musical activity in Dundee relative to its population size. For anyone interested in music and people, it elevates Dundee beyond its fabulous natural location. Maybe it's the geographical setting that inspires people so much. The air here is also good!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a huge amount of creative talent within the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a wonderful very early painting hanging in Ninewells Hospital of a Dundee doctor - Dr David Kinloch (1560 - 1617) Written on a document he is holding are the words - "Life is short, Art is long, Opportunity is elusive, Experiment is dangerous, Judgement is difficult." How true!!
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<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city full of culture and history. From the industrial revolution to more recent times Dundee has played a huge role in the UKs history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee because we are the underdog city and the music scene here is a little gem that deserves more credit with a really cool D.I.Y ethic going on bringing touring bands from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian I love this place , spectacular setting on a river visited by dolphins and seals , small enough to feel like a community, close enough to bigger cities if you want then, filled and surrounded by parks and a host of activities, monikie is my hidden treasure , drive for half and hour and you are in the countryside where you can walk till your hearts content , 40 mins more and you are in glenshee, where you can ski for hours without the queues.... What more can you ask for?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a growing number of cyclists around Dundee over the past few years. This past winter has seen cyclists out whatever the weather. I still can't believe I saw someone cycling/sliding down an icy cycle path on his way to work. Once the sunny weather comes, there will be lots more cyclists out and about around Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having relocated from Edinburgh over four years ago, I was surprised at how positive and ambitious the city was (and is). There is a real sense of excitement being generated. It's about time Dundee got recognised for how much it has to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage of the city represented in its buildings, museums and archival collections and the significant cultural renaissance in Dundee since the 1990s (perhaps best articulated by the creation of the DCA and the development of the city's 'cultural quarter').
<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> The remnant stubs of the original Tay road bridge, a reminder of the disaster of 1879; a street named 'Peek-o-day Lane' because of all the smoke from the mills &amp; factories, a nod to the industries of the day; a statue dedicated to William Wallace where he first killed another man as a young boy; and the High School of Dundee, which educated Wallace as a sect of travelling monks (the Monks of Lindores) before it was built here in 1239; all glimmers of Dundee's rich history &amp; colourful past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love that it's cooler than everyone thinks when you dig a little deeper.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Verdant Works is a hidden gem. The volunteers are fantastic and have a welath of knowledge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Aberdeen &amp; Grampian Chamber of Commerce wish Dundee the best of luck in becoming the UK City of Culture.
The City of Dundee has our full support as the only Scottish representative.
<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.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's music culture is amazing! Many great bands have come from Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A City of poverty and richness beyond your wildest dreams. Now a City thats modest and Cool like no other
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views, the wealth of culture, and the warmth of its people. Dundee truly is a Historic City and the V &amp; A is coming to a prestigious location in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think it's great that the sun shines so much in Dundee. Seeing Dundee from across the Tay with the sun shining on it is a wonderful sight. Every time you look you see something different.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, my home city, always has something new to offer, after 30 years here im still finding new things to do and see. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everytime I look for help for a project within the creative community, be it volunteers or advice/expertise, I always receive support.
The people's justified optimism and community spirit make me super proud to have made Dundee my home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mini gothic cathedral just across the water (Leng Memorial Chapel), the weird acoustics of the Wormit water reservoir, the clock in the Wellgate, having a peaceful sandwich in the Howff graveyard and storytelling in the library.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are extremely interested in their history. The Tay Valley Family History Society (based in Dundee) and the Friends of Dundee City Archives do an amazing job in keeping the torch of the past burning in the present!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have rich history which many people outside of Dundee would not be aware of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's amazing how much of a hidden history and the many people who have a connection with the city especially through literature, entertainment, music, sport &amp; media.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's industrial history as a centre for textile production is apparent throughout the city. Numerous former jute mills remain standing and while some lay derelict, many have been converted into alternate usages. Of particular note are the Tay Works, built by the Gilroy Brothers c.1850-1865, Camperdown Works in Lochee, which built and owned by Cox Brothers, one of Europe's largest jute manufacturing companies, and begun in 1849, and Upper Dens Mill and Lower Dens Works, built by the Baxter Brothers in the mid 19th century.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved up here from the Home counties Kent ,the garden of England to Dundee some 13 years ago. Away from the mad rush and no time for this and that.
The people in Dundee are so freindly and helpful they seem to have time for one another. It has a relaxing feel to the place and made to feel very welcome. It has a great deal to offer something for everyone, and iis at an exciting time with the city wide future development projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Schools Music Theatre an education as well as friends for life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a charity worker in Dundee I am constantly amazed at the number of people who approach me to join as a volunteer to support the people with disabilities our project works with. They are always willing to go that extra mile!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Super Friendly People of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Law Hill.
Always great to see when you have been away from the city for a while.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to go sailing on the River Tay. You can launch at Broughty Ferry and go to Perth or Norway!
<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> having arrived here in 1997, many of our relatives said, "hhmmm.... and do you like dundee?" - almost as if they sympathised. now we wouldn't live anywhere else. our children thrive here, my business is growing here and we love living here. (oh and the relatives in question are starting to realise why too!)
<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> Dundee is an amazing place with amazing cultural scene- and welcoming friendliness. I arrived in Dundee in 2000 from abroad and immediately felt welcome.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed by the vibrancy of the arts community in and around Dundee. and feel proud to have many of these artists as my friends. I came to the area to restore a ruined Baronial castle to the north of the city, in an attempt to bring back built heritage from the brink. However. so impressed have I been with the artists in the area, I would love to make the castle a cultural centre as well ... perhaps for 2017?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a beautiful city with great attitudes amongst the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two closest football stadia in the world. Smallest city to have had both clubs reach semi final of both European competitions.
<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> I love the view from the law of the Tay bridges, you can even see the remains of the 1st rail bridge. Dundee has a changing skyscape and it's changing for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the aspirations of a larger city but the scale of a town. That scale fosters the feeling of community; whether in a cafe on the Perth Road or a pub in the city centre, a hike up Balgay Hill or a walk along the esplanade, you always bump into people you know or recognise faces you pass. Dundee is a Jeckyll and Hyde city with local Dundonians; their communities and institutions sharing the city alongside thousands of students with their bars and shops. You make up your mind which is Jeckyll and which, Hyde!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its setting - coming home from whatever direction - over the bridge, along the Carse, or from north or east - nestling on and around the Law and overlooking the Tay - beautiful and welcoming - home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Head of Cinema at DCA was on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scottish Variety Awards 'Best New Scottish Band' 2013 - Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' - all Dundee born and bred. Not a 'hidden secret' for much longer.

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