We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

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> 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> The V&amp;A is coming!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design continues to 'fleh heh' as one of Britain's Top 5 art schools, but paradoxically remains a hidden gem, both locally and nationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The forward thinking art and technology community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a fantastic cultural depth which has integrated itself into the fabric of the city - the people who work full time in offices and building sites but make music with their friends in studios and pubs and halls at night; those who discover a love and ability for writing and poetry through attending writer's workshops and gaining support from others at literary evenings; and the artists who encourage each other to expose their work to strangers. In Dundee, this is all multigenerational and not bound by class.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> People care. Culture Reflects that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite being stuck in between oil rich Aberdeen and tourist attraction Edinburgh the people of Dundee continue to forge ahead in transforming the city from an old industrial one to one of high-tech business, excellent education and an arts, and culture scene that is becoming more tourist and citizen friendly every day, regardless of boom and bust economics. While proud of our heritage, the people of Dundee continue to focus on their future, making it a better and brighter place for tomorrow.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that boasts two different football teams on opposite sides of the same street. It has a hill that is the Law &amp; should never be known as both. The past is remembered &amp; cherished &amp; the future faced as a challenge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful memories of student life in Dundee in the early 1980s - the intimacy of a small city, the wry humour and endearing local dialect, the rich history (jam, jute and journalism), the creativity and individuality.... Small city with BIG personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> .....nothing surprises me about the city, it has always been a special place called home to me and I have always taken great pride and pleasure in welcoming visiting friends to see for themselves. To this day I am still discovering places and things I never knew before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was very pleasantly surprised when I moved to Dundee 24 years ago, it is the friendliest city I have ever lived in! I loved the way that people just talk to you at the bus stop or in the queue at the post office. It was a great move for me and confounded the expectations of a lot of friends (especially scottish ones). I love watching the river change before my eyes along Riverside near the rail bridge, I really love Magdalen Green and its battered bandstand and I really really love the view from the Law!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Born and bred here.Moved away for a few years but decided it was the only place I wanted to raise a family. Family members have attended the 'academies' - Harris Morgan Lawside and more recently Grove. Graduates of both universities have entered teaching and 3 generations have made our contributions to education. Am surprised at how moving I have found these comments and contributions and it's wonderful to see such support for 2017 in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee FC and Dundee United FC. Two senior football clubs situated only a couple of hundred yards apart. A rare football derby where supporters of both football clubs can meet in the pub both before and after the match without any trouble.
<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> The ability and courage to reinvent itself and determination to change the look and feel of the city, eg building new houses to replace the high rise flats and regenerating an old building for the council to pull down an eyesore that is the first thing you see on entering the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is no better place to find culture than in Lochee with its diverse range of people for a whole host of different backgrounds. Walking down the high street you will find a strong community built up on local cafes and independent shops. It has been such a privilege to represent that community and an honour to know the community activists within Lochee and wider Dundee who through a shared Dundee heritage and culture strive to make a real difference.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is teeming with mucicians of all sorts, classical, folk, rock, you name it! Dundonians are passionate about sharing their music and there is always a very healthy scene going on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Approaching Dundee over the Tay Rail Bridge has to be one of the best ways to arrive into any city in the country. The whole city is laid out before you. Before you reach the station, you'll see beautiful parks, the vibrant university, galleries and museums, modern architecture nestled amongst the old. It's exciting and breathtaking every time.
<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> The view of Dundee from the Fife side of the Tay. Strolling in Camperdown Park. Great eateries on Perth Rd, especially for fish and chips!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love many things about Dundee, from the Theatre's with something for all ages, the Science centre, the Discovery and Verdant Works to trips to Broughty Ferry and a "donder" down the Perth Road. There is so much variety, you're never stuck for a park, a scenic walk, or a place to eat
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be "jam, jute and journalism". Now it is vibrant, with mainstream and arthouse cinemas, live concerts, good theatres, a wide range of restaurants, including those specialising in local cuisine as well as a variety of different ethnic cuisines, and both old and new places to relax and socialise. The fact that the museums and heritage sites are here is just the tip of the iceberg. Dundee offers something for everyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The climbing wall in the church-I think it surprises most of the people coming from continental Europe. But what I like about Dundee the most is the international environment, especially within the College of Life Sciences. We are a bunch of strangers gathered here from all around the world, and we really stick together, we are a family here, far away from home. I lived in Hungary and France before, but nowhere is as easy to find friends as it is in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that is full of character. Having grown up in this city, I feel very privildeged to be amongst the best people in the world. Dundonians rock! Dundee is home to the three J's; Jam, Jute and Journalism which we couldn't live without. Additionally home to the best TK Maxx and Fudge Doughnuts (courtesy of Fischer and Donaldson) in the whole entire world. Dundee, I love you!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over this past year or so I have become interested in independent retailers and discovered Dundee has many of these hidden gems dotted about town! Each one unique and welcoming for you to discover on a journey of your own to find some hidden little treasure that you don't find amongst the chain stores...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've come to this place to learn new skills and never planned to stay. That was about 8 years ago. Ever since then this city has kept me fed, happy, working, learning, experiencing amazing new things, meeting great new people and not wanting to leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of people in Dundee make the city what it is - vibrant, fun, ever-changing. We have much more to give than some realize.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a quiet spirit of determination, generosity and ambition found in Dundee that's positive and uplifting, but hard to find elsewhere.
<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 Mills observatory
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I work as a community health worker for dundee healthy living initiative and cover Whitfield Fintry and mill o mains the local people who get involved helping to make their community a wealthier healthier and greener environment are amazing Cx
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me it has everything I'd want in a city, good nightlife, restaurants, culture and shopping. It is also centrally positioned to the big two (Edinburgh and Glasgow) as well as ideally situated for my daily commute to Aberdeen for work. If the estuary could be dredged/lowered to allow easier (non-tidal) access for more offshore vessels and possibly build an offshore business hub on the harbour for oil and gas jobs it would indeed be perfect
<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> Coming from Edinburgh, I didn't know much about the rich history of industry and the variety in which it came in. But after studying at the university's art college for four years, I have learned a great deal about that history. I imagine a successful bit would help bolster and reignite the city's connection with what once made it a great place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In the last few decades Dundee has added a cathedral, it's now a City an airport, added a road bridge across the Tay, a University or two, a V. &amp; A. Museum, and retains its Medical Knowledge, its history (adding to its naval vessels). What more can anyone ask of a City? I support Dundee's claim to be European City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each time I come back to Dundee I love to walk down by the river near Broughty Castle. It always brings back great memories of the harbour swim training and the cross-Tay swims that I participated in many years ago and that still continue today. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> To me, Dundee is the modern version of a village community. I originally come from Liverpool, and Dundee has this kind of 'everyone's included' feel to it. It doesn't have the cold anonymity that is present in a lot of UK cities. Walking through town will often result in a chance encounter with someone I know. I'd say my favourite parts of Dundee are definitely the markets in the city centre. Though I've still not got the knack of finding out when they're scheduled, this sometimes adds to the magic. Dashing to town for errands and I'll turn the corner to be greeted with wooden huts and the smell of German sausages. Ambling through the stalls of local produce and crafts is the best study break a student can wish for.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I first moved hear 12 years ago and was warned about Dundee's reputation. I have been constantly surprised and delighted by Dundee, it's setting, the buzz, whats available to do but for me the hidden gem of Dundee is the Dundonians - friendly and with a quick wit. I love this city for so many reasons but mainly for the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, Dundee has presented the best music scene that Scotland has seen in recent years and hosted the best in art, computer art, animation and computer gaming.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a distance-educated student of Dundee I was given tremendous support and warmth during my process to attain my Bachelors degree. The professors and entire staff that I dealt with both on-line and over the phone were patient, warm, understanding considerate. Always available for help and very bright people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 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 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> Many organisers and conference delegates visiting the city have been wowed by the friendliness of the people and how much Dundee has to offer outwith key cities such as Edinburgh or Glasgow. Dundee is becoming a vibrant and exciting cultural destination and I am delighted to be a part of it!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community involvement which takes a pride in it's heritage and culture such as Whitfield Community Centre , in the middle of a peripheral housing scheme, which was recently involved in an arts production in collaboration with Dundee Rep. This included drama, dance and a choral performance. Each performance was sold out and supported well by the Dundee public.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an annual event, held during March to coincide with International Women's Day. This is a very diverse festival with a wide variety of events held all across the city - culture, sport, leisure and celebrating Dundee's women. There is sure to be something to appeal to you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual Dundee Jazz &amp; 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> I have lived in Dundee 3 times: in the early 70s, the early 80s and now since the early 2000s: physically, the city has been transformed and mostly for the better, with some glaring exceptions. But the people have not really changed - still as friendly, as awkward, as forthright, as loud as ever. They prove you don't have to go to glasgow for these sterling qualities. And the people, not the DCA, the Rep, the bridges, the Tay, the Law - all unique - , are what make the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Quite a few things.....Cycling to work and seeing seals on the sandbanks of the Tay! The Howff as a picnic spot and new independent coffee shops. The Cheesery....ok, that's all food related....The view of the river at night with the twinkly lights across the Tay.. Straightforwardness and modesty of the people. Creativity and accessibility. The wonderful research going on and the impact and distinctiveness of our universities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's location is incredible - whichever view you take, from Dundee to Fife, from Fife to Dundee (the lights reflected in the water on a calm night are amazing), up the river to Perth, or out to sea, the city sure has one of the best settings possible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ship Discovery is a great icon in my city let hope more people discover Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So much green space
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ricky Flynn Memorial Bench on Daisy Hill in Baxter Park. A peaceful place in memoriam of a great kid. Morgan Academy pupil, Ricky Flynn was tragically killed in 2010 when he was struck by a taxi heading west along Kingsway East. His friends and family placed the memorial bench on the top of Daisy Hill which over looks Baxter Park and the Tay. A calm place to rest and reflect.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great international exhibitions Beautiful Location Small enough to get to know people Fantastic university which develops new medical breakthroughs Has great musians Berths the 6th oldest boat in the world "The unicorn " Berths Sir Captain Scotts Ship "The Discovery "
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student from Edinburgh. The place will ever have a place in my heart, and I will be sad when I leave. Sunniest city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is second to none in Dundee. So many versatile and hugely talented bands and individuals who contribute to many artistic streams within the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite the double recession Dundee is building for the future. Great things are happening to our city and it will be great to share them with people beyond Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of animals at Camperdown Zoo suprised me. I had no idea there was such an extensive zoo in the middle of Camperdown Park! And the diversity and uniqueness of shops in Broughty Ferry is lovely, such a change from the high street. I lived in Dundee for 10 years and visit at least once a month, and it always feels like coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Balgay Hill is an amazing place for taking photographs of wildlife or of views of the city. The seasonal changes can be captured by trees in Autumn or after heavy snowfalls. The Observatory is educational and in a prime site. The cemetary houses commonwealth graves and many very old graves ornately created and should be preserved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> West Fest on Magdalen Green. A great day for everyone. We were raising funds for the upgrade of Roseangle Play-Park and were surprised and delighted by peoples' generosity and support.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is this vibrant, buzzing, creative cosmopolitan hub, where there's culture, entertainment, education and leisure at one's fingertips. Yet it has havens of peacefulness too, in its parks, the Botanic Gardens, Magdalen Green. With its wonderful situation overlooking the Tay, and it's huge potential as a desirable destination to visit being helped along by major redevelopment, there is no question that Dundee is worthy of the title UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having moved from Dundee over 20 years ago, I still go back and visit and every time i am heartened by how much the town is changing and transforming itself to be a modern and vibrant city. As a city this has so much to offer visitors about our history and how much we as a city have moved on but at the same time been able to retain our past and enrich outsiders to our wealth of past history whilst still striding forward to a bright future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Living in dundee offers more than just a great location to live by the river and the countryside is only 15 mins from city centre. There are lots of gems to visit in dundee whether its cultural/educational, shopping or eating out. Seek and ye shall find! There is lots to see and do!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Small city, big influence
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back to Dundee it's changed - something new and something different, each &amp; every time. This ability to change, move and adapt is a key link to why Dundee has been responsible for so many discoveries and inventions over the years - we are not stuck in the past and we are not scared of change therefore we can move forward. The future is a very exciting place for Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In Dundee, there's something for everyone. We're not local to Dundee but come here for the shopping, the indoor skatepark, the observatory, the leisure pool and more besides.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have such a vast amount of interesting places and things to do. My great grandchildren are here for Easter so we intend doing The Rock Garden/Broughty Ferry Castle/Sensation Centre/DCA/Verdant Works etc etc. and their excitement is hard to contain. Also as a family we think Dundee has one of the best music scenes going on as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That even after 20 years I can be surprised by the happenings in Dundee.....there is always something going on if you know where to look...and part of the fun is in the looking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bars and pubs are ace! My two favourites are The Art Bar and The Speedwell Bar (AKA Mennie's) - quite different from one another but both very friendly, unique and wonderful. The fact that 20 minutes drive in any direction takes you into fantastic countryside. Dundee is surrounded by beautiful hills, glens, lochs..... Great for outdoor activities. Hill walking in summer and snowboarding / skiing in winter (or spring this year!).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Close knit feel that you normally get in small towns and never in cities. The majority of the people are lovely and friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer amount of interesting artists and projects that come out of the Art School.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Home of the UK's largest generalist Investment Trust, Alliance Trust PLC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the perfect sized city. Everything is close and you can walk the distances easily or take a bike. The location is also perfect. It's close to the sea and at the same time close to the bigger cities and the Highlands. A walk along the river Tay when the sun sets is always special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee seems like a city at first glance, but once you spend time in the city you realise it is like a village, impossible to walk through the centre without bumping into people you know. There are different vibes and culture in the different parts of Dundee and its great to walk around and learn more about each of them.
<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> Tea ann cake Jessie's Kitchen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians never cease to amaze me with their talent and innovation in all fields of art, science and industry. Dundee is the ideal size city - big enough to have a thriving culture, but small enough to have a strong community spirit and identity. The visionary Waterfront proposals are becoming a reality and will begin a new renaissance of the city and surrounding region. Nick Day
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is one of the events that excites me about Dundee, Dundee Blues Bonanza, this free 3 day festival is unique to the city. Blues music is in the blood of Dundonians and this 18 year old event has grown in to a national and internation event. 12,000 people attend what is thought to be the biggest free blues event in Europe and it's a real gem in Dundee's musical heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of science research and output from dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The village community. The length of time we spend playing 'wha d'ye ken?'; a game which involves 2 initially unfamilar Dundonians grilling each other on past schools, jobs, pals, cousins and favoured social locations until a mutual connection is inevitably established (and all is right in the world again).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The underground music scene. A true variety of musicians, bands ans dj's playing at venues across the city such as Beat Generator, Doghouse, Duke's Corner and the Reading Rooms.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has slowly grown around a volcano which is known as The Law, It last erupted 1.5 million years ago. The Law has a tunnel which runs through it. It used to be used for the railway to Newtyle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the rich arts and culture scene - i also think that it sits within a microclimate as the weather is always much better there than the rest of scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee just does things. No messing around. If they want something to happen they just make it so.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its own Gaelic Choir! Under the baton of Wilma Kennedy it meets every Monday night and represents the city at The Royal National Mod each year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Davy's ice-cream parlour in Lochee was where my parents courted in the 1950s - they introduced me and my brother to the unique delicious flavour in the 1970s and 1980s.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I arrived in Dundee in 1966 as a student I was bowled over by the generous spirit of the working class people of the city. There was such an air of optimism then. Going back to Dundee as I do every year I'm shocked at the reversal of fortunes of those same people. The social housing stock being demolished, lack of jobs for young people. Showcase developments like the New Overgate are just a sticking plaster. Good luck with the Waterfront Project but I don't think it will improve the lives of Dundee's working class. The city's hidden secret are the city's poor and downtrodden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's interesting that many people who come here to study end up making a real effort to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A great city - first class university in design, art and ground-breaking medical research. One of the few theatre repertory companies still active in UK. Braithwaites coffee and tea emporium which is one of Dundee's cultural centres. Superb location on the river Tay. Verdant Works and the McManus first rate exhibitions and museum. Well deserved location for the V &amp; A
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - sunniest city in Scotland, fact!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's resilience: its irreverent bachchat. It has a wonderful sense of who it is and it always has an answer to those who criticise or deride it. The exciting things that are happening to the city , through its regeneration, are a symbol of Dundee's determination not to lie down! I can't wait to see what will happen next in my brilliant city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, the people are what make Dundee. They are as spirited group of individuals, who are friendly and welcoming to people in their city. They also celebrate everything their city offers depsite the negative image it has been wrongly given
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am three and I love visiting the libraries for storytimes and crafts. I also love spending time at the museum and Camperdown Park. which has fun play areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Fireworks night fireworks! An amazing display and a great place for people to come together. They always mark the start of a special time in the year and I look forward to seeing them again this year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth of the people, it's such a friendly place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Une ribambelle de petits pinguins sur un mur et un magnifique musée!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The magnificent views from the Law Hill of the river and the surrounding hills.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> D'arcy Thompson museum within the University of Dundee. Packed full of beautifully presented gems of the natural world (including Shackelton's Penguin!) and a lovely collection of art inspired by nature. And it's free!
<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> Dundee: Is a big family... Is the place Dundonians don't want to leave... Has it's own language of circles and backies... Is familiar...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it evolves; how it's not afraid to take brave steps into the unknown. Dundee people are not afraid of change - they embrace it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> what surprises me is how often I'm surprised. A pub I went into for a bar lunch had a poster up about live music sessions. My wife and I went back out of curiosity and were amazed at the quality of the performances, and surprised to find that we were not the only middle aged people there and surrounded by young things! the crowd was really mixed and enthusiastic, and the programme for the next few weeks looked really eclectic covering a wide range of music tastes. We live outside Dundee but still rely on Dundee for music and drama - and it never lets us down.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City of Discovery its all in the name so much to discover in and around the city. Lovely cultural area city centre and great park sand open spaces surrounding, so much versatility in a big village!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The very fact that fans of United &amp; Dundee can easily share a pint on match day without the ugliness of other derbies. Derby days can produce terrific dundoinan banter amongst friends. Neil Forsythe portrays this kind of banter well in his bob servant books
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's rich heritage ... a century ago one of the most prosperous small cities in Europe ... the richness fading during my lifetime as two of our famous three J's - Jam, and Jute - disappeared ... five decades of recovering and building from such unanticipated adversity ... we have grown though all this ... and now ... about to reach for the stars ... 'If a man's reach can not exceed his grasp, then what's a heaven for' ... my city is ready ... to fully recover it's self esteem ... it will be a great day for Dundonians if City of Culture day dawns on the Tay ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a way of sneeking up on you. I should know..i came on a 2 year contract and am still here almost 30 years later (despite having had several opportunities to leave) Whilst it may have deserved some of the criticism it used to receive(it was very insular), I believe it has evolved far more than any other city in the last 25 years. The change came when they brought the Discovery ship, the waterfront has finally changed and will be amazing when we get the V&amp;A . The V&amp;A in Dundee? They would never have believed it possible 25 years ago I rest my case

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