We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The DightyConnect project (a sub-division of Broughty Ferry Environmental Project) which for the past few years has involved people along the Dighty from the Ferry to Kirkton in a variety of activities: planting wild flowers & trees, gardening, mosaics, poetry writing, dramatic performances, decorating bridges, studying plants & wildlife, foraging, industrial archaeology, geology, assorted artwork… the list goes on. Check out the website!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The attitude of the people in Dundee is first class, 99per cent are behind the proposed waterfront project, When this project is finished, the Va Museum, new Railway Station and the New 5 star hotels opened Dundee will be a place to be reckoned with.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm constantly surprised by the way people in the city have - and respond positively to - good ideas. You would expect this to happen everywhere, but it's not always the way. People here get that it's good to do creative things together.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Personally, I feel that Dundee is an amazing city that has a lot to offer. Walking up Law Hill to the top to see the most beautiful sights. You can walk along the beach in broughty ferry which is a personal favourite of mine during the summer. There's a lot of parks to sit and relax in the summer. The people are always kind and helpful when in need. I have lived here for the past 3 years whilst at the university and it has to be one of the best experiences I have had so far!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved here as an intern in the University of Dundee Museum Services. I am delighted to be part of a city with so much culture, and I was surprised at the amount of history and culture Dundee has. Knowing hardly anything about the city, I look forward to learning all there is to know (if that's even possible!)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ok, I'll admit it, as an Aberdonian I always used to be a bit sniffy about Dundee, but when I returned to Scotland from down south I saw the city with new eyes. Dundee has got such a great arts and design culture, with the Rep, the DCA, the McManus, etc. providing fab opportunities to enjoy a variety of world-class shows and exhibitions. But the city remains people-friendly, and is a pleasure to wander through with all that really interesting architecture, new and old. The new buildings balance innovation and fitting in with their setting perfectly. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Andrew Wighton bequeathed one of the world's finest collections of Scottish national and traditional music to the City in 1861. It has been preserved by the Council in the Central Library and the music is performed regularly by Friends of Wighton.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love how nearly everyone I meet, from cabbies to people in the queue at the bank, has a story about their Dundee. Some are reminiscing about old Dundee but a lot are talking about what's going on in the city now and how vibrant it's becoming. The one thing they all are is proud of Bonnie Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's part in the history of cinema through Peter Feathers, a film maker contemporary with George Melies, who screened his short films in Castle street. Google 'Railway Ride over the Tay Bridge (1897)'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How every day I see the city from a different more beautiful angle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A history that could compare with any other major city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green on a summer Sunday, with a band playing in the band stand and a picnic with the family
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The abundance of hope, positivity and generosity of spirit apparent across every part of this city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came here in 2002 to attend University with every intention of leaving after...11 years on I'm still here plus a husband, 2 kids and a small but growing business. The diversity and choice on offer is something I want my kids to experience, enjoying a sunny but cold stroll along the beach at New Year or participating in many activities on offer. Dundee has been good to us I don't think we would be in the position we are in if we were somewhere else. Thank you Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My strongest memories from growing up in Dundee are tangled in the city's wildlife, and the spaces that allow it to thrive.

I loved feeding the ducks, and netting for stickle-backs at Stobsmuir Ponds, watching the annual transformation of tadpoles into frogs in Baxter Park, catching crickets in the long grass at the Den O'Mains, seeing lazy seals basking on the sand banks under the rail bridge over the Tay, watching peaceful herons resting in low branches over the Dighty Burn and visiting the stately swans at Broughty Ferry beach.

The many beautiful parks and waterways in the city, and the beaches and walkways along our incredible river, provide spaces for wildlife to thrive and for our communities to come together.

I think all Dundonians share a strong connection to the Tay, the Law, Camperdown and the parklands across the city. These places are woven into our group identity. While they aren't always stumbled upon by outsiders, they are an important part of our cultural heritage and yet another reason why Dundee is a brilliant place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is evolving! An exciting place to live right now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been invited by my scottish friend to experience the family Ceilidh. Though one word is not enough the describe it all, I would say: AWESOME, I had a really good time. You definitely need to experience it at least once in your life (with a kilt of course!). I think I'll cherish these memories my entire life, and I'll sign-up in the second when the next ceilidh is planned!

Dundee is a nice, peaceful place, where you can breath fresh air, swim in the water, or walk on the beautiful shore. There are plenty of museums around to visit too.
<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> The miniature bandstand on the Perth Road
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is not only a place of wonder, but is also the city of discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The main surprise to an outsider is the vibrancy and richness of the cultural life, which reflects the enthusiasm of the people who live and work in Dundee. They have a real pride in the history and achievements of the city; these attitudes are found right across the spectrum of the population.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Something for everyone on your doorstep
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are genuine and generous with big spirits and kind souls and I'm proud to be one and need to come home every year from Australia to get my fix! I'm a very proud ambassador for my home town and I love watching Dundee evolve! Good luck! X
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have an amazing memory of my grandparents house, Pitkerro House. It was the most amazing place when I was little. Every corner of the property was like being in wonderland and my grandparents where both amazing fun to be around. I only found out that my Grandad had bought and renovated the property after he passed away, but it amazed me how much love he had for the place and how it always buzzed when the whole family spent time together there. I miss those days.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Universit yof Dundee Saturday Evening Lecture Series is Scotlands oldest continuous free public lecture series, celebrating its 90th Anniversary in 2014. Each event sees between 200 and 800 members of public from across Scotland attend, sparking debate on many different topics. The people of Dundee are always very keen to support University activities, and we work closely with Dundee City Council and V&amp;A at Dundee among others to ensure we bring the biggest and best speakers to our campus!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to London a year ago and it surprises me how much I miss Dundee. Although I live in what is, arguably, the cultural capital of the UK, I think Dundee is a really exciting place to be. It may be small but it has such a vibrant and burgeoning cultural scene and is just going to go from strength to strength.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Surprises:
Delicious food served in excellent restaurants
Uninterupted views from the top of the Law Hill
Never a dull moment with Theatres, Cinemas and skating
Discovering the beauty and history of The Discovery
Entertainment to suit all tastes in Nightclubs and Pubs
Enviable position on the banks of the stunning Silvery Tay

From a Glaswegian living happily in Dundee for over 30 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everytime I return to Dundee it changes, it grows, it develops, it feels brighter, fresher and warmer. Standing in the middle of Reform Street between the Caird Hall and the gates of the High School is a microcosm of architectural bliss in one single sweeping panorama, that many larger cities are envious of. Steeped in history from educating monks to cow pie the city is a beacon of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland with the sunniest personality. We have great nightlife, with sociable friendly inhabitants.Theatres &amp; music. The Blues festival - biggest in Europe! Great walks - over the Sidlaws, or by the silvery Tay, or through one of the many parks. So many activities - some for the young - some for the old - and some for the rest in-between. Football ...with friendly rivalry! etc etc etc
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The general community spirit and atmosphere created both daily and nightly through the city's people, places and attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful view of Dundee from the Law Hill is one of my favourite places. I love living in the peaceful and pretty City Quay. The sunsets over the Tay are stunning. A small city, with a friendly atmosphere! I love living in Dundee :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of creative people in Dundee is amazing. So many creatives of all different disciplines all supporting each other where we can. Art, music, literature, design, architecture, Dundee's got it covered. It rocks.
<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> Dundee is the largest small village in the world. It really is a friendly city and it's that atmosphere that strikes people when they first visit. Dundonian's themselves might not realise it but they really are warm and friendly. There's a feeling like everyone knows one another. The locals are relaxed and unpretentious and that's refreshing in this day and age. So it's the social fabric, the affable, approachable nature of the people that needs to be put forward as one of the Dundee's main assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's cultural hidden secrets - The Samuel Chorus, a friendly choir, rehearses on Wednesdays in Baptist Church Hall, Bright Street, Lochee, performs quality music twice yearly. Our concerts are on Sat. 27 April 2013 at 7pm in St Hary Magdalene's Episc, Church, Dundee and Sun. 28 April, in St John's Episc.Church, Forfar
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where else in the world can you buy an Irn Bru cupcake - try them, they are PHENOMENAL
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unless you are from Dundee you might not always see it's name as being synonymous with music. You might struggle to hear the music in our accents and language. But when I think of home, I think of music. I grew up with a litany of bands past and present. I spent my weekends in bars and clubs seeing live bands. Dundee reeks of music, it's in the very stones. Songs have got us through hard times and good times. From a pakced out gig Blues Bonanza to a house party with a guitar it's who we are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The never ending opportunities and support to develop your own ideas, or the chance to help with someone else's. There is always something going on in Dundee to help you learn and meet like minded people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A beautiful &amp; peaceful cycle route, with fantastic views across the River Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although living half way round the world in New Zealand every time I come back to catch up with family and friends I find that there is improvement from the devastation that prior city governance carried out in in 60s and 70s in the sake of modernisation. I applaud the improvements that are currently being carried out on the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonian people have a very friendly which has often led to the most interesting conversations on the bus!
It never fails to surprise me how helpful people can be when you need a hand.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great communications to all parts of Scotland and UK. Fantastic setting on the Tay and beaches up the coast to Broughty Ferry and Carnoustie.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Pulling off yet another Dundee Womens festival, most probably the largest and most varied women's festival in the UK, by harnessing the strengths, talents, enthusiasm, creativity and generosity of the community, that is Dundee. Celebrating women's culture, women's stories, women's wisdom, women's identities and women's lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the top of Dundee Law must be one of the best city panoramas in Britain.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the secrets that Dundee hides between the houses all over the city. There are so many little pathways that may lead to the law hill, to the Tay, to a University ground, a mall with young or old or just an old fish restaurant. Its really an amazing place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I went to visit friends from University in Dundee and was surprised at everything the city had to offer. I particularly enjoyed my visit to verdant works and cocktails on the terrace in the sun at the DCA.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of music talent from all age groups especially the younger bands, if you head to the 20rocks or non-zeros at the weekend you will see plenty of talented young potential stars. Clarks is a recently refurbished venue which is always jam packed not only with people but with the sound of music so i'd recommend visiting any of these three venues and be amazed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am a visually impaired musician born in Dundee. It is never short of amazing venus, and it has plenty of opportunities to hear some some amazing bands.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the combination of rootedness in its past with a progressive forward thinking attitude towards the future.

Dundee is enjoying a renaissance &amp; there are lots of exciting things happening in the city. From the amazing waterfront transformation to the exciting world class science &amp; medicine in the city linked to Dundee University. This learning city has 2 universities and Abertay is a trailblazer in computer games among other areas.

The 'cultural quarter', the creative energy, and the depth of all kinds of artistic expression in the city attracted the V&amp;A to choose Dundee above all other cities in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Busy, bustling city with easy access to 20 odd miles of beaches. The surrounding Perthshire countryside is a gateway to the beautiful highlands.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful place. It is beautiful, the Tay gives the city an amazing backdrop. It embraces freedom of experience. My daughters learnt Highland dance in school but also grew up steeped in Bharatnatyam (Indian dance culture) and this was supported by the Dundee City Council and Creative Scotland. There is much personal space, Dundonians get on with their lives, the city's culture is one of non-interference and mutual respect. My daughters now study in Edinburgh and Riga, I work in Brighton, but we are looking forward to experiencing the magic of Dundee over Christmas and Hogmanay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer. It's diversity of people, places, landscape, events. its research and innovation. It's true community engagement.

The best thing- the spirit of its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee boasts an incredibly self-reliant artistic community who blur and subvert the lines between highbrow and lowbrow, institutional and street-level art, academic and self-taught
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee. Where to start?
A welcoming city, where you can have a joke with anyone. Arts mix with Sciences and there is always something happening - Talks; Hands-on Activities; Events; Music; Visits - enough to suit every taste.
From The Unicorn and The Discovery ships to Claypotts and Broughty Ferry castles; from Verdant Works jute museum to the stars of the Mills Observatory; from the Dundee Rep Theatre to the MacManus Museum; from the Botanic Gardens to Camperdown Wildlife Centre and Park; from the music of the Wighton Heritage Centre to The Beano; from the Desperate Dan statue to the Dundee Dragon and Penguin sculptures loose in the city centre; from real Red Squirrels roaming the city to Seals on the sandbanks; Dundee has it all.
Together with a strong Community spirit and set in a wonderful location, running from high hills to sandy beaches, on the banks of the magnificent and ever-changing, tidal Tay, the longest river in Scotland. What's not to like?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its dynamic internationalism
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> right opposite the DUSA students union exist - down the little road to look out over the water. There is a little bench with te most amazing views out over the tay.

I found out on my garduation day that as we past my grandad proposed to my gran there - a very special place and one of my Dundee Uni memories!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is alive and in great spirits with song, dance and drama round every corner, music is in the air, the City is bulging with culture be it Traditional, Classical or Ethnic, and listen to the Youth music makers, schools orchestras, brass and pipe bands, folk groups and we are dancing in the street with Funky Feet and Urban Moves.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being Dundonian born and bred, the thing that surprises me most about my home town is that so many people (who don't live in or visit the town) don't have a true sense of what makes it the diverse and exciting city that it is. They are unaware of the history that helped shape it and it's people. They are unaware of the rich cultural seam that runs through the city (and always has). They don't appreciate it as a city of significant medical research which has an impact across the world. It is a place of innovation, compassion, confidence and creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much goodwill amongst the people of Dundee. One example of this was when my sister had an accident recently in Dundee city centre; within seconds of this happening there were at least three people all willing to help and assist.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Westport to Perth Road area has a range of different pubs, cafes, shops that has something different for everyone but easily walked round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived abroad on several occasions but always return home. I love the fact that I can walk everywhere, that it is a safe city especially for females and that with the new impetus of the V&amp;A and investment Dundonians of all ages are supporting this bid.
I believe we have medico-science facilities second to none. An innovative Games industry.
As I am now a senior Dundee looks after me very well with marvellous fitness facilities.
The Dundee Rep Theatre is one of Scotland's best and the DCA offers a wide range of films, displays, workshops etc. Dundee to win.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee my whole life and I love it! The vibrant arts and music scene has always provided the people of the city with entertainment and education, as good as you'll find anywhere.
As a musician I have enjoyed a very fruitful working and social life due to this soulful side of the city. Lets spread the word!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, a Fifer, having travelled to Dundee as a child, clubbed in Dundee as a teenager and now looking at Dundee on a daily basis, spending most of my money in Dundee as an adult, I'm constantly amazed by the growth of the city, the art in the city and the constantly vibrant atmosphere in Dundee. The V&amp;A coming, the waterfront project evolving is hugely exciting and can only improve everything for Dundee itself. My favourite things in Dundee are the DCA and the McManus, Maggies Centre, as well as the city's amazing history. Dundee has much to offer......
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the number and variety of public lectures available in Dundee in the course of a year. DundeeAtrs Cafe, Cafe Science, Saturday Evening Lecture Series - in its 89th year, Armistead Lectures - over 120 series, to name but a few. All are well and enthusiastically attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having returned to Dundee after 12 years I am constantly surprised it how Dundee has changed for the better. It has become an articulate and confident city, one that I am proud to say I come from.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I spent 4 years in Dundee at university and discovered what a beautiful city it is. Everyone is welcoming.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to one of the hottest new Scottish bands; Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher and they recently recorded a new version of Dougie MacLean's 'Caledonia' after their 'take' on the much loved song was featured on the TV advert for Caledonia Best ale. The band have sold out the Gardyne theatre in Dundee on the three occasions they played there in the past year or so and were recently awarded the Scottish Variety Award in Glasgow for the best new scottish band.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In 1979 work on the new Dundee Rep stopped as the project ran out of funds. The theatre turned to the people of Dundee who contributed over £60,000 in a few weeks and ultimately raised over £200,000 to complete the building and establish one of Scotland's finest cultural resources.
<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> A large number of restaurants and pubs and many places of relaxation for students. Not very big and very comfortable city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the closest two football stadiums in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its attitude to change. Its growing at a fast pace. its the new up and coming place to be as a design student.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history involved in any City but for me, Dundee is one of the most interesting. Being one of the first major City's to follow the French Revolution to fight for freedom, liberty and justice. With the most corrupt Provost in almost all of time Lord Provost Riddoch and not to mention the actual Tree of Liberty was thrown into a prison known as the Thief's hole! Being an Interior Design student and being able to take part in a live project which see's this Tree replanted is one of the many reasons I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's got a great location, lots of history, culture and vibrancy and is a great place to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The understated talent, ingenuity and resourcefulness of its people, in all aspects of our lives; over hundreds of years to the present day life-sciences and computer technologies. The cultural scene has amazed me too, over the past few years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city centre on a busy Saturday afternoon.... everyone going about there business. Love the hustle and bustle of this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not a 'hidden secret' but Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland and with the Law and a walk along the riverside on a nice day it is beautiful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The red squirrels of Camperdown Park
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden community arts work that Dundee Rep do is extraordinary - speak to their Community Drama Officer
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's sunniest city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much going on just now - the city is on the up. New buildings, future landmarks and an energetic creative community will ensure the city is an exciting place for residents and visitors now and in the future.
<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> 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> Dundee is truly cosmopolitan. People come from all over the world, fall in love with it, and are always sorry to leave. It has everything you need and there is always something going on or something new to see. My favourite things are the McManus, the DCA, Balgay Hill, the Blues Bonanza, the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show and the view from my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderfully vibrant city. It doesn't try to compete with Edinburgh or Glasgow. It's a perfect size - with a great big personality. I've lived here all my life and love it. The regeneration of Dundee waterfront is so exciting. The people are wonderful and inspire me everyday.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has created amazing musicians, scholars and passionate people who have shaped the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Edinburgh 38 years ago, and was expecting something of a cultural desert. However, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the Dundee Rep (then located in an old converted church), who have always gone for adventurous and imaginative productions rather than the “safe” ones you might expect. There has also always been an extremely lively music scene, from classical, rock and folk concerts in the Caird Hall, Fat Sam's, the Rep and Gardyne theatres, to the guitar and jazz festivals, and even the wonderful “bring-your-own-instrument” traditional music sessions in the Fisherman's tavern, Broughty Ferry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came for 1 year stayed for 26years  
Dundee is a village really where you can:
Run drum write skate scoot sail and hike.
Or be mindfull, chant and breathe
Or learn and be surprised
Or explore and create something new
 Dundee doesnt limit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is my home town. It always has been since I was born here. I left in the 60's to go to London but returned in the 70's after I married &amp; lived in London. I was desperate to leave Dundee when I was young but when I returned I really appreciated how much standards of living had improved, especially compared to London and the accesibility to the countyside wihout a queue of traffic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's status in the world of higher education is rapidly growing, and the world class research in areas such as Medicine and Life Sciences is something all Dundonians should be proud of. The Riverside redevelopment programme will redefine the city, and the new V&amp;A at Dundee will put the city firmly on the culture map!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hailing from Aberdeenshire I'd always had a less than positive idea of how Dundee was. But having visited the city many times over the past 5 years or so, I can say that it has a great music scene with a fantastic arts centre in Dundee Contemporary Arts -it's a little gem. I can't wait for the V&amp;A to open and with the regeneration of the docks area the city will be an even better cultural centre. I'd certainly vote for Dundee over Aberdeen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mix of the place - professions and creatives mixing to give something greater than the sum of the parts
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For those looking for something different, Dundee has many local independent retail businesses run by passionate people offering both outstanding service and first class (often locally produced) products.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The architecture hidden in plain sight in the city centre!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual 'Dundee Blues Bonanza' is a great event for meeting people from all over the UK and Europe. Lots of bands, large and small, play in cafes and bars all over the City and also do music workshops, for young and old!! It's the biggest 'free' Blues Bonanza in Europe and this year is it's19th anniversary!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have a contemporary arts centre, a reportary theatre company, Scottish dance Theatre, The Scottish School fo Contemporary Dance, Duncan of Jordanstone Art's School, a Concert Hall, and a centre of world class journalism and medical research......How much more cultured can you get!?!
<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> Dundee is a city looking to the future combining a new dynamism while also maintaining strong links with its cultural heritage. The city offers an excellent quality of life and provides an environment which fosters creative opportunities for both individual and business enterprise.

For a small city it hits well above its weight and more than deserves the title of City of Culture 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> The changing nature of the scenery every day as the tide ebbs and flows on the River Tay. Very few cities provide such uninterrupted views of such scenic beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DightyConnect project (a sub-division of Broughty Ferry Environmental Project) which for the past few years has involved people along the Dighty from the Ferry to Kirkton in a variety of activities: planting wild flowers &amp; trees, gardening, mosaics, poetry writing, dramatic performances, decorating bridges, studying plants &amp; wildlife, foraging, industrial archaeology, geology, assorted artwork... the list goes on. Check out the website!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Simonanna weekly art classes for adults held in the wonderful Art Angel are a fabulous resource. Simon Reekie and Anna Orton facilitate a supportive and inspiring environment to enable exploration of the creative process.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its amazing to be here in Dundee. I feel people in Dundee are more inclined to respect the rights of the others. This quality of the inhabitants is fostering unimaginable diverse cultural horizons to the city, society, and the Scotland. I feel very easy to go around and most of the time find help for any problem in hand without facing any kind of racial or colour discrimination. The city is full of life, pleasure, ease and help. Thanks to Dundee for being the first place of interaction in UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Perth and did not like Dundee. Now i am older I know this was clever spin, the term 'hidden secrets' sums up The Jewel on the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the people,no matter their circumstances. The diverse types of music available to see and hear at many different venues across the city. The banter between the fans of the two major clubs in the city, always lively never taken to extremes! A city that I am so proud to call home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee for over 20 years now and have watched it grown into an exciting cultural city. The city has some fantastic events including Dundee Women's Festival, Community and various music festivals. Hidden secrets ...The strong women from Dundee who have helped shape the wonderful City ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How, nearly twenty years since it changed beyond recognition, I can still hear the noises, smell the smells and feel the atmosphere of The Shed at Tannadice.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City with community/village feel. Very friendly people.
Many lovely parks and open spaces for everyone. Integrated multi national community.

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