:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Being among the first to see amazing new children’s films at Discovery Film Festival, eating fudge donuts from Fisher & Donaldson and meeting so many welcoming, funny, inspiring people. Every time I get a funny look from someone outside of the city when I tell them I live in Dundee it makes me proud to say it’s a truly great place to be.

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

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

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> "The Speedwell Bar ( Ma Mennies'), Perth Road, Dundee
is one Edwardian public house that has retained its original shopfront and fittings, due to their exceptional craftsmanship.

One of the very few pubs in Scotland and the only pub in Dundee having been listed for the quality of its interior"
Adam Swan, Chartered Town Planner, Dundee District Council"

Built in 1903 on the site of a well for the Lord Provost James Speed the Speedwell is acclaimed in the Daily Telegraph (3/4/09) asone of the Uk's best 70 pubs.

Home of Dundee's William McGonagall Appreciation Society

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the first time I visited Dundee (2010) it felt it had something magical about it. I have lived there since 2010 and it still does have that magic. It still manages to surprise me every time I go for a walk along the riverside. I am a Fine Art student at DJCAD and i can proudly say that student life is great and I love the university of Dundee. I have taken a couple of images that have managed to portray its beauty and at the same time some of its history.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is a much more vibrant place to live and work than people expect and is full of wonderful surprises

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The open attitude toward change and bringing culture into the city. Not many cities see culture as an important aspect of social life. People in Dundee are excited about change rather than being grumpy about even hearing that something new might happen.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most amazing thing about Dundee is the scenery. It is absolutely spectacular. Especially on a beautiful summers day!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Old Mill Snooker club in the city is a hidden gem where the full spectrum of Dundee citizens can be found in a friendly environment.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's national contemporary dance company is based in Dundee at the Rep.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amazed at the history at the Howe and the fact that the original university was nearby.

<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 Dundee Flower and Food Festival is a huge, fun event, attracting thousands of people to the Camperdown Country Park every September. New visitors and exhibitors are always amazed at the scale of what we do!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the Tay, the Tay that goes to Perth and back each day

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great musicians, poets and artists working in an exciting environment.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The helpful people who live here.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gems that are not often publicised. Duncan Of Jordanstone produces so much artistic talent not often known about. Landscape is beautiful and there are many open spaces.
Shopping Culture and Entertainment is vibrant in this city.

<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> The view of Dundee at night from across the water - a magical fairyland. The wildlife, Dundee has red squirrels, foxes and deer, as just a small example - alive with nature. The history within the Howff - Dundee's past in one central area.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone! Its a collective of things that makes the city great. There are plenty parks, ponds and the beautiful 'Silvery Tay'. Its a convenient and enjoyable place for families, couples, students and anyone who gives it a try! Easy to commute to and from. Ninewells is a fantastic teaching Hospital that is often in the news with the latest in science and technology.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love the peace in dundee

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much nicer it is than it nationally is thought to be!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> River Tay is amazing on any day with its many facets. Dark and gloomy, foggy and mysterious, bright and sunny, and the occasional seals.
The research ongoing in University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital aiso punches above its weight internationally.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's culture is about diversity. We have an award winning professional theatre company who also involve the people of the city through their outreach programmes, and provide the opportunity for amateurs to perform on the professional stage.

The city's pubs also provide many local and touring groups the opportunity to play every weekend - the choice and the quality is excellent, especially during Dundee Blues Bonanza.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Fundee....

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic views over the Tay from the Law and Balgay park.

The friendliness of the locals, the fact that the two football stadiums are on the same street!

The volume of Whiskey/ Whisky in Speedies!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural history of dundee and its people.This year we celebrate the centenary of the death of Lily walker and acknowledge her contribution to social reform. There is a strong community spirit with many local events and festivals held across Dundee, which showcase the diversity of the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's best kept secret. A cosmopolitan city rich in tradition, culture and enterprise. A contemporary place to live and work. An innovation city with a real sense of purpose and ambition to realize it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me...thrilled to find Dundee is finally getting the recognition it deserves. It's always been Glasgow or Edinburgh, then later Aberdeen, to get any accolades going, Am I biased? Of course a little bit, just a little, but if we are/were really familiar with Dundee's history being a city of culture isn't a revelation.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I remember coming out of the Caird Hall in June some years ago, to find I was in Moscow in December! With snow and pictures of Stalin. The BBC had transromed the city square into a set for it's play 'An Englishman Abroad' set in comunist Russia in the cold war - it was amazing and yet another example of Dundee's rich yet unsung cultural patchwork.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene, the nightlife and the underground music scene

<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 famous Dundee FC.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated in a beautiful location. Easy access to Angus Perth and fiFe. No other town I know of. Has such a perfect Location

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Uplifting views over the river, great galleries, good range of music and theatre and the liveliness of an ever-changing student population married to the tradition and continuity of the long-term residents. All backed with good sport and outstanding opportunites to explore historic sites and a range of beautiful countryside.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v& a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city maybe but it has everything you need - culture (museums and theatre), shops, universities - and all on your doorstep. Plus it has Dundonians - some of the friendliest people one could ever hope to meet. I love it here!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact you can turn a corner and find an amazing piece of street art, or a medieval building or just meet an interesting character, who's always friendly and willing to share

<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> Such a compact yet diverse city, providing far more for my education than simply getting a degree! The ability to get to know so many students over so many disciplines and meet so many of the local Dundonians over a four year period has been an abiding memory for well over thirty years! An honest,down to earth city with a rich academic and industrial heritage, marvellously blended with it's enchanting outlook over the Tay! Culture without a hint of pretentiousness!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in the whole of the UK with Red Squirrels within the city boundaries. As an iconic species for Scotland this says a lot for Dundee and shows the depth of commitment from its Ranger Service and Parks Management. Camperdown Wildlife Centre is a very important conservation site for endangered species across Europe and the World, and plays an important role in educating our younger people and serves as a main centre of attraction.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views from so many angles are amazing. Both looking in and looking outwards. The struggles too, of many people such as my Granny who worked in the Jute Mills and the struggles too, of many today who can't find work, but keep striving despite the setbacks. It's not just the views, but the people. Their determinism to help others, even when they have so little, brings out the best. I've seen it often in the most surprising places.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Half Marathon - friendly and a great atmosphere

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is special !!! Because it the only place in the UK that houses a great and creative acting and dance company in one building . Dundee Rep Enssemble and Scottish Dance Theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre is a place to be proud of .!!!!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee for over 40 years. I recently had a guided tour around the frigate Unicorn at Discovery Quay. A truly hidden gem in Dundee. Steeped in history on 4 decks I could imagine life as a crew member almost 200 years ago.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a relative newcomer to Dundee, I had no idea there was so much going on here. There are so many creative people, so many exciting new projects, and there's so much to explore. Quite inspiring for a small place!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where you can go for a walk in the hills in the morning, enjoy the beach in the afternoon, and then recharge yourself with a great meal and drink before catching some live music or a play in the evening. Everything is so accessible!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The big sky and light quality of the estuary. Havana Swing and "The Smiling School for Calvinists". Dry weather and humour.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great northern soul scene where people of all ages come together and share their love of brilliant soul music and dance the night away. Everyone who goes dances and its all about the music. Everyone who goes loves it!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On my first visit to Dundee, back in 2005, i felt like anything was possible. I still find Dundee creatively inspiring, welcoming and open to new ideas.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The scale and variety of world class activity that takes place in Dundee from cutting edge science to advanced digital media activity, from highbrow theatre and arts to community involvement in cultural activity. All that happening in a city where you can be on the beach in ten minutes, in the hills in twenty minutes and, if you must, skiing in around an hour.

I came for three years and now have clocked up a quarter of a century. Why live anywhere else?

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old medieval town of Dundee which can still be found in places when walking around the city. This includes old streets and closes, hidden buildings, and an underground network of passages. All of these features of the built environment of the city are completely hidden unless you know where to look but provide an opportunity to witness the hidden past of Dundee prior to Jute when it was a wealthy and successful trading port with the Baltics.

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