:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

The music. There’s a surprising variety. Open mic nights with some talented acoustic musicians, jazz and swing on the HMS unicorn, well known names playing gigs at the dog house or fat sam’s and everything in-between. Whether you want a chilled out night, fancy some dancing or want to see your favourite band Dundee has it all.

<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> You can live in the city with all its benefits and just a couple of minutes by car you can enjoy a nice round of golf, a day on the beach or just relax in one of the cafés in and around Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite Dundonians propensity to bemoan and belittle their city , Dundee punches above its weight for many reasons: Two universities that are leaders in their respective fields; University of Dundee, the mature sibling an internationally renowned leader in medicine and cancer research. Abertay, the cocky younger sibling, leading the way in video gaming, forging dynamic international links with major players and its internationally acclaimed ‘Dare to be Digital’ competition. Art with the nationally acclaimed Rep, local amateur companies and the DCA with cutting edge exhibitions and foreign cinema. Accessible history with the McManus Museum, Discovery Point, Verdant Works and the Howff an ‘A’ listed Burial Ground.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of community that springs from nowhere in face of difficulties. The overwhelming positivity of community activists who will almost stop at nothing to improve their local area: see the local school or park get a new playground, tidy up the local burn, pull together to help people through difficulties, and generally have a good laugh while doing it all!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer. I love the Agacan on the Perth Road. Simple, uncomplicated Turkish food with the bonus of massive portions. It's like a little section of Turkey tucked away on the bohemian Perth Road.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and raised in Dundee before moving abroad where I have lived for the past 28 years. It never ceases to amaze me how many lovely memories I have of the city and I have tried to pass these on to my children, one of whom is currently living there. Everywhere you go tells a story, be it the West End or the East End. As youngsters we went everywhere, Balgay Park, Baxter Park, Camperdown Park, Caird Park for the school sports and the cultural events were numerous!! I wish Dundee all the best in their bid. It's a city that never stops trying!!! My Bonnie Dundee!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Museums - Discovery, McManus Gallery, and Verdant Works are all fantastic visitor attractions.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of the most engaging, entertaining and diverse people. Every time I leave my house, someone makes me smile!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much I miss it - I never expected to feel that when I moved away, but there's a unique sense of warmth and welcoming about the Dundee

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is more than 20 years since I left Dundee ,I still have a love of the place and a feeling of loyalty to it that I cannot explain .I came to Dundee as a student and needed the accepting ,friendly atmosphere I found there .It is a down to earth, common-sense place with a heart of gold .

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beaches are stunning and a city with such genuine and friendly people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city

<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> How well Dundee is percieved and people love it after visiting. I have always known that Dundee was a great City and love showing visitors around our lovely City.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> People come to the city after often having heard negative comments about it, only to discover a warm welcoming people friendly city with a "small town feeling". It's not just a destination it's the ideal location to base yourself in, being less than two hours public transport from Scotland's three largest city's. As well as other highlights such as Stirling, St Andrews and Glen shee and Braemar. Why not have a homely base instead of packing and unpacking every day, and enjoy a plentiful selection of affordable accommodation.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great bunch of people aiming to make interesting, challenging, creative things happen. Anyone can get involved, join in or make things happen for themselves, which is what makes it such a brilliant environment.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having never stepped foot in the city until my first day at University I had no idea what to expect, but the friendliness and welcoming attitude got me straight away, 11 years later I feel like Dundee is home, and I am very excited about what my future holds living in this ever developing city. The open spaces in Dundee are great, you never feel enclosed. With such easy access to beautiful countryside, beaches, hills and forests, why would you need to live anywhere else?

<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> It is not the city people think it is - it is much more: dynamic, cultured, historical, international and at the forefront of research in areas such as life sciences or digital art (including video games). And all of this, near one of the most beautiful countryside and riverside backdrop!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of raw talent this city possesses. Eh Write! writing group at Fintry Community Centre, Voices in Harmony singing group at Whitfield Activity Centre, Art Class at Panmurefield village Church. Ordinary citizens with extraordinary skills and abilities being/needing encouraged. Becoming UK city of Culture 2017 will hopefully draw out and highlight these hidden gems. They are there - they only need to be uncovered !!!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The vast cosmopolitanism for one. The combination of Vibrant university atmosphere and a sprawling city combine to make Dundee a pretty special place. Everything from looking at the Tay whilst on Magdalen Green or the sight of The Discovery ship as you get of the train. Awesome

<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 biotech lab researchers really do their best to find cures for many of our worst diseases

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walks along the waterfront is beautiful in all seasons, and the view from the top of the Law Hill is amazing. These natural places bring genuine richness to the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love it when visitors to the city tell you how much they have enjoyed themselves being here and how friendly we all are.

<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 beauty that is Debbie Mcleod.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's proximity to the beach at Broughty Ferry and the wildness of the Angus Glens (and mountains!) The friendliness of the people and the number of different things available to do with my children on rainy days. Even though I have never lived there, (my extended family did and still does) every time I visit it feels like a homecoming!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the belief that Dundee people have in Dundee as a place to live. Our city sometimes gets bad press for some socially undesireable statistics but we defend our city's pride with great belief. Belief that our city can provide us with a place of enjoyment, nurture and development for our families to strive in. Dundee has a fantastic array of culture to be involved in and i am glad to be an active citizen with a young family in this thriving city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant modern city with a wonderful history

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even the small communities such as Lochee are getting extensive work done on them to improve the place overall.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's the home of invention and Dundee's its Scottish home

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always been surprised by the richness, diversity and quality of the Dundee music scene. I was brought up in Arbroath so when I was a young teenager, it was difficult to get to Glasgow and Edinburgh for gigs. However, I was never deprived of music as a result of this. I was always just a short bus ride away from experiencing my favourite bands or hearing incredible new live music, be it in small pubs or larger venues. I eventually went on to study in the city, and although I will graduate and leave Dundee this year, it will always hold a special place in my heart as the city that nurtured my love of music.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In some of the industrial port areas you will just sit for hours on, enjoying the old industrial, maybe a bit rotty looking sites with having the view on the see. As a student, I love this place for just relaxing and writing with the industrial 'landscape' aside. It just gives me goosebumps every time, thinking back to when this was one of the ports to the world. Strange, but stunning feeling!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the city's proud attitude thats why we always surprise people with the welcome we give them!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee warms my heart. It is the city I fell in love in, made my best friends in and have grown up in.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great variety of culture

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Cafes, shops and an eclectic mix of people from every walk of life. Dundee has a whole lot to offer and is the ideal place for students. I have lived here for 4 years now and have had the privilege of seeing Dundee grow up and mature to be recognised as one of the leading cities in Scotland.

<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> 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> We have so many talented designers based in Dundee and seeing their work in the Telegraph is great! Local people are really proud of homegrown talent. All the old architecture and Dundee's history is beautiful & fascinating.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 1) Old train tunnel through Law hill- could reopen as exhibit
2) River cruises- Tay is beautiful. Could get more like Taymara.
3) Mills Observatory- only free public one in UK & great fun at nights
4) James Chalmers- inventor of stamps. Could have international philately expo
5) James Bowman Lindsay- first inventor of lightbulb. Could have huge illuminated lightbulb sculpture or combine with-
6) Could have UK's first "Bellagio" style water fountain combining movement and classical music.
7) Jimmy Shand- lived in Dundee and bought his first accordian there. Could have National Accordian Championship like Glasgow's successful Piping Championships.
For more ideas- email me!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way that Dundee's communities embrace creativity as a tool to bring people together, to break down barriers and to look positively at what the future might hold.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful people, the attitude & way of life.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In face of many negative social & economic factors and compared to all other urban centres in the region, Dundee has a vibrancy and energy about arts and culture that can be felt. It's the pride people have, in themselves and their city that, despite adversity, creates this exciting environment.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From Broughty Ferry to Discovery and the Law above - a blend of experiences with the River Tay shining through

<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> Modern architechture mixes with old, a centre of excellence on so many fronts, new shopping facilities, a vibrant nightlife, a varied spread of cultural entertainment-what more could anyone ask for. Already very popular with university students and a safe environment for all.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lively city minutes from sea, sand, hills and glens.

<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> A city where I have lived three exciting years as a PhD student. Cutting-edge science work, multinational friends, delicious christmas puddings, amazing landscape!

See All Backers