We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Jute, jam and journalism made Dundee, so they said in school. The real hidden secret though is the people, they make it! And, the Highland cows on the way in, the DCA, the University, the Beano, the Tay, McGonagall’s poems & the V&A one day! It’s a hidden hub of creativity. Go Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people of Dundee never let you down, always something makes you smile about the characters
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its cute and its got nice footballers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view walking or driving along Riverside, the water and rail bridge against different skies never fails to impress and I feel lucky to live here. Wee independent cafes on the Perth Road and city centre are my favourite hidden gems :) So excited to see how the city continues to develop in the years to come.
<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> Dundee is the only city in Scotland which has a dedicated internet TV channel which anyone can join in and Dundee is just like that it's a place willing to accept new ideas and try out new concepts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visited Dundee this past January-February for the first time, and was amazed by its rejuvenation. I stayed at the Alberta Guesthouse, which was run by a lovely and very homey-artistic duo of John and Hazel. There's something very different about it. I was there for my bday, and hazel made me handmade cuff links without knowing me very well. An amazing and artistic bed and breakfast. Truly outstanding.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Heart Space Yoga and the Whiteroom's - two vibrant and supportive yoga centres in the lovely city of Dundee. Nourishing folks, impoving health and mental well-being.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Science Festival and the Dundee Literary Festival are two events that I look forward to. The fact that eminent scientists and authors want to come to the City to share their experiences is fantastic.
<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> I love standing under the rail bridge and looking at the magnificent structure. One of my favorite views has always been on the train, when coming in, from down south, it slows over the bridge and you get a chance to take in the stunning City... this is where I show off to visitors about Dundee, its glorious "Silvery Tay", its sunny aspect, point out the Law (hill), the wind machines and tell the story of the Old bridge that collapsed and show the old stumps that are still visible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university is fantastic, I honestly believe it offers one of the best student experiences in the UK. There is no night out quite like a Union night out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like Dens Road Market, it's a real treasure trove.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How many interesting and creative people come from Dundee... Not least of all my husband and actor Forbes KB !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a student at DJCAD the city offers so much in the range of influence and inspiration, that's why I love it here, there's so much to offer for students at the uni. Shame the V&amp;A can't come quicker.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The pillar box outside the railway station. The design appears to be Victorian and I am sure the cypher on the door is that of Queen Victoria. There are not many of these left in the UK so it should be a national treasure as well as a city icon.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of higher education on offer in Dundee is exceptional, as attested by warm and enthusiastic student reports. World class research in a range of academic fields is recognised in the wider academic community and places Dundee University (including of course Duncan of Jordanstone College) among the very best available.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's always evolving!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Planning student at the University of Dundee. The city has changed so much in the space of less than a century from industrial to culturally-orientation. V&amp;A, DCA, The Waterfront, Discovery, McManus are only tips of a very large iceberg.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If there was ever a person which embodied Dundee it would have to be Amanda Lowson from Dundee Rep Theatre. She exudes creativity, joy, resilience and a fiery passion for the city and the people who live here. Through her work at Dundee Rep and her general outlook on life, she unknowingly makes the city a brighter place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee blends the past with the present. Its steeped in history has many iconic places and landmarks from east to west.
One of the advantages is that even being a city the countryside is near by with lovely villages and towns surrounding it.The scenery for most parts is eyecatchíng has historical ships castles and many more appealing things for the visitors to the City
<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> I was Born in Dundee Royal Infirmary and Like so many things in Dundee it is gone and been replaced with something Better. I moved away when I was 18 (Now 45) I always had fond memories of MY home City but when I returned 20 odd years later it had transformed from the old City it was into a Vibrant Beautiful City it is today the best thing I liked was the Big ship Docked there in the edge of town. But it has retained the best parts of the Old City the architecture is still beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has the most stunning waterfront location and is surrounded by fabulous countryside. 10 minutes drive in any direction and you are somewhere gorgeous, and yet you're only an hour away from Edinburgh.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city, it has an amazing warmth of people. The mixture of students, locals and immigrants creates a melting pot of talent and creativity that you don't find anywhere else. And the accent is unlike anything you'll ever hear!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful situation and Dundee Contemporary Arts - fantastic venue, fantastic atmosphere, amazing works of art, and workshops. Lucky Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer energy and cohesion - a city's population seeking to make more for themselves and the generations to follow
<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> So much within the city and so much around the city - a diversity of countryside - river, beach, hills etc. - just minutes away. Wonderful!
<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> The fantastic gaming community. Digital, table top, cards and board. From game shops to pubs you'll find gamers everywhere
<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 huge, friendly creative community, the people, and the suprising love you gain for the city as a newcomer. Within 3 years of living here, I have made the best friends, found my creative output, found love, and found myself defending this fantastic city as my home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since moving here in 2000 to start University I haven't looked back. It's the perfect mix between City and large town - big enough to be anonymous and small enough to feel friendly. It has some really good small eateries too.
<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> Grants the butcher does the best mince.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing look of sea, river, clouds, hills and wildlife make everyday a surprise.
The richness of women's history in Dundee.
The thriving arts community in Dundee and surrounding countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's industrial history as a centre for textile production is apparent throughout the city. Numerous former jute mills remain standing and while some lay derelict, many have been converted into alternate usages. Of particular note are the Tay Works, built by the Gilroy Brothers c.1850-1865, Camperdown Works in Lochee, which built and owned by Cox Brothers, one of Europe's largest jute manufacturing companies, and begun in 1849, and Upper Dens Mill and Lower Dens Works, built by the Baxter Brothers in the mid 19th century.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Design houses in Dundee produce world leading technology, recognised throughout the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most generous and friendly people any where, and for all the bad press it gets there are hundreds of good people who get no press who do fab work ,the diversity of culture and creed never ceases to amaze me either,and the ability for other cultures to not only be welcomed in Dundee ,but to flourish should be recognised ,Oh not forgetting the Dandy and the Beano ...Oor Willie and the Broons fae Glebe street ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city with such a rich history. Much to celebrate!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> MENZIESHILL
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing creative scene, Photographers (like us!) Film Makers, Jewellery, Fashion, Games Design. Vibrant, Cutting Edge and Diverse
<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> When it's sunny, the city comes alive. People of all ages, shapes and sizes come out and enjoy the sun - and each other's company. People are having picnics, enjoying the sun, having some food and drinks, laughing and having fun. It's all relaxed and everyone's happy. Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland, which shows not only in the weather but in the way people are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's location at the mouth of the Tay offere unparalled natural beauty and light unlike any other.

The natural sense of pride the locals have in their city is well-deserved, it has incredible history from it's exporting days, fantastic educationional establishments today and a never ending culture of change in the lifestyles and culture of its people.

I lived there, first as a student and then working, for 17 years. I love the place. Sitll do. The best friends I have in this world still live there. There's a reason for that too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the silvery tay(fish shop)best in britain
the law giving amazing views of city
the on going improvements every time i come home from plymouth.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two closest football stadia in the world. Smallest city to have had both clubs reach semi final of both European competitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After more than a decade in Cambridge, I moved to Dundee on Sep 2013. I was reluctant at first, however its quirky charm has fascinated me. It is a welcoming place where people on the street greats you when you pass by, where the sharing of arts and human intellect is in the air. The breathtaking views, the DCA, the McManus, the discovery point, the multitude of independent coffees and restaurants, the vibrant atmosphere, the fresh and buzzing confidence of the waterfront redevelopment. Dundee is a unique place, to me culture is all around.
<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> Dundee is situated beside the seaside and the Sidlaw Hills. Take the children to Broughty Ferry, build sandcastles, paddle, spot the dolphins, watch the busy Sand Martins, take a stroll through Barnhill Rock Garden. Take them into the city to sample the wonderful parks, Camperdown with its children's zoo and play area. Dudhope Park with its Castle and Skateboard Park, Baxter Park, Victoria Park, Caird Park the list goes on. Climb the Law and see the magnificent bridges and the views of the Kingdom of Fife. Head into the Sidlaw Hills for rambling. There's plenty to see and do in and around Dundee. Come visit and see for yourself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are so many interesting hidden gems in Dundee. Through hosting a monthly meetup for people in the technology industry we have met people who have worked with NASA on Space Station technology, people from 5 man teams powering software used all over the world, people carrying out pioneering research and student developers creating the next big games. Everyone is so friendly and comes together to share knowledge and experience to continue helping other with problems. It is such a great environment to live and work in.
<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> Take a walk through Balgay Park on a frosty winter night. Wind your way up through the trees till the heavens open up above you. The observatory is there but you won't need it; the stars are close enough to touch.
<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> 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> It is not the same as its reputation dictates! In spite of being a sizable city it has a welcoming, homely and village-ish feel. You don't feel crowded or far from greenery at any point yet all the amenities that city life provides are right at your fingertips!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DoJ Art &amp; Design College (where I studied)

It doesn't have a fancy heritage like Glasgow or Edinburgh, therefore the students &amp; the staff have to rely on simply making great work and a lot of it. No sitting back and resting on old glories.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My grandfather was walking home from the Kirk holding his father's hand on the night the Tay Bridge came down celebrated by the most awful doggerel ever penned by the 'poet' McGonigall. I went to Queens College in 1959 and took a degree in Chemistry and Physics and returned two years ago for a reunion and was amazed at the transformation of the city from the rundown images I remember in the sixties to the lively and fascinating modern Dundee with Scott's ship and so many other attractions artistic, cultural and physical.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's alive, diverse, has art, history and Scottish dance theatre!! dont let it loose so much from so little and can be huge!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of the exhibitions Dundee attracts to the recently refurbished McManus Galleries, such as the opportunity to view Titian's 'Diana and Actaeon' at close quarters in a quality space. Just breathtaking!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's not just one place or one person. what always amazes me about dundee is it's great variety of people from different cultural and national backgrounds, whether at university or in the local community.
and there are so many places my heart grew fond of over the years. for example, the view over the tay from balgay park's cemetary, or having a few pints among the locals in dundee's oldest pub (mennies), or even that there are some coffee places where you can simply sit down with a nice wee cuppa and play chess.
<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> After living in Dundee for over 30years the river continues to delight me. You can see it at the same time every day and it is never the same, weather , tide, time of year and light. It is so much an integral part of the city yet sets the city off. To the landward side of Dundee there are fantastic walks in the Sidlaws. Living in Dundee gives you the advantages of a city yet within 30 minutes drive you are in lovely countryside. An incredible combination.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Rep hosts a constant flow of high quality performance arts and is outstanding. Dance, mime, song, drama and comedy feature strongly. Community involvement - including youth and disabled - makes me feel fortunate and proud that we have this facility in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every year, when spring eventually arrives, the city is taken over by vast expances of daffodils. Driving down the Kingsway, the scenery becomes a yellow blur! I wouldn't be surprised if Dundee has more Daffodils per head of population than any other city in the UK!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved going to school in Dundee with the children's international film festival at the DCA. A pile of tickets for a bundle price and I was able to go in on the bus every day after school.... I was just sad that not more people knew about it at the time. It is great to see the more recent film festivals better attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the advantages of a city, all the cosiness of a town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has a wonderful welcoming warmth - built on its people, traditions and heritage and its developing future. There is something for everybody to be both pleased with and proud of. You are never bored with vibrant Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here at the start of my degree almost 10 years ago and I'm still here, despite now studying in Aberdeen. Dundee is the best place to live. With its ideal location I can get to anywhere else in Scotland easily, and the links to the rest of the UK are fab too. The people in Dundee make it what it is, and it has its own individual character. You don't have to go far to find lovely areas like Magdalene Green or Baxter Park, and there's always some great architecture (old and new) lurking round the corner.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All my stuff is here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Castle Street is definitely a hidden secret with its old book shop, cheesery, cake shop, vintage shop and the colorful youth center just at the corner it is just lovely. A place not to be missed for sure!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The density of amateur theatrical groups in such a small area is amazing for one of Scotland's smaller cities. The nurturing that young people are given to participate in the performing arts through Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Dundee Schools Orchestra and Dundee Unuversity Music ensure the continuing breadth of involvement of the people of Dundee in the performing arts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant city, with so many exciting developments taking place. It is the obvious city to be the UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amount of development and arts..not everyone knows about such great places such as the Mcmanus
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love Dundee!! born and bred here too! my personal feelings about Dundee involve the amazing natural talents of the Dundee people. having been involved in Community Drama for over 30 yrs,i have came across Dundee people who are dedicated and passionate about arts in the community,wether it be drama,dance music visual art etc. the talent is amazing,and has been for many years,my only criticism would be we(Dundee fowk) tend to be a bit shy at singing their own praises,therefore,some talented people slip through the net,we have to be supported in keeping community arts alive n kicking!hopefully the arrival of the V&amp;A will open up community projects to the wonderful people of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's Scotland's fastest growing city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most welcoming and Dundee is amazing :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There really is something for everyone, music with the likes of the blues festival and loads of gigs, fantastic theatre both amature and professional, a variety of fine art or easy access to both urban and rural environments
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's location on the North shore of the River Tay makes it a bright place to work and live all year round. It is unique in that the river is visible from most places in the city and not just from its shoreline. That's what makes Dundee special to me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians themselves. When in the city talking to peers often they overlook the vibrancy, riches and uniqueness of what the City has to offer.

The usp of the City and it's developing drivers is that: the City continually renews and evolves with the changing environ, no longer should the city be thought of as the City of Discovery and the 3 J's for Jute, Jam and Journalism, but that One City Many Discoveries, and the drive and development in sectors of bio medicines, digital media, renewables, developing culture - DCA, The McManus, Dundee Rep, the impending V&amp;A Dundee.

With that said, take a Dundonian out of the City, and it is inspiring to hear how positive an ambassador they are for their beloved home City.
<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> Lovely city with great potential, small but full with its multicultural people, never feel outcast..
I truly liked how people are very proud of Dundee, even if they are not Dundonians .. I am one of them :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Jute, Jam and Journalism
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of good musicians in the city, the amazing venues to go and listen to well established and fabulous up and coming musicians.....Dundee is very rich with talent
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the small grassroots voluntary arts organisations to the organisations, teams and Directors of the city's notable arts venues, to business that invests and sponsors culture in Dundee. Everyone has a voice and space to discuss, join in and start up. Its an inclusive city where art and culture are not out of bounds or highbrow, its open to anyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's under appreciated (and mostly free) music scene showcases a huge array of local talent and really makes me proud of what the people of this city are capable of achieving.
<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> Having spent my past 44 years living around the Tay estuary, I regularly re-discover the incredibly vibrant local music scene with which I first became familiar in 1969. The current crop of young musicians[I recently saw a 14 year old playing Peter green, Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix], supported and encouraged by the early 20 + year olds who had themselves been supported and are still supported by earlier generations. The Blues festival is rightly famous but you can go round many venues in Dundee weekly and hear music of the highest calibre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For one weekend every summer the pubs, clubs and music venues around the city are host to the Dundee Blues Bonanza! There loads of bands playing amazing live music, and they come from all over Scotland (and beyond) to do it!
It's great planning what gigs to go to in which venues. One of my favorite things about it is it gets me to go to places other than my usual haunts. There is always a really friendly buzz at Blues Fest gigs and I would strongly recommend any visitors to the area to check it out!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene!
In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a hub of Indian culture at Heart Space Dundee offering Yoga. There are AMAZING practitioners capable of the impossible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although Dundee is not particularly nice at first sight, the sunset from Broughty Ferry or the sunrise looking at Hilltown from the University is simply amazing.
<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 Magdalen Green Bandstand on a bright morning standing majestically looking out over the Tay - surely one of the most picturesque views in Scotland...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My son Don Nicolson and daughter Cindy Nicolson were both born in the city. Don is a singer songwriter who won Dougie McCleans songwriter of the year award a few years back, and plays solo gigs all over the place. Cindy is also a singer songwriter who sings solo and is a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter with the group Mamasbaby which plays all over Perth and dundee, the highlands and toured europe as did Don. They are very talented people and come from a long line of musicians. My father who died at the age of 37 from cancer was a singer song writer too and he was the trainer for the under 21s Osborne team in Dundee back in the 40`s.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the impact artists past and present have had on the city.

Currently Im looking forward to exploring more of Vince Rattray's work, as he is talked about with so much warmth by Dundonians. And I was fascinated to discover Pat Douthwaite's amazing paintings.

She was born in Glasgow but chose Dundee has her home because she liked it so much and took up a permanent residency at The Queens Hotel.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing move from industry like jute to the sciences and arts. Also the jumping drags at invergowrie house and the red squirrels that can be seen around camperdown. The amazing river Tay sets the city as beautiful as any other.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> there is a great vibe from up and coming designer makers in the city which is wonderful to see. i love the little independent shops that have managed to survive the recession and the new ones opening up recently - keep up the good work of reclaiming the high street !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is physically transforming itself at the present. As a centre for so much learning (education, science, medicine, IT.....) it has changed it's face!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural town because of the different races and culture of people living in it. With two universities and one college, it offers a diverse community as students from different parts of the world choose to study in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have looked out on the Tay all my life, now I have a view with the bridges in it now, I love that every day I look out the river changes. And it's even better from the top of the Law!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's historic roots are hugely important. Everywhere you go in the city you can catch a glimpse of fascinating parts of our history - you just need to know where to look. There's the group of five historic 16th Century houses in the High Street known as Gardyne's Land and the Wishart Arch which is built into a small surviving section of Dundee's 16th Century city wall. There's the award winning Verdant Works jute museum and Scott's historic Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. It also boasts the frigate HMS Unicorn which is the world's last intact warship from the days of sail, and the North Carr, Scotland's only surviving lightship.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What a situation Dundee finds itself in, surrounded by some of the best scenery in the UK. Whether crossing the Tay by road or rail from Fife the view of Dundee is stunning, or approaching from Perth along by the river when the bridges come into view takes my breath away.
Travel just a few miles to the north and the Sidlaws are a Mecca for walkers and Dundee's own hills.
Mustn't forget the Tay,walk in either direction and be rewarded with superb views. Can it get any better?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Improvements in schemes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly People
new independant shops opening

Events - Free Dundee Uni lectures on a Saturday
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The language, the humour, the vibrant music and arts scene, the beloved characters that are a part of the city. From McGonagle to Michael Marra, from Broughty Castle to the Beano. Dundee has a culture, soul, heart all it's own that endures despite being on the fringe and despite being a city which many pass through.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A vibrant business community with a ''can do'' attitude that welcomed with open arms MacRoberts as a new entrant to the City earlier in the year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The high level of cultural events, and places to visit

:)

×