We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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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> I love the Darcy Thompson museum. The university has a wonderful collection of art as well. The breadth and volume of cultural events in the city is amazing. Dundee's siting is handsome being on the river and its parks are a wonderful asset - areas like Balgay and Magdalen Yard, Camperdown, etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like the ambition of the waterfront project, and the collaboration between different agencies in the city which are bringing it about, and hope that it surpasses all expectations.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming from Perth my perception of Dundee was always negative until work brought me here in 2004. Dundee in general has surprised me, continues to evolve and in turn surprises friends who I bring to the city. It is hard to explain but I feel comfortable here. Dundee is home.
<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> I love many things about Dundee, from the Theatre's with something for all ages, the Science centre, the Discovery and Verdant Works to trips to Broughty Ferry and a "donder" down the Perth Road. There is so much variety, you're never stuck for a park, a scenic walk, or a place to eat
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's esplanade provides some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland - its beauty is such that every time I view it, it leaves me lost for words like the very first time I experienced the 'Silvery Tay'.

One of Dundee's greatest assets is simply being able spending time on the banks of Tay. In the mid to late 1800s tourists travelled for miles to marvel at the spectacle.

'The Dundee Esplanade is unrivalled for cycling purposes, and it is truly the cyclist's delight,' says the full-page advertisement in the Dundee Directory for 1898-99.

'Be sure to visit the Whitmair Cycling Pavilion at the east end of the Esplanade, where cycles can be hired by hour, day, or month,' it continues.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community full of caring, artful, sharing people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals sunbathing in the morning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual Dundee Jazz &amp; Blues festival is an amazing experience that really brings the whole community together and creates a fantastic feeling in the city. It also highlights the cities passion for creativity and is attracting fans from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A fantastic local music scene, a real focus on visual art with DCA, McManus, V&amp;A and one of Britain's finest art colleges, a fantastic and award winning Repertory Theatre, a growing literary scene surrounding Dundee Literary Festival, Dundee has always punched above its weight but now is fast becoming the place to be for culture in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth and friendly people who are natural and kind. Live music scene, small independant retailers, vintage clothes shops, top quality hairy stylists, the history of the City which you can enjoy as you stroll throught the City Centre, the fact that its a City which is sourrounded by Sea, Sand and Country side.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the way that it has risen from the ashes of an industrial city to a city of culture bidder. Or should i really be surprised this city has always fought back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the mixture of science, art. The life sciences research community and the art community often join together to create something surprising, whether that's participation of undergraduate artists in an international science competition, portraits of women researchers on display for the women in science festival, or art exhibitions in the zoology museum. It's amazing to see these two communities having such fun together!
<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> Dundee to me is a city of perseverance, passion and pride.

I chose to live in the city because of my strong families ties. In my family, storytelling is important, whether it's reminiscing about past events or passing down fables. These stories transfer a rich tapestry of experience on to the next generation.

The regenerating of Dundee's industrial heritage has reinvigorated the City and can be interpreted as a symbol for personal transformation.

My secret spot is the mosaic bench in Finlathen Park next to the Dighty Burn. A little bit of public art that adds to its setting. I would love to see some stone sculptures from a nearby artist on display there too. His work is inspiring and amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nobody crowds you here, but nobody goes it alone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strong sense of community identity. All over city local people are working together to celebrate and improve their neighbourhoods through local festivals, drama performances, litter picks, mosaics and gardening projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee annual half marathon - great value and great race!
Bridgeview Restaurant and T Ann Cake - definitely hidden gems.
Cycling along riverside drive - invigorating and wonderful views
Dundee Law - what a view!
Dundee parkrun - almost a year old and a Saturday morning challenge at Camperdown
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Backpackers' Hostel, Gardyne's Land, is a medieval building situated in the heart of the city centre, and operates as a youth hostel to date. Dundee is often underrated for its architecture and it is not just a Victorian city: the subtle incorporation of the city's past is there for all to see.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The underground music scene. A true variety of musicians, bands ans dj's playing at venues across the city such as Beat Generator, Doghouse, Duke's Corner and the Reading Rooms.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The plentiful times I have walked from the bustle of the city, along the waterfront, and spotted a little seal pup sunbathing near the Discovery in the coldest winter weather, have always warmed my heart. I love the contrast of the bustle and buildings with the tranquil nature, the city centre with the waterfront, the observatory and parks with the technology park.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Once a city where working class folk had take what the mills had to offer or go hungry... Now out of the stoor and rubble of the past an amazing new Dundee is evolving... there are equal opportunites for all. The young are excited!.. the not so young are... well, just burstin' wi pride at their 'new toon'.... there is a momentum of cameraderi which builds as the city blossoms.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community here in Dundee is amazing. I have witnessed many collaborative projects that have succeeded due to the positive attitudes and creative abilities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's not a lack of things to say that's kept me from posting here, but the opposite. For such a small place there's so much cultural cache, from a vibrant and multifarious music scene to a fantastic art college, brilliant artist-run spaces and obviously the excellent resource that is Dundee Contemporary Arts. Above all though, within &amp; without the cultural hubs of Dundee it is the genuine sense of community that makes the place so special.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has everything we need in terms of culture: we have the DCA with it's exhibitions and workshops and the cinema which brings films not always shown at Cineworld. Both cinema's have regular showings of live opera from the Met, and cineworld had regular showings of big rock bands. Soon we will have the V&amp;A which I'm so looking forward to.

In terms of leisure we have a brand new swimming pool opening soon, and Dundee has two major league football clubs and several amatuer clubs. There are many great places to eat like Marco Polo in the centre of town and several Indian and Turkish restaraunt up the Perth Road. There are many places to drop in for coffee and home made food like the wonderful T An Cake (not sure I've spelled that right) There is also a wide variety of shops including tradtional shops like Braithwaites who are sellers of teas and coffees from around the world.

Last, but not least, is the setting of the city itself: there are many green spaces with Camperdown Park as the main place to go for a picnic and a stroll, there are the walks along the Riverside, and there are the beautiful beaches at Broughty Ferry....and beyond, the coastal scenery going toward Monifeith and Carnoustie.

I came to Dundee 25 years ago to College and much has changed in the city since, except it's friendliness and welcome of the outsider. With the two universities and colleges and the Duncan of Jordanston School of Art, Dundee is a cosmapolitan city, with students from around the world and Indian, Pakistani, Polish and Romanian folk settling in the city and rubbing along together very well. Dundee has many churches; a beautiful mosque and a Sihk Gudwarra. This melting pot gives the city it's richness and expansiveness.

I now live across the water in Fife but feel Dundee is my city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee ....... best City in Britain
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The pride of being home to 'the world's worst poet' William McGonagall. Taking a walk by the riverside you get to see the immortal words of the sage like McGonagall carved in stone next to his beloved 'silvery Tay.'
A city with a sense of humour.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful ,location on the Tay Estuary surrounded by wonderful countryside and beaches. Fascinating historic buildings like Macmanus and Caird Hall preserving a proud history. People cheerful and friendly despite recent economic difficulties.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a real and loveable second home to many students, like myself, who study here. I am in my second year at University here and I am still discovering new parts of Dundee and the countryside surrounding it. The view points particularly over the Tay from near the observatory at sun down are absolutely stunning and is one of my favourite places to be. There are many inspiring lecturers and mentors attached to the universities which make me proud to say that I am spending my student life here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> West Fest on Magdalen Green. A great day for everyone. We were raising funds for the upgrade of Roseangle Play-Park and were surprised and delighted by peoples' generosity and support.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History, warmth, calm and nice
<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> 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> There are two paintings in The Pillars Bar depicting the sacking of Dundee during the17th century by General Monk's troops. Seeing these as a young man gave me a lifelong love of the history of the area and that is why I became a fine-art curator.
<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> 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 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> Culture is more than just art, theatre and buildings it is also about history and social morals and I believe Dundee is second to none on these areas.
1777 Dundee Joseph Knight a “Negro” slave won his freedom from his master Wedderburn when he successfully argued that “slavery was not recognised by Scots Law and runaway slaves (or 'perpetual servants') could be protected by the courts, if they wished to leave domestic services or were resisting attempts to return them to slavery in the colonies”. This was in effect abolishing slavery 100 years before the UK Parliament.
Dundee also has Mary Slessor who moved from Aberdeen to Dundee at the age of 11, Lily walker and many many more who stood up against tyranny and injustice to change the political and moral culture of our city and our country to make it more caring and equal for all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are indefatigable and always up for a boogie, and witty without being gallus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I arrived in Dundee in 1966 as a student I was bowled over by the generous spirit of the working class people of the city. There was such an air of optimism then. Going back to Dundee as I do every year I'm shocked at the reversal of fortunes of those same people. The social housing stock being demolished, lack of jobs for young people. Showcase developments like the New Overgate are just a sticking plaster. Good luck with the Waterfront Project but I don't think it will improve the lives of Dundee's working class. The city's hidden secret are the city's poor and downtrodden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> "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> This is a city where what you do feels noticed and appreciated. Dundee has an encouraging and supportive atmosphere for creative ventures and isn't afraid to be itself! Places like Creative Dundee, Tin Roof, Hot Chocolate Trust, The Rusty Hip Collective, Generator Projects, Flyboy Productions and Art Angel are great examples of people setting up their own thing and connecting with our community together. So happy to live here!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that even in this vibrant, creative and exciting city you can also relax and enjoy a walk along the river. I love trying to spot seals on the sand banks, listening to the shrill cries of oyster catchers to see and the smell of the sea as I walk along with the Tay gently lapping on the sea wall.

You can also enjoy dolphin watching trips from Broughty Ferry in the summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such a great location - between the Tay with it's dolphins and seals and the fabulous Angus glens. Great art centres, museums, theatre, cafe's - it's diverse, yet on a scale that feels more like a big village than a impersonal urban sprawl. And I the Wellgate clock - when I was little my grandpa would take me to see it chime at midday - I still love it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As someone not native to these shores, I am proud that I now live in Dundee. It is a super-compact city that has everything on your doorstep. But What I appreciate the most is the warmth, the helpfulness that local Dundonians have offered me. Ten years down the line, I am still here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have travelled to many parts of the world and been lucky enough to have seen some amazing places. However, each time I return home, there is nothing quite like walking with my family and dogs along the 'Grassy Beach' and I think how lucky I am to live where I do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has gone through an incredible creative regeneration. With the imminent arrival of V&amp;A, the refurbishment of McManus and a flourishing dance community, the city has an abundance of creativity. It's already a City of Discovery. A city ready and well poised to further discover it's creative future. Bring on the City of Culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so many positive attributes from our two universities, burgeoning game industry, our waterfront project is going to be a game changer.

So many wondeful people/achievements have come from Dundee that winning the City of Culture would help the next generation achieve even more
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I meet many international people who are living in Dundee and they impress me by finding out about the extraordinary range of activities which people can get involved with, so many of which draw international participation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee people are proud of a city which has seen hard times but is reinventing its self as a modern city which embraces change and new opportunities.
<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> AMBITION and LOYALTY

i LOVE that the people of Dundee have HUGE ambitions and are very loyal to the city. I strive to meet my ambitions everyday and for five years have seen a MASSIVE amount of my customers share and live theirs too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The very fact that fans of United &amp; Dundee can easily share a pint on match day without the ugliness of other derbies. Derby days can produce terrific dundoinan banter amongst friends. Neil Forsythe portrays this kind of banter well in his bob servant books
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee 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> The quite and calm streets, diversity and cultural richness of Dundee are the most spectacular part of my memories; so much that I would love to come again and again. Discovery and Verdant Works take us back in history when courage was the only saviour of mankind. The mini gardens around the Dundee Law, all grown by citizens, is another experience I would like to recommend and replicate in Pakistan. And of course, best of all, the University of Dundee...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What you can find just around the corner - from lovely old bars to the Discovery, from Universities to old schools, lovely old buildings to the modern - sitting side by side. Then theres the heritage - jute, jam and journalism - how diverse it that!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The supports of Dundee United are a very well dressed bunch. Kudos! Dundee, more than any city I can think of, deserves this title. A boost is more than due!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's music culture is amazing! Many great bands have come from Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ship Discovery is a great icon in my city let hope more people discover Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The energy, the facilities and the potential. What a wonderful city to be associated with!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm excited about the v&amp;a at Dundee coming soon. I also loved the Degree Show trip I had with nursery. The room with wool was fantastic. And going to drama classes at the Rep, an amazing community theatre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The BLUE BLUE sky, the WHITE WHITE cloud, and the KIND KIND people here! I made lots of friends here, and most of them like badminton as I do. Also the UNION is the second best place here, while the ISE is the best for me I think. I got a wonderful riding along the Tay bridge, with the sunny sunshine and the best "family" I have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking along the front at Broughty Ferry or coming into Dundee by train across the rail bridge the views are stunning. The Tay is Dundee's least well kept secret and it's most important feature.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views, the wealth of culture, and the warmth of its people. Dundee truly is a Historic City and the V &amp; A is coming to a prestigious location in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Proud to be from Dundee. A city with not only a rich past for creativity and culture but a vibrant future through 2017 and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Central Library is quite the best public library I have come across. Wonderful view over the Tay as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has THE BEST 26 mile green circular cycle route! It passes through Camperdown Park, down to Riverside, along the docks through Broughty Ferry and Monifieth then back up to Camperdown taking in gorgeous parks and green spaces!
<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> I adore lochee library. Beautiful building and a great atmosphere .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location, location, location
<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> Since leaving Dundee 12 years ago I am consistently surprised at how it is constantly evolving. New festivals, events and infrastructure - always something new to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, one of the oldest cities in scotland has such rich heritage, and a fascinating history from back when it was just a small settlement between two hills. So many museums, fantastic art college, theatres, parks, the list is endless. Dundee deserves a bit of respect for the way it has been revitalised over the past 20 years amid the shutdown of industries and the emergence of new industries. People need to be encouraged to look again at Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has contributed so much to the story of Britain. When it has done so it has done so without making a big noise about it. Dundee in its culture is hard-working, entrepreneurial, daring and resilient. Its character of modesty, coupled with its humanitarian and internationalist outlook, means that few outside Dundee appreciate what Dundee has done for Scotland, Britain, Europe and the wider world because Dundee has not boasted about it. Geographically, Dundee has been quite insular giving its culture a very distinct and individual character which, to the outsider can seem quite dark and obtuse, but humorously so!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think that Dundee has a unique character. I used to live in Peddie Street and the rear lane was Taits Lane - with high walls and the anticipation of beautiful secret gardens behind the tenements. And then the Law with its fabulous views. John Warren.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is this vibrant, buzzing, creative cosmopolitan hub, where there's culture, entertainment, education and leisure at one's fingertips. Yet it has havens of peacefulness too, in its parks, the Botanic Gardens, Magdalen Green.
With its wonderful situation overlooking the Tay, and it's huge potential as a desirable destination to visit being helped along by major redevelopment, there is no question that Dundee is worthy of the title UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> very friendly, diverse city, huge opportunities for amateur musicians.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a University town with energetic researchers, scientists, teachers and smart people everywhere!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I LOVE DUNDEE !!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural city. It has a great creative hub with some inspiring works by people from all around the world. It is a thriving place for art, music, dance, theater and science. Dundee never fails to surprise me. It is not just the city of discovery but also the creative city yet to be reinvented.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always pleased to see so much activity to meet new people and discover what projects are happening. There is so much excitement to do with innovation and design. There are so many beautiful things that made so many creatives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green Park. It is a spectacular park overlooking the river Tay. It's Dundee's oldest city park with an old victorian bandstand right in the middle. The experience to watch and listen the city band in a summer sunday is the most incredible thing I lived here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From my time studying here, I have found that their are lots of friendly people. Chilling at the law hill with the amazing views. Wondering round an exhibition at DCA/McManus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ability and courage to reinvent itself and determination to change the look and feel of the city, eg building new houses to replace the high rise flats and regenerating an old building for the council to pull down an eyesore that is the first thing you see on entering the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a university city. It is multicultural, it is international. It has the sea, amazing landscape, nice amenities and a proud history. Above all, despite hard economic times, its people are simply wonderful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> im surpirsed at how much the city has changed, and is listening to the people in it. and making it about them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great little city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a delightful place to live and work. We have some beautiful sights to see; my favourite is the Howff cemetery in the city centre. No matter how busy the city is the Howff is always quiet and peaceful; it is quite surreal. Dundee Law is also a wonderful place to be. I will never tire of living in Dundee, and I am a very proud Dundonian.
<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> Having lived here for 4 years, I went out for a walk today and discovered a lot of lanes and back streets that I had never seen before. So many locals with great accents packed into little cafes. The city offers much more than this, one only has to look around to see that it a place rapidly changing for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was very pleasantly surprised when I moved to Dundee 24 years ago, it is the friendliest city I have ever lived in! I loved the way that people just talk to you at the bus stop or in the queue at the post office. It was a great move for me and confounded the expectations of a lot of friends (especially scottish ones). I love watching the river change before my eyes along Riverside near the rail bridge, I really love Magdalen Green and its battered bandstand and I really really love the view from the Law!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its labour history and political history is a deep and wonderful vein for a historian to study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City has lovely walks down at riverside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Well Dundee is my home city and I just love it! The people are fun and friendly. Eh just love the way we speak! Pure teckle!
There are loads of amazing parks to take the bairns - the swannie ponds is fab in Summer and Winter - I grew up with stories of ice skating on the ponds.
Tannadice is hallowed ground - I grew up there with my uncle and cousins, and now my wee boy is United daft too. And what about the brilliant Michael Marra's song about Hamish McAlpine and Grace Kelly!
The Lochee baths - aye freezing, Victorian splendour and full of characters.
St. Mary's Lochee Catholic Church - absolutely beautiful - and funded by Irish immigrants that helped build the population of Dundee from the 1840s.
Juteopolis - a brilliant book about Dundee and its people.
The Cleppie Road - and the imaginary 'secret tunnel' that goes from Aunty Isabel's bin store on the Cleppie, underground to Tannadice. (Ok - so its not real but its in my imagination).
Lawside Academy - my young days of joy roaming the streets of Downfield and Ardler with my pals - days out up the "Seedlees" (Sidlaws) with picnics, swinging over the Dighty Burn on a rope swing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The inspiring places that brought me to this city, Vanilla Ink Studios.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible welcoming I received by all sort of organisations and people during the period of my PhD studies and which made my stay in Dundee an unforgettable time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a small city...and yet full of surprises! It is a city of culture with culture hidden in every nook and cranny of the city. A hidden secret is the Dudhope Centre, Bharatiya Ashram which holds cultural events from around the world. They have the only Indian classical and Bollywood music and dance classes in the city and the group have performances all around the UK, particularly in Dundee. There are also Chinese and Indian lunch clubs, Bellydance and Martial arts classes which transform the Centre into a place where the creative buds are constantly buzzing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an abundance of amateur musical theatre, music and drama groups offering a multitude of opportunities for young people and adults to perform.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I cycle into Dundee from Fife I get this feeling... THE BUZZ... When I first visited Dundee in 2007, I couldn't feel the buzz. I now go for regular day trips to return home feeling inspired and creative from the real &amp; lively encounters of the day. Nothing fake about Dundee!
<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> That it's always a nice weather, whereas in Glasgow it always rains. Doesn't matter that you're in the middle of a flood and super rain in the West of Scotland, because you come to Dundee and it's sunny.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible contribution to the history of comics is one of the great stories of Dundee. Sure, everyone knows about DC Thomson's The Dandy and The Beano, but who knows about the Amazing Mr X, Britain's first homegrown superhero created by DCT? The lost comics studios of the 1940s? That Grant Morrison, one of the world's most reknowned comics writers, got his start at DCT? I teach the only postgraduate degree in Comics Studies at the University of Dundee, and want to put Dundee on the map as THE centre of Comics study and research! And we need a comics museum in Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me most about Dundee is the continual diversity of our City in terms of people, its space and location. Dundee is Scotland's fourth largest City but yet it's small enough to allow for strong community bonds and a shared cultural past and future. No matter how long you live or stay here there is always something hidden away that will one day jump out and surprise you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spectacular view from the top of Ninewells Avenue ... it is never twice the same, beautiful in all its moods, and when the tide is low and the river is full of sandbanks, you feel you could walk your way across to Fife.
<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> Beautiful city with a fabulous location and THE most friendly, funny people. Drinking Pinot Grigio whilst watching dolphins on Brought Ferry beach swim by - priceless :-)

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