We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

There is an early 16 century brass astrolabe in the McManus galleries. As an object it represents remarkable craftsmanship, it has a story to tell about seamanship, discovery, imagination, and those whose hands it passed through – it is one unique part of the story of this fascinating city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee went into an industrial nosedive in the 1970s, which I remember well. After many painful years it has emerged as a vibrant university town humming with energy, youth and ideas. It is wonderful to see old jute mills converted to artists' studios, to visit a refurbished McManus, to eat at the DCA and the Rep. The waterfront project is well under way, as is a physic garden being constructed by volunteers at Ninewells. Energy is the word !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an Australian who has lived in Dundee for 17 years I have always been impressed by the multi culteral atmosphere that the Universities , Colleges and Ninewells Hospital. Dundonians don't brag about their city, its not their style. But that is not to say that they don't have something to shout about, the arts are alive in Dundee, inspired perhaps by the beautiful sunsets up the Tay, of the diamonds that shine on the Tay on a summer's day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic town, with great people. Lots to see and do
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived out of this great City for 25 years, visit as often as I can, and now I'm heading home.

It's Dundee's time and I for one don't want to miss it. If any City deserves it's place in the world and recognition for it's contribution, for all manner of wonderful reasons, then here's my vote.

'Dundee is like a light across my heart' - Michael Marra.

This covers it for me.

Good luck Dundee. You deserve it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of the local bands and the enthusiasm of the local gig-going community. I've been going to gigs for over 15 years and the banter, humour and passion never ceases to amaze me
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ideal nature of the city,situated facing the Tay,much of what Is needed Is but a quick bus,taxi or car journey away,going to see Dundee play on the Saturday,the rare event of the Dundee Derby hopefully soon to return,fireworks at Lochee Park,the meeting with mates at Boots,shopping at Officers Club,buying the Evening Telegraph or Courier,picking up the annual fixture list provided by the Tele,the beauty of the West End,in particular Magdalen Green,the familiar sound of the water at Broughty Ferry,the famed ice cream shop,turning on of the Christmas lights,Desperate Dan and the dragon In town,the views from the Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the West end of Dundee. It still has the little businesses that have been pushed out of other cities by big chains.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We all know about the Three J's, but I only recently found out there's a hidden and covered-over network of old rail tunnels crossing the town. 14 years of living here and I still find new surprises.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its setting - coming home from whatever direction - over the bridge, along the Carse, or from north or east - nestling on and around the Law and overlooking the Tay - beautiful and welcoming - home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic riverside walk between the boatyard along grassy beach to Broughty Ferry Castle
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the cultural diversity of the city, the many different people from so many walks of life, dundee is fast emerging as a place to be whether you are into music, the arts, the outdoors, the city has a plethora of different things to offer everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unlike many cities in the UK, in Dundee something that i can proudly say is i work and study in the creative industry. the vast amount of support and creative industry community in this city is second to none. with the rich creative history and exceptional collages and universities not only for creative's and the arrival of the V&amp;A this creative community and presence will only strengthen and further enrich the city and its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is not a big city, it's maybe not even a well known city. However, what it lacks in size or fame, it makes up for in quality. Aside from the booming arts scene, I believe that it punches well and truly above it's weight in the field of science. Whether it's fighting cancer, investigating diabetes or tackling tropical diseases, scientists from over 62 nationalities work in Dundee- truly the city of discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dragon, Minnie the Minx and Desperate Dan sculptures. My children love climbing all over them and running away from the dragon. The sculptures are accessible, contemporary and have relevance for every age group.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Park in the sunshine. Best place for a picnic and a kick about.
<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> Broughty Ferry! The beach, the views over the tay, the castle, the sunsets, the swans, the dolphins, the fresh air and my girlfriend all make it a beautiful place. Along with all the lovely restraunts/cafes/shops and friendly people to share it with. Dundee is a small city and everywhere you go, you are bound to bump into a friendly familiar face. It has a good music scene and a great talent has come from this little city. The Associates, enough said.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've recently moved back to Dundee from London, my favourite part of the train journey was the view from the bridge coming home. There is a rich mix of local events which include design jamming, music festivals, gaming expos etc... the most special factor of dundee is the people - who always get involved
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a wonderful sense of community , people are proud of their city and show this by pulling together to influence change and improvements in their local areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How at home I felt since day one. Everyone is welcome, everyone is family and most of all, almost every country is represented in Dundee University, thanks to the variety of students.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are so many green spaces and interesting activities going on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the best waterfronts in Europe, which is about to be renewed and enhanced - Dundee is on the brink of reinventing itself - from rich industrial history to creative, scientific and cultural future! More than 800 years in the making... Exciting times that I'm proud to be a part of!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Heading into Dundee over the Tay rail bridge early morning, with mist on the Tay and the sun coming up is magical
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's old New Year tradition of dressed herrings - which will be celebrated by Duncan of Jordanston graduates Derek and Deirdre Robertson as part of the Cupar arts festival this October
<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> There is nowhere to compare with Dundee's situation overlooking the Tay , the walk from the Ferry up to the docks, along the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The burgeoning independent film scene (Closure, Location Scouting among others), the home of Yuck'n'Yum,lots of local bands, Ickle Film Fest, the Dundee Comics Day, the creativity of Dundonians clearly attracts more creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a community, heart and soul. It is unique
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The V&amp;A... City Quay, two ships,what a great place tae visit &amp; stay... DUNDEE's Growing &amp; Glowing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City of Discovery, what an apt name.
There is beauty and history at every turn. A magnificent waterfront that has all the history attached to ancient ships for example the discovery, Captain Scott of the Antarctic ship.
Beautiful art galleries and a wonderful museum.
Dundee is a thriving city on the move.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee has to be one of the friendliest places I have been to. there is always a smile and a welcome and humour without the sarcastic aggressive tone that often goes with Scottish humour. Good luck Dundee URIT
<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> Amanda Lowson at Dundee Reps community division. I remember her excitement on the day of her interview; 20 years on she is still a bundle of enthusiasm and excitement which never fails to inspire every adult and child she has contact with. Folk grow taller around her! Definitely one of Dundee's best kept secrets :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of broughty ferry, my home. I had wedding photos taken on the waterfront looking out to Dundee on one of the most beautiful days this summer. A fantastic memory in photos
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Almost everything about Dundee surprises me. Its location is fabulous, its new found ambition and regeneration of the waterfront, its positive partnership working and its people. All result in a place where culture, creativity and community thrive in spades.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is much more beautiful than a lot of people realise. There are some stunning buildings and because so much of it is on a hill there are some beautiful views of the river. I like going to the graveyard next to the Westpark Conference Centre and looking across the river.

Other things I like about Dundee - the DCA, the amazing Dundee Roller Girls roller derby team, the Creative Dundee movement that seems to be developing, the little independent shops and cafes that are hidden away and some of the lovely green spaces we have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, Dundee has presented the best music scene that Scotland has seen in recent years and hosted the best in art, computer art, animation and computer gaming.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't deny its flaws, instead uses the wide range of skills that its diverse population has to offer to tackle problems. The range of voluntary and statuary services in Dundee amazed me when I started working in the voluntary sector, and I'm proud to say I've been part of it. The city has a bad reputation that it doesn't deserve, I've lived here for 4 years since coming for university and I'm reminded on a daily basis why I decided to stay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A little city with a big personality, there are so many individuals working towards a culturally rich Dundee. I would love to see a collaborative approach to a creative physical and spiritual wellness collective in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived away from Dundee for 20 plus years now. But it continues to have the best people and the best humour - it's my hometown and I love it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the University and the views.
The huge variety of friendly, helpful people though out dundee, from all across the UK and Europe with a huge sense of community. The Internationally acclaimed university, ranking high in league tables from sciences and medicine to the arts at Duncan of Jordanstone. Finally the views over the Tay with the twin rail and road bridges, from Riverside or from the top of the Law hill, breathtaking and constantly changing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fantastic place! You have to visit to believe it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The willingness of people to support fledglings artists, people are passionate enough to offer their help and support for free!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A hotbed of education, industry and culture. A vibrant city with truly something for everyone!
<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> Dundee boasts an incredibly self-reliant artistic community who blur and subvert the lines between highbrow and lowbrow, institutional and street-level art, academic and self-taught
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Based in Dundee you can, within a short drive, ski, snowboard, sail, windsurf, shoot, curl, skate, golf and a whole lot more. Not many cities can claim that.
Culturally the REp and DCA are amazing but the surrounding county towns also offer so much.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city with a lot of character,friendly and helpful people and the thing that stands out for me is the view we have on any route into Dundee and the silvery Tay,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Botanic Garden, an underused hidden gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunrise on Broughty Ferry Beach, looking out to sea as the sun breaks cloud cover. Any season, any weather, the start of a new day, accompanied by the breathtaking skies over the Ferry beach, is food for the soul.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Impromptu carol concert on the last bus home round Christmas time. Everyone a little tipsy but in a good natured way. One woman started to sing and before you knew it, everyone was singing along. Fantastic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Changing for the Future, Bonnie Dundee is amazing with its Cultural quarter, wonderful Universities, Airport, bridges and lots lots more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How Dundee is constantly breaking new ground in medical science.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University Gardens
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved from Dundee 15 years ago. However, i will always be a West end Lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the views across the Tay and McIntosh Patrick.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's constantly changing yet always familiar
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student I was struck by the friendliness of the people of Dundee and that while it has had its deprived past, the city is definitely changing for the better and is on its way up
<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> Charles McKean - his lectures about Dundee are always an inspiration.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I have met so many wonderful people from.Dundee,a welcoming community without judgement. There is so much talent in the city,musicians,artists and just general friendliness!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its an ah-mazing place to grow up in, even better to move away from but best and easier of all, to return to - little hard to break into but simple to recognise the warm rewarding wit, musical, artistic, academic attitude and talent of people, haphazardly grouped together, all working hard for themselves, each other, ourselves, creating our talented overlooked ambitious little city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A Great Place to live, with stuff always on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Rep and the Law Hill
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee has a worldwide reputation for excellence. It draws scientists from all over the word to enjoy the city of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer amount of interesting artists and projects that come out of the Art School.
<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 just love the variety of things you can do in the city. The latest thing which amazes me is the growing reputation of DOJ-CON.
This should be promoted as part of our culture bid as some of the costumes created for this event are pure art.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I never been there but I will be.
<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> Dundee boasts so much musical talent and activity. Not just professional, but especially amateur - from pub to church to college to bandstand, it's all happening here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its student friendliness and sunshine. I enjoy how many simple activities there are as well including walks and sites to see. The university is filled with nationalities and is a centre for culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dogs in the Campbeltown Bar, secret gigs at the Tin Roof Art studio or the recycling center, the stenciled graffiti that pops up every now and again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The changes are suprising
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are the hidden secrets - the creative juices that flow from Dundee are many and immense. And you also had the inimitable Michael Marra. A jewel in Scotland's crown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I believe you can walk anywhere in the City and not feel intimidated.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remnant stubs of the original Tay road bridge, a reminder of the disaster of 1879; a street named 'Peek-o-day Lane' because of all the smoke from the mills &amp; factories, a nod to the industries of the day; a statue dedicated to William Wallace where he first killed another man as a young boy; and the High School of Dundee, which educated Wallace as a sect of travelling monks (the Monks of Lindores) before it was built here in 1239; all glimmers of Dundee's rich history &amp; colourful past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's such a big small place. A magicalwarm place that is such a wonderfully well kept secret. Dundee knows its roots, it isn't afraid to be proud of them, but it won't pretend to be something that it isn't. It is quintessentially Scottish.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a child my granny, who is 93, still healthy and living in Dundee, took me to all of the local "great spots." My favourites were always The Unicorn and The Discovery, so much so that when civil wedding ceremonies became available on The Discovery, my husband and I were married on the decks of the boat. I think The Discovery has been well preserved and would wish the same for The Unicorn - its another amazing ship with a rich history; it should be less of a secret and used as an attraction to bring more tourists to Dundee. One city, two ships.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We are a world centre for life sciences as well as a world centre for the games industry and animation. We have two top class universities, an excellent college and one of the highest students per head of population ratios in the UK. Dundee has been through hard times but the regeneration that's happening in the city has to be seen to be believed.Without entirely losing sight of its past, the city is thrusting its way into the future. It's an exciting time particularly with the waterfront regeneration to include the V&amp;A as well as the city's first 5*Hotel.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> to see so many of the population of dundee walking upright
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have seen dundee change from being a grim depressing place to grow up in the 80s to the vibrant, exciting and optomistic place it is today. if anyone had told me when i was a teenager that i would be back here living in my 30s and 40s I wouldnt have believed it! Yet here i am and here i want to stay. i
I am proud to see the place i call home thriving through the innovative and creative nature of its inhabitants. Dundee has really pulled itself up by its bootstraps and I'm glad to be part of it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view of Dundee from the Fife side of the Tay. Strolling in Camperdown Park. Great eateries on Perth Rd, especially for fish and chips!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visitor to the city over the last two years I have been delighted by how friendly and helpful everyone is and how vibrant the city is in it's atmosphere. I love it so much I am trying to move my family near to Dundee from the south coast. You have so much to offer!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there's nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I've been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was Scotland's second city for over 200 years and by area had Scotland's largest medieval city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thriving technology community specifically software development the city supports is a hidden jewel in Dundee's crown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With Bonnie Dundee you get Scotland in a nutshell.
Red squirrels in the city parks; beautiful Angus hills and wilderness and dolphins on your doorstep and waterfront: Your universities, art college, film school, theatres; the V&amp;A coming and yet a Sunday morning so quiet you can imagine you are in a village long ago where people still walk to, and dress to, go to church.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an energy all of its own - its hidden gem is it's people. The friendliest, funniest and liveliest that Scotland has to offer.
I lived six very happy years by the Tay and still think fondly of sitting out on Magdelene Green in Summer or taking refuge in the DCA for winter warmer or three.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee 3 times: in the early 70s, the early 80s and now since the early 2000s: physically, the city has been transformed and mostly for the better, with some glaring exceptions. But the people have not really changed - still as friendly, as awkward, as forthright, as loud as ever. They prove you don't have to go to glasgow for these sterling qualities. And the people, not the DCA, the Rep, the bridges, the Tay, the Law - all unique - , are what make the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that Dundee is built on a human scale. I can jump on my bike in the north of the town and within 10 minutes I can be sitting drinking a coffee in a coffee shop, wandering round an art exhibition, doing my grocery shopping, walking along a sandy beach or a forest trail, watching a film, dancing the night away or just getting out into the countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me it has everything I'd want in a city, good nightlife, restaurants, culture and shopping. It is also centrally positioned to the big two (Edinburgh and Glasgow) as well as ideally situated for my daily commute to Aberdeen for work. If the estuary could be dredged/lowered to allow easier (non-tidal) access for more offshore vessels and possibly build an offshore business hub on the harbour for oil and gas jobs it would indeed be perfect
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green on a summer Sunday, with a band playing in the band stand and a picnic with the family
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A stunning location and a city with a wonderful heart. It could be one of the greats.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that struggles. Yet the people of this quietly great city have such heart. They always find a way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Years ago, a guy who (asked to) push beside us in the queue at the Mardi Gras, bought us a drink as soon as we were all inside. He then quoted what has become one of my rules for life - "It's nice to be nice."
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McGonagall Walk on Riverside Drive is a truly genious piece of both Dundee's history and its future. You can see the railway bridge featured in Dundee's bard's famous poem, take in the "ludicrously ideal" setting; see a seal or two sunning themselves on the sandbanks and have coffee and cake in the Bridge View cafe at the end of the mile walk out from the city centre, before turning to walk back, breathing in the health-giving ozone whilst imprinting the river in front of you and the hills behind, to put in your memory box for darker days
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is second to none in Dundee. So many versatile and hugely talented bands and individuals who contribute to many artistic streams within the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee North West Community Sports Club is a newly established Community Club. It consists of 4 local sports clubs
and is in the process of becoming a registered charity.
Dundee West have also created strong School to Club Links within the area. The club delivered a Family Fun Day at Charlotte Street in May 2012 which was a fantastic event attracting over 2000 visitors throughout the day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city Dundee punches well above it's weight when it comes to musical talent. Dundonains were involved in bands such as The Average White Band in the 1970's to to The View in the 2000's. I was also surprised to learn that the Blues Festival held in Dundee is the biggest free blues music festival in Europe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing academics here within the city, that come from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city which really emphasizes its natural beauty. From the spectacular views from The Law to the Tay Bridge, there isn't a part of Dundee that doesn't have a beautiful aspect about it. Our cultural diversity is already present and growing at a rapid rate, led forward by two universities that attract students from all around the globe. A spectacular city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That we have the best variety and good quality eateries of any city in Europe . Lots of places to go on a night out whatever your income and the Caird hall
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My birthplace and although I have not lived in the UK for 32 years when I return it is still my home. I have watched it's development over the years and at times have shaken my head at decision made by the planners and council. That being said I believe the new development plans are on the right track. The town has always been extremely supportive of the culture of scotland and of its own heritage.
<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 Discovery, McManus Galleries, Caird Hall, Law Hill, The Waterfront and so many more things is what makes Dundee such a wonderful place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hugely supportive and inclusive student culture. The West End of Dundee is a hub for all sorts of student activity and promotes a truly welcoming vibe. The number of independent traders and retailers along places such as the Perth Road makes Dundee thrive and elude individuality. It is great to see residents supporting local business and hailing from Derry, the current city of culture, I can see how winning this bid could only boost Dundee's already growing culture sector.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always found, throughout my creative life, spanning 30 years, an innate spirit of collaboration. A strong willingness to share, develop, foster belief, and support ideas, pulling together to produce all kinds of wonderful. Dundee is the City of Ideas.

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