:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

The amount of things available at your doorstep; the beach, country walks and city life all in the one-day!

The art & culture scene is something you can’t ignore, it’s unique and embraced by the people of Dundee in a very special way.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view you get when travelling over the Tay Road Bridge towards Dundee at night and seeing the lights and the warm feeling of nearly being home. This City just keeps getting better!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee band REVOLVER is the best Beatles tribute band in the world

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is always a buzz about Dundee, even when the university students are not in town. There's always something different to do, from the University saturday eveing lecture series, to local events and bands, sports events. We are fortunate to have Dundee Contemporary Arts with a rich variety on offer and our Repertory theatre. A few minutes in any direction you are in countryside and there is a great cycle path around the city and great cycling and walking to be had nearby too. We have great bars and restuarants too. It's a great place to live and socialise.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a really freindly city, with amazing natural natural beauty and a thriving cultural quarter.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An English friend of mine lived in London and said he drank in his local for four years before the regulars spoke to him. He visited Dundee once, ended up in the Jimmy Shand of all places, and said he was sat at the bar ten minutes before being adopted as a native son. He loves Dundee and thinks the people are as friendly and welcoming as he's come across anywhere.

<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> The DCA is amazing, we travel there all the way from Perth regularly to see inspiring films and music we'd never otherwise know about.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Is a nice and quite place. It has good universities and everything (shops etc) are all nearby.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What it has to offer. Dundee is steeped in history and has a more diverse cultural population split today than it ever has. DUNDEE womens festivalis hugely successful......local people recognise their city as somewhere with a depth of commitment to put dundee on the map ascan internationally recognised tourist destination.........the support for V&A at Dundee....redevelopment of the waterfront....Malmaison coming to dundee...Icould go on!!!

<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> Great little place with a little bit of everything.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's only Frank Gehry building is in Dundee (Maggie's Centre at Ninewells). Dundee should be looking to commission more as they are attractions in themselves !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprised be to learn that the roots of some of the biggest games within the video games industry started in Dundee over two decades ago.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a beautiful city with great attitudes amongst the people

<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> Dundee is a city that is green, warm in the summer and has a good community spirited people. Having moved up from Plymouth 6 years ago and lived here with my wife in Tayside in a multicultural relationship I have been accepted as part of the community and has had few problems.

Dundee is a family orientated city with lots of family activities that are cost effective.
After returning from Plymouth when I see the sign welcome to Dundee, I get that feeling of being at home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, by far the most alluring spot in Dundee is the Law Hill which on a clear day has one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Scotland. It has a timeless feel, being able to survey the remnants of the City's history with its factory chimneys and tenements and its future in the waterfront development. One can gaze in wonder at The Silvery Tay and the two bridges whch span it, taking in the Kingdom of Fife to the South and the Sidlaw Hills to the North.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, the people are what make Dundee. They are as spirited group of individuals, who are friendly and welcoming to people in their city. They also celebrate everything their city offers depsite the negative image it has been wrongly given

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That the Tay looks different many times each day - and always beautiful.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Generator Projects! With out a doubt my favorite thing about Dundee, a really strong curatorial team who curate some of the best exhibitions of emerging artists anywhere in the UK. Then there are the Yuck'n'Yum guys with there AGK (Annual General Karaoke)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What we like best about Dundee:

Me, my wife and two boys simply love the Grassy Beach Walk from Stannergate to Broughty Ferry. The walk coupled with the views of the sun glistening off the River Tay are simply breathtaking.

Ample reward is to be had at the end of the long pleasant walk with a cold drink or two (alfresco I might add) at the all too inviting Ship Inn by the side of the river.

Where else in the UK can you spot dolphins bobbing in and out of the Silvery Tay and also catch a glimpse of Bob Servant's extension!

Now thats what I call a family walk on a Sunday!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is amazingly clean when compared to other cities.
My wife is from Liverpool and her first comment on visiting Dundee for the first time was how well presented it is.
There are hidden gems everywhere like the nature walk between the Esplanade and railway in Broughty Ferry, and Duntrune Garden in Dawson Park.
And there are few things better than watching the dolphins in the Tay on a glorious summers morning.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the people are so friendly and happy to help! It really makes someone's day when someone smiles at you, it puts a spring in your step and that is what Dundee has done for me - given me the spring in my step and through the support of the many great people around me that I have gone on to persue my dreams, because they helped me feel like I CAN!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness Industrial area, rich in history with many old jute mills, today they hold some the cities gems. There are art spaces and studios such as tin roof, the verdant works museum and furniture recycling center.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the perfect city size - big enough to have great shops, restaurants, theatres and other amenities, but small enough to have a cosy, community feel. I love this city!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Artist Matt Stoke's award-winning film 'Long After Tonight' was part of DCA's Our Surroundings exhibition (2005). Matt filmed Northen Soul dancers from across the UK in St Salvadors chuch over two evenings. The result was breathtaking. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch it.

<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> Anyone lucky enough to see Gardyne's Land before it was turned into a Youth Hostel will know that Dundee was, once upon a time, a very influential city, not only in Scotland but Britain.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The new development and VAnd A

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city of Dance - Its a well kept secret! So many fantastic dancers have came from their or have came to Dundee to dance. Even though I moved away from Dundee I still come home and will always find a dance class of some sort. I've got to thank my first dance teacher - Emma Preston who made me love dance! And she also inspired many other Dundonians as well!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came. up from The Scottish Borders in the seventies and have never left ! This is because I think Dundee is a great city. There is a special bond and pride in Dundee shared by Dundoians of all walks of life. For me I have always found the music and musicians of Dundee to be secondvto none. My favourite being Michaek Marra. Art theatre , despite it's size ..Dundee has it all.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee because of the emerging visual art scene. It is fresh and different from anything I have encountered elsewhere - guaranteed humour and good times! Brilliant live art has emerged from this city - including Gammamoth Institute, Pester + Rossi and Ganghut

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan it is – out on Friday met Spaniards, Italians and Russians – all studying in Dundee!! So, it is already a City of Culture just need the recognition of the rest of the UK!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite things about Dundee are the people and the accent! Friendly folk and a fab dialect! I'll hae fower pehs, twa sassidge rolls, a plen bridie and an ingin ane an a!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many miles of green space surrounding the city, each park including Camperdown, Lochee, Balgay, Victoria have their own uniqueness and beauty.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University's Saturday Evening Lecture Series - where town and gown meet, with no pretensions!

<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> My memories of Dundee include a vibrant music scene with folksinging, pop, etc.. In addition the stage scene with theatre and variety shows giving an eclectic choice of venues. A compact town centre gives a village feeling to the town which enhances a feeling of togetherness.

<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> 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> Having recently retired to Dundee from London I have been amazed at the diversity of cultural activities on offer here. The wealth of films shown at the DCA for every type of audience; the excellent repertory company and the brilliant Scottish Dance Company based in Dundee and now gaining an international reputation; the Discovery Centre, the Verdant Works Museum, and the Caird Hall hosting visits from international ballet companies and orchestras,and the V&A coming soon. Dundee is already a city of culture!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I've come back to Art College (DJCAD) as a pensioner to do a Masters in Fine Art and discovering a wonderful city, rich in history and a vibrant art scene. Warm and wonderful folk

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce wish Dundee the best of luck in becoming the UK City of Culture.
The City of Dundee has our full support as the only Scottish representative.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Music, vibrant arts and culture, grassroots self organised cultural activities going on as well as via more established organisations like DCA and other venues

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of independent shops, the great work going on at both universities and the focus on education in general.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of city is like none other, we have an extinct volcano which is a beautiful landmark which gives us views for miles around the city and across to the kingdom of fife

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have so many talented designers based in Dundee and seeing their work in the Telegraph is great! Local people are really proud of homegrown talent. All the old architecture and Dundee's history is beautiful & fascinating.

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