We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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Mennie’s Bar (Sunday name is Speedwell Tavern) on Perth Road is a gem of a pub. Spent many happy hours in my youth being served by Mrs Mennie herself and her Manager Ian Thomson

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> To me, Dundee is the modern version of a village community. I originally come from Liverpool, and Dundee has this kind of 'everyone's included' feel to it. It doesn't have the cold anonymity that is present in a lot of UK cities. Walking through town will often result in a chance encounter with someone I know.

I'd say my favourite parts of Dundee are definitely the markets in the city centre. Though I've still not got the knack of finding out when they're scheduled, this sometimes adds to the magic. Dashing to town for errands and I'll turn the corner to be greeted with wooden huts and the smell of German sausages. Ambling through the stalls of local produce and crafts is the best study break a student can wish for.
<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> Discovery Film Festival showcases a brilliant programme of films from around the world specifically children of all ages(even for the young at heart!) Hosted by DCA at the end of October for two weeks it offers an insight into the film industry with it's Youth Film Screen Weekend, workshops with a difference but most of all a unique and hugely enjoyable selection of films. Helping with the programme are a team of young film enthusiasts known as the Discovery Young Ambassadors. The festival brings young children and teens the very best of cinema as well as a great festival experience with its special events and the gallery exhibitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its stunning location and diversity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant literary community- we have the Dundee Literary Festival, the International Book Prize and lots of author events, poetry readings and live literature going on all year round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> River Tay is amazing on any day with its many facets. Dark and gloomy, foggy and mysterious, bright and sunny, and the occasional seals.
The research ongoing in University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital aiso punches above its weight internationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'd like to tell you about Chae Strathie who spent his lunch breaks writing children's books. He now has several published. I have noticed in Dundee the large amount of people who in their spare time are doing incredibly creative things, such as my husband who works for the council but in his own time is a potter. My friend who works at two jobs and in her spare time makes wonderful table decorations from sweets. The friend making childen's puppets etc etc...Dundee is a crafty city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The light. This city is full of greenspace and trees resulting in an amazing light and freshness. I moved here in 2001 and do not see myself living anywhere else as everything is available on our doorstep. You have open spaces, shops, entertainment and above all the people, they are friendly and funny, all with stories of the rich history of the city. Our allotment is an environment in where we feel a real connection with where we are in location and in our lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Westport to Perth Road area has a range of different pubs, cafes, shops that has something different for everyone but easily walked round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city was home to Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson in the late 19th/early 20th centuries who was an extraordinary biologist, mathematician and classicist - a true polymath.

The view from the top of The Law is amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Mountain Festival! Always a great joy to go to. We are very lucky to hear and be inspired by epic adventurers each year, with the beauty of the great outdoors on our doorstep to enjoy afterwards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The atmosphere, the friendliness. That I can be at the beach, up an inactive volcano or shopping from big name retailers all within 10 mins of my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The continuous evolution of the city as the various individual developments and changes come together.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university and industry events, the community of creative people, the museums, the richness of the city
<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> McManus Galleries - a great treasure trove!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blue Sky Photo Club is run by an exceptional and inspirational young photographer, Ross Fraser McLean and operates out of DCA. Around 25 digital camera enthusiasts from semi professional to absolute beginners explore the artistic and technical challenges of the medium on a weekly basis. There are regular exhibitions in Roseangle Cafe Arts ( another hidden gem) in which members share and display their best work.
<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 ability to visit Broughty Ferry and do the 'Ferry 15', 15 pubs in the space of a 700 by 350 yard area.
<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> small city, huge history
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even the small communities such as Lochee are getting extensive work done on them to improve the place overall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Beautiful green spaces especially Baxter Park in the middle if a city.
Friendly people and great amenities.
Always sunny.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had lived in Scotland for four years before I came to Dundee for my interview. I had heard the usual negative comments about the city, so it was a great shock and pleasure to come over the rail bridge into the city and be amazed by the sight of the wide Tay that spread wide Fife and Angus. I thought to myself why has no-one ever told me about this amazing sight when talking about Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We've got two Universities, two football teams, two bridges and a professional ice hockey team a plethora of theatres and a number of fine museums. The people are proud, but not pushy. The city has one of the finest settings in the world and despite many of the mistakes of the sixties almost every other city made it is now going places and has a tremendous sense of optimism. Becoming City of Culture would be the icing on the cake of the cities rebirth.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking out of my office window on a bright spring day makes me so glad to be Dundonian. The calm, still waters of the beautiful River Tay, beyond Seabraes Gardens with flowers in bloom and benches, invites you to sit and contemplate. I am inspired by the serenity of this City, safe and peaceful. There is an open &amp; honest nature to the people of Dundee reflecting it's surroundings. The University campus in the heart of the City is a hive of learning &amp; activity for many cultures and nations with no barriers. I am proud to be a Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyday, and throughout each day, the river Tay looks different. Whether the sun is sparkling, the moon is shining or the sand banks are exposed for the seals to relax on, it is a thing of beauty. Dundee's best asset.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The magnificent views from the Law Hill of the river and the surrounding hills.
<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> broughty ferry beach
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the independant shops along the Perth Road are well worth a look, with great cafes, restaruants, art shops, pubs, flower shops and gift shops, you can find everything you need to while away the day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee sunsets are its secret, reflecting off the the river, within the sky and within the summer air enjoyed over a glass of wine enjoying friends company after a busy week in the beer garden at DCA or Dukes Corner or in your own garden. Dundee's a beautiful city with so much to offer but so often overlooked. Time to celebrate this wonderful place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much there is to see and do in Dundee. Many people including it's own citizens have a bad habit of talking Dundee down but it has superb visitor attractions eg the McManus Galleries, Discovery, Verdant works etc. Some of the architecture both old and modern is very atrractive. There is a great beach at Broughty Ferry, a cycle route round the city and many parks, golf courses etc within easy reach of the city centre. The counrtyside around Dundee provides plenty of walks for the able and less able. All in all it is a great place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of humour in Dundee is fantastic! We don't take ourselves too seriously but we do appreciate our rich cultural heritage. Strong women play a big part - past and present!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tayside Aviation students fly enough miles every year to circumnavigate the globe 16 times
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city, Dundee has so much going for it- one of the top art colleges in the UK producing graduates who go on to be Turner prizewinners and scooping most of the awards at the London graduate exhibitions; a multi-cultural society that mixes well; taxi drivers who are full of amazing stories and knowledge; one of the driest, sunniest climates in the UK; gorgeous sunsets!
<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> 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> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I got my PhD degree in Dundee. In that three years, I was surprised about the clear sky, clear water, clear air and wonderful landscape. I also was very enjoyable about the night-life in the bars. I think now it is a traditional culture of Dundee. There are several bars on street which have been existed for more than 100 years. I always went to the 'The counting house' established in 1893 to drink beer, and eat the wonderful steaks in each Tuesday,s night. I also like the ancient church building, like the McManos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great city for students
I'm just checking in, come back soon!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity and buzz around the University's College of Art &amp; Design, DJCAD
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> They still think pasta is a foreign food!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Left Dundee 15 years ago, but will always be a West End lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the Views across the Tay, McIntosh Patrick and not forgetting the pehs and plehn bridies.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is in an amazing location beside a wonderful river, and has far more sunshine and light than any other British city I know.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> what I love are the hidden and timeless little places such as Strawberry Bank. A steep little road with all its fruit, plums, apples, pears waving at you from over their high walls. I also love the feeling of getting to the tap o' the hill with your leg muscles trembling with relief at getting to the top. and finally the last step up the Law and looking back over the fine city of Dundee and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a foreigner who has settled down in Dundee, I found Dundee very accommodating to internationalism. It's not surprising. Having the advantage of our harbours and wharfs, Dundee is used to welcoming visitors. The Dundee International Women's Centre has been servicing the international community for over 40 years. I love living in Dundee and the cultural diversities and dynamics here excite me.
<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> I just love that it's cooler than everyone thinks when you dig a little deeper.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee. I was born there, grew up there, was educated there. I have lived my life outside of Dundee in many, many wonderful countries over the last 20 years, and Dundee remains my home. I retain a great, swelling pride when I tell people I am from Dundee. That pride deepens whenever I am lucky enough to go home. Simply a beautiful, wonderful, vibrant City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee I know and love is supercharged with passion, resilience, energy and enthusiasm. Whatever the endeavour - good, talented people come together from all sectors to get results and make a difference. Working together successfully is in our DNA and unleashes creativity and possibilities by the bucketload. Being UK City of Culture 2017 would be another great focus for the city's ambitious regeneration. Dundee is a city of many wonderful discoveries. - prepare to be surprised, enraptured, inspired and fascinated!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is such a variety of things to do in Dundee, numerous Cafes and Bars. Or a trip to the Science centre is a must.
The city also has wonderful architecture that shows the rich and varied history of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has great coffee shops!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Broughty Ferry is one of Dundee's little gems, lovely little seaside village, great little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A mIghty long bridge
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A City of poverty and richness beyond your wildest dreams. Now a City thats modest and Cool like no other
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grey lady of Balgay Hill always created a lot of hysteria when we were at Primary School.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Finding a little piece of history right under your nose from the Howff, the walks about the Women of Dundee, and the plaques that are displayed throughout the City which tell you about its history. My kids love the Dare ProPlay event which takes place each year, .You cant beat the feeling of pride when you return from your travels and see the City of Dundee laid out before you - you know your home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On a visit a few years ago we visited the Discovery Centre and a sweetie factory in one day, there is lots to see and do in Dundee, just wish I lived a bit closer so that I can visit more often.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Traveling across the bridge towards Dundee at night with the lights shining beautifully across the water.
<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 is truly multicultural and an open-minded person will be able to enjoy the city for this character trait!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love all our green spaces. They are so well kept and a wonderful way to clear your mind. Id also like to add that the litter collection folk do an amazing job. Our city is not a dirty one!
<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> Not just a town. Born and bred there and although I live many miles away now I'm always returning to my home town with its fabulous memories. Structural Dundee has changed dramatically over the years but its the people who make a place and Dundee certainly has a mixture of all sorts.
Great people, great city and great memories!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We are so fortunate to live here - we have the river, the hills, and best of all, good people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How well Dundee is percieved and people love it after visiting. I have always known that Dundee was a great City and love showing visitors around our lovely City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a perfect location. It is full of bright and talented people. It is constantly changing. It also invites new creativity to the city which keeps it vibrant and exciting. There is always something happening. It is a place I hold dear, keep coming back to and will never forget!
<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> Despite enduring economic hardship in Dundee throughout the ages, Dundonians have been remarkably resilient in their stoic defence of human right and civil liberties. When then rally call has gone out, we have banded together, worked as a social and culture team to withstand and survive adversities. We are now in the process of, once more, evolving into the 21st Century as a major, global, technological player.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of paradoxes and contrasts. Whatever mood you're in or whatever you fancy to do.......Dundee will have a place to suit, to suprise and to inspire. All of this within an ultra-compact city form set in a stunning landscape and seascape.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the place I associate with vibrancy. The art college and university are places of excellence, and both have produced pioneers in their fields.
The artistic community has a similar buzz which Glasgow had in the 1980s!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee for over 40 years. I recently had a guided tour around the frigate Unicorn at Discovery Quay. A truly hidden gem in Dundee. Steeped in history on 4 decks I could imagine life as a crew member almost 200 years ago.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people, the amazing views over the Tay, the Rep, the parks.
<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 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> Many organisers and conference delegates visiting the city have been wowed by the friendliness of the people and how much Dundee has to offer outwith key cities such as Edinburgh or Glasgow. Dundee is becoming a vibrant and exciting cultural destination and I am delighted to be a part of it!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people,the opportunities, the quality of life and it's creative institutions are some of the greatest in Scotland.
Dundee is really starting to show it's obvious potential!
<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 is a great place to go sailing on the River Tay. You can launch at Broughty Ferry and go to Perth or Norway!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'd only ever driven around Dundee, on the way from Glasgow to Aberdeen, and it wasn't a particularly good impression. But when I took the trouble to stop there, I was amazed at how friendly the people were, how wrong my first impression was, and how much was going on. Dundee values its arts and science in equal measure. Irrespective of anything else, visitors will be assured of a sincere, down-to-earth welcome, as they experience this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most sunny city in Scotland has a lot to offer. Great walks, great pubs and a small enough city to walk from one end to the other and at least seeing one person to wave at.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful memories of student life in Dundee in the early 1980s - the intimacy of a small city, the wry humour and endearing local dialect, the rich history (jam, jute and journalism), the creativity and individuality.... Small city with BIG personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Huge variety of surprises we can find
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Always busy in Dundee--family events all year round, theatre, outdoor, sport...if only there were more days in the week. So many shows to see, exhibitions to visit, alone, with children or groups...Dundee offers it all on my doorstep! I wake up to the vista that is the beautiful Tay, flanked by unique bridges and city architecture..a joy to cross that river into the heart of a city, minutes away for miles of pleasure.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA Printshop!! Anyone can take a course there in a huge variety of print-related media and techniques. Taking a course entitles you to become a printshop member, with access to tools, materials, and best of all, the help and support of the friendly staff as well as other printmakers. Just one example of how Dundee nurtures and grows creativity in its lucky citizens!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is simply a very large village which makes it easy for everyone to feel part of the City. Dundee has throughout its history always welcomed people and visitors and those settling in the area soon feel very much at home.

Dundee has a stunning location with the water and the countryside within easy reach. All sports, hobbies and leisure activities are catered for.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many great things this small city has produced that have changed life for the btter not only in scotland but the world over
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the local creative scene and businesses.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness and warmth of Dundonians; the huge number of independent shops, bars and cafes; and of course the sunshine!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v&amp; a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Getting to know Dundees creative scene is a rich journey of discovery. It's not a city to wear its cultural heart on its sleeve but once you start to squirrel in on what's keeping the artistic pulse beating it turns out the heartbeat is strong, varied, hard hitting and rich. And most of all friendly and welcoming. Come investigate under the skin of the city too...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> right opposite the DUSA students union exist - down the little road to look out over the water. There is a little bench with te most amazing views out over the tay.

I found out on my garduation day that as we past my grandad proposed to my gran there - a very special place and one of my Dundee Uni memories!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - a great place for a hot mince roll !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing resilience of Dundee folk, after all the changes the city has seen over the last century - and the way they continue to adjust and adapt, with characteristic good Scots humour in the process!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Don't let the reputation fool you. It's way out of date. Dundee was my home for 2011 and 2012 and I enjoyed every minute of it. A beautiful setting for a city looking out across the silvery Tay. I met many good people and the town inspired me to be successful. A part of me will always be from Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth, the colour of the stone, the glimpses to the sea, the irish influence, the wynds, the theatre experience like your extended family's front room at the Rep, the great and obscure films, comfy seats at the DCA &amp; the vibe in the cafe/bar outside, the memory of Michael Marra everywhere, the bridges, the hope of seeing dolphins, the criss-cross bustle of the Ferry, the friendliest hairdresser ever, the cheek, the possibilities, the Discovery, the jute mills, the wide boys, green surprises like Baxter Park, the end of eyesores like Tayside House, the refurb of the Tay Hotel and the best cycle route across any bridge anywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> everything
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth and friendliness of the Dundonians always makes me smile. I love the sense of history, the hidden gems, the cafe culture and the great selection of shops. Everyone you meet has a tale to tell, or a joke to share. I love walking down the Perth Road either past the university into the bustle of the town or out towards the Botanical Gardens, a special place of peace and tranquillity. I love to walk in Dudhope Park, especially when the leaves are changing in the Autumn or sit looking out over the Tay in the evening when the light is changing. There is hope and potential in it's people and it's places.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a quality city to live and work in and it never ceases to amaze me that generally held perceptions of Dundee are so wide of the mark. Some of the other posts have said all, it's a happening place and Scotland, the UK and the world will soon get the message.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee. Where to start?
A welcoming city, where you can have a joke with anyone. Arts mix with Sciences and there is always something happening - Talks; Hands-on Activities; Events; Music; Visits - enough to suit every taste.
From The Unicorn and The Discovery ships to Claypotts and Broughty Ferry castles; from Verdant Works jute museum to the stars of the Mills Observatory; from the Dundee Rep Theatre to the MacManus Museum; from the Botanic Gardens to Camperdown Wildlife Centre and Park; from the music of the Wighton Heritage Centre to The Beano; from the Desperate Dan statue to the Dundee Dragon and Penguin sculptures loose in the city centre; from real Red Squirrels roaming the city to Seals on the sandbanks; Dundee has it all.
Together with a strong Community spirit and set in a wonderful location, running from high hills to sandy beaches, on the banks of the magnificent and ever-changing, tidal Tay, the longest river in Scotland. What's not to like?
<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> Proximity to all things outdoors. Within an hours drive we can experience a day out doing any watersport, mountain or climbing pursuit, beach, shooting, horse riding, golf, archery........ and so it continues. Not to mention the excellent road and mountain cycling tracks and the university sports grounds. Magic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a great city to write about because it has so many different faces; such a wealth of cultures and locations and sounds and languages. Dundee is a novelist's city with many novels written in, written about, being written in and yet-to-be-written here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I don't think this is classed as a "hidden secret" but it's something I hope will be highlighted as part of Dundee's cultural activity - the annual blues bonanza held at the end of June each year - purported to be the biggest free blues festival in Europe, and hugely popular with the artists and audiences alike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city ensures continual improvement.
It is an exciting time with the addition of the new V&amp;A developments and the current improvements being rolled out in the city centre.

:)

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