:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

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> Dundee is full of amazing sites, people and culture. I particularly enjoy the arts and many visits to both the Caird Hall and the Rep Theatre.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The millions of things you don't expect from Dundee - from dirt cheap language courses by BERA to adult gymnastics classes at the new Dick McTaggart Gymnastics Centre and belly dancing courses at the ISE. Basically all the things you get in a big city without losing the friendly attitude you get in wee cities like Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful situation and Dundee Contemporary Arts - fantastic venue, fantastic atmosphere, amazing works of art, and workshops. Lucky Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by additional facts about Dundee and Dundonians; from the Neolithic to the space age, Dundee has hidden its light under a bushel, and needs to be recognised for the amazing place it is.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me...thrilled to find Dundee is finally getting the recognition it deserves. It's always been Glasgow or Edinburgh, then later Aberdeen, to get any accolades going, Am I biased? Of course a little bit, just a little, but if we are/were really familiar with Dundee's history being a city of culture isn't a revelation.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always celebrated its past but its brilliant to see it now also celebrating its future!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The real surprise is why Dundonians don't shout about the place more loudly. For it's size Dundee punches well above it's weight and the people are disarmingly modest about it. .

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the advantages of a city, all the cosiness of a town.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible richness in the arts and science, and a thriving live music scene. Many fantastic musicians reside in Dundee and perform regularly. Dundee hails one of the best all female bands in Scotland and the UK over the past 2 decades - the very talented "adam812", who were asked by Henny King to represent Dundee City and perform at the Octcentenery Awards in the city square and in London at the St James Palace Hotel. Adam812 - one of Dundee's hidden secrets!

<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> Dundee is a perfect sized city, where you can run into friends that you know often, unlike in bigger cities. Is also big enough that you can meet a vast variety of different people.

Also the law hill is one of the most amazing places ever.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its marvelous setting

<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> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again”
Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way the people welcome you into their lives, their dreams, their failures, their success.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came here over 30 years ago to go to University and loved it so much I stayed. I am now proud to call this my city and my home. So much has changed, so many amazing things to learn about - who knew the reverse gear was invented by a Dundee man and that Dundee woman once owned a huge tract of Texas?!

<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> Its approachability;
-the folks that inhabit it have warm, open & unaffected persona's
-its the perfect size...big enough to have everything, small enough to be touchable
-its architecture spans the great & noble, the honest & solid, the shiny & new, all softened by an accessible layer of lush green
-accessible yet edgy design & art scene
-beauty and serene calm of its water is enjoyed by us all; its not exclusive nor for the priveledged...it reflects the persona of our city.
I am proud to witness Dundee begin to realise its full potential.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From Broughty Ferry to Discovery and the Law above - a blend of experiences with the River Tay shining through

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I never seem to see Dundee as a city but rather one big cultural community where everyone is linked through the many events that take place. The art school, theatres and the DCA create a friendly and creative atmosphere in Dundee that has welcomed me so much that I don't mind being away from my big hometown, Glasgow (in fact I prefer staying here during my uni time)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view eastwards down the ancient Nethergate, with the spire of St Paul's Cathedral in the distance, is one of the country's most dramatic and under-rated street vistas.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The up and coming foodie scene in the city is a hidden gem - many people head to the big cities but with fresh fruits and produce available locally, there is plenty to get excited about that is dished up on a plate in Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee nearly a decade ago now and I'm still amazed by the incredible generosity, warmth and sense of community evident throughout the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing changes which have come about over the last decade

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed by the vibrancy of the arts community in and around Dundee. and feel proud to have many of these artists as my friends. I came to the area to restore a ruined Baronial castle to the north of the city, in an attempt to bring back built heritage from the brink. However. so impressed have I been with the artists in the area, I would love to make the castle a cultural centre as well ... perhaps for 2017?

<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> I have always loved this city. When outsiders talked it down I always talked it up as they did not know the city as I do. I really enjoy the Blues Festival every year. No matter where you go, you always meet someone you know. Dundee is really a great city!

<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> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA and culture generally

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee a place with a great history and an even better future.

The city has invested heavily in arts and culture - the people deserve to be City of Culture 2017

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is how little people living outsidethe City realise how much Dundee has changed over the years and what a fantastic place this is to live,work and visit. I have lived in Dundee all my life and have raised my family here and I would never have had it any other way.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The observatory: it's a trully remarkable place near the city centre. Also, the city should probably include St. Andrews and the rest of the region, since that would certainly help get more attention.

<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> If you open the door into libraries, you will find creative writing sessions for children, adults and young people, manga sessions, video games workshops for young creatives to develop their own games, as well as regular author events.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the buzz around town! Everyone is always cheery and chatty, and no one hides away from anything. The city is full of confident individuals which makes living in the city a beneficial experience for everyone! I come from a small village, but living in Dundee has certainly given my small town attitude a makeover!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very caring and friendly. I was so overwhelmed by the caring of neighbours when my mother developed Vasular Dementia. They were so good at looking out for her before she eventually had to go into care. I nominated one of her neighbours (and she won) a Wave 102 neighbour of the year award a few years back.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I feel Dundee women have a deserved reputation for being strong independamt women as they have been since the days of the jute mills

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think we have great potential to visitors and locals in that there are great closie tours of Victorian and medeaval histories. Stuart Walker does these tours and could speak for ages on the history of Dundee but we don't do enough of these tours and promote our own town. We could do more and shout about our town from the rooftops but tend to hide and don't push ourselves enough.
Dundee folk don't shout about their town and what it has, like the Macmanus Galleries, The Unicorn, The Discovery. Up wi the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Dundee in the '30's and through the war years. After graduation as an architect, I subsequently moved to Canada where I spent my professional life. In occasional visits back to Dundee I was saddened with the way the city had declined in those early post-war years. However on more recent visits back I have been greatly impressed with the remarkable transformation that has taken place.with such cultural innovations as the new waterfront development starting with acquiring Scott's antarctic ship and it's attached Museum, The Jute Museum and the current Art Gallery Project..

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Take a walk through Balgay Park on a frosty winter night. Wind your way up through the trees till the heavens open up above you. The observatory is there but you won't need it; the stars are close enough to touch.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ease of travel. The DCA, handy city center and a great university city

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bridge club, housed in its own stunning premises on Perth Road, owned by the club since 1956. I have played in many bridge clubs throughout the UK, but never in such a spacious, comfortable building, with stunning views over the Tay estuary, it's own bar, catering facilities and friendly staff and members.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE

When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town,
They spruced it up with a lick of paint
And then they showed him round,
Two bands played in fierce competition
As the rain came down,
And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town."

A man called Walsh hung from a window
With the Starts and Stripes,
And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette"
It was sweetness and light,
But as they sang the fire bell rang
And they ran for their lives,
"What well trained little orphans and a precious little song."
Said the General's wife.

A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green,
Before the darkness fell,
With a short stop over for the ladies convenience,
At the Royal Hotel,
And the General frowned through the last of the speeches
Though he took it well,
"What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple,
What charming little houses and such cheerful little people,
But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town."

- Michael Marra.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The natural beauty of the City and its surroundings and the major changes that are happening in the City making it a great place to live !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has some hidden gems of delightful restaurants and cafes that are original and varied. Having lived in Dundee for 6 years now I am still amazed at all the new places I am discovering. This on the backdrop of amazing surroundings and scenery is just one of the things that makes Dundee amazing!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city of culture set in beautiful scenery, all the people are incredibly friendly!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a distinctive culture and tradition and is big enough to have at least one of everything, that makes a city worth living in and visiting - and of course there is more to come. It also a view from the top of the Law that takes your breath away - while also looking like a child's picture book of a city. Where else can you watch - all at the same time - a train crossing a bridge, a plane about to land, ships leaving harbour, and a cityscape set in the most beautiful natural surroundings.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me the most about Dundee is its music and art scenes; for such a small city, there is a huge amount of creativity, from arts and music collectives, to several galleries. The DCA and Hannah Maclure Centre show great exhibitions and bring great people to the city. Its the hidden treasures of the underground gigs and the Generator Projects that are treats and should be recognised, not just by the other people in Dundee, but for everyone who visits.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you see Dundee in sunshine, it is a lovely place. Yet seeing it when it rains and all is grey and the Tay river whirls with the wild currents, that is what summons the bitter-sweet nostalgia of the past, of the industrial times and streetcars passing through the city center.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic little city, great energy and richness especially in young artistic community, tremendous sense of history diversity and investment in the future

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a relative newcomer to Dundee, I had no idea there was so much going on here. There are so many creative people, so many exciting new projects, and there's so much to explore. Quite inspiring for a small place!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Living in dundee offers more than just a great location to live by the river and the countryside is only 15 mins from city centre.

There are lots of gems to visit in dundee whether its cultural/educational, shopping or eating out.

Seek and ye shall find!

There is lots to see and do!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The buzz around all of the cultural events; from fantastic productions at Dundee Rep Theatre to packed lectures on a Saturday night.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its an all round great place lots to do and lots to learn.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of ethnicities in the city who all love Dundee and see it as their home. This is due to the warm, friendliness of the people who were born, live and work here- making it a joy for others to live and be a part of. There's a general sense of community when it comes to improving Dundee and a great excitement for what the future will bring!

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