We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

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> 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 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> THE LAW, Magdalene Green, McManus Gallery, and the comics industry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so impressive. Scenery and Science!!
What a great place to learn, work and meet incredible people!
I've loved my time here and I can't wait to see what the city will look like in 10 years time.....
<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> I don't think people understand the sheer level of creative ability that derives from DJCAD each year. Making the move to Dundee from Northern Ireland 4 years ago has been the best thing for me as a creative individual. The people make the city. They are the culture and they are the future. I feel privileged to have been part of a thriving art school, so much so that I'm basing my final year 'Interior + Environmental Design' Degree Show project on the prospect of a design graduate event space on Dundee's very own Tay Road Bridge, that would exist not only as an cultural and creative interface for DJCAD, but to commemorate the desired '2017 City of Culture' status.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry beach, rock gardens, high street, castle are places worth visiting
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> art bar, speedwells, parlour, djcad, dca, pheonic, frasers, grouchos.. thats dundee city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant city, with so many exciting developments taking place. It is the obvious city to be the UK City of Culture 2017.
<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> Hidden away and oft underrated Dundee is a really beautiful city with a huge amount going on for its size. The Tin Roof which from the outside looks like an abandoned warehouse is actually a studio which holds some awesome galleries and exhibitions, with live music, food, drink and bonfires which give it a vibrant festival atmosphere in the middle of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee is very broad and would excite those who are into its study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It always has something new to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it changes so much but never really changes at all. I was born in Dundee but now live in Essex. The city changes with various buildings being demolished and new ventures being completed every time I visit. But as you walk through the crowds, you notice that the people don't change and there is a tremendous amount of loyalty that stretches back through generations. Dundonians are proud to be just that and that is something that will never change!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Viewing the heavens through the (public) Mills observatory telescope. the sparks of light from the Art College annual show.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is rich in wildlife and birds, up the Dighty burn that runs along the back of the city there are kingfishers, dippers, herons, otters, roe deer, foxes, and all along the shoreline, geese, mergansers, turnstones, dolphins and many more interesting species, our natural heritage is all around us in Dundee and throughout the city too, in the parks and gardens, fabulous waxwings, fieldfares, and redwings abound at this time of year, and at every time of year there is something to see whether you are a naturalist, or just like to take a walk along our sunny seafront .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love my city, even created my own blog dedicated to it, so my friends and relatives can find out more about this place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Glasgow for university in 2006. Having come from such a big city with a massive town centre, I spent the first wee while here moaning about how small it was and how there was nothing to do. Then I realised I hadn't really left the comfort of student halls. Once I went exploring I found out what a great city Dundee is, despite it's small size.

It has fantastic pubs and bars, good places to eat, great cinema, art and a pretty awesome local music scene.

I've come to love Dundee and 3 years after graduating - I'm still here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An amazing hub of creativity for my own field of jewellery and metal art generally. The metalsmiths are the most open and friendly team anywhere in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The biggest and most inspirational aspect of Dundee is, undisputed, the people. They have so much to give - there is skills, creativity, and innovation. We have so many talented and good looking people in Dundee, with new arrivals all the time to two universities.

That resource should be used to its full potential - get the people involved in the city through projects and events; really connect the people and the city to the environment as a hub of creativity. Alot of people come, study and go. They need to be encouraged to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity of the people of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How many interesting and creative people come from Dundee... Not least of all my husband and actor Forbes KB !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Art Gallery is a hidden gem. The history and culture of Dundee all one one place. Very interesting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great theatre &amp; love McManus Galleries. Looking forward to continuing waterfront development - city is improving!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is at once peaceful and energetic. There's a great sense of freedom and opportunity in the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Reading Rooms. Best venue in a 5-mile radius bringing great bands, DJs and nights to the city and supporting musicians, artists and everyone else. Catering for the underground in a funky old library that epitomises the redefinition of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think the courses at the college are one of the most surprising 'hidden secrets' having attended pottery classes with amazing teachers and a great atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I told people I was moving to dundee everyone back home was under the impression that it was a nasty city - dirty and full of trouble.
I've lived here 2 years now and loved every second.
This bid could help change people's opinions and could help show them all that dundee has to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative atmosphere in the city.
<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> Situation
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its labour history and political history is a deep and wonderful vein for a historian to study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Enjoying the views from the Top of the Tower Building cafe, (University of Dundee, main campus) and see how changes of the weather are reflected upon the city, the rooftops, the parks, the bridges and the river. And if you are lucky, this is prime location for spotting rainbows in the distance.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My husband is from Dundee. His pride in the city is so obvious whenever he talks of it. His passion when he talks about the music and history of the place (from Billy Mackenzie to to Cromwell's troops sacking the town in 1651!) makes me smile. A working class town that has always housed artists and dreamers and punched so far above it's weight when it comes to creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The growing creative community! All the talented creatives working together to show everyone what Dundee has to offer!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an annual visitor to this great city I can only say what a wonderful warm welcome we always receive both from staff at Caird Hall,an amazing venue, and from local people in eating places and in the street when seeking directions. A great place to be a City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA Print studio is a great place to work, they are supportive of all Artists at every stage of their career.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just off of the city centre, there are old jute warehouses, over the years fallen into disrepair. However, a lot of small companies repaired them, setting up places like Tayside Recyclers - a hidden hangar of old curiosities, next to Skillshare Dundee - a student-started free-for-all workshop extravaganza with green ideals. There is a lot going on in the city where no one is looking!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strong sense of community identity. All over city local people are working together to celebrate and improve their neighbourhoods through local festivals, drama performances, litter picks, mosaics and gardening projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way the sun sets over the bridges, particularly during winter evenings - makes me feel like I am home every time.
<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> The views across the city and across the Tay are ever-changing and always inspiring. I'm sure few outsiders would think of Dundee as a beautiful city, but everyone who's been here knows.
<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> Every yeah Dundee's DCA holds a 4 day horror-fest called Dundead (and one day Dundead events all year around) which is where they show double-bills of old and new horror movies. That's how I became the horror movie buff I am today!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The abundance of hope, positivity and generosity of spirit apparent across every part of this city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every year, when spring eventually arrives, the city is taken over by vast expances of daffodils. Driving down the Kingsway, the scenery becomes a yellow blur! I wouldn't be surprised if Dundee has more Daffodils per head of population than any other city in the UK!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> set on the Firth of Tay to the south, country side within 5 minutes drive to north and a beach to the east. How diverse scenery can you get? Are we mad? You bet judging by this picture of The Broughty New year Dook.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city to be part of. It blends together the traditions and culture of the past, with its modern approaches to education, arts, commerce and industry of today, and with our aspirations for the future. Where is there a city in the UK which has gone through so many transformations yet is still striving to reinvent itself again through the Dundee Waterfront Project? I can't wait to see it finished! Dundee has taken a leap of faith to secure its future as one of the UK's most exciting cities to live in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay park because of its views across the river tay and observatory. Its good for walks in summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visit my family every year and every time I come back to the city it's buzzing. There's always something new to see, the landscape changes every year for the better. There's some fantastic restaurants and everyone is really friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Central Library is quite the best public library I have come across. Wonderful view over the Tay as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have studied twice in Dundee and lived there for three years. It's a friendly welcoming place, full of real people. I knew very little about the place when I went there but would recommend it to anyone. It is an unassuming place with lots to offer. The fun is in discovering all the things that make Dundee unique whether it is historical, cultural, the scenery or the weather!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is more than 20 years since I left Dundee ,I still have a love of the place and a feeling of loyalty to it that I cannot explain .I came to Dundee as a student and needed the accepting ,friendly atmosphere I found there .It is a down to earth, common-sense place with a heart of gold .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's like Glasgow's wee bruv!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> around every corner is a new surprise. Diverse and friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I attended the College of Art in the 70's and afterwards worked for the City Council for a short while. I was always impressed by the friendliness of the people and the richness of all art forms. After some time I revisited the city lsst year and the growth in arts venues and performance was fantastic. Dundee has worked hard over the last 30 years and deserves recognition for it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fantastic city! I'm proud to be brought up in Dundee. The city has loads of culture, we are getting the V&amp;A which only London has, we are getting a £1 billion project on the mouth of the Tay and we are home to one of the greatest comic book series in the UK

I love Dundee and I think we should earn the 2017 City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's people are it's greatest asset. The vast majority are helpful and honest. It's been said that if you're lost in Edinburgh and ask for help, you'll be giving directions, in Glasgow they'll draw you a map, in Dundee they'll get in the car and take you there!
<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> I moved to Dundee from Ireland and fell in love with the city. The Art Bar on the perth road is a hidden gem of culture and people, the waterfront park hosts a variety of people-watching activities, the dragon statue on high street with some of the most amazing buskers surrounding it that Iv ever seen, the nilupal buddhist centre for a calming meditation session and cup of herbal tea, and so much more. DUNDEE I LOVE YOU!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always inspired by the people in the City running their own businesses and getting involved in promoting the area - we live in a fantastic, innovative and creative place - its a stunning spot...I particularly love the architecture of our buildings!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised at Dundee City councils softly softly approach towards the "Occupy Dundee" protest at the Steeple Church in the city in 201.They were so forthcoming that the occupiers agreed to abandon the protest before a costly eviction,which would have been a burden on the tax payer. In doing so the council offered the occupiers a building in Castle street as a base. I beleive that offer still stands,and the premises may well be used as a soup kitchen for the homeless in the near future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful Magdalen Green as it pans down on to the banks of the River Tay. A very special place to me as I have had many romantic walks here, a summer BBQ proposal and then my wedding photos in the bandstand. What a peaceful and inspiring space and view!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Symphony Orchestra is full of committed, talented musicians who constantly challenge themselves with their 3 annual concerts, and receive enthusiastic support from their audience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has gone through an incredible creative regeneration. With the imminent arrival of V&amp;A, the refurbishment of McManus and a flourishing dance community, the city has an abundance of creativity. It's already a City of Discovery. A city ready and well poised to further discover it's creative future. Bring on the City of Culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has 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> Proud to be from Dundee. A city with not only a rich past for creativity and culture but a vibrant future through 2017 and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 24*7 open Clarks bakery always attracts me with variuos flavors, tastes of pasteries and pies. I am loving it so much that I started living nearby it &amp; let open my window for the sweet fragnance of cooking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fewest of people arrive in Dundee with expectations but most of them leave with the fondest of memories. It must be the atmosphere of the people that leave something quite indescribable in the heart of every visitor.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Backpackers' Hostel, Gardyne's Land, is a medieval building situated in the heart of the city centre, and operates as a youth hostel to date. Dundee is often underrated for its architecture and it is not just a Victorian city: the subtle incorporation of the city's past is there for all to see.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth of the city when I return to see my family, great memories of growing up in Dundee that will stay forever. Dundee has that pull that brings you back time and time again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> little coffee shops with amazing homemade cakes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's WONDERFUL!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most welcoming and Dundee is amazing :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I received my BSc in electrical and engineering and electronics from Dundee University and enjoyed my time there, especially as it was within the city, not on a separate campus. The local people could not have been more welcoming to a "Sassenach" such as I and the city has much to offer visitors. Located in a sheltered spot between the river Tay and the hill (or "law") it has a mild microclimate. As a remarkably well preserved Victorian mill town, it many beautiful buildings solidly built from local grey sandstone. I particularly enjoyed attending concerts in the Caird hall.
<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> It sounds daft, but often when I'm in the queue at Tesco on Riverside, I'll have a look out the window across the Tay and think just how lucky I am to live in Dundee – with the sun streaming down the Tay, it really is a gorgeous view. The river has been underutilised in the past, but with the V&amp;A opening, and the redevelopment of the centre, hopefully that will be addressed. And while Dundee has a great view across the river, those on the other side have a great view of Dundee’s skyline.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There really is something for everyone, music with the likes of the blues festival and loads of gigs, fantastic theatre both amature and professional, a variety of fine art or easy access to both urban and rural environments
<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> How it has improved since I was a student there in '60s
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm excited about the v&amp;a at Dundee coming soon. I also loved the Degree Show trip I had with nursery. The room with wool was fantastic. And going to drama classes at the Rep, an amazing community theatre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's inhabitants make you feel at ease even though know little about what going on your own life
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love Dundee!! born and bred here too! my personal feelings about Dundee involve the amazing natural talents of the Dundee people. having been involved in Community Drama for over 30 yrs,i have came across Dundee people who are dedicated and passionate about arts in the community,wether it be drama,dance music visual art etc. the talent is amazing,and has been for many years,my only criticism would be we(Dundee fowk) tend to be a bit shy at singing their own praises,therefore,some talented people slip through the net,we have to be supported in keeping community arts alive n kicking!hopefully the arrival of the V&amp;A will open up community projects to the wonderful people of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible contribution to the history of comics is one of the great stories of Dundee. Sure, everyone knows about DC Thomson's The Dandy and The Beano, but who knows about the Amazing Mr X, Britain's first homegrown superhero created by DCT? The lost comics studios of the 1940s? That Grant Morrison, one of the world's most reknowned comics writers, got his start at DCT? I teach the only postgraduate degree in Comics Studies at the University of Dundee, and want to put Dundee on the map as THE centre of Comics study and research! And we need a comics museum in Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just down off the road bridge to the east, right on the front, theres a little spiral-staircased platform on which one can spend any amount of time in tranquility and contemplation looking off into the river or back into Dundee's heart. Beautiful place, have been atop it many times with many people. I guess its somewhere to catch a breath amidst the wild and constant cultural offerings of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite being stuck in between oil rich Aberdeen and tourist attraction Edinburgh the people of Dundee continue to forge ahead in transforming the city from an old industrial one to one of high-tech business, excellent education and an arts, and culture scene that is becoming more tourist and citizen friendly every day, regardless of boom and bust economics.
While proud of our heritage, the people of Dundee continue to focus on their future, making it a better and brighter place for tomorrow.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I was a kid all I wanted to do was get away from Dundee, there was nothing here I thought we could be proud of. Now, upon my return after having lived away for many years there's nothing I'm not proud of. The city is changing beyond recognition, but its sense of history and identity remains. It took me years to see the light, but all I want now is the best for Dundee and its people and to show the world what a great place this is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have a rich hidden talent in our young people in Dundee. A wealth of Artistic and Musical Talent in the under 18's that needs more opportunity to showcase what it can do. At present only one Art exhibition a year in the city that is council supported, for our S6 pupils, hopefully by 2017 this can be expanded to let these fantastic young people show the city what they can do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovation in Dundee. From inventing ways to weave material that was thought too weak to use (jute) through to being at the forefront of computer gaming Dundee is always adapting to suit the times.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No place can beat Dundee for green space and places to walk. Just begin to list the parks. Walking through cemetery and up to the observatory gives stunning views across Invergowrie bay and then to the North. Having lived in Glasgow for six years, I am continually reminded of what a great job the City does maintaining the parks and keeping the streets and open areas clean. Everyone I encourage to visit, loves it and can't believe they have never thought of coming to Dundee before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Awards - we award this to a senior pupil in Dundee Secondary Schools for the work they have done to contribute to the ongoing citizenship of Dundee - always amazes us - the extent of our young people's talents is immense.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No Body's Fool..... Dundee is the peoples city. Bordering now on all sides by Dundee relocaters Inclduing heading up the coast to Monifieth and beyond....invergowrie and Inchture and beyond including Newport, Tayport and St Andrews. Dundee has a great surrounding of People offering artisan, cultural and musical ideas and delivering something special for and too our City.
To me Dundee has it all .....too small to be a big shot and so different that you canna forget her!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a teenager Dundee Contemporary Arts was my first experience of seeing a contemporary art exhibition. I still remember first setting foot in the wonderful galleries and how intrigued I was. A few years later I was excepted into art college. I vividly remember nattering on about several of DCA's exhibitions in my interview.

A few years later I was lucky enough to work at DCA. From here I discovered an organisation always striving to bring the best of the visual arts to the city while continuing to welcome as diverse an audience as possible. Every year it introduces many more young people to the possibilities of the visual arts through its excellent education, cinema and gallery programmes. DCA is there for you from the beginning. Its brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visitor to this beautiful city I was struck by the diversity of people and how well everone got on together. They made us feel so welcome and were so very helpful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I first moved hear 12 years ago and was warned about Dundee's reputation. I have been constantly surprised and delighted by Dundee, it's setting, the buzz, whats available to do but for me the hidden gem of Dundee is the Dundonians - friendly and with a quick wit. I love this city for so many reasons but mainly for the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural diversity of the city, particularly in the West End is an unexpected delight and the refurbished McManus Gallery is full of treasure.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is no better place to find culture than in Lochee with its diverse range of people for a whole host of different backgrounds. Walking down the high street you will find a strong community built up on local cafes and independent shops. It has been such a privilege to represent that community and an honour to know the community activists within Lochee and wider Dundee who through a shared Dundee heritage and culture strive to make a real difference.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> alfie williamson, local legend hails from lochee. ran more than one dundee marathon on the same day. he can sing, dance and act. he can also drink anyone under the table. best freddie mercury tribute this side o the burnie. if you don't believe me ask hooly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it evolves; how it's not afraid to take brave steps into the unknown. Dundee people are not afraid of change - they embrace it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry has to be Dundee's best kept secret. Great beaches, great restaurants. It has a castle for christ's sake! ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful folks who live in Dundee
<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> Travel from Dundee to Broughty Ferry on the road that follows the River Tay and see one of the most perfect views I have ever seen. This view has been captured by various local artists with some spectacular results.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Cofaidh 's Ceilidh (Coffee and a blether)
This is a group of gaelic speaking people, both learners and fluent, who meet fortnightly in the Dundee Repertory Theatre on a Saturday afternoon. It is an opportunity for fluent/native speakers to keep their language alive and to help learners use the language which they feel is part of their heritage. It also attracts those in the surrounding area who have an interest in the gaelic language.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from The city of Dundee being beautiful and Fresh, with tress, gardens ,and cool breeze. The People are very kind and generous, on my first day in Dundee city I was shown around by a stranger I could hardly recall. Once unaware that I needed to have coins to pay for my bus ride before boarding in 2006 a bus driver paid a ticket for me. I remember the University of Dundee Faculty with lots of joy, and am always glad that I was their student.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, through adversity they keep on going.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the ability to re-invent itself
exciting to see the city connecting with the river again

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