We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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Why Oor Wullie hasnae got a statue!

<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 is a fantastic city with fantastic fowk living in it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof arts collective - a group of artists doing amazing things.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There was a bookshop once, new to Dundee, but boy was that place embraced. Attracted a really varied cross section of the region &amp; everybody got involved. It was only as it was closing that it really hit home how much it had become part of the cultural fabric of the city - in reality it was only bricks &amp; mortar, it was the PEOPLE who made it such a great hub.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people of Dundee never let you down, always something makes you smile about the characters
<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 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> Housed inside an old public library, The Reading Rooms is a small, intimate, underground music venue that has played host to many local &amp; international musicians &amp; DJ's.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a city which is constantly changing, always warm and friendly. one Dundee `s finest sons Mr Mike Dailly , the most unselfish caring people i have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Tirelessly working and representing the people who need it most . He is a credit to the City of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are wonderful, there is always something to do at the weekend and something to go see. A wonderful place to live and study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> walking along the Grassy Beach in Broughty Ferry on a blustery, sunny day heading towards Dundee enjoying the view of the Law and the Bridge, then turning back to walk home, and seeing Broughty Castle standing proudly - guarding the mouth of the river Tay - undoubtedly out best asset
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Walk along the front is fantastic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city to visit with its parks and high street. The city is rustic and full of character, yet modern. The Dundee football grounds and high street were among our favourite places to see. The view from the law is breathtaking on a bright summer's day. Nothing would make us happier than seeing Dundee named the UK's city of culture. D and R from Ottawa Canada.
<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> How much nicer it is than it nationally is thought to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born in Dundee in the 80s. The city has really changed since then. Dundee has worked so hard on it's cultural side. Every time I go back to visit there is always something new to see or do. Go for it Dundee! You deserve it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Getting 300+ people routinely turning up to the University Saturday Evening Lectures. Topics range wide from Leonardo da Vinci to Cecil Beeton, Climbing Everest to Child Abuse. This wouldn't happen in London, nor (dare I say) Edinburgh!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Fifer now living in Perth I have watched Dundee grow into a vibrant city.It has so much to offer not just shopping but good restaurants and many interesting places to visit but my favourite place is the McManus Gallery and Museum.It's a stunning building with many interesting exhibits.I would also like to mention the DJCAD Degree show which is held in May, it's a fantastic opportunity to see all the talented students,their amazing work and to get a chance to wander around the University
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the audacity and capacity to repeatedly surprise the world. The city and its people continues to innovate and set new standards in a breathtakingly diverse portfolio of science and the arts
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much going on just now - the city is on the up. New buildings, future landmarks and an energetic creative community will ensure the city is an exciting place for residents and visitors now and in the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The off the beaten track arts in the city . Weather its the colour of westfest or the viberance of the artists its all good .Very very good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has long been the central hub of video games development in Scotland. The days of 300 employee developers are gone, but in their place a thriving, vibrant community of smaller developers has emerged. More agile, more creative and more suited to the constantly changing world of video games. It's an exciting time for Dundee. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunsets over the River Tay. Every evening it's different, every evening it's spectacular.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Council&#039;s Housing Support Team. We are still fairly unknown even by our tenants but can help with a wide range of problems to do with people&#039;s tenancies
<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> did you know the original voice of micky mouse was born in dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My Dad's city. I have visited regularly over the years and am delighted at the wonderful changes taking place. I am a keen supporter of the arts and see Dundee's rebirth as a centre for the arts very exciting. Once the waterfront developments are complete Dundee will add another dimension to it's colourful history. I love to visit Dundee. I love to walk its streets and meet with its people. I fully support Dundee's bid to be Culture Capital 2017.
<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> Agacan Perth Road been there for years or Zekis as it is know after the colourful artist owner, full of wonderful art, wonderful smells and wonderful food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of good people in the city but we are humble. We very rarely blow our own trumpet but should do it more. Our location is ideal to for visitors too. Stay in Dundee and use it as a base to see our beautiful country. You are within 90 minutes of 95% of the population. Surrounded by countryside, heritage and natural beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have travelled to many parts of the world and been lucky enough to have seen some amazing places. However, each time I return home, there is nothing quite like walking with my family and dogs along the 'Grassy Beach' and I think how lucky I am to live where I do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our young people Diversity in action
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> CULTURE!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful city with a fabulous location and THE most friendly, funny people. Drinking Pinot Grigio whilst watching dolphins on Brought Ferry beach swim by - priceless :-)
<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> Seals barking on the sandbanks
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Music, music, music!
<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> Always a thrill to drive over the "Silv'ry Tay" on the approach to Dundee-it looks different every time depending on the weather, but "silvery" it always is!  Then there is the "Can Do" attitude which is apparent everywhere in all the building work at the Waterfront, and finally the down to earth friendliness of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of independent, creative businesses springing up, collaborating and supporting each other - and organisations like Fleet Collective and Tin Roof which help make collaborations possible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has become my 'home from home' over the past 13 years. I moved here at 17 to study and have never left! I love the fact that Dundee is a city, yet it is right next to the countryside.I love running along the river front and strolling along Broughty Ferry beach with an ice cream from Vissochis. I enjoy admiring the views of Dundee from the other side of the Tay Bridge. I enjoy the buzz from the West End and the Cultural Quarter and the diversity of the people you meet here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most surprising thing about Dundee is that so many people are unaware of how good it is to live and work here. It's as if Dundee itself is a hidden secret. Dundee has all the facilities of a city and all the benefits of a big village. Not too big, not too small - just right! Everything is close at hand. Beautiful countryside and beaches on our doorstep with all the culture, sport and shops you could want. People are friendly and the city continues to get better. Having moved here over thirty years ago, I've seen United win the cup twice and have no wish to live anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Well Dundee is my home city and I just love it! The people are fun and friendly. Eh just love the way we speak! Pure teckle! There are loads of amazing parks to take the bairns - the swannie ponds is fab in Summer and Winter - I grew up with stories of ice skating on the ponds. Tannadice is hallowed ground - I grew up there with my uncle and cousins, and now my wee boy is United daft too. And what about the brilliant Michael Marra's song about Hamish McAlpine and Grace Kelly! The Lochee baths - aye freezing, Victorian splendour and full of characters. St. Mary's Lochee Catholic Church - absolutely beautiful - and funded by Irish immigrants that helped build the population of Dundee from the 1840s. Juteopolis - a brilliant book about Dundee and its people. The Cleppie Road - and the imaginary 'secret tunnel' that goes from Aunty Isabel's bin store on the Cleppie, underground to Tannadice. (Ok - so its not real but its in my imagination). Lawside Academy - my young days of joy roaming the streets of Downfield and Ardler with my pals - days out up the "Seedlees" (Sidlaws) with picnics, swinging over the Dighty Burn on a rope swing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love the peace in dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The location is amazing - surrounded by both inland coastal delights
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful and vibrant city, alive with character and history. It has so much to offer visitors to the area and is undergoing a period of significant redevelopment and growth, with national and international interest rising.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a fantastic cultural depth which has integrated itself into the fabric of the city - the people who work full time in offices and building sites but make music with their friends in studios and pubs and halls at night; those who discover a love and ability for writing and poetry through attending writer's workshops and gaining support from others at literary evenings; and the artists who encourage each other to expose their work to strangers. In Dundee, this is all multigenerational and not bound by class.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City's history really means something to its inhabitants, to Scotland and to the wider world.
<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> Dundee is going through a massive cultural shift and it is amazing how much fellow Dundonians are behind this. The people of the City want Dundee to be the best it possibly can be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our members are great examples of the great community spirit that echoes throughout the city...the unselfish attitude of Dundee residents is a constant reminder of how great this city is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The energy and buzz in the city as the waterfront development progresses as well as the vibrant culture in the city with some great venues - The DCA, The Rep and the McManus all spring to mind. The addition of the V&amp;A is going to be fabulous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I used to travel through Dundee on my way to and from Uni in Aberdeen. I always thought it was a grey gloomy city of roundabouts. Now that I live here, I couldn't have been more wrong! My favourite places have to be the Botanic Gardens and Camperdown Park, and my absolute favourite thing is the ever-changing view of the River Tay - stunning In all weathers!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of people you meet in one day is both astounding and inspiring. Never have I been to a city where you recognize that, probably due to the intimacy of the place (considering it's a city!). I have vowed to return here to live and work in the future, as some who is not from Dundee that is quite a thing! After three years here I have witnessed first-hand the rapidly developing design and craft community, and how it is far outgrowing its Scottish competitors. The natural surpise; feeling like you can see the Tay everywhere you go.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Hill and the observatory. The Law hill. The riverside. The public parks and good network of path/cycle routes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has many cultural assets but none richer or more surprising than its people. Resilient, honest and acute in their analysis of events, cultural phenomena and ephemera that impress themselves, so urgently, upon less doubtful populations, their creativity is all the more authentic as a result. Expressed through a distinctive dialect, Dundee wit is like a silk lining on a coat made of jute. It can be rough but is ultimately comforting and made of the finest material. Dundee is changing but let's hope we keep the essence of what makes Dundee the place it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green holds some of the fondest memories from childhood, messing around on the bandstand with my grandparents, playing football with my parents. When the carnival would come, I'd make my uncle come on all the scary rides with me (while my mum watched on in horror). Off to the west side, in a more overgrown area, my friends and I had a rope swing, which I consistently fall off (with enduring rope burns). Sometimes on a nice spring day like today, I'd like to go back to Dundee and magdalen green and give that rope swing another go.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden secret - Broughty Ferry Amateur Operatic Society. The present - our games industry. The future - a cure for cancer, which some believe will be made here, in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Compared to other cities Dundee is very clean and litter free. The crocuses that come up in the middle of the roundabouts as well as all the daffodils on Magdalen Green and the Marie Curie Field of Hope (among other places) mean that Dundee always looks nice and well cared for. The fact that the people are friendly as well means that Dundee is a great place to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved Dundee's people and their accent. It took getting used to but I soon came to love it and the many words I never knew exsited.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the parks, especially around the observatory an early morning!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so many "hidden secrets" - people, places organisations that excel and are world-leading in what they do - but we never hear about them. Who would have thought that a Dundee firm most of us have never heard of would have its product in the Clinton Presidential Library in Arkansas!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Templeton Woods, one of many public outdoor spaces in and near Dundee, is a wonderful place with fun artwork
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I absolutely love Dundee and I wouldn't live anywhere else. I have everything I would want in a city and I love that within 5 minutes from my house I am in the countryside cycling in some of the most amazing surroundings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Park in the sunshine. Best place for a picnic and a kick about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has got so many tourist attractions such as the Whitfield shops and the job centre and a new Victoria and Albert Design Centre, and the homeless unit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A wonderfully welcoming city for a visitor with fantastic views and a diverse entertainment scene, from the DCA with the wonderful food, exhibitions and films, to the Sensation which is a great day out for children and adults alike, and the Discovery which was a source of great delight to my son, especially the man in the sick bay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place in the city is the Verdant Works museum and its surrounding industrial area. Just walking down the streets around there you can almost feel the history around you. You can picture the workers, the carts of jute, the sound of the 'bummer'... Being in that part of the city brings to life the rich cultural history which Dundee is lucky enough to have bucket-loads of. It is not a city of great affluence, but it is a grand city in its own right. It is a city teeming with community spirit, scientific innovation and civic pride.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking towards Dundee and over to Fife from waterfront at Broughty Ferry, really pretty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Verdant Works is a hidden gem. The volunteers are fantastic and have a welath of knowledge.
<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 Dundee science community has a really appetite for collaboration, innovation and growth. Exciting new projects between disciplines are creating a new future and discoveries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee blues bonanza and how the city is set up and how it copes with such a well attended unfunded event.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is its distinct character, as though it were an admired, trusty and respected friend to it's inhabitants and visitors alike. The city's bairns form the roots of this collective character that comes through in strength; it welcomes me home and puts me at ease. I smile and long to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of community that springs from nowhere in face of difficulties. The overwhelming positivity of community activists who will almost stop at nothing to improve their local area: see the local school or park get a new playground, tidy up the local burn, pull together to help people through difficulties, and generally have a good laugh while doing it all!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After living in another area I now realise how much I miss my home town. Proud to say I am a Dundonian!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are so friendly. I get lots of foreign visitors at work and they all say this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it adapts to the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount and variety of independent food and coffee stores that are all offering different reason to come in from music to scientific debates.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from The Law, the hub of the City. Each view is like the spokes on a bike with different cultural experiences awaiting in every direction. The South to the city centre the bridges and beyond the Tay to Fife. The South East to the grassy beach and the delights of the Ferry, and the bombs and biodiversity of Buddon ness. The East to Arbroath the birthplace of Scotland and the great beaches and cliffs of the east coast. The North East to the invention of the Bridie ,the Angus Glens and wild adventures, the North to Golden Eagles and the heart of the Highlands, and the North West to Birnham and Macbeth country. Finally the fantastic view to the West of the Tay Estuary of the Tay winding its way to the heart of Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's history and how it has constantly been trying to build itself up to be a more positive place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The depth of creative talent in Dundee is something we should be immensely proud of, and we should be making more of a big deal about it. There are tiny gigs and exhibitions going on all the time in the city, and you never have to look far for one. We have so many talented people and they are so often overlooked.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative resilience of the people. And how much I still like a peh.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is not a big city, it's maybe not even a well known city. However, what it lacks in size or fame, it makes up for in quality. Aside from the booming arts scene, I believe that it punches well and truly above it's weight in the field of science. Whether it's fighting cancer, investigating diabetes or tackling tropical diseases, scientists from over 62 nationalities work in Dundee- truly the city of discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love watching the skaters in Dudhope Park (lamenting my complete lack of balance)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has many beautiful and interesting places including the DCA centre, Rep theatre and the Law, but above all I love the city for the people I met there and enjoyed all these places with.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Growing up rather poor and with some nasty experiences I came to the point in 6th year of highschool where I was ready to leave my hometown and pursue my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. I had some outstanding achievements- sporting and otherwise- but I feared that my studying had been very much inhibited by my circumstances. The University of Dundee uniquely offered me the opportunity of summer school as a condition, having sent out an email asking of any outstanding circumstances. This holistic view and kindheartedness shone out above the other universities and I excitedly accepted.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Vibrant, ambitious and determined. That's how I'd describe the city and one of my most favourite Dundonians. This person whom I met 20 years ago was part of the set up of King Tuts and was a part of the city's nightlife scene for many years, he then went on to be an instrumental player in T in the Park. He thinks big, as does Dundee and I love that!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city, Dundee offers everything and more than some large cities. As well as great shopping and numerous places to eat and drink, Dundee has many places where you can get away from it all. The many parks, the beach at Broughty Ferry and the Sidlaw Hills, all havens of tranquility when the pace of modern life gets too frantic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee people are peaceful and loving people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee in 1990 from England. Immediately I was immersed in the culture, the language, the people - wonderful. One of my colleagues gave me a sheet full of Dundee-isms and a whole new language opened up to me. My all time favourite was seeing a warning sign in the old Overgate: wet pent. It's a unique place, full of history, strong women and working class-ness.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of cultural activities and sites available in and around the city. From fantastic architecture (buildings and bridges) to a whole range of galleries and parks, to the theatres, cinemas, concert halls, football stadia, etc. Not to mention the mighty Tay and Macgonagall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of animals at Camperdown Zoo suprised me. I had no idea there was such an extensive zoo in the middle of Camperdown Park! And the diversity and uniqueness of shops in Broughty Ferry is lovely, such a change from the high street. I lived in Dundee for 10 years and visit at least once a month, and it always feels like coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For quite a small, old industrial city Dundee has so much to offer. From the indepedantly run gallery and cinema the DCA to the recently renovated McManus Gallery. There is also a whole host of events going on week to week in smaller venues such as the Generator projects and Tinroof... This place is alive with art and culture which I believe will continue to grow and grow
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee isn't an 'obvious' place - you have to dig a bit deeper than in other major cities. Once you do, you start to find places like Generator (pop up exhibitions by emergent visual artists) you see Performances in community centres and other strange places (by the Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre) and mini festivals for families all across the city. The difference is that you need to seek it out. You need to talk to people and make connections. Communicate with people and Dundee is one of the most exciting places you'll come across. It's all there for the taking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its huge creativity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdelene Green with its Bandstand and terrific views over the Tay is one of the many delights of Dundee City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee never stop surprising me. One of our biggest assets are our people. Our people are friendly, kind, caring, funny and adaptable. x
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The negative attitude of some Dundonians about the aspirations of this great city. Wake up, smell the coffee and see all the great things happening here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Saturday lecture series at Dundee University is a fantastic venture which more people should be aware of. Snapshots of diverse and intriguing subjects for a wide-ranging audience
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian I'm not surprised, just proud, of what Dundee has to offer in terms of culture in the broadest sense. A prime example was the late lamented Michael Marra, whose genius lay in delivering the people's culture with dry Dundonian humour (listen to If Dundee Was Africa, Muggie Shaw, Hamish) as well as universal observations (try Happed In Mist, Hermless). See also how he inspired other local artists such as Vincent Rattray and the many groups he collaborated with at Dundee Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has everything we need in terms of culture: we have the DCA with it's exhibitions and workshops and the cinema which brings films not always shown at Cineworld. Both cinema's have regular showings of live opera from the Met, and cineworld had regular showings of big rock bands. Soon we will have the V&amp;A which I'm so looking forward to. In terms of leisure we have a brand new swimming pool opening soon, and Dundee has two major league football clubs and several amatuer clubs. There are many great places to eat like Marco Polo in the centre of town and several Indian and Turkish restaraunt up the Perth Road. There are many places to drop in for coffee and home made food like the wonderful T An Cake (not sure I've spelled that right) There is also a wide variety of shops including tradtional shops like Braithwaites who are sellers of teas and coffees from around the world. Last, but not least, is the setting of the city itself: there are many green spaces with Camperdown Park as the main place to go for a picnic and a stroll, there are the walks along the Riverside, and there are the beautiful beaches at Broughty Ferry....and beyond, the coastal scenery going toward Monifeith and Carnoustie. I came to Dundee 25 years ago to College and much has changed in the city since, except it's friendliness and welcome of the outsider. With the two universities and colleges and the Duncan of Jordanston School of Art, Dundee is a cosmapolitan city, with students from around the world and Indian, Pakistani, Polish and Romanian folk settling in the city and rubbing along together very well. Dundee has many churches; a beautiful mosque and a Sihk Gudwarra. This melting pot gives the city it's richness and expansiveness. I now live across the water in Fife but feel Dundee is my city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of fabulous friendly people. Lots of small family run business thriving in these difficult times from coffee shops, young fashion retailers and not forgetting cutting edge hair and beauty salons. Lots of these businesses have won many awards which is a great achievement for our city. Great schools and one of the countries best Universities employing lots of people from all over the world. I have always been very passionate about our city and it deserves to win this award.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The students are super uber friendly and engaging. They will always be the first to inject energy and spirit into any and all projects within the Dundee community which only strengthens the bond between the people of Dundee and its connection to its fine educational institutes.
<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, one of the oldest cities in scotland has such rich heritage, and a fascinating history from back when it was just a small settlement between two hills. So many museums, fantastic art college, theatres, parks, the list is endless. Dundee deserves a bit of respect for the way it has been revitalised over the past 20 years amid the shutdown of industries and the emergence of new industries. People need to be encouraged to look again at Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich history of Soul music. Back in the 1970's Dundee's Average White Band were the 1st non black act to play the legendary Apollo Theatre in NYC. This has caused creative ripples through the heart of Dundee's music scene ever since. There's a whole range of acoustic nights, pop up music events in barbers, opticians, artists studios, galleries and other unlikely venues - so keep your ear to the pavey!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's fascinating history of whaling is still largely untapped. It inspired Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein and led directly to the amazing exploits of Scott, Shackleton etc. Shackleton even once tried to become MP for Dundee! The Tay Whale in the McManus is awesome and there's loads of animals brought back from the Arctic by the whalers in the university's zoology museum.

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