We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

We have such a vast amount of interesting places and things to do. My great grandchildren are here for Easter so we intend doing The Rock Garden/Broughty Ferry Castle/Sensation Centre/DCA/Verdant Works etc etc. and their excitement is hard to contain. Also as a family we think Dundee has one of the best music scenes going on as well.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people - having spent over half my life in Scotland and been in Dundee since 2000 I have to say that the folk of Dundee are a constant source of surprise and cheeriness. They are the most down to earth and genuine folk you could meet. Everyone smiles at one another and Dundee is the most welcoming of places. Folk are engaged and love where they live and where they are from. Dundonians are a truly passionate bunch and make the city what it is.....one of the most dynamic and extraordinary cities I have ever been.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The aspiring and positive nature of the city, coupled with the friendliness and incredibly welcoming atmosphere combines to provide a city which nurtures locals, guests and visitors alike, including the many students whom all grow to love their new environment.
There is an extremely vibrant social diversity throughout this city and a genuine excitement surrounding the gradual, yet very noticeable continuing improvements; revitalising OUR Dundee.
City of Culture 2013, 14, 15, 16 AND 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the weather the sunniest corner of scotland. all the new changes going on its going to look fab. the people and the good clean air makes dundee special for me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me it's the presence of cultural opportunity - as a musician, I'm forever finding new openings within the city, where I can express myself and be creative with scores of others like me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing live music scene. There is something to suit all tastes at a number of great venues. The Blues Bonanza is an event Dundonians can be proud of.
<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> Dundee is packed with culture. You only need to spend 10 minutes in the back of a taxi to hear about its rich history. Despite the destruction that the 60s/70s brought to Dundee, the whole city is buzzing with excitement about the new waterfront. And with gems like Broughty Ferry beach and the Perth Road, and music hitting you from every direction (dundee blues bonanza, westfest, clarks bar, henry's coffee house and the fisherman's on a thursday night, to name a few), it's someties hard to leave the place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage of the city represented in its buildings, museums and archival collections and the significant cultural renaissance in Dundee since the 1990s (perhaps best articulated by the creation of the DCA and the development of the city's 'cultural quarter').
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Waterfront project is a huge demonstration of confidence in Dundee's future and has already drawn significant investment into the city. V&amp;A at Dundee is a project that will, like DCA in 1999, change the perception of Dundee as a major centre of culture. The Waterfront project demonstrates the value of a visionary approach to both physical infrastructure and the importance of culture as a means of achieving economic and social regeneration. I'm confident that Dundee Waterfront will continue to surprise people for many years to come.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can just go 1 mile outside of dundee,
then you are suddenly in the countryside,
with veiws which are amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of good musicians in the city, the amazing venues to go and listen to well established and fabulous up and coming musicians.....Dundee is very rich with talent
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently worked with elderly pensioners in the city on a food project entitled 'Food as a Trigger for Memory'. The narratives of Dundee described by the people of Dundee was a very humbling experience. What was most striking for me was the sense of community that existed in Dundee. One woman explained that in her family on a Saturday if you worked you were given a Wallace's Bridie and if you didn't you were given a pie. Another pensioner could tell the time of day by the smells coming from Nicol's Bakery.
<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> The warmth of the people, it's such a friendly place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to The Scottish Dance Theatre, The Rep. Theatre, The Gardyne Theatre, The Whitehall Theatre, The McManus Art Gallery and will soon be home to The V&amp;A museum. We have staggeringly beautiful views and incidentally, the only city in Britain where you can still see Red Squirrels. Dundee has nurtured world class medical research, top notch software companies and two universities whose reputations are second to none. We have The Sensation Science Centre, Captain Scott's ship RRS Discovery and The only full-time public observatory in the UK. For a population of 140,000 that's surprising.
<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> The warmth and friendly people who are natural and kind. Live music scene, small independant retailers, vintage clothes shops, top quality hairy stylists, the history of the City which you can enjoy as you stroll throught the City Centre, the fact that its a City which is sourrounded by Sea, Sand and Country side.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city that continually re-invents itself - I've worked my 30 years career in the city's manufacturing community. We and I have experienced many major kicks in the teeth over the years however we always bounce back. We have so much innovation and creativity for a small city, it is truly staggering and it is actually world class. I know because I've seen it first hand and we need to tell the world how good we are. Technology and Engineering can be a beautiful thing and compliments a city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a native Dundonian who has not lived there for 28 years, it's still a city I know better than anywhere else. The place? must be the Law Hill. The views are quite breathtaking, taking in the entire city, and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You turn corner's here and find surprise's. Each street contains a hero, an ambassador. An individual who goes that extra mile every day, helping neighbours and strangers alike, making the city a little brighter each day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, beaches, the Tay, its location, gateway to the countryside, Perth rd pubs, cafes, students and multi-culturalism.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art bar. DCA. The people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So much green space
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student in 1993 and decided to make it home - a small, friendly City with an abundance to do and entertain - from theatre at the Rep, to events for the whole family at the DCA and McManus Galleries. Whether your passion is for music, film, science, art, theatre or literature, there is something for everyone in this wonderful little city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I always want to go back. Having had the intention of going to Dundee and getting out as soon as possible, but the combination of arts, design and regeneration leaves me seeking a return every time I leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the city's proud attitude thats why we always surprise people with the welcome we give them!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community here in Dundee is amazing. I have witnessed many collaborative projects that have succeeded due to the positive attitudes and creative abilities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How every day I see the city from a different more beautiful angle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's not just about the Ferry or the west end : even smaller local areas have marvels like Fortes cafe, the Balmore Bar, Jessies kitchen and so many others. Dundee has wonderful architecture all over, not just in the currently affluent areas, and around every corner there are wonderful parks and green spaces. Dundee is beautiful if you look past the billboards and industrial sites....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The new McManus Galleries are excellent.
<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> 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> Every time I come back to Dundee I don't feel at home until I have walked beside the river. It is a simple walk but the view is constantly changing. This magnificent bit of water can comfort, excite and rejuvenate. Whenever I show someone around Dundee I do the same walk down to the river. Time and again visitors comment not only on the view but how surprised they are at how everyone we pass smiles and says hello as we walk along. It is surprising how the common connection with the Tay connects its admirers and how, at other times when there is no one, there can be such quiet open space and wide horizons so close to a busy 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> Amanda Lowson at Dundee Reps community division. I remember her excitement on the day of her interview; 20 years on she is still a bundle of enthusiasm and excitement which never fails to inspire every adult and child she has contact with. Folk grow taller around her! Definitely one of Dundee's best kept secrets :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The long history of the Trades of Dundee - the Three United Trades of Dundee and the Nine Incorporated Trades and their link with St Andrews Parish Church. The beautiful stained glass windows in that Church commemorating that link and the stained glass at the entrance to Ninewells Hospital again displaying the City's links with its historic Trades.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Is the passion for creativity involving people from many different walks of life and situations.
<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 Discovery Film Festival at the DCA. Excellent international and foreign language films at one of the best venues in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How such a small city can generate such a catalogue of relevant art and music history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is set in the most beautiful setting, students, gaming, history beyond belief, Jute, Jam, Journalism!! What more could I say. Beautiful beaches, Winston Churchill Lived here!! William Wallace went to school here and we have Olympic champions too
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Between 1833 and 1850, Dundee built around 50 steam locomotives, some of the earliest in the world. They ran on all the local lines as well as many others across Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the nature around the city and the university integrated with the town
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been working in Dundee for nearly a year, and living here for less time than that, but in these past few months the thing that has struck me the most is that Dundee has a real, vibrant, rich sense of community and a great spirit. People from all walks of life support each other, working together to make their communities, and the city as a whole, stronger. Dundee's cultural organisations provide a focal point for people, offering platforms and opportunities for creative communities to flourish. Dundee would be a fantastic choice for UK City of Culture 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived here all my life and can see the changes in the city, we have a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population, and Dundee continues to grow and evolve. Dundee has struggled against a negative image that it does not deserve, and communities are gaining strength and resilience through local projects and volunteering. Dundee used to look tired and old-fashioned when I was growing up, but the new developments, cultural sights and Overgate shopping centre make it a place that people come especially to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great cultural richness, but the area in which I feel it excels is that of theatre. Both professionally, with the ensemble at Dundee Rep, and in the amateur field, Dundee presents an amazing variety of theatrical performances. Recent amateur productions include "Cats", "The Sound of Music" and "Whistle Down the Wind" with "Miss Saigon School Edition", "Parade" and "Spamalot" still to come this year. Absolutely fabulous darling! l
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city of Dance - Its a well kept secret! So many fantastic dancers have came from their or have came to Dundee to dance. Even though I moved away from Dundee I still come home and will always find a dance class of some sort.  I've got to thank my first dance teacher - Emma Preston who made me love dance! And she also inspired many other Dundonians as well!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The never ending opportunities and support to develop your own ideas, or the chance to help with someone else's. There is always something going on in Dundee to help you learn and meet like minded people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The general atmosphere of this city is absolutely outstanding when I first stepped off the car in February of 2009 for my interview for Abertay, I was just taken aback but what truly surprise me is the wealth of creative talent in our games sector. It's, of course, known that Abertay and Dundee fosters a games community but to see the actual quality of talent coming out of Dundee and spreading across the globe. It's absolutely thrilling to be a part of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - a city reborn, a fantastic waterfront, full of welcoming, energetic, creative and vibrant people with hidden gems like Strawberrybank, Balgay Hill, DCA, McManus Galleries, the Ferry and JAZZ &amp; BLUES on the Unicorn.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the sport in Dundee is good, there's lots of activities you can do for everyone :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA Cinema has one of the richest programmes, you could imagine. From international to documentary, it's all good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Theatrical elements of the cultural life in Dundee only exist due to the hard working off stage volunteers (and staff) who spend time on committees, creating costumes, making scenery, dealing with the admin, fundraising, marketing and lots of other tasks.  They are often under appreciated.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from China. and I came to Dundee for my postgraduate study. For me the hidden beauty in dundee is the idea of connecting people together. There is incredibly huge amont of talented people in Dundee and the idea of connecting them together to make things happen is great. I remember when I was in my exchange year, my teacher Jonathan Baldwin tried to connect me to an illustrator student who is doing research of Chinese Calligraphy, while I am doing my master's project, my study advisor also introduces other brilliant people to me. Sometimes finding the right person to talk is an extremely efficient way of doing things
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is a city where what you do feels noticed and appreciated. Dundee has an encouraging and supportive atmosphere for creative ventures and isn't afraid to be itself! Places like Creative Dundee, Tin Roof, Hot Chocolate Trust, The Rusty Hip Collective, Generator Projects, Flyboy Productions and Art Angel are great examples of people setting up their own thing and connecting with our community together. So happy to live here!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My partner and myself, have just returned from a wonderful week on holiday in Dundee.
We were delighted to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the vibrancy, and the optimism of the Dundee people.
The Macmanus galleries were an absolute pleasure.
There was an exhibition of photography showing the work
of a Scottish photographer, capturing the pop music heritage of Scotland.
Our 'Hidden Treasure' was finding the oldest floating warship HMS Unicorn!
Set in the some of the worlds most magnificent scenery, Dundee, and its people have won our hearts.
We both cannot wait to visit Dundee again.. and soon.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dylan Drummond is surely one of Dundee's greatest assets. The passion and enthusiasm he displays for his city (and the similarly talented locals he chooses to freely showcases) displays a vigour and vibrancy which I think is unique and truly infectious. See for yourself.
www.sonofthesea.co.uk
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can live in the city with all its benefits and just a couple of minutes by car you can enjoy a nice round of golf, a day on the beach or just relax in one of the cafés in and around Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I work with a group of ESOL learners at Dundee International Women's Centre. They never fail to bring a smile to my face when they say what a wonderful place Dundee is to live and how friendly and welcoming the people have been to them. I would like to share the voices of these women, who come from many different countries and many of whom now call Dundee home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a friendly city and also so much great music groups about. Choirs, Orchestras, bands etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Science Festival and the Dundee Literary Festival are two events that I look forward to. The fact that eminent scientists and authors want to come to the City to share their experiences is fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonian's really have a great banter, our sense of humour is second to none, and we are unique in that OUR 'village' follows the 'one degree of separation' rule - everyone knows someone, who knows someone. Also, regardless of where anyone stays or works in the city, you're only ever 10 minutes distance away!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an outsider who moved to Dundee approximately 2 years ago, what surprised me was how friendly people are!! Even when u go to Asda they offer u a basket and are genuinely warm! Love this place!
<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> Nothing surprises me about Dundee - it's the visitors to the city that get surprised.
<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> 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> We moved to Dundee from just north of London and we were surprised by the strength of community. Everyone in our street got on and took the time for small kindnesses like helping out the old folk with shopping when the snow was bad. We have taken the attitude with us since we have moved abroad.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's location at the mouth of the Tay offere unparalled natural beauty and light unlike any other.

The natural sense of pride the locals have in their city is well-deserved, it has incredible history from it's exporting days, fantastic educationional establishments today and a never ending culture of change in the lifestyles and culture of its people.

I lived there, first as a student and then working, for 17 years. I love the place. Sitll do. The best friends I have in this world still live there. There's a reason for that too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location, location, location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the best city in Britain for seeing red squirrels.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That the "green circular" cycling route is just 27 miles around the city, but in that relatively short boundary you can cycle along the banks of the beautiful river Tay, find yourself at Broughty Ferry Beach, cycle through two large parks (Caird Park &amp; Camperdown) and a number of smaller parks, pass a few local nature reserves, explore Templeton Woods and ride around the base of the Sidlaw Hills. It's great to live in a city that offers such diversity of green spaces on its doorstop and is easily accessible by bike.
<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> The sun shines!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Douglas Sports Centre gives the local community access to excellent facilities on their doorstep providing opportunities to be active in their community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The openness of the city towards new people and new culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Blues Bonanza an annual weekend event in mid summer! The world's biggest free blues festival attracting musicians and fans from all over the globe. Many bars and clubs across the city host a variety of local, national and international acts. They are welcomed by a friendly and fun-loving population. The West Fest is another festival, a week long one with a more local and artsy feel to it, covering all artistic genres!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee always surprise me. I was born in Dundee but left 16 years ago to live in London. I come back as often as i can. My twin brother Pete sums up Dundee to me. He is one of kindest, funniest and loveliest people I have ever met and is Dundee through and through.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city on the east coast of Scotland, but with the most fantastic sunsets! Stand at the top of Ninewells Avenue when the tide is out and enjoy the amazing views of an almost empty River Tay.
<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> Not sure about a hidden secret, the secret seems to be the combination of contrasts that enrich each (besides the emerging strengths of "real" culture):
The Tay, different from all heights and angles (foregrounds of beautiful parks (Balgay Hill, Magdalen Green) or industrial heritage or multis or Meggie's Centre);
Buildings old and new of different uses (the Mecca Bingo beside the church, the mosque among the old jute mills, the new university buildings beside old houses, the medieval arches under the pub back exit);
And then the "real" culture as it spreads throughout the city: Scottish Dance Theatre and Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Community Theatre in the Rep, small scale viewings in the DCA and Hannah Mclure Centre, school competitions (art and music).
Not sure this helps (sorry)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian born and bred, I love how the city continues to change and evolve and know that in the very near future Dundee will rival the bigger Scottish cities as THE place to visit!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With tens of thousands of miles behind me and the privilege of being able to work anywhere in Europe and Canada, there is something special about Dundee. It's more of an atmostphere, combined with its natural beauty and blatent history and disparity. I find myself longing to come back, drawing creative inspiration and hopefully giving back along the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love The Kingsway! It gets you from one end of the city to the other in about 10 minutes. And rather than bypass Dundee, it goes right through it! When I was taking driving lessons many years ago my instructor had me drive from Kingsway East to The Swallow and back and after I was an expert in roundabouts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a foreigner, the first thing that surprised me is the kindness of the Dundonians! I walk a lot in the city everyday and according to the weather, you have a different magic view everyday ! Hills surrounding Dundee, Dundee Law, residential neighbourhood, town center. It's amazing and so pleasant to walk and just observe the city !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When Dundee chose to bid for Uk City of Culture 2017 nobody held it up for ridicule! We have believed in our city's qualities for a long time and the outside world is beginning to agree.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My friend from Liverpool came here just over a year ago and could not belive how freindly the people were and how beaytiful dundee is we went to all the sites but he loved the Sensation and the Verdent Works , Dundee has so much to offer vistors thats why im backing the bid.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I took part in Dundee's 48 hour film competition in 2012, which was an amazing opportunity to meet new people from different creative industries
<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> It's all about the people! They just get up, rise to the challenge and make stuff happen, the city has a long history of innovators, creators and game changers who adapt, shift and change to advance technology, industry, the arts and more. We are well known for our international trade and commerce links and that has influenced our cultural scene over the years (eg. I love that Timex/NCR back of the lorry spectrums kick-started Dundee's games industry!). The number of jute factories and trade buildings now repurposed by creative collectives/artists is really interesting i.e. Wasps, Tin Roof, Generator Projects, Fleet Collective and of course the DCA.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Is a great city with many things to do and see and it also is the gateway to the Angus Glens and north Fife. But Most of all its the place I grew up in, went to school in, went plundering, went berry-picking in and is Home to the greatest team ever Dundee FC and when I finish my days working down in Leeds I will come Hame to the Big 'D' to see old friends and reconnect with this Constantly evolving city that never forgets its past. Forward Thinking Dundee...as always :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first came to Dundee about 20 years ago, the city certainly did not look like much. But I've met some of the warmest people of my life there and fell in love with the place. Since then, the great people are still here, and the city has upgraded itself visually as well as culturally with a lot of cultural events and activities going on from high culture down to grass roots level. I keep coming back.
<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> 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> The art scene has lots of little underground/pop-up/interesting goings-on that most people in the city are unaware of even
<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> I love the fact that Dundee is changing so fast, that no place is safe from the scrutinizing look of whether it deserves to stay or make place for the new. Unloveable buildings are demolished and open spaces are created. Dundee is not in any way decadent or settled, nor is it burdened with too much that needs to be preserved or archived or mummified. It is in this way a place that is on the move, and that makes it an exciting and vibrant place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin roof and all the artists associated, the cinema at DCA with its great program... And the PEOPLE! The city is bubbling with ideas!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of things available at your doorstep; the beach, country walks and city life all in the one-day!

The art &amp; culture scene is something you can't ignore, it's unique and embraced by the people of Dundee in a very special way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Old buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has changed itself so much in the last 20 years - from a city where you had difficulty finding a decent restaurant to an city full of fascinating museums , a pedestrianised centre with quirky statues and restaurants that serve good food. A wonderful site overlooking the wonderful river Tay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Busy, bustling city with easy access to 20 odd miles of beaches. The surrounding Perthshire countryside is a gateway to the beautiful highlands.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great quality of life - great little city with great access to countryside, beach, and bigger cities - best of all worlds. And it's the friendliest place I've ever lived. Lovely parks too, can't beat a sunny afternoon on Magdalen Green overlooking the sparkly Tay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the biotech lab researchers really do their best to find cures for many of our worst diseases
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many groups to take babies and toddlers to around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An amazing riverside stretching west to east, perfect for walks cycling and nature. Especially between Stannergate and The Ferry. Inspirational river views and views of city skyline from Broughty Ferry. A wide variety of sports and music. The positivity and 'can-do' attitude of the city at the moment. THE V&amp;A!!! All these aspects and more make me proud to be a Dundonian and which puts a smile on my face when I see the city again from times being away! Go Dundee! I say!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Coldside Community Fun day is an annual festival with Dundee poets, singers, bands, dancers, pipe bands and arts and crafts activities for young people. All organised by community volunteers , it attracts around 500 people each year. Its a great display of community spirit and local talent.

:)

×