We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The Dundee Literary festival brings a terrific selection of authors to the city every October.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&amp;A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Originally from Fife, I had no expectations of Dundee when I came to study here after time in America. I'm now in my 3rd year at Dundee University, and consider it one of the best decisions I've made. Dundee is full of great people with a surprising amount of fun things to do, rich in variety to cater for anyone from every background! The city of culture belongs no where else :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its very own Neollithic stone circle - in Charleston. I hope that the focus on the City of Culture can bring more of Dundee's history that is one the ground (and under it!) to the fore.
<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 love the impact artists past and present have had on the city. Currently Im looking forward to exploring more of Vince Rattray's work, as he is talked about with so much warmth by Dundonians. And I was fascinated to discover Pat Douthwaite's amazing paintings. She was born in Glasgow but chose Dundee has her home because she liked it so much and took up a permanent residency at The Queens Hotel.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As visitors, we loved the independent alternative stores like Ozzies and Arkive as well as the lovely Henry's coffee house... Dundee has managed to remain not high-street bland! Great character :) and impossible not to mention Desperate Dan!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is a much more vibrant place to live and work than people expect and is full of wonderful surprises
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden passageways in Dundee are amazing, it puts you in touch with the living history of the City!
<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> I can't just write about one thing in particular, yet I feel that the University of Dundee and its many different events are vital to the city's culture growth. Talks, shows, films, the list is endless. I have been to many different events that have been planned by the university and/or Dundee Science Centre; Bright Club, Café Science, psychology talks, etc. The public engagement with science is excelsior, many members of the public mention the interest that has been sparked in relation to science. I personally feel a great amount of pride and excitement knowing that I have been a part of this tremendous cultural growth and being able to contribute to this myself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are so firendly and a good laugh, we are very lucky with the weather and are the sunshine city with more sunny days than anywhere else in Scotland. Dundee has taken many knocks over the years with industry moving out and unemployment rising but the Dundonian culture is to keep fighting to make the city better and better. This is clear to see in all the redevelopment in place at the waterfront, and at the University where we are world renowned in life scicnes and voted best university for student experience. Dundee is a great place to live and I am proud to be a Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing talent and gorgeous waterfront location. Discovery Point, Verdant Works, McManus Galleries, the jute mills. DOJ Degree Show. The musical talent. The people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> New Years Eve at the Balgay Bar: Live folk music and super friendly atmosphere in the only pub in the world where people say hello when you walk in. At the bells its straight into Auld Lang Syne and 200 old men descending on you for a handshake and a kiss! Classic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the university campus to the city, Dundee is an amazing place to experience. You have places like the Discovery, the DCA, the tiny university museums hidden around campus, and even an extinct volcano. But theres also roller derby, american football, ice hockey...it's not a run-of-the-norm kind of place... And then there's the V&amp;A - a true mark of a city of culture if I ever saw one.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Voices in Harmony is a choir operating out of Whitfield Community Centre. Membership is around thirty plus and growing. The choir sings acappella and is led by Sarah Harrop who is very enthusiastic and inspirational. Gigs are performed across the city including Marryatt Hall. Recently the choir worked in collaboration with Dundee Rep to perform "This Town" in Verdant Works.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee university enriches life thru llunchtime concerts and free Saturday eve lectures with wide ranging speakers. All free. Mcmanus galleries featuring exhibits from V and A. Broughty Ferry Art society classes. DCA featuring National Theatre and opera from the Met.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is that moment when you are on a train coming North when you come round the corner of the track just before the bridge and see the city panorama. Gets me every single time I do it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity ! and in a really good way . The West end is my home and there is so much going on. I work in the digital sector and what I admire about Dundee is that although it strives forward technologically it is still rich in tradition, but what really surprises and delights me is that you find such a variety of craft, design and culture in Dundee without having to look to find it. Its fantastic
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its cute and its got nice footballers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that continues to grow and develop with the times. Dundee has an ineresting history from whaling, the famous three J's - Jute, Jam and Journalism to developing the gaming industry, art, music, writting, science, drama, dance and sport. We also have the exciting prospect of the V&amp;A development which will bring with it more job opportunites and strengthen the industry and culture. There is something for everyone in Dundee - McManus Galleries and museum, the law hill and its panoramic views of the city, the Mills Observatory, Broughty Ferry beach (and the famous Visocchi's for homemade icecream), The Rep, Verdant Works, Sensation, The DCA, Magdalen Green and the bandstand - the list can go on and on. The general atmosphere and friendliness of the people in Dundee is something that is always a pleasant surprise
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green on a summer Sunday, with a band playing in the band stand and a picnic with the family
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The accent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love standing under the rail bridge and looking at the magnificent structure. One of my favorite views has always been on the train, when coming in, from down south, it slows over the bridge and you get a chance to take in the stunning City... this is where I show off to visitors about Dundee, its glorious "Silvery Tay", its sunny aspect, point out the Law (hill), the wind machines and tell the story of the Old bridge that collapsed and show the old stumps that are still visible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its stunning location and diversity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scottish Variety Awards 'Best New Scottish Band' 2013 - Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' - all Dundee born and bred. Not a 'hidden secret' for much longer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I take Dundee for granted, every time I visit another city, even bigger ones, I'm amazed there are more events, talks, gigs and exhibitions going on back home - I've never seen the range of things going on in any other city with the exception of some major metropolitan areas - Dundee really punches above its weight with its cultural events! Also - huge deal - so many of them are free!! Which lets EVERYONE benefit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views are superb from everywhere especially from the top of Ninewells Avenue !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a beautiful setting on a wonderfully rich estuary with the Law standing majestically over it like a jewel in a crown . It is kith and kin, seat of ancestors and souls gone before, heart, warmth, fond memories, friends, and the dawning place of my family.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Climbing the monkey puzzle tree in Camperdown, 40 years ago and now watching my children do the same
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Me sorprende su hermosa Arquitectura, organización, cultura, costumbres y todo su avance
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love United!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a small city, Dundee is packed with wonderful things. Brilliant bars, two fab universities, the DCA. And it is pretty sunny.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From McGonagall to International Book Prize From Science Sensation to Arts Centre From Botanical Garden to Dens Park From yacht racing to ancient warship From Bell Rock Lighthouse to Balgay Observatory From Desperate Dan to Captain Scott From Championship Golf to Championship Curling From aerobatics over the Tay to freezing new year swims across the Tay From seals basking by the old bridge to skeins of geese above it From a visionary Repertory Company to world beating Cancer Researchers Are we A city of culture? No, we are THE City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Tay, at any time of day. Sunrise, sunset, night-time... I can't count the number of times I've stopped, in awe, to look at it. It's totally under-rated; and absolutely beautiful. DJCAD, too. I'm having the best time of my life at art school in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the rep theatre is something Dundee should be very proud of - when I moved south I expected every city to have one - three Yorkshire cities later I am still waiting.....!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being Dundonian born and bred, the thing that surprises me most about my home town is that so many people (who don't live in or visit the town) don't have a true sense of what makes it the diverse and exciting city that it is. They are unaware of the history that helped shape it and it's people. They are unaware of the rich cultural seam that runs through the city (and always has). They don't appreciate it as a city of significant medical research which has an impact across the world. It is a place of innovation, compassion, confidence and creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the Tay, the Tay that goes to Perth and back each day
<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> The friendliness of the people,no matter their circumstances. The diverse types of music available to see and hear at many different venues across the city. The banter between the fans of the two major clubs in the city, always lively never taken to extremes! A city that I am so proud to call home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> People care. Culture Reflects that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Roseangle gallery, art exhibitions at the Botanic gardens,the paintings in the new gallery on South Tay street, the beautiful jewellery at the DCA shop...the list goes on.So much talent and so much creativity in his town.As an outsider who emigrated toDundee from India in 2001,I have watched the city reinvent itself culturally.I love Dundee and I hope to never leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the hustle and bustle of Saturday afternoon. Always changing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views in the city. Such as from up the law hill, walking down glamis drive, walking along the esplanade towards broughty ferry and the view from up the sidlaws. My favourite places to walk with my dog, Louis are balgay park and riverside nature park, peaceful and scenic. I think we have the best scenery of any town in the UK I've been to!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City...... Scotland's last 'Big Toon'. Where else would you want to be?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich amount of history. Walk off any Main Street and find something. Eg. Cemetery in centre of town, law hill, verdant works, unicorn, Tay bridge. Wherever you go there is history shaping the city,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a jewel in Scotlands crown. From the days of Jute, Jam &amp; Journalism it has been reborn with the continuing development of the Waterfront. Looking forward with great excitment as the face of Dundee changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been surprised by the amount of community arts activity that goes on. Also by the long-term thinking that's gone into the Waterfront development. Dundee is a city on the up!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Rep, been delivering great theatre for years and has a commitment to the community excellent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Museums - Discovery, McManus Gallery, and Verdant Works are all fantastic visitor attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee: Is a big family... Is the place Dundonians don't want to leave... Has it's own language of circles and backies... Is familiar...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee North West Community Sports Club is a newly established Community Club. It consists of 4 local sports clubs and is in the process of becoming a registered charity. Dundee West have also created strong School to Club Links within the area. The club delivered a Family Fun Day at Charlotte Street in May 2012 which was a fantastic event attracting over 2000 visitors throughout the day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Tay, The Law, the bridges, the castles, the universities, the art college, the parks, the Nethergate, the V&amp;A, the Unicorn, the Discovery, the Lamond schools, Castle Street, the waterfront, the Hilltown, the mills, the history, the views, the people, the cake and the pies.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Both born and bred dundonians, and the people who have chosen to live here all have a great outlook and sense of community spirit which is great to be a part of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is smaller than Glasgow or Manchester, Dundee's thriving musical community is one of the best in the UK. The sheer quality of music that is being churned out and played in many of the live music venues is often under appreciated. It should be recognised and celebrated throughout the world!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attend one of Creative Dundee's Pecha Kucha nights to learn more about creatives you knew about and discover ones you didn't. Always inspiring. Duncan of Jordanstone Art College is a hub of exciting creative activity and brings creative life to the city. I love going to degree shows in summer to see an amazing spectacle of talent and fresh ideas. Look forward to seeing a strawberry farm this year as part of Interior and Environmental Design's showcase. Can't say the students aren't dynamic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Culture is more than just art, theatre and buildings it is also about history and social morals and I believe Dundee is second to none on these areas. 1777 Dundee Joseph Knight a “Negro” slave won his freedom from his master Wedderburn when he successfully argued that “slavery was not recognised by Scots Law and runaway slaves (or 'perpetual servants') could be protected by the courts, if they wished to leave domestic services or were resisting attempts to return them to slavery in the colonies”. This was in effect abolishing slavery 100 years before the UK Parliament. Dundee also has Mary Slessor who moved from Aberdeen to Dundee at the age of 11, Lily walker and many many more who stood up against tyranny and injustice to change the political and moral culture of our city and our country to make it more caring and equal for all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee. I am a proud Dundonian and think my city deserves to be shown off to a wider audience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised when the 48hour film competition came along how many extremely talented writers, film makers, photographers, actors, singers, songwriters and musicians were present in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city centre on a busy Saturday afternoon.... everyone going about there business. Love the hustle and bustle of this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I absolutely love that even in South East Asia people know who Dennis the Menace is and are even more impressed when they find out that he comes from Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The skatepark at dudhope park, it is a hive of talent, a place where kids grow and learn from the more mature skaters and not just about skateboarding, they also learn respect, pride and important life lessons.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The South facing slopes of the town and the winter sun. But especially the McManus and the DCA
<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> Dundee city is very nice because of firth also there are a lot of parks. What is more there are lot of places to have fun with friends such as Dundee Law Hill where you can meet sunset and sunrise. People are awesome, so kind and always ready to help. I have never met such a nice people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Doesn't matter where you are or how many times you've been in a certain place but if you stop for a minute and have a good look there is always something that will surprise you and catch your eye about Dundee. Whether it be buildings or people it is an amazing city to be in.
<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> The friendliness of the people. The Blues Bonanza Gardyne's Land Chalmers' adhesive stamp P53 - identifying what cancer is about
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Development.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the friendliness of our people and the sudden impact of some of our treasures - Frigate Unicorn, Morgan Academy, some of the surviving old tenements - I marvel at the strong thread of traditional Scottish dancing here. Dundee's branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society started in 1925 (3rd oldest in the world!); there's dancing all over, if you know where to look! It's going on in school halls and church halls most evenings, but lots of visitors don't know enough about it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Doesn't surprise me as such, as I've know it all my life, but it still holds me in awe... The cityscape that presents itself in front of you as you drive across the Tay Road Bridge is truly beautiful and unrivalled sight. When I was a student in Edinburgh in the late 1980s, returning to Dundee for weekends and holidays in my white Ford Capri, I would purposely take the drive through Fife, rather than the motorway route via Perth, just so I could take in that view. As I emerged from the bend of the dual carriageway as it passes through the cutting behind Newport, I would reach over and set the cassette tape playing at a point I'd pre-cued, and for the final 1.4 miles of my journey home, I would blast out The Tourists' So Good to Be Back Home Again. And then to see things from the opposite perspective, making your way to the top of the Law (pleeeease! not the Law Hill, if you don't mind!) you can look back over that sight to Fife, the two bridges linking it to the city beneath you, as well as the full 360 view, taking in Broughty Ferry, the Sidlaws, Lochee, Cox's Stack and Balgay, and Invergowrie Bay... Need I say more? I could, but I won't... Come and see for yourself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attitude: Dundee has an impenetrable positivity - people just get on with things here and look forward to the next gig ;D
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee boasts an incredibly self-reliant artistic community who blur and subvert the lines between highbrow and lowbrow, institutional and street-level art, academic and self-taught
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the only women's trail of its kind in the whole of the UK. You can get the free leaflet and talk a walk from plaque to plaque round the city centre, marvelling at the interesting lives and achievements of 25 notable women, and then go home and read of many more on the website dundeewomenstrail.org.uk. This is a city which has been known for its strong women. Doctors, witches, artists, mill workers, Suffragettes and business women - they're all here.
<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> Spending 4 years with an eclectic group of students, from across the globe, engaged in learning, interaction and growing up. Formative experiences were the foundations for what we have subsequently become.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The very fact that fans of United &amp; Dundee can easily share a pint on match day without the ugliness of other derbies. Derby days can produce terrific dundoinan banter amongst friends. Neil Forsythe portrays this kind of banter well in his bob servant books
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone! Its a collective of things that makes the city great. There are plenty parks, ponds and the beautiful 'Silvery Tay'. Its a convenient and enjoyable place for families, couples, students and anyone who gives it a try! Easy to commute to and from. Ninewells is a fantastic teaching Hospital that is often in the news with the latest in science and technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundonian dialect :) Sometimes difficult to understand, but really intriguing and beautiful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having spent 12 years working in Dundee, I was constantly amazed at the friendliness &amp; generosity of the school community of Ss. Peter &amp; Paul's Primary School.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals, dolphins, cormorants and all the other beautiful wildlife along our shores/sandbanks should not be forgotten about. AND it is Scotland's sunniest city!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Surprises: Delicious food served in excellent restaurants Uninterupted views from the top of the Law Hill Never a dull moment with Theatres, Cinemas and skating Discovering the beauty and history of The Discovery Entertainment to suit all tastes in Nightclubs and Pubs Enviable position on the banks of the stunning Silvery Tay From a Glaswegian living happily in Dundee for over 30 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As soon as there is a hint of sunshine I love the way students at Dundee University sit on the grassy areas on the University campus and bring these areas to life. Different languages and cultures mingle together enjoying the light and sunshine which has a special quality in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful play to stay a beautiful place to visit and has a fantastic group of citizens , we have lovely hotels, nice eating places good bars and great night life, 2 football teams an ice hockey team, lovely places to visit in the city and surrounding areas, a great setting on the banks of the river Tay which is currently being developed with attractions to match including the new V&amp;A museum to learn more get yourself here you won't be disappointed
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city which deserves to be recognised as the UK city of culture. There are various reasons for it including the various interpretations of the term 'culture'. In terms of cultural capital, there is a lot of cultural diversity within our communities, which come together through public fora and work of the organisations such as our primary and secondary schools, two universities, college, Dundee Rep, DCA, McManus Galleries etc. One has to just google 'what is on in Dundee' to realise that we have various cultural events everyday and every individual in the city directly or indirectly plays a part in making this city so culturally rich. The arrival of V&amp;A is going to put us even more prominently on the world map as the cultural city of not only UK but the world. We strongly believe that Dundee is THE UK city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of Dundee's size there is a massive amout going on culturally and otherwise. The city is renowned for its medical teaching and innovative scientific research and also for the D of J college which produces some of the worlds finest artists. This, mixed with the ever evolving music scene makes Dundee a fantastic place to live and visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The 24-hour bakery - a place full of wonder, magic and mystery!
<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 hidden asset of Dundee is the fact that It is easily accessed from all other major cities in Scotland, therefore an ideal place for being the City of Culture 2017. A beautiful setting as you approach the river, miles of beach, countryside within 10 minutes and people from all walks of life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Creative and inventive people, with great sense of community and pride in the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 'Forgotten' history and potential...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ive been around the world and yet the view entering Dundee from Fife across the Tay Road Bridge still gives me goosebumps.Simply astounding...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people. I now live on the opposite side of the world and I have yet to encounter such a braw, open-minded community full of life, acceptance and comical banter as my home tribe. Never a dull moment chatting with a friend, acquaintence or stranger. I miss you Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strength of Dundee women, passed down through generations. Can do attitude.
<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> it's not just one place or one person. what always amazes me about dundee is it's great variety of people from different cultural and national backgrounds, whether at university or in the local community. and there are so many places my heart grew fond of over the years. for example, the view over the tay from balgay park's cemetary, or having a few pints among the locals in dundee's oldest pub (mennies), or even that there are some coffee places where you can simply sit down with a nice wee cuppa and play chess.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the reputation it has undeservingly collected from previous lives. People within Scotland have the impression that Dundee is still an old whaling town filled with desolate jute mills and nowhere to go. The reality is far from the truth: Dundee is a place bursting with architecture both modern and the type of old to be admired, music events, art galleries, science and education. There are groundbreaking opportunities everywhere with a college and two universities offering unique computing and medical facilities. There are so many amazing places within Dundee whether it be the beautiful beach at Broughty Ferry, the top of the Law or beneath the shadow of the RRS Discovery. I've lived in Dundee all my life and yet, as a young person, I am still surprised by the constantly growing and evolving platform of culture which exists within the city. Some people grow up somewhere and want to get out and away but you know what, I can honestly think of few better places to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its own Gaelic Choir! Under the baton of Wilma Kennedy it meets every Monday night and represents the city at The Royal National Mod each year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ok, I'll admit it, as an Aberdonian I always used to be a bit sniffy about Dundee, but when I returned to Scotland from down south I saw the city with new eyes. Dundee has got such a great arts and design culture, with the Rep, the DCA, the McManus, etc. providing fab opportunities to enjoy a variety of world-class shows and exhibitions. But the city remains people-friendly, and is a pleasure to wander through with all that really interesting architecture, new and old. The new buildings balance innovation and fitting in with their setting perfectly. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> They still think pasta is a foreign food!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing heart. The beat can be heard in the music, the talent that grows beside the Tay. The beat can felt in clubs like the Reading Rooms showing casing great local DJs and acts from around the world. The beat is the soul of City, the beat that runs through all us Dundonians with humour, creativity, compassion and joie de vivre. Dundee is a vibrant City with a massive beating cultural heart.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing place. As someone who has moved here, I have always been made to feel welcome. The city has a great feeling of space, wide skies, large parks and the Tay. My favourite area is Broughty Ferry, with the Fisherman's Tavern live music, Vissochi's ice cream and the beautiful sandy beach.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The millions of things you don't expect from Dundee - from dirt cheap language courses by BERA to adult gymnastics classes at the new Dick McTaggart Gymnastics Centre and belly dancing courses at the ISE. Basically all the things you get in a big city without losing the friendly attitude you get in wee cities like Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazingly vibrant and creative visual art community, buzzing with talented artists, designers and makers and sustaining an exciting range of creative activities and events. It is home to fantastic arts organisations and institutions including Dundee Contemporary Arts, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art &amp; Design, Generator Projects, Wasps Artists' Studios and McManus Galleries. Dundee also has a wonderful open feeling – you can see views of the sky and the River Tay from all over the city, and there are beautiful beaches and countryside just a hop, skip and a jump away!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible richness in the arts and science, and a thriving live music scene. Many fantastic musicians reside in Dundee and perform regularly. Dundee hails one of the best all female bands in Scotland and the UK over the past 2 decades - the very talented "adam812", who were asked by Henny King to represent Dundee City and perform at the Octcentenery Awards in the city square and in London at the St James Palace Hotel. Adam812 - one of Dundee's hidden secrets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 seals on the riverbank under the rail bridge, the amazing work and environment at Maggie's Centre, the golden light in the early morning and the fantastic views across the Tay from so many unexpected places, the Beano sculptures in City Square, the awesome organ in the Caird Hall and the talent of the actors and designers at Dundee Rep, the excellent standard of music at Bell Street, the Dundee Symphony Orchestra and the exciting art and design at Duncan of Jordanstone. Dundee is a real mix - from proud and special Graduation ceremonies celebrating student achievement to quiet everyday efforts to improve the lives of people who are really in need, through projects like the Steeple Parish Nursing project and DD1 network.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Once apon a time, I was that little Dundonian school girl who had a dream to be a famous dancer, every week I popped up to the local tayside ballet to follow my dream, one day I auditioned for the top dancing school In the country and to my surprise I was accepted,Dundee council generously offered to pay my fees to attend, THE DANCE SCHOOL OF SCOTLAND, not knowing that I would also be accepted to one of the leading ballet schools in the world, ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET, once again Dundee was there to support me, now I'm a choreographer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Aberdeen &amp; Grampian Chamber of Commerce wish Dundee the best of luck in becoming the UK City of Culture. The City of Dundee has our full support as the only Scottish representative.

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