We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Dundee is a great place to live, it has some lovely places to visit, like Law Hill (great views of city & over to Fife), Riverside is nice to walk along. Great parks like Baxters & Camperdown. Shops are not bad either 🙂

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think the courses at the college are one of the most surprising 'hidden secrets' having attended pottery classes with amazing teachers and a great atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since coming to work in Dundee I have got to know the city and it's people. I have made new friends and have been made to feel very welcome. Dundee is a city that is going through a fantastic period of development and this already beautiful place will be even more magnificent when this work is finished. It is a city full of very talented people and has some brilliant historic figures to draw inspiration from. I am so proud to be able to witness and enjoy the great things that are going on here.
<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> I'm always surprised how Dundee feels like a smaller place than it actually is, with it's unique geography. I also like how proud Dundonians are of their city. And the waterfront development can only help make this city even better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery, McManus Galleries, Caird Hall, Law Hill, The Waterfront and so many more things is what makes Dundee such a wonderful place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view from the law of the Tay bridges, you can even see the remains of the 1st rail bridge. Dundee has a changing skyscape and it's changing for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Barnhill Rock Garden is my family's favourite place: tadpoles, dens, beasties, birds and beautiful scenery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many unique features, but can't fail to be impressed by the view approaching the city over the river. Especially at night.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tea ann cake
Jessie's Kitchen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such a fantastic variety of amateur arts groups - for children and adults - which produce excellent shows to suit all tastes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a qualities that it doesn't boast about. It doesn't boast about the beautiful river, parks, buildings, people and even the wonderful weather. The people of Dundee are amazing and every day you meet someone interesting and talented. We ned to blow our own trumpets more.
As you walk around Dundee you see the most amazing buildings and art which you miss because they are a bit tired - give Dundee a polish.
Dundee has so many famous and talented artists show them off.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Discovery Point is an amazing visitor attraction in Dundee. A must see for any visitor.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The high level of cultural events, and places to visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee annual half marathon - great value and great race!
Bridgeview Restaurant and T Ann Cake - definitely hidden gems.
Cycling along riverside drive - invigorating and wonderful views
Dundee Law - what a view!
Dundee parkrun - almost a year old and a Saturday morning challenge at Camperdown
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is my place of birth, i have lived here for 50 years! Born and raised the son of a policeman and a nurse who both worked all their days in this fine city! The Law overlooking the river Tay with its 2 magnificent bridges still to this day is my favourite view! My great grandfather fought at tel el kebir in the Sudan my grandfather policed the streets of dundee! Im a tutor at UNiversity of Dundee and im a proud Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians themselves. When in the city talking to peers often they overlook the vibrancy, riches and uniqueness of what the City has to offer.

The usp of the City and it's developing drivers is that: the City continually renews and evolves with the changing environ, no longer should the city be thought of as the City of Discovery and the 3 J's for Jute, Jam and Journalism, but that One City Many Discoveries, and the drive and development in sectors of bio medicines, digital media, renewables, developing culture - DCA, The McManus, Dundee Rep, the impending V&amp;A Dundee.

With that said, take a Dundonian out of the City, and it is inspiring to hear how positive an ambassador they are for their beloved home City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> people, festivals, music &amp; history
<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> Dundee has so much to offer. I love the Agacan on the Perth Road. Simple, uncomplicated Turkish food with the bonus of massive portions. It's like a little section of Turkey tucked away on the bohemian Perth Road.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the variety of spaces and buildings that are used to host events. Not just it's main venues, galleries, bars, clubs and coffee houses but everywhere from the walls of Benjamin Barker's barber shop to the deck of the Unicorn. It is a city full of innovation and creativity and would make a truly amazing UK city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The "couthy-ness" of people here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact the even although Dundee is a city, it can feel so small. You will always find someone who knows someone else you know. Lived here all my life, apart from a short stay in Glasgow, but coming home either over the bridge or from any other direction, seeing a landmark and knowing I&#039;m home is the best feeling in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our City has so much going for it, steeped in history- Jute, jam and journalism.. The regeneration of the Waterfront , a wonderful seaside town of Broughty Ferry, the Jewel in Dundee's Crown, with a blue flag beach and historic castle guarding the mouth of the River Tay. Inventions such as the electric light bulb, the postage stamp, first streetlights and hole in the wall cash disepenser! One of Europe's largest teaching hospitals and the University of Dundee which has a leading edge clinical research centre and the University was voted Times Higher Education student experience survey . It's unfortunate there are less desirable parts of Dundee, but that is the same anywhere you go. I love Dundee. X
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The supports of Dundee United are a very well dressed bunch. Kudos! Dundee, more than any city I can think of, deserves this title. A boost is more than due!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's industrial history as a centre for textile production is apparent throughout the city. Numerous former jute mills remain standing and while some lay derelict, many have been converted into alternate usages. Of particular note are the Tay Works, built by the Gilroy Brothers c.1850-1865, Camperdown Works in Lochee, which built and owned by Cox Brothers, one of Europe's largest jute manufacturing companies, and begun in 1849, and Upper Dens Mill and Lower Dens Works, built by the Baxter Brothers in the mid 19th century.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm constantly surprised by the huge amount of history in such a compact area, and the almost hidden current developments in area like art &amp; technology.
<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 scale and variety of world class activity that takes place in Dundee from cutting edge science to advanced digital media activity, from highbrow theatre and arts to community involvement in cultural activity. All that happening in a city where you can be on the beach in ten minutes, in the hills in twenty minutes and, if you must, skiing in around an hour.

I came for three years and now have clocked up a quarter of a century. Why live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish.
Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Up in Balgay Park on the hill looking out over the Tay on a spring morning. Glorious
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of city is like none other, we have an extinct volcano which is a beautiful landmark which gives us views for miles around the city and across to the kingdom of fife
<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> A Great Place to live, with stuff always on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Daffoidils every where , beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, the things to do and see, the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing views!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are beautiful views across the silvery tay with twinkling lights on the bridges at night even more beautiful from the Law Hill monument where you can see across the magnificent sights of the picturesque Bonnie Dundee. We also have buildings which have the wow factors such as morgan academy and mcmanus gallery and other beautiful features such as Discovery .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan the city centre is. Also the feeling of peace at the top of The Law. Always a place to escape to to refocus your thoughts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing view of the city as you walk over the bridge
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have grown not to be surprised but to relish the amount of creativity this city fosters. From the art school and far beyond. The initiatives, artist run spaces, music, collectives and individual driving forces who make this city their home and make it amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much there is to see and do in Dundee. Many people including it's own citizens have a bad habit of talking Dundee down but it has superb visitor attractions eg the McManus Galleries, Discovery, Verdant works etc. Some of the architecture both old and modern is very atrractive. There is a great beach at Broughty Ferry, a cycle route round the city and many parks, golf courses etc within easy reach of the city centre. The counrtyside around Dundee provides plenty of walks for the able and less able. All in all it is a great place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since moving here in 2000 to start University I haven't looked back. It's the perfect mix between City and large town - big enough to be anonymous and small enough to feel friendly. It has some really good small eateries too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything about Dundee makes me proud to it's my home
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have worked in Dundee for the last 17 years and in that time it never ceases to amaze me how much it has really flourished creatively to being the innovative and forward thinking city that it is today.

A great deal of commitment, effort and time has been given by the people and employers within the city to create this vibrancy and it certainly deserves to be credited as a City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee 3 times: in the early 70s, the early 80s and now since the early 2000s: physically, the city has been transformed and mostly for the better, with some glaring exceptions. But the people have not really changed - still as friendly, as awkward, as forthright, as loud as ever. They prove you don't have to go to glasgow for these sterling qualities. And the people, not the DCA, the Rep, the bridges, the Tay, the Law - all unique - , are what make the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been invited by my scottish friend to experience the family Ceilidh. Though one word is not enough the describe it all, I would say: AWESOME, I had a really good time. You definitely need to experience it at least once in your life (with a kilt of course!). I think I'll cherish these memories my entire life, and I'll sign-up in the second when the next ceilidh is planned!

Dundee is a nice, peaceful place, where you can breath fresh air, swim in the water, or walk on the beautiful shore. There are plenty of museums around to visit too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Good place to study and loads of things to do as a family.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a Dundonian, it surprises me how people continually tell me that Dundee is so much better than they thought it would be, by what others were saying. Dundee is a city that won't give up on improving itself. Despite the economic situation we are all in, Dundee is adapting and growing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant and multi-cultured city. I love the areas around the west end of Dundee and the University. Beautiful gardens, quaint shops,lovely coffee shops, fantastic restaurants, theaters and exciting bars.

Dundee is an ever changing city, every time I go back to visit there are improvements and something new. There are always fantastic events going on. It is also a city rich in history, displayed at wonderful museums and easy to spot in the streets.

There really is something for everyone in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene!
In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The unexpected glimpses of the river Tay and the Fife countryside as you walk through the centre of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nearing my 21st birthday as a born and bred, living, working, studying Dundonian I love the endless adventuring that can be done within the city. Having a wee gander at the McManus, DCA or Hannah McClure Centre. Meandering up to the Campy, Baxter Park or Magdalen Green. Even venturing as far as the Ferry. The best thing is that having a nosey is in our nature and everyone is welcome to explore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's hidden secret is its people ! We like to laugh, we like to sing, we like to dance and make merry. We are spirited and determined, while being approachable and welcoming. The winning of this bid would enhance the opportunity for the people of Dundee to let the nation and beyond recognise what this City has to offer. Which is an abundance of ' hidden treasures ' in one shape or another. Ye ken it maks sense !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's that Dundee isn't better known for the wonderful place that it is. Outsiders dwell on the negatives about the city but the reality is that that we are a small city with a thriving creative and artistic scene coupled with a surprising smattering of the high tech. And I love that our most famous statues are of cartoon characters!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local knowledge of the staff at the VisitScotland Information Centre(Tourist Information) is astounding, helped us get our feet in a City with a fantastic amount to DISCOVER!!!!

Discovery Point and RRS Discovery is also very good, built by dundonians for scientific research!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a perfectly placed city and isn't overcrowded, the small town big city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is some truly amazing and interesting architecture in the Nethergate and South Tay Street - one of my favourite places in Dundee. The glimpses of the Tay estuary through the buildings add an amazing dimension unlike any other in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that when you walk into any pub, you are guaranteed to find somebody you know or somebody that is worth knowing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The general community spirit and atmosphere created both daily and nightly through the city's people, places and attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm from continental Europe and moved to Dundee for its world class life sciences sector (and the nearby Highlands!), however I now find that Dundee has so many things going for it. One favourite is lunch at the wornderfully eclectic Tea an Cake in the city centre - original, fun and friendly!
<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> Dundee is an ideal city for students who are living for the first time away from home. It has a vibrant creative industry, a diverse night life, good shopping and everything is within walking distance.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My first time in Dundee was on late november last year, when Christmas lights turned ON for the first night and there were this fantastic atmosphere in downtown!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Cemetry is my most favourite, beautiful, quiet place. A place for reflection and peace with the most stunning views from up high right down to the Silvery Tay. Just don't tell everyone....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Art &amp; Design courses at Dundee College are brilliant! The teaching staff are so enthusiastic and are supportive to all students. The Gardyne Campus is a beautiful and welcoming place to study. This is a vibrant and exciting place - the V&amp;A will be right at home when it comes to Dundee with all the homegrown talent alraedy here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think it's great that the sun shines so much in Dundee. Seeing Dundee from across the Tay with the sun shining on it is a wonderful sight. Every time you look you see something different.
<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> Balgay park because of its views across the river tay and observatory. Its good for walks in summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a group, event or club for just about anything you can imagine.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What makes Dundee special to me aside from it being home, is its people, its unique history, its diversity, creativity, our resilience and our pride. That to me is what makes our culture, the richness and depth of experience those things bring never fails.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live. It has a wonderful collection of moods as the seasons and activities changes. Love the dolphins, sailing, students, schools and youth activities. So many clubs and societies with engaging activities at every corner. The University Library will love to create an even wider set of activities for the City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee as an undergraduate in the 1990s and grew to love the place like a second home. As a historian Dundee has many a fantastic story to to tell in social and maritime history. There is a wonderful walk around some underground chambers, that was conducted by by Professor Charles McKeand in the day, I believe the city flooded in the late 17th Century so they just built on top of it and as the flood receded the old chambers opened up; just one gem of many!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of great opportunity. It is easy to get in touch with folk about an idea you have and to see it brought to life without too much red-tape. The support from The McManus, in launching Nomas* Projects has been invaluable and helped build a new platform for contemporary art, here in the heart of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Dundee for me will always be the place where I found love as my future husband hails from is glorious shores!

As an American who moved to Scotland 6 years ago, choosing to live in Dundee will always be one of my greatest decisions! Loved the university experience I got while there and the city will always have a place in my heart. It is a place that has seen so many changes over the years and is constantly working to improve and rejuvenate itself.

Little city with a big personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the city, its only 1hour away form the mountains, glens etc
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the secrets that Dundee hides between the houses all over the city. There are so many little pathways that may lead to the law hill, to the Tay, to a University ground, a mall with young or old or just an old fish restaurant. Its really an amazing place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it's always a nice weather, whereas in Glasgow it always rains. Doesn't matter that you're in the middle of a flood and super rain in the West of Scotland, because you come to Dundee and it's sunny.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Edinburgh 38 years ago, and was expecting something of a cultural desert. However, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the Dundee Rep (then located in an old converted church), who have always gone for adventurous and imaginative productions rather than the “safe” ones you might expect. There has also always been an extremely lively music scene, from classical, rock and folk concerts in the Caird Hall, Fat Sam's, the Rep and Gardyne theatres, to the guitar and jazz festivals, and even the wonderful “bring-your-own-instrument” traditional music sessions in the Fisherman's tavern, Broughty Ferry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the combination of rootedness in its past with a progressive forward thinking attitude towards the future.

Dundee is enjoying a renaissance &amp; there are lots of exciting things happening in the city. From the amazing waterfront transformation to the exciting world class science &amp; medicine in the city linked to Dundee University. This learning city has 2 universities and Abertay is a trailblazer in computer games among other areas.

The 'cultural quarter', the creative energy, and the depth of all kinds of artistic expression in the city attracted the V&amp;A to choose Dundee above all other cities in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I arrived in Dundee in 1966 as a student I was bowled over by the generous spirit of the working class people of the city. There was such an air of optimism then. Going back to Dundee as I do every year I'm shocked at the reversal of fortunes of those same people. The social housing stock being demolished, lack of jobs for young people. Showcase developments like the New Overgate are just a sticking plaster. Good luck with the Waterfront Project but I don't think it will improve the lives of Dundee's working class. The city's hidden secret are the city's poor and downtrodden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is defined by its people. Although many don't have much, they are rich in character, spirit and friendship. For me Dundee is a great place to live and grow up and truly has something for everyone.
Although the streets are ever changing, Dundee has kept its own character due to its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a strong community which is full of people who are more than willing to embrace change to the city. It has got a great mixture of old and new and plenty of things to do for all ages. Plays, musicals, dance, sport, live bands, art, great restaurants, bars, pubs, shopping, outdoor activities, parks, woodlands, beach, the tay, with plenty more on the doorstep how could you not love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is in a fantastic location and the people who live, work and study here manage to produce some of the best science , art and cultural events in the UK!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Mills observatory
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dudhope Skatepark is a free, outdoor facility with a thriving community of skateboarders and bmxers. Continuing Dundee's strong skateboarding heritage which started back in the late 70's / early 80's, it's a great place to ride whether you've been skating for three days or three decades!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My grandfather was walking home from the Kirk holding his father's hand on the night the Tay Bridge came down celebrated by the most awful doggerel ever penned by the 'poet' McGonigall. I went to Queens College in 1959 and took a degree in Chemistry and Physics and returned two years ago for a reunion and was amazed at the transformation of the city from the rundown images I remember in the sixties to the lively and fascinating modern Dundee with Scott's ship and so many other attractions artistic, cultural and physical.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Mountain Festival! Always a great joy to go to. We are very lucky to hear and be inspired by epic adventurers each year, with the beauty of the great outdoors on our doorstep to enjoy afterwards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The upbeat and creative atmosphere, encouraging collaborations and creative interdisciplinary projects, and an ability to make a difference!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the city with its hotchpotch of architectural styles and the friendliness of the dundoneons! The history and the way the city preserves and reveres its local history and its people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I never been there but I will be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's amazing how much of a hidden history and the many people who have a connection with the city especially through literature, entertainment, music, sport &amp; media.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's esplanade provides some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland - its beauty is such that every time I view it, it leaves me lost for words like the very first time I experienced the 'Silvery Tay'.

One of Dundee's greatest assets is simply being able spending time on the banks of Tay. In the mid to late 1800s tourists travelled for miles to marvel at the spectacle.

'The Dundee Esplanade is unrivalled for cycling purposes, and it is truly the cyclist's delight,' says the full-page advertisement in the Dundee Directory for 1898-99.

'Be sure to visit the Whitmair Cycling Pavilion at the east end of the Esplanade, where cycles can be hired by hour, day, or month,' it continues.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its constantly changing and for the better.

There is always plenty to do throughout the city and surrounding area's whether its entertainment in the city centre and the Caird hall, or taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside at Camperdown park, templeton woods and the sidlaws. Dundee has an amazing back drop which should flourish and be appreciated over the coming years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walk along Riverside Drive: Baxters Park: The Beach at Broughty Ferry but most of all THE PEOPLE OF DUNDEE
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is set in an absolutely fantastic location, definitely one of the best in the UK - stunning views across the Tay and to the hills beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is always trying to reinvent it'self, trying to be better than it's percieved. Dundee is different, we are brilliant and it's time for the rest of the world to see that too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm most supprised by the amount of hidden gems, which many people simply do not know about, from the buildings/architecture, if you spend some time looking up! to the attractions and then on to the diversity of the open spaces and mixture on the doorstep. How many other cities can boast a beach, sea front and river bank, a volcano, universities and vibrant cultural quarters, not to mention quality attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always been surprised by the richness, diversity and quality of the Dundee music scene. I was brought up in Arbroath so when I was a young teenager, it was difficult to get to Glasgow and Edinburgh for gigs. However, I was never deprived of music as a result of this. I was always just a short bus ride away from experiencing my favourite bands or hearing incredible new live music, be it in small pubs or larger venues. I eventually went on to study in the city, and although I will graduate and leave Dundee this year, it will always hold a special place in my heart as the city that nurtured my love of music.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a community, heart and soul. It is unique
<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> The first time I went to Stage 2000 I was amazed at how such a vibrant place could be hidden away in such an unpromising building. It definitely needs funding and a spruce up but as it caters for a massive age range from primary school beginners to seasoned old codgers with attitude, it deserves a higher profile and recognition. You can book on-line and the costs are very reasonable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the ability to re-invent itself
exciting to see the city connecting with the river again
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again”
Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer number of creative, enterprising people now living here, many of whom have come from across the world to be passionate about Dundee's future - is always a surprise. Dundee is vibrant!
<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!

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