We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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Dundee’s Parks are the nicest and most varied in any city I have been to. Magdalen Green has wonderful charm and is full of friendly people on a sunny day

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Close community and group of friends, a smaller city bringing more of us together.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great bunch of people aiming to make interesting, challenging, creative things happen. Anyone can get involved, join in or make things happen for themselves, which is what makes it such a brilliant environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity within the city. It is the best place to be inspired by creative individuals working in a city of creative culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The architecture across the city is beautiful. From Morgan Academy (my personal favourite!) to Custom's House and the old D.R.I. They are stunning examples of design and construction!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer. It's diversity of people, places, landscape, events. its research and innovation. It's true community engagement. The best thing- the spirit of its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee buzzes with creative energy. For a city of its size, it has a large and very active scene. Best of all, it has imaginative, creative, dynamic people who make it special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is the city where I got my MSc degree, a great city in all aspects, very friendly people, a warm place to live in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camperdown park is a great area for the kids and for a lovely walk just as a couple. my favourite place to walk in dundee is right along riverside drive and along to city quay it is a beautiful walk seeing both the tay road bridge and the tay rail bridge in the evening all lit up. the caird hall is fantastic the square outside is a lovely setting for a cuppy at the cafe and just to relax in the square.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came here over 30 years ago to go to University and loved it so much I stayed. I am now proud to call this my city and my home. So much has changed, so many amazing things to learn about - who knew the reverse gear was invented by a Dundee man and that Dundee woman once owned a huge tract of Texas?!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee to me is a city of perseverance, passion and pride. I chose to live in the city because of my strong families ties. In my family, storytelling is important, whether it's reminiscing about past events or passing down fables. These stories transfer a rich tapestry of experience on to the next generation. The regenerating of Dundee's industrial heritage has reinvigorated the City and can be interpreted as a symbol for personal transformation. My secret spot is the mosaic bench in Finlathen Park next to the Dighty Burn. A little bit of public art that adds to its setting. I would love to see some stone sculptures from a nearby artist on display there too. His work is inspiring and amazing.
<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> Dundee is full of history and yet is a modern city with a great future and vibrancy. I love the simpicity of going down town and just having an urban adventure and seeing where we end up! The City Centre has wonderful streets, buildings (look up!) and the McManus is great to pop in or linger . The top of Dundee Law is different every visit and I love all the public art that makes Dundee a bit special don't forget the Victorian Parks where we can have fun, nothing beats Baxters Park on Fireworks Night!. We are very lucky to live and work here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ive been away 4 years now, near Glasgow and i have to listen to how great Glasgow is and how Dundee is a' wee toon' with nothing in it, mostly from people who think Dundee is in the highlands!! I love nothing better than bringing weegie pals with me when i come home for a visit, i take them through the town, to the Discovery, across the bridge, up the Law at night (that view stuns them) the McManus and Nicolls for a peh! Weegies now in awe of us, job done. I just let 'meh toon' do the talking!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Many things to see and do in Dundee but for me nothing beats a Sunday afternoon stroll in Camperdown park with my family and the dog.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best thing about Dundee that you will never find anywhere else in Europe is our football, the closest grounds in Europe and win, lose or draw, there will always be friendly rivalry (or banter) yes we will wind each other up, but fans can still drink in the same pubs before and after the match, our fans are disciplined, #fact - welcome to Dundee where equality is happy!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of higher education on offer in Dundee is exceptional, as attested by warm and enthusiastic student reports. World class research in a range of academic fields is recognised in the wider academic community and places Dundee University (including of course Duncan of Jordanstone College) among the very best available.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Legend has it that Jack the Ripper is buried under Bell Street... Last man to be hanged in Dundee... Allegedly....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Park in the sunshine. Best place for a picnic and a kick about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the rooftops From the ground, the city centre is a modern thriving metropolis, but look over the rooftops and you're transported to yesteryear. Intricately carved stone memorials to a time where people, not technology were the workhorses of the city. The courthouse, Tay works, the spires of the many churches, I sit in my fifth floor office, gaze across the unseen cityscape and consider what life must have been like, what's been lost and, more importantly, what's been gained. Dundee a city of history, that's trailblazing into the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Creativity, industry and science all in one fun exciting city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Beano Comics! Knowing they are published by D. C. Thomson, a Dundee publishing company makes each and every annual/comic given to me by my grandparents that little bit more special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city centre with music, art, history, theatre and more in about one square mile
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty that is Debbie Mcleod.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an international student I presented a topic by powerpoint in a language class about , " Dundee, the city of innovation and the city of discovery " My presentation was well but what I would like to let you know is the history I tried to learn about this city from prehistoric era till date are really amazing. Those are with so many discoveries and innovations. particularly my take home message is Dundee went on through castles and battles in earlier ages, city of discovery (year-1900),jam-jute -journalism—late 18th century, a golden time in 1950s and 1960s- employment vs industrial revolution, city of scholars and researchers(one of the intellectual communities in this planet).
<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> I love the seals hauled out on the sandbanks during low-tide in the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The buzz around all of the cultural events; from fantastic productions at Dundee Rep Theatre to packed lectures on a Saturday night.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history involved in any City but for me, Dundee is one of the most interesting. Being one of the first major City's to follow the French Revolution to fight for freedom, liberty and justice. With the most corrupt Provost in almost all of time Lord Provost Riddoch and not to mention the actual Tree of Liberty was thrown into a prison known as the Thief's hole! Being an Interior Design student and being able to take part in a live project which see's this Tree replanted is one of the many reasons I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Overgate and Wellgate. Got nice shops.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a friendly village feel with all the benfits of a big city.
<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> How it was fantastic when I first visited it 35 years ago and just gets better. An event:- Jumping on a bus 35 years ago as a west coast Dundee United Supporter. Had no idea where I was going. Bus driver said he would let me know wher to get off (and did) and a wee woman sat down and talked to me all the way to the ground. On top of the incredible setting and natural assets, it is without doubt the friendliest city in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can cycle from one end to the other along the coast using very little road..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love all our green spaces. They are so well kept and a wonderful way to clear your mind. Id also like to add that the litter collection folk do an amazing job. Our city is not a dirty one!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walks along the waterfront is beautiful in all seasons, and the view from the top of the Law Hill is amazing. These natural places bring genuine richness to the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think of Dundee primarily as A Town By A River. Its location made it important and now it's the source of its identity. The Tay has never been tainted by industrial pollution in the same way as other rivers that run through cities. A reflective moment by the river takes you a journey of the mind, and the memory of it ultimately drew me back here. Economically, the river made Dundee big enough to be cosmopolitan but its economic history has dictated that the city remains small enough to feel like a home town. Culturally, Dundee has a strong sense of itself and an appreciation of the world beyond. I think the river is Dundee's "open secret" for it is a place for thinking, reflecting and imagining. Few things are more cultured than that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Grassy Beach is my favourite Dundee secret. I'm sure it has it's own microclimate as when the weather is dire elsewhere, it usually feels much milder there. I also love beachcombing and once picked up a large wooden crucifix wih a silver Christ on it. I decided that there must be more treasure on the beach so continued searching and found a brooch which I pocketed whithout much attention. The crucifix disappeared but when I took the brooch home, I discovered that it was gold with garnets in it - so I did find treasure that day on my magical beach. Twenty years on I'm still searching for the crucifix !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> .....nothing surprises me about the city, it has always been a special place called home to me and I have always taken great pride and pleasure in welcoming visiting friends to see for themselves. To this day I am still discovering places and things I never knew before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city I grew up in and it is a fantastic place, and I miss it now I live and work in Glasgow. The language in Dundee is just brilliant; from aninineenanaw to the only sentence in the English language with no consenants, I e' I' a' (I ate it all!).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> T Ann cake
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As someone not native to these shores, I am proud that I now live in Dundee. It is a super-compact city that has everything on your doorstep. But What I appreciate the most is the warmth, the helpfulness that local Dundonians have offered me. Ten years down the line, I am still here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many miles of green space surrounding the city, each park including Camperdown, Lochee, Balgay, Victoria have their own uniqueness and beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Astonishing views, warm people, fantastic University! I love Dundee, its my second home town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual 'Dundee Blues Bonanza' is a great event for meeting people from all over the UK and Europe. Lots of bands, large and small, play in cafes and bars all over the City and also do music workshops, for young and old!! It's the biggest 'free' Blues Bonanza in Europe and this year is it's19th anniversary!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place with interesting little pockets of history from the Howff graveyard to the Mcmanus gallery and surprising little art deco details of some forgotten old buildings. I like looking out for all the little bits of public sculpture as well - I think the penguins heading for Discovery are my favourite!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A vibrant business community with a ''can do'' attitude that welcomed with open arms MacRoberts as a new entrant to the City earlier in the year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me most about Dundee is the continual diversity of our City in terms of people, its space and location. Dundee is Scotland's fourth largest City but yet it's small enough to allow for strong community bonds and a shared cultural past and future. No matter how long you live or stay here there is always something hidden away that will one day jump out and surprise you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The V&amp;A... City Quay, two ships,what a great place tae visit &amp; stay... DUNDEE's Growing &amp; Glowing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene in Dundee is very diverse, for a small city we have some great venues and bands. Not to mention our great blues festival! It really helps put Dundee on the map.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since a young age, the Rep theatre has always been a place of awe for me growing up. There's something about it that just feels magical &amp; buzzing with creativity &amp; energy. Dundee Uni campus itself is a brilliant place to be - unlike any of the 3 other universities I studied at after graduating from DofJ. Not only its huge size &amp; location, with amazing views that any student would value, but its ability to not exclude the public from its joys. Magdalen Green will forever hold special memories for me &amp; my student days. I defie anyone to have had a better student flat in a better place with views like I did, of the Tay &amp; the bridge. Stephen Fry said it perfectly regarding Dundee's unique, stunning location for a city. Aside from these factors, Dundee has a power over people who visit - they don't want to leave!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals sunbathing in the morning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth and diversity of creative individuals all in such a close and accessible proximity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We Dundee... A city brimming over with design, creativity and optimism; warm and welcoming people with resilience and determination to succeed; fantastic jewellers, artists and designers (young talent: Scarlett Erskine, Leanne Evans, Hayley Scanlon); creative entrepreneurs like Vanilla Ink and the Fleet Collective where collaboration and talent ignite; the Parlour Cafe and Jessie's Kitchen; so many shows, exhibitions, festivals and events from the universities, the Rep, the DCA, the theatres, the galleries &amp; museums; and a stunning location to live, work and enjoy. My Dundee is fabulous!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everytime I look for help for a project within the creative community, be it volunteers or advice/expertise, I always receive support. The people's justified optimism and community spirit make me super proud to have made Dundee my home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sounds daft, but often when I'm in the queue at Tesco on Riverside, I'll have a look out the window across the Tay and think just how lucky I am to live in Dundee – with the sun streaming down the Tay, it really is a gorgeous view. The river has been underutilised in the past, but with the V&amp;A opening, and the redevelopment of the centre, hopefully that will be addressed. And while Dundee has a great view across the river, those on the other side have a great view of Dundee’s skyline.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, Dundee has presented the best music scene that Scotland has seen in recent years and hosted the best in art, computer art, animation and computer gaming.
<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> Looking across from Fife as the winter sun sets, the silhouette is unmistakable and the bridges dark against the pastel flow of the river. There not many other cities in Britain that create such an instantly recognisable horizon. Then the sun sets and Dundee sparkles into life as the myriad of lights paint the river with trails that stretch gently towards the fife coastline. Beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Architecture, which is a mixture of neo-classical, Victorian and Modern ... you only have to raise your eyes in Dundee, past the shop fronts and detritus of modern living to be amazed by the detail and beauty of the city's buildings! Not only that but Dundee's commitment to the Arts is represented by the DCA and the literary festival and by students and gradates of the numerous arts programmes that the city hosts. With the coming of the V&amp;A I can only see Dundee's Cultural future is set to grow and grow
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a distinctive culture and tradition and is big enough to have at least one of everything, that makes a city worth living in and visiting - and of course there is more to come. It also a view from the top of the Law that takes your breath away - while also looking like a child's picture book of a city. Where else can you watch - all at the same time - a train crossing a bridge, a plane about to land, ships leaving harbour, and a cityscape set in the most beautiful natural surroundings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The botanic gardens were a complete surprise - an oasis in the middle of the city and my 2.5 year old loved it too!
<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> A small city with a big image: Universities, hospitals, museums, music, films, sport, hotels, restaurants, shopping, transport, bingo, discos, nightclubs, theatres, workshops, Dundee holds its own with other cities. But there are also beautiful flowerbeds and gardens, beaches and castles. Dolphins and seals swim before us and the Aurora Borealis lights the skies. Dundee has produced too many famous people to list here. Visitors are always surprised at the diversity of culture in this warm-hearted and generous city. I love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden Secrets- Doghouse, Legends, the scientific collections a Dundee Uni.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view of Dundee from the Fife side of the Tay. Strolling in Camperdown Park. Great eateries on Perth Rd, especially for fish and chips!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The willingness of people to support fledglings artists, people are passionate enough to offer their help and support for free!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing creative scene, Photographers (like us!) Film Makers, Jewellery, Fashion, Games Design. Vibrant, Cutting Edge and Diverse
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a very fast developing city. Its place in Scientific discoveries is irreplaceable and the collaborations of creative disciplines! Dundee is a little heaven of Britain and whoever comes here falls in love from the first sight.
<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> Wonderful restaurants and great people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is truly cosmopolitan. People come from all over the world, fall in love with it, and are always sorry to leave. It has everything you need and there is always something going on or something new to see. My favourite things are the McManus, the DCA, Balgay Hill, the Blues Bonanza, the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show and the view from my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Born and educated in Dundee from 1946 -1972 I have been astounded by the transformation of the city over the last 40 years. As the transformation continues returning to the city and the University are always a revelation. Dundee continues to be a vibrant visionary city and shall always have a place in my heart.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised at Dundee City councils softly softly approach towards the "Occupy Dundee" protest at the Steeple Church in the city in 201.They were so forthcoming that the occupiers agreed to abandon the protest before a costly eviction,which would have been a burden on the tax payer. In doing so the council offered the occupiers a building in Castle street as a base. I beleive that offer still stands,and the premises may well be used as a soup kitchen for the homeless in the near future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's under appreciated (and mostly free) music scene showcases a huge array of local talent and really makes me proud of what the people of this city are capable of achieving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City and the people are growing and expanding ALL THE TIME. Their ability to embrace change and look to the future is inspiring!! City of Culture would give this City the springboard it deserves into a cultural explosion of sharing our differences.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> right opposite the DUSA students union exist - down the little road to look out over the water. There is a little bench with te most amazing views out over the tay. I found out on my garduation day that as we past my grandad proposed to my gran there - a very special place and one of my Dundee Uni memories!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunny weather. The SPECTACULAR setting on the River Tay. The world class Universities. The rich history. Even Glasgow doesn't have its own stone circle. The mince roll.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since having my son who is 2 I've rediscovered Dundee, in particular some of the incredible green spaces we have.Balgay and Magdalen are within walking distance for us, however the Botanic Gardens (or the jungle as my son refers to it) is a little haven full of surprises. Perfect for picnics, playtime and public art. They've hosted some incredible events over the years, N_ILK at the Botanics being one of my favourites.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Living out with the city, I find it very uplifting travelling over the bridge to what I consider my hometown. There is a great creative buzz floating around in all that friendliness. DCA, SDT, the Rep to name only a few, have together raised the profile and given us a city to be proud of - Dundonians are proud people and now they have a lot to be proud about!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived out of this great City for 25 years, visit as often as I can, and now I'm heading home. It's Dundee's time and I for one don't want to miss it. If any City deserves it's place in the world and recognition for it's contribution, for all manner of wonderful reasons, then here's my vote. 'Dundee is like a light across my heart' - Michael Marra. This covers it for me. Good luck Dundee. You deserve it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The atmosphere at the Blues Bonanza is amazing. Loads of great bands, free and everybody gets on (most of the time). Great for visitors to see what Dundee can be like.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything surprises me about Dundee. The resilience of the people, the beauty of the surroundings, the quality of the current vision for the City - Mostly though its the talent of the people; the music makers, artists, film makers, web designers, game designers, dancers, actors.....the list goes on and on. We produce, we create, we watch, we enable, we educate, we enjoy, we interact, we dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Fifer now living in Perth I have watched Dundee grow into a vibrant city.It has so much to offer not just shopping but good restaurants and many interesting places to visit but my favourite place is the McManus Gallery and Museum.It's a stunning building with many interesting exhibits.I would also like to mention the DJCAD Degree show which is held in May, it's a fantastic opportunity to see all the talented students,their amazing work and to get a chance to wander around the University
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 is a city that has the ability to keep reinventing itself. From whaling to jute, jam and journalism to electronic technology to biomedics. A city that encourages each successive generation to achieve to their full potential. Music, writing, drama, dance, sport...a truly amazing place to have grown up in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a foreigner working in Dundee I am most touched by Dundonians' intrinsic desire to improve their communities by working together. The Dundee Dance Partnership is an example of this and a model to follow in other areas. Dundee promotes social and cultural exchanges in every corner of the city, all in a humorous and light-hearted way but without trivialising the impact of such a conversation. Dundee symbolises the slogan "working together for an equal and better future", embracing the challenges that such a lofty cause might entail.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In Novemeber, I was involved in, and attended the launch of Hayley Scanlan's first fashion collection. The event was at the McManus Galleries. To see someone from here moving up and gradually becoming a global name in the world of fashion is great for Dundee. It shows the creative side of our city, which may be (unfairly) overshadowed by other which are more normally associated with the arts and creative industries. I.e. Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland and the usual ones south of the border.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Growing up in Dundee in the 80's most of my school friends uprooted and left for the likes of Glasgow, Edinburgh or the bright lights south of the border. Dundee's renaissance over the past 30 years however is changing peoples view of the City supported by a World class University, World class Tourist Attractions, World class people... Big Difference? Dundee is now a City to be proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What we like best about Dundee: Me, my wife and two boys simply love the Grassy Beach Walk from Stannergate to Broughty Ferry. The walk coupled with the views of the sun glistening off the River Tay are simply breathtaking. Ample reward is to be had at the end of the long pleasant walk with a cold drink or two (alfresco I might add) at the all too inviting Ship Inn by the side of the river. Where else in the UK can you spot dolphins bobbing in and out of the Silvery Tay and also catch a glimpse of Bob Servant's extension! Now thats what I call a family walk on a Sunday!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee band REVOLVER is the best Beatles tribute band in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design continues to 'fleh heh' as one of Britain's Top 5 art schools, but paradoxically remains a hidden gem, both locally and nationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyone is treated equally here with no pretensions. People come before money in Dundee. Dundee men are less likely to patronise women than other places. For example, Dundee men are comfortable to take and collect their kids to school if their wives work. If I would change anything it would be to get Dundee folk to eat more fresh food (and that doesn't mean cakes), I should say Dundee bakeries are really fine. Dundee would warmly welcome visitors who came to this event and they themselves would blossom from the experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's sunniest city!
<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 architecture hidden in plain sight in the city centre!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant literary community- we have the Dundee Literary Festival, the International Book Prize and lots of author events, poetry readings and live literature going on all year round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great cycle paths means getting around on 2 wheels is easy - cycling alongside the river or across the bridge - fantastic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden beauty of a past industrial city surprises me every day. I am new to the city, having chosen to study in Dundee over the other cities that the UK has to offer, and every time I travel I am stunned by the beauty that the city has.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage that spans millennia, from the Balgarthno Stone Circle to hillfort ramparts on the Law, the Dark Stane Roundie, the De'il's Stane, King Alexander I and his Queen Sybilla living in Menzieshill in the 1100's, the many castles around and into the industrial era and the connections to the world via the river and railways. Some of which may be gone, but need never be forgotten.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing location of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Personally, I feel that Dundee is an amazing city that has a lot to offer. Walking up Law Hill to the top to see the most beautiful sights. You can walk along the beach in broughty ferry which is a personal favourite of mine during the summer. There's a lot of parks to sit and relax in the summer. The people are always kind and helpful when in need. I have lived here for the past 3 years whilst at the university and it has to be one of the best experiences I have had so far!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The tabletop gaming community! A great and growing group of diverse individuals, shops and organisations who help make amazing things happen in the city on a daily basis!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much is going on, from band gigs to comedy shows with everything, including drama and ballet, in between. Since I came to Dundee nearly 30 years ago, I've watched it transform from an ugly duckling into a swan, from something of a "cultural backwater" to a great, exciting and entertaining place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views of the River Tay from Riverside Drive out towards the airport - especially at sunset! The excitement in the city at the arrival of V&amp;A and the changes at the waterfront - it's going to be amazing!! Can't wait till the Tayside House building is totally flattened.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It actually is a surprisingly sunny city with sunny people and sometimes sunny, but always brilliant, inner-city walks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of cultural activities and sites available in and around the city. From fantastic architecture (buildings and bridges) to a whole range of galleries and parks, to the theatres, cinemas, concert halls, football stadia, etc. Not to mention the mighty Tay and Macgonagall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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.

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