We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Pulling off yet another Dundee Womens festival, most probably the largest and most varied women’s festival in the UK, by harnessing the strengths, talents, enthusiasm, creativity and generosity of the community, that is Dundee. Celebrating women’s culture, women’s stories, women’s wisdom, women’s identities and women’s lives.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I live in the west end of the city, high up above Perth Road and just in front of Blackness Road. I have an uninterupted view of the River Tay. I waken each morning and the view never fails to amaze me. It is fantastic and the ever changing river provides a backdrop for all sorts of wildlife. I can look west towards Perth and see what sort of weather is coming my way and I look east and sometimes see the 'haar' rolling up the river.I am a very fortunate Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a deeply dedicated and fully engaged culture of arts, science, research and innovation. With two universities, museums, galleries and a fab science centre it provide myriad opportunities for people to play, learn and discover.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The great art collection in the McManus Gallery. And the great mixture of Architecture in the city such as the grand old houses.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee University campus holds an incredible vibe about it. I remember first starting university and being completely awed by the atmosphere always surrounding the campus and the community spirit of the university. Whether it's your freshers week, a random night out, or even cramming at the library, the fact that all the uni's institutions are contained in this one campus means the place has a constant buzz about it. I doubt there's many other universities that hold the same exciting atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an annual event, held during March to coincide with International Women's Day. This is a very diverse festival with a wide variety of events held all across the city - culture, sport, leisure and celebrating Dundee's women. There is sure to be something to appeal to you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the closest two football stadiums in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My daughter first came to Dundee 5 years ago to study medicine, it was very daunting for us as parents to send our first born to little known to us city in a foreign country. We needn't have worried she fitted in like a duck to water from the very minute she moved there and now it seems she has met the love of her life a local Dundee lad.. She has never felt unsafe in Dundee and on our many visits we have always enjoyed ourselves immensely, one of Dundee's greatest assets is it's close proximity to the sea, there's nothing we like more than taking the bus to Broughty Ferry. It's wonderful to see the amount of work in progress in Dundee and when it's all complete soon it will have undergone an amazing transformation. People of Dundee should be proud of their wonderful city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee rep have been at the leading edge of regional theatre for as long as I can remember. I grew up with so many great productions that I didn't realise how special they were and how lucky I was until I moved away from the city. It's not so much a hidden secret as a treasure hidden in plain sight, so much a part if the Dundee landscape that its easy to forget what a truly amazing resource it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sitting in Mennies bar and looking down on the beautiful curves of the Tay Bridge, nice.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DoJ Art &amp; Design College (where I studied)

It doesn't have a fancy heritage like Glasgow or Edinburgh, therefore the students &amp; the staff have to rely on simply making great work and a lot of it. No sitting back and resting on old glories.
<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> We have the two closest football grounds in europe
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative resilience of the people. And how much I still like a peh.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My birthplace and although I have not lived in the UK for 32 years when I return it is still my home. I have watched it's development over the years and at times have shaken my head at decision made by the planners and council. That being said I believe the new development plans are on the right track. The town has always been extremely supportive of the culture of scotland and of its own heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> "eh"; how under-rated it is; the people; buildings; how green it is; great local produce; steak pies; universities, great city yet how modest it is - from an Edinburgh man !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden lanes in the west end. It's like stepping back 200 years and you can still feel the presence of those who lived there and hear the carriages the lanes were designed for. Each turn is a surprise. Great to get lost in!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views across the estuary, the beeches, the parks with pavilions, ponds and castles in them, the architecture, the friendly people, the restaurants and pubs, museums and the sunniness!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's Jute Museum at Verdant works.
<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> i'm not too far from anything. i can walk to everything i need- university, gym, pub and the shops! improvements are constantly being made to the city which is very exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always blown me away. From the first time I came to look round DJCAD as a hopeful student-to-be in 1994, this sunshine city floored me with it’s warm, genuine, open and friendly nature. During my time in the City I have witnessed several rebirths of it’s landscape; from the pedestrianisation of the City Centre, the demolition of the Nethergate Centre, the transformation of residential areas such as the Ardler Village development, and the opening of the DCA in 1999. It has a determined spirit to change and progress and look to the future. Dundee’s renaissance is seemingly unstoppable. It’s driving force, the folk that make up the Dee’s colourful landscape are gritty, determined, creative, edgy and hopeful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A mIghty long bridge
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From it's unique cultural diversity to the well balanced synthesis between large-city and small community living, Dundee offers a unique balance which caters for everyone. Developed with environmental aesthetics in mind, the myriad of green spaces and waterways combine contemporary urban landscapes with more naturalised ones. The small hidden gems are plentiful with many unique shops, cafes, pubs and entertainment venues, representative of the eclectic nature of the city and it's residents.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has now been home to Scotland's biggest computer games festival for two years, run by University of Abertay Dundee (8-11 August 2013).

Dare Protoplay attracts the world's best young game designers and gives the public the chance to play exciting and innovative games before they're released. It includes the internationally-renowned Dare to be Digital competition, involving student teams building a game in only nine weeks.

A fantastic family event to inspire the next generation of computer games makers, keeping Dundee firmly on the computer games map!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University's Saturday Evening Lecture Series - where town and gown meet, with no pretensions!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History remains to be seen in the everyday life of Dundee. In the town we have old gas lamps (converted to electricity) standing in the middle of the street and tram lines and cobbles to follow through town. I recently found one of my ancestors was on the voyage to save Captain Scott in the Antarctic and so even I, who have lived here all my life, am still learning about the importance of Dundee on a Global scale (being one of the first parts of Britain to trade with India for the Jute trade) and on a personal level.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural city. It has a great creative hub with some inspiring works by people from all around the world. It is a thriving place for art, music, dance, theater and science. Dundee never fails to surprise me. It is not just the city of discovery but also the creative city yet to be reinvented.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art &amp; Design annual Degree Show at the University of Dundee. What a fantastic art and design teaching ethos and culture that exists within this Dundee institution to produce this showcase of talent each year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mini gothic cathedral just across the water (Leng Memorial Chapel), the weird acoustics of the Wormit water reservoir, the clock in the Wellgate, having a peaceful sandwich in the Howff graveyard and storytelling in the library.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where we start? Frigate Unicorn, five or is it six castles, the Rep, the Botanic gardens, Tannadice park, DCA, Discovery, the Tay bridge, Camperdown House and park, two Universities, Geddes quad, the Space, McManus galleries, St Mary's tower, Balgay park, Observatory, Maggies centre, Ninewells, this list goes on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the few places in the world where an adventure can be found behind every corner. I often describe Dundee as the worlds biggest village- everyone seems to know everyone. Yet, on the other hand, Dundee offers enough experiences to feel like the world is on your doorstep through cuisine, art, culture, music and Education.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's location at the mouth of the Tay offere unparalled natural beauty and light unlike any other.

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

I lived there, first as a student and then working, for 17 years. I love the place. Sitll do. The best friends I have in this world still live there. There's a reason for that too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> The amount of talent that originates from home grown routes right here in the city and makes an impact both within the city and world wide. The potential and capability of the people is extremely inspiring and should challenge us all to work harder.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> T Ann Cake! The best coffee and cake in Dundee, brilliant decor and you're always greeted with a cheery smile. Doesn't get better than this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v&amp; a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strength of its creative community. Supportive practitioners are working together to promote the cities design talent. Building a stronger creative identity for Dundee collectively.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be "jam, jute and journalism". Now it is vibrant, with mainstream and arthouse cinemas, live concerts, good theatres, a wide range of restaurants, including those specialising in local cuisine as well as a variety of different ethnic cuisines, and both old and new places to relax and socialise. The fact that the museums and heritage sites are here is just the tip of the iceberg. Dundee offers something for everyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the absolutely perfect place to see the whole of Scotland - we have the rivers, the sea, the hills, the glens, the cities and the countryside all within a stone's throw! And that's not to mention everything Dundee has all by itself culture, history, scenery, shopping, sport ... need I go on??
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised how much cricket goes on in Dundee and the surrounding area. There are four clubs in Dundee alone, and some really nice grounds. Back Dundee and back grass-roots cricket!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sometimes you have to look a little closer or a look at a city from a different angle to discover the hidden gems of arcitecture or urban archeology that may be there but never seen. Dundee is a facinating plave for this. The grand gateway to the Howfe that has never been opened for decades, The 1/4 mile long aquaduct over the Dichty burn at Fintry ....
<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> The resilience of the city and the people - we keep geting knocked down and we still show a unity to keep going until we succeed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing place with amazing cultural scene- and welcoming friendliness. I arrived in Dundee in 2000 from abroad and immediately felt welcome.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is very much in touch with its people, whether the civic development of the city likes it or not. The uprising at the water front area and other less recent developments in the city belie the reality of its people and its heritage. For me, Dundee is about its people, their characters and steely caring nature. Just now most people talking about Dundee and the validity of its cultural heritage don't seem to know the Dundee that Dundonioans know, which is sad. If the rest of the world took some time to challenge their ability to understand people, they would see that Dundee's people, amongst its history and civic setting, are what makes the place so special. Something like Marmite.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you live in Dundee you are within a 10 minute drive to the beach, beautiful parks and the countryside as well as a cultural quarter in the west end. Our community centres also provide a wide variety of learning opportunities with something to suit all tastes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a huge amount of creative talent within the city.
<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> Accessibility of classical music in a variety of forms:

-The Dundee Chamber Music Society
-Live from the Met Operas &amp; Ballets at the DCA
-The University of Dundee's Friday Lunchtime Concerts at the Chaplaincy
-Opera, Ballet and Classical Concerts (RSNO) at the Caird Hall
-Dundee Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
-Amateur opera productions at Gardyne Road and elsewhere
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Design houses in Dundee produce world leading technology, recognised throughout the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Cannae beat a proper Dundonian cultural experience in the twa Clarkys- starting with Clarks live music bar on Lindsay Street for the most bangin' new folky vibes you'll find in Scotland and a few pints with the local belters. Best followed in the early hours by a peh wi a panini fae Clarkys 24 hour bakery (Scotland's finest 24 hour eatery). Glorious
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Going from strength to strenght reinventing itself. Full of hidden gems allready and only increasing.

Dundee is truly a city of many discoveries!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> magdalene yard road gardens, on a sunny day, with friends, bubbles and laughter x
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is transforming itself in to a modern bright city for future generations to enjoy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to the Camperdownii Elm or Ulmus Glabra, of which I have two in my garden. This rare tree was first discovered as a mutant hybrid in Dundee's Camperdown Park around 1840. Every Camperdownii Elm in the world is descended from cuttings from that original tree, since the tree does not seed. I have never seen another tree quite like it. Their twisted, spiraling branches and umbrella of weeping leaves are truly unique and every one who visits my home comments on how amazing they look and are always surprised to learn Dundee has its own tree.
<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> 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> Growing up rather poor and with some nasty experiences I came to the point in 6th year of highschool where I was ready to leave my hometown and pursue my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. I had some outstanding achievements- sporting and otherwise- but I feared that my studying had been very much inhibited by my circumstances. The University of Dundee uniquely offered me the opportunity of summer school as a condition, having sent out an email asking of any outstanding circumstances. This holistic view and kindheartedness shone out above the other universities and I excitedly accepted.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's national contemporary dance company is based in Dundee at the Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> SCUMDEE they said, don't go there. But I did.
This is a city with ambition and guts, somewhere to watch. So much has changed in the last 10 years, I can't wait to watch in awe as the city expands into it's beautiful setting, stretching it's legs and showing the world what it is all about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the sunniest cities in the UK and has a rich history and culture kept alive daily by the humble Dundonian. Lying on the North shores of the Firth of Tay with two leading Universities, a teaching hospital and home to large businesses like Alliance Trust, Michelin and NCR as well as a host of other multinational and local businesses Dundee is a great place to live. The cultural quarter with museums, theatres and restaurants and the upcoming V&amp;A at Dundee make Dundee a worthy contender for City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Student life - having spent 4 years there is a culture seldom seen at larger universities where all of the students socialise together regardless of course or faculty and this also transfers into fitting into the City. There is a pride in alumni that I have never seen from other university graduates.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great industrial legacy, wonderful thriving city full of creative and vibrant people. Downtown Dundee is great, artisan shops and cafe's, DCA wonderful arthouse cinema and gallery. Wonderful musicians - The View, Hazy Janes and my absolute favourite St Andrew (Andy Pelc) famous amongst those "in the know" he has talent in abundance!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it produces music of such diverse style, colour and excellence.

The Annual Dundee Blues Festival, brings acts from all over the world, giving the locals of Dundee a chance to experience the richness and culture of world class Blues music.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's no surprise to me but it is a welcome suprise to film and TV projects that they find intriguing locations, a can-do approach and sunshine even when it's snowing fifty miles away. TayScreen, the screen office for Dundee City Council happily supports Dundee's bid.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant modern city with a wonderful history
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is my hometown and has always been a friendly city. It has hugely improved since the 60s. Its great attractions with the two ships , The Discovery and The Frigate Unicorn. The music festvals and our well known Ninewells hospital.
<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> All dundee's public artwork. My favourites are desperate dan and the dragon. Also some of the buildings in dundee are beautiful like the McManus, the maggies centre and St. Paul's cathedral
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Get the hidden closes opened up. They are a fantastic asset to Dundee and not many people know about them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Has to be the Dundee derby. Friends sharing pints and banter hate each other for 90 minutes only, then meet up again for more pints and banter!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How proud people are to be from dundee. Its a city in need of a facelift but the people of dundee love it unconditionally.
<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> Dundee has slowly grown around a volcano which is known as The Law, It last erupted 1.5 million years ago. The Law has a tunnel which runs through it. It used to be used for the railway to Newtyle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Women's trail. Find out about all the Dundee Women who have plaques in and around the city centre, such as No 24. JANET KEILLOR 1737-1813.Plaque above the bakers shop at the top of Castle Street. or No 14.VICTORIA DRUMMOND 1894 -1978.
Plaque located at ABERTAY UNIVERSITY Bell Street Dundee. or No 19 MARY SLESSOR 1848 - 1915. Plaque located just up from the Wishart Arch. There are many plaques to discover and see how these ladies were pioneers in their field.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite Dundonians propensity to bemoan and belittle their city , Dundee punches above its weight for many reasons: Two universities that are leaders in their respective fields; University of Dundee, the mature sibling an internationally renowned leader in medicine and cancer research. Abertay, the cocky younger sibling, leading the way in video gaming, forging dynamic international links with major players and its internationally acclaimed ‘Dare to be Digital’ competition. Art with the nationally acclaimed Rep, local amateur companies and the DCA with cutting edge exhibitions and foreign cinema. Accessible history with the McManus Museum, Discovery Point, Verdant Works and the Howff an ‘A’ listed Burial Ground.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and bred in Dundee and no matter where I have gone in the world I have always been pulled back. Dundee has a magical quality which my father kept alive for us through tales of glass staircases and worthies! As a nurse in Dundee I have had the privilege to have met and looked after a diverse and colourful cast of characters! I love our city and the people in it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The author of Frankenstien, Mary Godwin Shelley, holidayed in Dundee as a girl. She even mentions it in the introduction to her famous novel. A plaque marking the site of the cottage where she stayed is embedded in a building on the city's South Baffin Street off Broughty Ferry Road. This is just one of Dundee's literary claims to fame!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden creative community which is so strong and friendly. It is very supportive, especially when you look at Vanilla Ink.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing speed at which it has developed into a cool city i.e. over the last 18 years since i went there to university
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The number of opportunities to be in the audience of such a wide choice of presentations whether musical, artistic or informative.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a busker who frequents the Murraygate and High Street, who plays the harmonica better than anyone I've ever heard. He plays blues and the experience is even better when someone, a stranger, joins in to accompany on vocals, which happens quite often.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Balgay Hill is an amazing place for taking photographs of wildlife or of views of the city. The seasonal changes can be captured by trees in Autumn or after heavy snowfalls. The Observatory is educational and in a prime site. The cemetary houses commonwealth graves and many very old graves ornately created and should be preserved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, through adversity they keep on going.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so vibrant and focussed on the future, not the past.
<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> Dundee is special !!! Because it the only place in the UK that houses a great and creative acting and dance company in one building . Dundee Rep Enssemble and Scottish Dance Theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre is a place to be proud of .!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its riddled with irish invaders (myself included) and its just like being at home... minus the relentless bombing of each other. Clarkes 24 hour bakery is an absolute delight and the biggest asset dundee has to offer. Serving the burst student community and lining their stomachs for the lecture filled day just a few hours away. KEN THAT!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by the city's cultural camaraderie. A visitor is as likely to see an impromptu street performance by a Lochee bard from the "schemes" as they are a zydeko gig put on by Perth Road students. Everything is accepted and there is no snobbery, only curiosity!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in Scotland which has a dedicated internet TV channel which anyone can join in and Dundee is just like that it's a place willing to accept new ideas and try out new concepts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Law Hill.
Always great to see when you have been away from the city for a while.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As Tony Blair said "Education, education, education." what a wonderful place to study. Why is the ISIN project not being backed by a city full of engineering and education?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its sunshine ! Its safely !
Love Dundee !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has become my 'home from home' over the past 13 years. I moved here at 17 to study and have never left! I love the fact that Dundee is a city, yet it is right next to the countryside.I love running along the river front and strolling along Broughty Ferry beach with an ice cream from Vissochis. I enjoy admiring the views of Dundee from the other side of the Tay Bridge. I enjoy the buzz from the West End and the Cultural Quarter and the diversity of the people you meet here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Monument of martyr of protestantism, George Wishart.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gem of our city is the attitude of the staff at the university. They are a family; they are colleagues; they are accepting and inspiring. University can be hard for students, as it was for me on occasion; the staff at my school made life easy and academia enjoyable. We have one-on-one with lecturers and support staff, and even the Dean over coffee, wine, and stand-up comedy- this is not a closed community. The secret to Dundee is that it is realises that to be great you need to integrate and evolve, and that is what I have done here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since returning to Dundee after an absence of 30 years I have been truly amazed at the can do attitude of the people here and the extraordinary determination to transform the city, which despite all the challenges, is bearing fruit. What is being achieved by Dundee is an example for all to follow and if awarded UK City of Culture status will fully merit the honour and Dundee will do justice to it benefiting not just Dundee and its surrounds but all of the UK. I've worked in cities round the world but none have the spirit of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location location location - the river provides some of the most sublime light to be found in a British city
<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> As a relative newcomer to Dundee, I had no idea there was so much going on here. There are so many creative people, so many exciting new projects, and there's so much to explore. Quite inspiring for a small place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love how nearly everyone I meet, from cabbies to people in the queue at the bank, has a story about their Dundee. Some are reminiscing about old Dundee but a lot are talking about what's going on in the city now and how vibrant it's becoming. The one thing they all are is proud of Bonnie Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The girls football leagues &amp; teams of all ages which play in Dundee and play team from the surrounding areas is a great opportunity for girls of all ages to improve and test their skills.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city which really emphasizes its natural beauty. From the spectacular views from The Law to the Tay Bridge, there isn't a part of Dundee that doesn't have a beautiful aspect about it. Our cultural diversity is already present and growing at a rapid rate, led forward by two universities that attract students from all around the globe. A spectacular city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just a few of the many words that can be used to describe our wonderful City:-
Delightful
Unique
Nostalgic
Deserving
Exciting
Encouraging
<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> Watching the wonderfully wild sea life from the waterfront area, birds, seals and even dolphins. Breathing the fresh sea air and observing the weather rolling in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of light around our city is amazing. The combination of a huge estuary and big sky means Scotland's sunniest city has a unique quality of light. Not exactly hidden; but perhaps not always noticed and appreciated. It took a spell of 5 years working in Oban Monday to Friday to make me fully appreciate this natural feature of our beautiful city. It lifted my spirit when I drove back into the city every Friday night...
<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!

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