We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Well Dundee is my home city and I just love it! The people are fun and friendly. Eh just love the way we speak! Pure teckle!
There are loads of amazing parks to take the bairns – the swannie ponds is fab in Summer and Winter – I grew up with stories of ice skating on the ponds.
Tannadice is hallowed ground – I grew up there with my uncle and cousins, and now my wee boy is United daft too. And what about the brilliant Michael Marra’s song about Hamish McAlpine and Grace Kelly!
The Lochee baths – aye freezing, Victorian splendour and full of characters.
St. Mary’s Lochee Catholic Church – absolutely beautiful – and funded by Irish immigrants that helped build the population of Dundee from the 1840s.
Juteopolis – a brilliant book about Dundee and its people.
The Cleppie Road – and the imaginary ‘secret tunnel’ that goes from Aunty Isabel’s bin store on the Cleppie, underground to Tannadice. (Ok – so its not real but its in my imagination).
Lawside Academy – my young days of joy roaming the streets of Downfield and Ardler with my pals – days out up the “Seedlees” (Sidlaws) with picnics, swinging over the Dighty Burn on a rope swing.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for University, not knowing anyone and living by myself for the very first time. It was scary to say the least. But, Dundee is one of the most friendliest places I've ever been and straight away I felt welcomed.
I've grown to love this little city and can't ever imagine leaving so much so I'm staying another year to study my Masters.
As well as this the city offers so much for creatives, in Summer 2012 I got the chance to intern for 'Vanilla Ink', it is businesses like this that make Dundee, and it should be recongised, we may be a small city but we have A LOT of talent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a small city - can feel like a village, in social terms, but with everything a city should have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very honest and there is no falseness around them, no pretense
Oh and did I forget to mention the CAHID centre, the best in its field in the uk by far
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The changes are suprising
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that that Dundee is ambitious, fresh alive and always changing - yet keeping to its roots. Did you know that there used to be a pub for every 20 families in Dundee. However, we have grown up now and there is now a Tesco for every 20 families. I hope the bid is successful - every little helps...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite a lack of national exposure, Dundee's creative community continues to flourish and produce young, genuinely innovative art across many media. There is always something exciting happening in Dundee's bars and galleries. With the help of the DCA, DoJ and other well-meaning parties such as local music promoters; musicians, film-makers, artists and designers will always find a home for their terrific talent somewhere in the city.
<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> Hidden away and oft underrated Dundee is a really beautiful city with a huge amount going on for its size. The Tin Roof which from the outside looks like an abandoned warehouse is actually a studio which holds some awesome galleries and exhibitions, with live music, food, drink and bonfires which give it a vibrant festival atmosphere in the middle of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city where everything is happening! Dundee got strong roots, but also keep an eye on the future! Friendly people everywhere, nice wee places to eat! (I really love Lily and Stone caffe!) The waterfront is beautiful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even if Dundee is not a big city, there are a lot of cultural events going on! Just come and discover Dundee - The city of Discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay with panoramic views across the river, to North Fife. It is both an intellectual and a cultural city, with two universities, theatres and the Dundee Contemporary Arts. It is a sociable, friendly city which deserves to to be on the limelight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The magnificent views from the Law Hill of the river and the surrounding hills.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city that feels like a village, and where I can be on a beach in 10 minutes or in the mountains in 45. You can't beat that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am always surprised by how beautiful and vibrant this city is and i have lived here all my life so far. I also studied in Duncan of Jordanstone a really breeding ground for creative thinking. I now teach in a local High school, and have observed over the last few years how the pupils attitudes to their city have changed for the better. The whole atmosphere is becoming more confident and ambitious and hopefully greater things are still to come! Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is incredible to see this City growing and thriving on all the support it is currently receiving. Long may it last.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the museums. Dundee was the home of my ancestors and I found it an amazing place to visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Schools Music Theatre an education as well as friends for life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A stunning location and a city with a wonderful heart. It could be one of the greats.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm looking forward to visiting later this week, up from Yorkshire. Can't wait to visit the most fantastic cafe, Jessie's Kitchen, a real hidden gem. Wonderful cakes and drinks with a wonderful view over the Tay.
<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> The seemingly endless stream of talent from the artschool.
<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> It's Dundee's long standing culture of ideas which prompts an unpretentious and stimulating art scene that continues to produce and be produced by imaginative and clear thinking individuals from all walks of life - a situation I've found to be inspiring and supportive since moving here in the 1990s and have seen gaining pace ever since.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing I've always known the city and the people are one of and some of the best of britain and it's only getting better
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its very own Neollithic stone circle - in Charleston.

I hope that the focus on the City of Culture can bring more of Dundee's history that is one the ground (and under it!) to the fore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> There are so many kind people when I walk round the city centre. Who open doors, help me with the pram up stairs, or if I look in difficulty. Photo is of the gorgeous view from my house of an oil rig arriving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having lived here for 4 years, I went out for a walk today and discovered a lot of lanes and back streets that I had never seen before. So many locals with great accents packed into little cafes. The city offers much more than this, one only has to look around to see that it a place rapidly changing for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not always known for its architecture there are some amazing traditional built features. I moved to the the city with my family 18 years ago and the first night I was walking in the city centre and turned a corner and stopped in my tracks, struck by the most amazing built features. I had to stop and sit on a wall and time disappeared. This was very unusual thing for me - not something I am prone to doing. I revisit that spot often. One of my Dundee happy places :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the ground roots style activism that seems to make the City belong more to the people of the community than any other city I know. The very strong games community is one example. Another is the West End Festival that is organised by some very cool Dundonians!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Waterfront developing into such a beautiful and state of the art area from what was such an industrial start. It proves with investment and creative thinking a 'sow's ear can be made from a silk purse'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My son Don Nicolson and daughter Cindy Nicolson were both born in the city. Don is a singer songwriter who won Dougie McCleans songwriter of the year award a few years back, and plays solo gigs all over the place. Cindy is also a singer songwriter who sings solo and is a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter with the group Mamasbaby which plays all over Perth and dundee, the highlands and toured europe as did Don. They are very talented people and come from a long line of musicians. My father who died at the age of 37 from cancer was a singer song writer too and he was the trainer for the under 21s Osborne team in Dundee back in the 40`s.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that you can go into Dundee City Centre and always meet someone you know. Dundee is not an anonymous city but exudes warmth &amp; friendliness wherever you go.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's amazing history of artistic talent - for example the Celtic and symbolist movement in the 1890s and 1900s, formed by amazing artists like John Duncan, Stewart Carmichael and George Dutch Davidson, whose work is still staggeringly beautiful and mysterious today. Plus all the great comics artists like Dave Sutherland, a living legend who has drawn The Bash Street Kids every week for 51 years - give him a knighthood now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee University Student Union (DUSA) is incredible. A lot of events through out the year both at the Universities and the city centre (ie. the Christmas tree lighting).
<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> When I was a youth arts worker on the Hilltown I discovered a fantastic hide out called the DPM Park, it is tucked away in the middle of houses at the 'tap o the hull' this space used to be a Dundee Pasturised Milk Dairy. The space has years of history attached to it. The park has a 'free wall' for graffiti artists and the local young people and artists to have 'Graffitti Jams' artists from around the world have created amazing art work at the DPM. France, New York, Austalia and all around the uk from London, Glasgow and Aberdeen and many more, they come here and work with our local talent and inspire the young people of Bonney Dundee. Definitely a wee hidden cultural treasure!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beaches are stunning and a city with such genuine and friendly people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are immensely proud of their city and the know how to celebrate its achievements. When Dundee United clinched the Premier League title back in '83 by beating their local rivals, Dundee FC, it was no surprise that both sets of fans celebrated into the small hours.
In what other city would this have happenned?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here when I was 17 to go to DOJ and I thought I would move straight home after i got my degree. 4 years later I am still in Dundee, and can truely call it home. There is loads going on and the people are 'braw'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee a place with a great history and an even better future.

The city has invested heavily in arts and culture - the people deserve to be City of Culture 2017
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sits on the banks of a beautiful river. It has an historic ship the discovery that was used to navigate the seas. It will host the V&amp;A museum and has the vibrancy and artistic temperament to make this a world leading area for arts and culture not just for a year, but for a lifetime.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have it all on our doorstep! The breathtaking views from the law. Discover the interesting history of the city. So much entertainment, theatre, live music vibrant new bands. Fine dining. Art, design, culture, the Macmanus galleries. Star gazing at the Mills observatories. Education, our universities &amp; teaching hospital provide excellent training &amp; opportunities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals, dolphins, cormorants and all the other beautiful wildlife along our shores/sandbanks should not be forgotten about. AND it is Scotland's sunniest city!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mcManus and beautiful views along riverside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprises me that there are so many Graphic Designers who study at Duncan of Jordanstone and leave Dundee every year because of a lack of Graphic Design work. But there are so many other creative individuals doing great work within a variety of disciplines throughout the City and managing to sustain this successfully, without compromising on quality. With places like DCA, The Rep and with the V&amp;A on the horizon there should be an abundance of design work to go along with that. Which could potentially lead to the creation of more jobs in Dundee and strengthen the industry and culture within the City even further.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History, warmth, calm and nice
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof arts collective - a group of artists doing amazing things.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian I'm from over the bridge in Fife but I've visited Dundee many many times since I was a child. It was always where we chose to go 'on a proper shopping day out'. Over the years I've seen so many changes to this wonderful place. I loved it when I was a kid but I remember it looking quite dated, its now having an overhaul and being sympathetic to some important features unique to the city, it really is starting to look the part. Dundee definately deserves its place as a city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking towards Dundee and over to Fife from waterfront at Broughty Ferry, really pretty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing creative community who are extremely supportive of one another. More and more creative talent is coming out of Dundee. With The V&amp;A coming, The Waterfront Development and more young designers / artists deciding to reside here its only proving how exciting the future is for the City and its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each scheme has their own sense of community, of closeness and of belonging. Schools in less privileged areas are improving, moving forward and an increasing number of youngsters from these areas are showcasing their talents through various mediums such as acedemia, dance, drama, art or music etc
Im a proud Dundonian , raised in Whitfield and have taken the strength and determination instilled in me whilst growing up and have used this to my advantage to strive to be successful in my adult career. It is no longer the case that 'scheme' kids are being left behind.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a city which feels fresh and vibrant.
Love the quality of the light and the sense of space beside the Tay.
<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> Grey lady of Balgay Hill always created a lot of hysteria when we were at Primary School.
<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> Tea ann cake
Jessie's Kitchen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a great city to write about because it has so many different faces; such a wealth of cultures and locations and sounds and languages. Dundee is a novelist's city with many novels written in, written about, being written in and yet-to-be-written here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My hidden gems of Dundee are the lovely green spaces in the most unlikely places all over the town. Parks and walks, such as Riverside and the Rock Garden in Broughty Ferry. My favourite Dundee people have to be the Park and Leisure Department! They do a wonderful job all year round. And what about our fireworks displays and the Christmas lights. So much to be proud of in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so many gorgeous friendly people who are so welcoming. I love the places to visit, so many hidden treasures.
The scenery around the city is so beautiful to visit.
Dining out is an amazing experience, so many culinary delights.
Its simple a great place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the silvery tay(fish shop)best in britain
the law giving amazing views of city
the on going improvements every time i come home from plymouth.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Cheesery in Exchange Street is fab. Dorothy knows so much about the wonderful cheeses she stocks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great quality of life - great little city with great access to countryside, beach, and bigger cities - best of all worlds. And it's the friendliest place I've ever lived. Lovely parks too, can't beat a sunny afternoon on Magdalen Green overlooking the sparkly Tay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of the jute trade
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the whale oil an' the stoor

it's in the blood - way down
in the depth and the darkness of our river
you can feel it coming in
like a distant whispering in the wind
blowing in wi' the haar from the north east

it's in the sweep of the girders that cross the Tay
over the wide expanse of water

it's in the re built bridge that took us forward
to the re discovery

it's deep down
with the feeling of pride
in the building of ships
for the whalers
in the hard grey dockyards along the water's edge

the ships that connected us
with the world beyond
and reached out
to the furthest away places on earth
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has seen a revolution in the past 20 years
With lots more to come
It's rich heritage, now matched by it's forward outlook makes it the ideal City of Culture,2017
<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> Dundee has always had the roots of a great city.
I studied Medicine there, starting in 1990 and had a fantastic time.
It's always been a relaxed place, not taking itself too seriously.
And yet it's increasingly renowned nationally and internationally in the fields of Medicine and Science. Among others.
Having returned from there just this afternoon, it's abundantly clear that the city as a whole continues to flourish and is now truly in blossom.

Good luck for 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How well Dundee is percieved and people love it after visiting. I have always known that Dundee was a great City and love showing visitors around our lovely City.
<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> There is so much individuality in Dundee's art scene, it always surprises and amazes me. It's always encouraged, supported and celebrated by a fantastic (art hungry) community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA and culture generally
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the 'top of the Tower" - Dundee University's Tower Building has to be seen to be appreciated. There is a cafe on the Tenth Floor of the building, offering spectacular views across the Tay. On a nice day the stillness of the waters really does bring a feeling of inner calm.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I stay in Tayport which is over the Tay and in Fife, but I have worked in the City of Dundee for nearly 30 years.
I love cycling in to work along the Tay taking in the beauty of Dundee. From the beach and Castle at Broughty Ferry, the changing skyline and heart of the City, the twin peaks of Balgay Hill and the Law Hill, the Discovery in its dock.
The new V&amp;A will be a new wonder to look at along with the rest of the waterfront changes.
City of discovery and worthy of this accolade!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in the city until the early 1990s and still enjoy visiting regularly. Now there's a much more diverse cultural life, great restaurants, good retention of the city's heritage alongside all the amenities required for modern urban living.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great poets both famous and as yet undiscovered. From the Wedderburns in the Reformation to renowned contemporary writers like Don Paterson, John Glenday and Tracy Herd. I would very much include McGonagall in that list! It's also a place where the Scots language has been celebrated, in the work of Ellie McDonald, Matthew Fitt, and the late Harvey Holton.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where would the city of Dundee be without it's truly inspiring son? William Mcgonagall: Often referred to as the worst poet by many.

"When the moon is fair and roond
Aw the fishes swim fae Ayr tae Troon
When the moon is roond and fair
Aw the fishes swim from Troon tae Ayr"

Truly the worst but also the best poet to have ever lived.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We all know about the Three J's, but I only recently found out there's a hidden and covered-over network of old rail tunnels crossing the town. 14 years of living here and I still find new surprises.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Exchange street. It's full of little independent shops, cafes and restaurants that are way better than the usual chain stores.
<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> I moved to Dundee aged 21, all the way from Arbroath . As a child we would have the odd up Saturday up in Dundee.....why do we say " up" when technically it's down? My mother off to shop, and my father and I would go to the McManus Gallery and then the Arcade...oh how I loved Champion the Wonder Horse.
Anyway, I have always loved it here. Culturally diverse ,creative and vibrant,friendly and " never quite up itself"
A place, which in general values strong women.
And as for its geographical setting, I feel it is next to none. Stunning locations on our doorstep, or within half an hour to an hour, you could be on the beautiful beaches of Angus and Fife, or in the Glens.

Case closed Milord....

Pastille
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A beautiful city in a beautiful location with a great tradition of industry, education and the arts.

My favourite location is Riverside Drive, the walk between the two bridges is always stunning regardless of the weather
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Creative, vibrant &amp; friendly city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee 23 years ago as a young artist never imagined I'd stay so long, thinking then it was a good stepping-stone to bigger things, now, there is a different attitude. With an authentic and vibrant cultural community the city provides the perfect environment for young artists, designers and musicians to live and work. They are positively moving to Dundee, building businesses, networks, towards a flourishing, creative momentum. The city has transformed itself, and it's poised for even bigger and better things, a cultural renaissance. I'm incredibly proud to say I live and work in Dundee.
<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> Dundee is an industrious city both historically and today, creatively. I am in awe of the solidarity between creatives in the city; collaborations, skill swaps and interdisciplinary learning. We are forever on the cusp of something wonderful!
<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> Dundee's children are it's hidden secret ! It's way forward into 2017 and beyond being proud of their city and all it holds for everyone .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there's nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I've been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> what I love are the hidden and timeless little places such as Strawberry Bank. A steep little road with all its fruit, plums, apples, pears waving at you from over their high walls. I also love the feeling of getting to the tap o' the hill with your leg muscles trembling with relief at getting to the top. and finally the last step up the Law and looking back over the fine city of Dundee and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2 universities each prominent in its expertise draw in students and researchers from all over the world. These visitors bring the rich diversity of so many different cultures to the city and many become long term residents . Living in the West End I am constantly reminded of the cosmopolitan nature of Dundee in 2013 which was largely absent as I was growing up here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is so diverse. We are a City, surrounded by countryside 5 minutes drive away and sitting on the Firth of Tay, with a beach in Brought Ferry. We are also mad as this picture shows The New Year Dook!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All my non- Dundonian friends , from all over, comment on the warmth and friendliness and humour of the people they meet .
Our city is full of surprises if you take the time to look. One of my favourites is our public observatory atop Balgay Hill. Accessible to all and wonderfully educational . I love our city and love living here. My latest secret is the new , free , WalkJogRun initiative . Brilliant idea and we can take in the stunning views of the River Tay and the Sidlaws en route. And then there's the
sunshine -------
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Old buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No place can beat Dundee for green space and places to walk. Just begin to list the parks. Walking through cemetery and up to the observatory gives stunning views across Invergowrie bay and then to the North. Having lived in Glasgow for six years, I am continually reminded of what a great job the City does maintaining the parks and keeping the streets and open areas clean. Everyone I encourage to visit, loves it and can't believe they have never thought of coming to Dundee before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its really come on since I lived there until 2007.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Walk along the front is fantastic!
<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> A place - Dundee Rep
An event - Rotary Young Musician of the Year
Person- David Robertson SOLAS and St Peter's Free Church
They all share Dundee's attitude -Hidden Quality, intellect. humour, aspiration and never above oneself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has TALENT, BEAUTY, HUMOUR and a braw TWANG!

Lets give the wonderful people of this wonderful city something to celebrate.
<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> It has the most stunning waterfront location and is surrounded by fabulous countryside. 10 minutes drive in any direction and you are somewhere gorgeous, and yet you're only an hour away from Edinburgh.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have some of the best live music in Dundee ! Currently on the go are; Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher - The Boston Tea Party - The View - Deacon Blue - Ricky Ross - The Hazy Janes - Danny Wilson - Alan Gorrie - (AWB) Not forgetting those who are sadly no longer with us - The late Michael Marra - Dougie Martin and many many more!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Music, vibrant arts and culture, grassroots self organised cultural activities going on as well as via more established organisations like DCA and other venues
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In a work capacity, I was asked the other day for details about Dundee as the lady had not visited before, i.e. accommodation with the city centre. I ended up sending a rather long email, about how accessible Dundee is.
We have a great bus and train service in and out the city, there is plenty of great value for money places to stay from hotels to small B&amp;B. For catering, there are fantastic places to eat (think of a food and you'll probably find you can have it somewhere in the city). Great shopping for us ladies within a 1 mile radius. There are free places to visit such as McManus Galleries, Mills Observatory, Broughty Castle, DCA all within walking distance or a short bus journey. If you have have a love of the outdoors and wish to relax, again only a short distance and accessible there is, Camperdown Park, which includes a Wildlife Centre, Baxter Park, Templeton Woods, a lovely sand Beach at Broughty Ferry (cant visit without stopping off for an ice cream at Vissochi's). There are also many acitivities in and around the city, whether it be via sports development, creative learning workshops, easter hunts and of course not forgetting the Dundee Flower and Food Festival (an annual event), if you visiting Dundee, be well assure Dundee Is Worth It!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are genuine and generous with big spirits and kind souls and I'm proud to be one and need to come home every year from Australia to get my fix! I'm a very proud ambassador for my home town and I love watching Dundee evolve! Good luck! X
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art bar. DCA. The people.

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