We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

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> It's a city with a community, heart and soul. It is unique
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had lived in Scotland for four years before I came to Dundee for my interview. I had heard the usual negative comments about the city, so it was a great shock and pleasure to come over the rail bridge into the city and be amazed by the sight of the wide Tay that spread wide Fife and Angus. I thought to myself why has no-one ever told me about this amazing sight when talking about Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not a lot of people know just how good we are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian - but love staying here. I do wish the locals knew what they had and could appreciate it though. Dundee is a braw place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the only women's trail of its kind in the whole of the UK. You can get the free leaflet and talk a walk from plaque to plaque round the city centre, marvelling at the interesting lives and achievements of 25 notable women, and then go home and read of many more on the website dundeewomenstrail.org.uk. This is a city which has been known for its strong women. Doctors, witches, artists, mill workers, Suffragettes and business women - they're all here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the weather the sunniest corner of scotland. all the new changes going on its going to look fab. the people and the good clean air makes dundee special for me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful situation and Dundee Contemporary Arts - fantastic venue, fantastic atmosphere, amazing works of art, and workshops. Lucky Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much I miss about Dundee - I live near Aberdeen now and there is no comparison. The Rep, Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, vibrant degree shows at Vision, walking thorough the City and feeling the energy and of course the music
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed how churches can be tranformed into medical centres, indoor climbing centres, theatres, music venues etc... and I think that this is a great idea !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What has surprised me recently about Dundee and makes me proud to be a Dundee boy, is our ability to realize and act upon our ever growing potential as one of Britain's main culture hub's.

With things like the West Fest charitable community culture festival that kicks off on the 18th of May aboard HM Frigate Unicorn. The festival harnesses and celebrates our many unique talents and attributes as a tight nit society!

It is things like this that makes me and many others love my home city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural city with a wonderful, supportive creative community. It is also the sunniest city in Scotland, which makes it a fantastic place to live, discover and grow in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are indefatigable and always up for a boogie, and witty without being gallus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its setting - coming home from whatever direction - over the bridge, along the Carse, or from north or east - nestling on and around the Law and overlooking the Tay - beautiful and welcoming - home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly People
new independant shops opening

Events - Free Dundee Uni lectures on a Saturday
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Waterfront project is a huge demonstration of confidence in Dundee's future and has already drawn significant investment into the city. V&amp;A at Dundee is a project that will, like DCA in 1999, change the perception of Dundee as a major centre of culture. The Waterfront project demonstrates the value of a visionary approach to both physical infrastructure and the importance of culture as a means of achieving economic and social regeneration. I'm confident that Dundee Waterfront will continue to surprise people for many years to come.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful place. It is beautiful, the Tay gives the city an amazing backdrop. It embraces freedom of experience. My daughters learnt Highland dance in school but also grew up steeped in Bharatnatyam (Indian dance culture) and this was supported by the Dundee City Council and Creative Scotland. There is much personal space, Dundonians get on with their lives, the city's culture is one of non-interference and mutual respect. My daughters now study in Edinburgh and Riga, I work in Brighton, but we are looking forward to experiencing the magic of Dundee over Christmas and Hogmanay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That there is so much in such a condensed place, and that so many people don't even notice it
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's so much to offer at every time of the year and for every age, having only been in Dundee since 2005 I can't ever imagine leaving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite thing is doing the penguin puppet show at the boat (Discovery). Katherine 4 and a half
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite being stuck in between oil rich Aberdeen and tourist attraction Edinburgh the people of Dundee continue to forge ahead in transforming the city from an old industrial one to one of high-tech business, excellent education and an arts, and culture scene that is becoming more tourist and citizen friendly every day, regardless of boom and bust economics.
While proud of our heritage, the people of Dundee continue to focus on their future, making it a better and brighter place for tomorrow.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA's Print Studio is a fantastic resource for both aspiring and established creatives. It offers a wide range of courses suitable for complete beginners as well as open-access facilities for member use, which include dark-rooms, a laser-cutter, large-scale printers and equipment for various printmaking methods. The studio's affordable rates make it worth travelling from other cities for too.
<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> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE

When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town,
They spruced it up with a lick of paint
And then they showed him round,
Two bands played in fierce competition
As the rain came down,
And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town."

A man called Walsh hung from a window
With the Starts and Stripes,
And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette"
It was sweetness and light,
But as they sang the fire bell rang
And they ran for their lives,
"What well trained little orphans and a precious little song."
Said the General's wife.

A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green,
Before the darkness fell,
With a short stop over for the ladies convenience,
At the Royal Hotel,
And the General frowned through the last of the speeches
Though he took it well,
"What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple,
What charming little houses and such cheerful little people,
But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town."

- Michael Marra.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's historic roots are hugely important. Everywhere you go in the city you can catch a glimpse of fascinating parts of our history - you just need to know where to look. There's the group of five historic 16th Century houses in the High Street known as Gardyne's Land and the Wishart Arch which is built into a small surviving section of Dundee's 16th Century city wall. There's the award winning Verdant Works jute museum and Scott's historic Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. It also boasts the frigate HMS Unicorn which is the world's last intact warship from the days of sail, and the North Carr, Scotland's only surviving lightship.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heart of the city to me is the university of Dundee and the Duncan of Jordanstone. Even before I was a student I was impressed by how it was a self-contained area and I enjoyed the atmosphere and diversity of life all along the Perth Road. In the summertime there are always new faces and this breathes new life into the city. It's a creative, buzzing place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love United!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee. I was born there, grew up there, was educated there. I have lived my life outside of Dundee in many, many wonderful countries over the last 20 years, and Dundee remains my home. I retain a great, swelling pride when I tell people I am from Dundee. That pride deepens whenever I am lucky enough to go home. Simply a beautiful, wonderful, vibrant City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendliness, great music scene, lots of creative people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is the best city in the world and where I was born and most of my family live. Best schools and football team in DUFC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of humour in Dundee is fantastic! We don't take ourselves too seriously but we do appreciate our rich cultural heritage. Strong women play a big part - past and present!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ancient Howff graveyard given to Dundee by Mary Queen of Scots, is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city, and a place to contemplate mortality.
Beautiful herbaceous borders with rare shrubs like the Yellow Magnolia mingle with crumbly, moss-furred tombs. Bygone names such as Barbary Bathie, German Stewart, and Euphemia Lochmolony really capture the imagination.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of great private and public golf courses, that are very well designed and challenging, including the links course at Carnoustie and the beautiful landscaping of Downfield Golf Club. International visits could purchase special passes during the year of culture to Dundee private and public clubs in order to play golf on them all - a passport - could be offered.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of raw talent this city possesses. Eh Write! writing group at Fintry Community Centre, Voices in Harmony singing group at Whitfield Activity Centre, Art Class at Panmurefield village Church. Ordinary citizens with extraordinary skills and abilities being/needing encouraged. Becoming UK city of Culture 2017 will hopefully draw out and highlight these hidden gems. They are there - they only need to be uncovered !!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have everything on our multi culture doorstep, from comics, to culture, cutting edge fashion &amp; technology, great pubs and clubs, Reading Rooms, and the obligatory Jam Jute and Journalism :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Renowned theatre, innovative youth theatre, spectacular dance events, poetry readings, talented local bands, lively music scene, book signings, new writing seminars, unexpected architecture round surprising corners, Hundreds (if not more) of artists in residence. new and original Film makers, comedy nights and comedy acts. Creativity run amok! And beautiful location!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How rapidly Dundee is charging forward.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Without the chutzpah of Dundee Scotland would not have a games industry. As Scotland's leading games research publication, we strongly support Dundee's bid!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has emerged from it's dark past like an ugly duckling becoming a beautiful swan. Those who knock the place tend to never have been here. They need to visit and open their eyes to our wonderful, vibrant, buzzing reborn city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee science community has a really appetite for collaboration, innovation and growth. Exciting new projects between disciplines are creating a new future and discoveries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> - Braithwaite's tea and coffee shop in Castle St
- Summer Sunday free brass band concert at Magdalen Green followed by drinks and food from one or more of the many bars and restaurants on Perth Rd
- The brilliant Dundee Blues Bonanza .... It introduced Home Bargains and the TJ Morris Company to the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the pride in a city worth feeling proud about but rarely made aware of outside the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, the people are what make Dundee. They are as spirited group of individuals, who are friendly and welcoming to people in their city. They also celebrate everything their city offers depsite the negative image it has been wrongly given
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Contempory Arts........Great venue, great food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The no-nonsense Dundonians, who share creativity, great humour and pride in the town's development
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where you can go for a walk in the hills in the morning, enjoy the beach in the afternoon, and then recharge yourself with a great meal and drink before catching some live music or a play in the evening. Everything is so accessible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking down from Tin Roof, Generator, and the art school to have a pint and lively discussion at the Art Bar... perhaps stopping by DCA or the Rep later. Most of the cultural spots in Dundee are within easy walking distance of each other, creating a fantastic friendly atmosphere where you will probably bump into someone you know along the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> ....there's a fabulous zoo with lots of animals including bears, wolves, lemurs and Scottish wildcats. It's called Camperdown Wildlife Centre and, because it's run by Dundee City Council, the entry fee is really low
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The continuous evolution of the city as the various individual developments and changes come together.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, by far the most alluring spot in Dundee is the Law Hill which on a clear day has one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Scotland. It has a timeless feel, being able to survey the remnants of the City's history with its factory chimneys and tenements and its future in the waterfront development. One can gaze in wonder at The Silvery Tay and the two bridges whch span it, taking in the Kingdom of Fife to the South and the Sidlaw Hills to the North.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I never been there but I will be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> As a Dundonian I'm not surprised, just proud, of what Dundee has to offer in terms of culture in the broadest sense. A prime example was the late lamented Michael Marra, whose genius lay in delivering the people's culture with dry Dundonian humour (listen to If Dundee Was Africa, Muggie Shaw, Hamish) as well as universal observations (try Happed In Mist, Hermless). See also how he inspired other local artists such as Vincent Rattray and the many groups he collaborated with at Dundee Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Come to Dundee and you will be surprised to see a city transforming itself through ideas, creativity and a grassroots 'can do' attitude. It's a place of hidden depths and layers shaped by a rich social and industrial history but more than willing to cast off the shackles of the past and look to the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful drive to work along riverside drive.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has contributed so much to the story of Britain. When it has done so it has done so without making a big noise about it. Dundee in its culture is hard-working, entrepreneurial, daring and resilient. Its character of modesty, coupled with its humanitarian and internationalist outlook, means that few outside Dundee appreciate what Dundee has done for Scotland, Britain, Europe and the wider world because Dundee has not boasted about it. Geographically, Dundee has been quite insular giving its culture a very distinct and individual character which, to the outsider can seem quite dark and obtuse, but humorously so!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much going on and it is all within easy reach! Having two Universities, the fabulous DCA (Dundee Contempory Arts) and the McManus Art Gallery to name only a few brilliant cultural resources there is always public lectures, exhibitions, activities and places to meet family and friends to eat and drink. Broughty Ferry has beautiful beaches which are great for walks, sunbathing, water sports and the castle ~ not forgetting New Years Dook!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is very well placed in Scotland,being near to Edinburgh,Glasgow and Aberdeen as well as near beautiful coastlines and countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love the rich history! :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How Dundee is constantly breaking new ground in medical science.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Something for all age groups of interest to me opera live from the MET at DCA plus ballet etc. I drive in from North Angus. Dundee is a cosmopolitan centre which is not fully recognised.
It is a city of history and culture, find out more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's can-do attitude. There's such support form the creative community and a permission here, if you want to do something creative, just get out and make it happen!
<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> Dundee has amazing cultural and geographic attributes but its chief strength is its people with their unique sense of humour and caring attitude to each other that I have not encountered anywhere else in my travels all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> having lived in the city off and on for sixty years, the Dundee of today is evolving into a modern 21st century city. Twenty years ago, that seemed unbelievable....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage of the city represented in its buildings, museums and archival collections and the significant cultural renaissance in Dundee since the 1990s (perhaps best articulated by the creation of the DCA and the development of the city's 'cultural quarter').
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The History coupled with the modern student demographic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Castle Street is definitely a hidden secret with its old book shop, cheesery, cake shop, vintage shop and the colorful youth center just at the corner it is just lovely. A place not to be missed for sure!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of diversity and talent within Dundee's creative industries never ceases to amaze.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Urban realm architecture to modern design from Frank Gehry,
World cuisine dining throughout the city,
Entertainment from theatre to dancefloor,
Many activities from golf, walks, botanic gardens, parks, wildlife zoo, indoor karting, ice skating, cinemas, bingo, swimming centre and much more.
The Caird hall which hosts big concerts and live performances from the world of entertainment.
Welcome to Dundee , have fun we do !!!!!!!!!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such a fantastic variety of amateur arts groups - for children and adults - which produce excellent shows to suit all tastes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The imagination and determination of our young people. Take the recent "Dundee Roundhouse" initiative, where a group of young people have transformed a derelict factory site into a hidden organic garden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee seems like a city at first glance, but once you spend time in the city you realise it is like a village, impossible to walk through the centre without bumping into people you know.
There are different vibes and culture in the different parts of Dundee and its great to walk around and learn more about each of them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it's always a nice weather, whereas in Glasgow it always rains. Doesn't matter that you're in the middle of a flood and super rain in the West of Scotland, because you come to Dundee and it's sunny.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has all the good things of a city, but in seconds you can be in beautiful countryside if you so choose; sandy beaches, balmy days, intense forests, snowy peaks, big skied freedom &amp; beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the biotech lab researchers really do their best to find cures for many of our worst diseases
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's such a creative city, with arts and literature galore. An art college, 14 libraries, a fabulous museum, a modern art gallery, a science centre and not to forget it's bulging at the seams with history. Dundee has hidden depths.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I adore lochee library. Beautiful building and a great atmosphere .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians themselves. When in the city talking to peers often they overlook the vibrancy, riches and uniqueness of what the City has to offer.

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

With that said, take a Dundonian out of the City, and it is inspiring to hear how positive an ambassador they are for their beloved home City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of people and culture Dundee city has is amazing. very inspirational for me and my family.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has so much to offer from historic interests right through to creative arts (games design companies) whilst having two internationally recognised universities making the city known far and wide.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything is on our doorstep here - great countryside, lovely parks, theatres and museums. But the best thing is the people, who are genuinely interested in me, and why I'm here, and what I do. Perhaps this most sunny of the Scottish cities has given its residents a naturally sunny disposition.
<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> A walk up the law never gets old.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The greatest hidden secret relating to the City at the moment is George McCann's EBook, entitled, The Eight Hale Mary's of Dundee, Scotland
The book essentially refers to the inspiration for it, which is a set of statues located on the rooftop of the McManus Art and Museum Galleries, originally the Albert Institute. The book delves into the history of Dundee prior to the Institute being built. The architect George, Gilbert Scott, is a central character. The story follows the progress of Muirfield Contracts, who carried out the latest refurbishment, and collates details of interesting artefacts within and surrounding the building. An 1860s Sanitary inspector is in the tale, as are local conditions and worldwide events taking place at the time. The ancient Howff cemetery and the associated Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee command considerable space. The future of Dundee is left in the hands of those who will oversee it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I worked in a city centre office in the shadows of the McManus, a highlight was my lunchtime walk up the Law - my Nearest Faraway Place. After walking straight up the "Conshie", past the university and the old DRI building, pausing briefly at the top of the Law to admire the spectacular panorama, it was back down past tranquil allotments, down Inverlaw Place and through Dudhope Park, complete with castle, back refreshed for the afternoon work ahead. Quality time!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised by the energy which is currently going into the transformation of Dundee's waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most sunny city in Scotland has a lot to offer. Great walks, great pubs and a small enough city to walk from one end to the other and at least seeing one person to wave at.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having spent my past 44 years living around the Tay estuary, I regularly re-discover the incredibly vibrant local music scene with which I first became familiar in 1969. The current crop of young musicians[I recently saw a 14 year old playing Peter green, Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix], supported and encouraged by the early 20 + year olds who had themselves been supported and are still supported by earlier generations. The Blues festival is rightly famous but you can go round many venues in Dundee weekly and hear music of the highest calibre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the friendliness and humour in good times and bad, and managing to be cutting edge modern (esp in arts) while retaining all that's best about traditional Scottish urban life
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Improvements in schemes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has many beautiful and interesting places including the DCA centre, Rep theatre and the Law, but above all I love the city for the people I met there and enjoyed all these places with.
<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> ..the blues bonanza...biggest free blues event in europe...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Jute, jam and journalism made Dundee, so they said in school. The real hidden secret though is the people, they make it! And, the Highland cows on the way in, the DCA, the University, the Beano, the Tay, McGonagall's poems &amp; the V&amp;A one day! It's a hidden hub of creativity. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Scouringburn- it can come up from culverts to surprise people when the tide is high. A phalanx of jute mills, bristling with chimney stalks, between Dudhope Park and Hawkhill used that tiny stream again and again for steam engines. Many of the mills are successfully re-used by artists, businesses, students and residents. Industriekultur is alive here like nowhere else in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rest of Scotland sneering at Dundee, because...?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much creative energy in this city; arts, history, theatre, and digital games.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved from a tiny town to dundee. A city my friends referred to as "scumdee" but to me it's now home. Every morning I look out my window and I can see the Tay, trees blooming in spring &amp; rarely but beautifully the sun shining. I love dundee and I love how it surprised me by comparing to my home town of Thurso.
<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 Botanic Garden, an underused hidden gem.
<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> Dundee has the closest two football stadiums in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am consistently surprised by the amount of cultural and artistic events happening within a friendly and convivial atmosphere. There is a huge variety of events and plenty of opportunity to create your own.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the sport in Dundee is good, there's lots of activities you can do for everyone :)
<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> There is some truly amazing and interesting architecture in the Nethergate and South Tay Street - one of my favourite places in Dundee. The glimpses of the Tay estuary through the buildings add an amazing dimension unlike any other in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ricky Flynn Memorial Bench on Daisy Hill in Baxter Park. A peaceful place in memoriam of a great kid. Morgan Academy pupil, Ricky Flynn was tragically killed in 2010 when he was struck by a taxi heading west along Kingsway East. His friends and family placed the memorial bench on the top of Daisy Hill which over looks Baxter Park and the Tay. A calm place to rest and reflect.

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