:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Whenever I travel back to Dundee I am always surprised at the beauty I see. Travelling over the water on the train I never fail to remember how lucky I am to be able to see our landscapes and treasures in architecture, history, creativity and community… That and a good pub!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again”
Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the depth of feeling and loyalty that Dundonians have for their city. Despite being one of Scotland's larger cities, the people make it feel like a village because they all know each other .

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry Beach, The Law Hill, The Perth Road, Magadelen Green, Camperdown Park, the friendleness of the people!

<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> All the cheeky birds.

<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> Dundee is ‘Culture-tastic’. For Art lovers there is the award winning McManus Galleries or the DCA to visit. For music lovers, there are several vibrant pubs offering a diverse selection of music including the annual Blues Bonanza which attracts musicians from all over the world and bring people out in their thousands. Dundee is also steeped in History and provides great attractions like the Discovery and Unicorn ships or the Verdant Works highlighting Dundee’s past involvement as one of the world’s leading cities in the production of jute. Regular markets in the city square also provide a great selection of local and European foods.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hub of knowledge, culture and innovation. People come from all over to participate in shaping the future of our city, country and general humanity.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city of Dance - Its a well kept secret! So many fantastic dancers have came from their or have came to Dundee to dance. Even though I moved away from Dundee I still come home and will always find a dance class of some sort. I've got to thank my first dance teacher - Emma Preston who made me love dance! And she also inspired many other Dundonians as well!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great communications to all parts of Scotland and UK. Fantastic setting on the Tay and beaches up the coast to Broughty Ferry and Carnoustie.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the people and the continuing willingness to embrace what we have and promote it to the World!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Dundee in the '30's and through the war years. After graduation as an architect, I subsequently moved to Canada where I spent my professional life. In occasional visits back to Dundee I was saddened with the way the city had declined in those early post-war years. However on more recent visits back I have been greatly impressed with the remarkable transformation that has taken place.with such cultural innovations as the new waterfront development starting with acquiring Scott's antarctic ship and it's attached Museum, The Jute Museum and the current Art Gallery Project..

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee annual half marathon - great value and great race!
Bridgeview Restaurant and T Ann Cake - definitely hidden gems.
Cycling along riverside drive - invigorating and wonderful views
Dundee Law - what a view!
Dundee parkrun - almost a year old and a Saturday morning challenge at Camperdown

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's amazing how much of a hidden history and the many people who have a connection with the city especially through literature, entertainment, music, sport & media.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much there is to see and do in Dundee. Many people including it's own citizens have a bad habit of talking Dundee down but it has superb visitor attractions eg the McManus Galleries, Discovery, Verdant works etc. Some of the architecture both old and modern is very atrractive. There is a great beach at Broughty Ferry, a cycle route round the city and many parks, golf courses etc within easy reach of the city centre. The counrtyside around Dundee provides plenty of walks for the able and less able. All in all it is a great place to live.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location, location, location

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its so friendly and the people are helpful and welcoming. beautiful location with lovely parks and beaches.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's music scene is different! I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's a lot of diverse musical activity in Dundee relative to its population size. For anyone interested in music and people, it elevates Dundee beyond its fabulous natural location. Maybe it's the geographical setting that inspires people so much. The air here is also good!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan it is – out on Friday met Spaniards, Italians and Russians – all studying in Dundee!! So, it is already a City of Culture just need the recognition of the rest of the UK!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The huge, friendly creative community, the people, and the suprising love you gain for the city as a newcomer. Within 3 years of living here, I have made the best friends, found my creative output, found love, and found myself defending this fantastic city as my home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone. For those quiet reflective moments when you can sit & listen to the waves lapping and look at the beautiful view of the Tay, the view changing depending on the weather. There are lots of places to visit like the McManus & DCA, there's retail therapy to be had, a quiet pint in the pub or a night out at a gig. I was brought up in Dundee but haven't lived there for many years. I visit family there regularly and am always struck by the friendliness of the people, and also how the city is always evolving and changing.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly people, diversity and surrounding beauty.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a growing swing dance scene spurred on by the Universities swing dance society.

<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> There's a hidden secret fae the west end o dundee, a man wa goes by the name alfie, the mans been entertaining fowk ah eez days wi eez patter and eez always dressed ti impress.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's biggest asset is the people who live there - there are an overwhelming number of people who care about its future and its potential. It's also the most beautifully sited city in the UK - the Tay never fails to impress!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I first moved hear 12 years ago and was warned about Dundee's reputation. I have been constantly surprised and delighted by Dundee, it's setting, the buzz, whats available to do but for me the hidden gem of Dundee is the Dundonians - friendly and with a quick wit. I love this city for so many reasons but mainly for the people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful ,location on the Tay Estuary surrounded by wonderful countryside and beaches. Fascinating historic buildings like Macmanus and Caird Hall preserving a proud history. People cheerful and friendly despite recent economic difficulties.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is how little people living outsidethe City realise how much Dundee has changed over the years and what a fantastic place this is to live,work and visit. I have lived in Dundee all my life and have raised my family here and I would never have had it any other way.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That more people don't know and appreciate it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Davy's ice-cream parlour in Lochee was where my parents courted in the 1950s - they introduced me and my brother to the unique delicious flavour in the 1970s and 1980s.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A real sense of community and a buzz about the wealth of creativity in all areas - there are so many opportunities for all to be involved in the many exciting events, festivals and new developments in the city. It has a fabulous waterfront setting with glorious sunsets to inspire you - and a cracking cafe culture too!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Literally the city of 'Discovery' a fantastic iconic ship steeped in history which should make each one of us that live in and around Dundee very proud. I see that ship everyday on my way in to work and it never fails to make me wonder about the incredible journey it has been on and the brave folks it had on board - true explorers!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The language. A man called, rather shouted, snow - "SNA!". Amazing.

<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> I love many things about Dundee, from the Theatre's with something for all ages, the Science centre, the Discovery and Verdant Works to trips to Broughty Ferry and a "donder" down the Perth Road. There is so much variety, you're never stuck for a park, a scenic walk, or a place to eat

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What has struck me is the entrepreneurial culture - from life sciences to art, it can be seen all over the city

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a beautiful city with a surprising amount of things to do for a city of its size. It has a large amount of independant shops, cafes and bars which add extra personality to the city. The student life is amazing, tonnes of things to do, most things a walkable distance away from the centre/university campus, lots of support and events from the University, great resources with the Library, DCA, ISE Gym. Dundee also has the Science Museum, Art Museum, The Discovery and it is the home of The Beano and The Dandy!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bridge club, housed in its own stunning premises on Perth Road, owned by the club since 1956. I have played in many bridge clubs throughout the UK, but never in such a spacious, comfortable building, with stunning views over the Tay estuary, it's own bar, catering facilities and friendly staff and members.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The buzz around all of the cultural events; from fantastic productions at Dundee Rep Theatre to packed lectures on a Saturday night.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact you can turn a corner and find an amazing piece of street art, or a medieval building or just meet an interesting character, who's always friendly and willing to share

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A wealth of characters who can get along with anyone.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a small city Dundee really punches above its weight in terms of its breadth of cultural activity and ambition and enthusiasm of its creative people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is an established cultural asset, as a foreigner to Dundee I was surprised to find such an amazing cultural institution such as the DCA! But Dundee has many surprises in store, be it the whimisical statues on High Street or the art that surrounds you on campus buildings on a daily basis. Dundee is full of culture but never does it loose its rooting with its people and pretend it is something it isn't. That degree of down-to-earth-ness is surprising for a cultural city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old medieval town of Dundee which can still be found in places when walking around the city. This includes old streets and closes, hidden buildings, and an underground network of passages. All of these features of the built environment of the city are completely hidden unless you know where to look but provide an opportunity to witness the hidden past of Dundee prior to Jute when it was a wealthy and successful trading port with the Baltics.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Much more to see and do in Dundee than people realise. I love to watch the seals on the sandbanks near the bridges when the tide is out.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Personally, I feel that Dundee is an amazing city that has a lot to offer. Walking up Law Hill to the top to see the most beautiful sights. You can walk along the beach in broughty ferry which is a personal favourite of mine during the summer. There's a lot of parks to sit and relax in the summer. The people are always kind and helpful when in need. I have lived here for the past 3 years whilst at the university and it has to be one of the best experiences I have had so far!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Its marvelous setting

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of its size, Dundee has a wealth of cultural activities from the DCA, free lectures at the universities, theatres, an art gallery, to name but a few things - all within easy reach. The two universities and FE college have resulted ina youthful population and plenty of entertainment. Dundee is also ethnically diverse with with Polish, Russian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Philippine supermarkets. I moved here last year and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best friendships I've had have been those which constantly redefine themselves over a long period of time. That's the way I feel about Dundee. As someone who was born here, Dundee is a place that has meant a variety of different things for me as I have grown older particularly within the arts. The Dundee Schools music programme is a great way to get people involved in music from a young age, giving you the confidence to develop into a talented young adult. The music scene has always been fantastic, with places such as beat generator, putting on local talent and the recent programming of WestFest during the summer months this is something that continues to grow. Music is just one example of how Dundee thrives within the arts, we have the literary Festival, the science festival and a festival of shorts for designed purely for children. This is unique as far as I am aware. The talent is not just imported here from all over the globe, it also nurtured here, in the young which is extremely important.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> fantastic location and ever changing scenery

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