We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

My girlfriend was getting the train from Leeds to Dundee. The conductor was Dundonian, and when he processed her ticket, he remarked “City of the Gods”. Both pride and wit are at the heart of this city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was not my first choice, but here I found work, love and a city with more than enough facilities and culture and a few unique surprises. Red squirrels, dolphins, beaches, and woods, views, rivers, castles, seals, cycle routes, great bus services, universities, art galleries, theatres, bridges - still finding new stuff. I was lucky, as I could have missed Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's fascinating history of whaling is still largely untapped. It inspired Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein and led directly to the amazing exploits of Scott, Shackleton etc. Shackleton even once tried to become MP for Dundee! The Tay Whale in the McManus is awesome and there's loads of animals brought back from the Arctic by the whalers in the university's zoology museum.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always loved Dundee. It is welcoming , warm, humorous, and enthusiastic. AN impressive location and important in the history of Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the ability to change, to look at itself and learn from the past, to grow, to thrive and to change.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many different things for a variety of ages etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I studied Fine Art at DJCA and my experience there, the aspiration and belief it had, and that living in the city provided, all instilled aspiration in me beyond measure. The dynamics of being a student in the city was way beyond the comparative scale of the city, the environment was rich in enquiry and expertise, pride in the city was palpable and the attitude positive and open towards everyone. I miss the obvious 'cultural highlights' but I miss the warmth of the people and old Dens Rd Market.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's location on the North shore of the River Tay makes it a bright place to work and live all year round. It is unique in that the river is visible from most places in the city and not just from its shoreline. That's what makes Dundee special to me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I took part in Dundee's 48 hour film competition in 2012, which was an amazing opportunity to meet new people from different creative industries
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city with a village mentality. It has a great community.
From arts venues like the DCA and the rep which continue to provide thought provoking art, to pop culture such as the comics industry and DOJ-con there is always something on offer.
<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> The hidden beauty of a past industrial city surprises me every day. I am new to the city, having chosen to study in Dundee over the other cities that the UK has to offer, and every time I travel I am stunned by the beauty that the city has.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Growing up in Dundee in the 80's most of my school friends uprooted and left for the likes of Glasgow, Edinburgh or the bright lights south of the border. Dundee's renaissance over the past 30 years however is changing peoples view of the City supported by a World class University, World class Tourist Attractions, World class people...

Big Difference? Dundee is now a City to be proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Hill and the observatory.
The Law hill.
The riverside.
The public parks and good network of path/cycle routes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> walking along the Grassy Beach in Broughty Ferry on a blustery, sunny day heading towards Dundee enjoying the view of the Law and the Bridge, then turning back to walk home, and seeing Broughty Castle standing proudly - guarding the mouth of the river Tay - undoubtedly out best asset
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although I do not come from Dundee, I feel partly Dundonian, probably because the city has such a deep earthy culture to which I, and many can relate to. The city has been a hive of creativity for many years, and although not always obvious, just scratch the surface or ask a local and they will be more than happy to tell you just one story about the city. Of course, now, my daughter is Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee speaks for itself. Since those illustrious days, it's had its fair share of critics but deep down I believe the nay-sayers are envious of Dundee's determination to strive forwards and fulfil its undoubted potential. Viva la Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunniest city in Scotland with people with the biggest hearts and friendliest natures
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never let's go of your heart.the people ,young and old welcome you .the architectur,history ,people are unique.the,law hill,road bridge ,old and new.rail bridge.the rail disaster,teaching hospital,dental hospital ,university.Jute ,jam ,journalism .Broughty ferry.berry fields.river Tay.Salmon,pearls.The Discovery,Card Hall.DC Thomson.
No hidden secret.Dundee shares whatever they have with whoever wants to look. Find. Explore and experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has deserved City of Culture status for a long time now. In our city we have so much in the way of arts and culture that celebrate our own local history as well as what Dundee has done for Scotland, the UK and the world. A lot of people have worked incredibly hard to get our city to where it is now and the recognition is rightfully deserved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the place to be, it is full off up and coming designers and people with many talents. Dundee is a beautiful city especially when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom along the Arbroath Road. It has views to take your braeth away. The night life is good and people as so warm and friendly. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't already done so. You will come back for more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for a weekend break 39 years ago and never left. All those beautiful green parks with stunning countryside on the doorstep. Four theatres and two museums and a planned Arts Centre( now the DCA) offer plenty to do. The people always were,and still are, welcoming and friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee, many people wondered (including me at times) why I would want to leave such a beautiful, exciting and amazing city for a smaller, lesser (in some respects) city in Scotland. No regrets! Dundee may be smaller but has a bigger heart, fantastic people and has won me over! I will always love our capital but Dundee is the best city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dolphins in the Tay,which I can see from my bedroom window.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unassuming. Despite the magnificent setting, the wonderful cultural quarter and being the gateway to some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.

The courage and vision of the Council which have led to so many changes in recent years, have created confidence but lost none of that lovely unassuming and quietly courteous quality which characterises Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant music culture, there is a lot of support for local bands that play regularly around the city at various venues. I like the fact that you can go to different bars and coffee shops and there will be open mic nights on where you can sit and listen, get up and play or ask for requests. The jazz and blues festival is a great asset to the city. In addition the botanical gardens is beautiful, I like to go have a coffee and wander through the gardens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's spirit. The people are so friendly, the atmosphere incredibly warm and welcoming, and the City as a whole is just such a wonderfully positively-spirited place to work, play and live.
<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> Language, vibe, situation
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I relocated to Dundee from Glasgow 10 years ago and I love this city. It has everything, restaurants, shows, casinos and lots more.. Loads of stuff for the little ones too, from the Science Centre to Camperdown Park AMAZING city to live in
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has many hidden treasures; it is steeped in unspoken history, for example 'the walled City'or the many networks of tunnels that still exist around the City. For a city I find it a very calming place to live, with the water and the trees. People are friendly and helpful. The future for Dundee is exciting with an extremely positive vibe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of its size, Dundee punches well above its weight - for good and the bad. While there are many problems to solve, thankfully the great cultural and social movements underway in the city are driving change on a scale that could have real positive impact.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Travel from Dundee to Broughty Ferry on the road that follows the River Tay and see one of the most perfect views I have ever seen. This view has been captured by various local artists with some spectacular results.
<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> World class music in every corner of the city. From 57 to Dukes to Clarks, Fat Sams and beyond
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place with interesting little pockets of history from the Howff graveyard to the Mcmanus gallery and surprising little art deco details of some forgotten old buildings. I like looking out for all the little bits of public sculpture as well - I think the penguins heading for Discovery are my favourite!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 botanic gardens were a complete surprise - an oasis in the middle of the city and my 2.5 year old loved it too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the history alone bounces dundee right out there, everytime I come home to Dundee the look changes for the better
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is small enough to produce a unique sense of humour and personality in its residents. Dundonians are without any doubt, the greatest asset to this city; friendly, welcoming and witty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camperdown parkrun started 15 months ago, and since then has built a community from accross the city, of people who show up every week to run or volunteer, and enjoy being in the great outdoors of Camperdown park. The generosity and welcoming atmosphere created every week is the highlight of my week in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's proximity to the beach at Broughty Ferry and the wildness of the Angus Glens (and mountains!) The friendliness of the people and the number of different things available to do with my children on rainy days. Even though I have never lived there, (my extended family did and still does) every time I visit it feels like a homecoming!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of the city is fascinating
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I moved here from Aberdeen 10 years ago and have always found the people here so friendly and down to earth. they are honest (sometimes too honest) but i like that! Dundee is my home now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even after 10 years of living in the city I seem to stumble onto new things in and around the area of Dundee. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA Cinema has one of the richest programmes, you could imagine. From international to documentary, it's all good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazingly vibrant and creative visual art community, buzzing with talented artists, designers and makers and sustaining an exciting range of creative activities and events. It is home to fantastic arts organisations and institutions including Dundee Contemporary Arts, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art &amp; Design, Generator Projects, Wasps Artists' Studios and McManus Galleries. Dundee also has a wonderful open feeling – you can see views of the sky and the River Tay from all over the city, and there are beautiful beaches and countryside just a hop, skip and a jump away!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness and diversity of the arts and culture; the burgeoning technology industry and the determined spirit of the locals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a quiet spirit of determination, generosity and ambition found in Dundee that's positive and uplifting, but hard to find elsewhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Saturday lecture series at Dundee University is a fantastic venture which more people should be aware of. Snapshots of diverse and intriguing subjects for a wide-ranging audience
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer welcoming atmosphere from the people who live there. I'm not a resident - in fact I live on the other side of the globe. But I visit frequently to see family. Every time I visit everybody I meet in the city is extremely friendly and welcoming and eager to chat it up. The people are amazing and I have yet to be received the same elsewhere in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer energy and cohesion - a city's population seeking to make more for themselves and the generations to follow
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very caring and friendly. I was so overwhelmed by the caring of neighbours when my mother developed Vasular Dementia. They were so good at looking out for her before she eventually had to go into care. I nominated one of her neighbours (and she won) a Wave 102 neighbour of the year award a few years back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The waterfront itself! Being able to jog along the path at sunrise is really quite something and when the V &amp; A at Dundee building is built the views will be spectacular!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant business community and this can only grow in light of recent developments eg V&amp;A Dundee, Malmaison etc. The people are warm, humorous, friendly... And I LOVE Dundee United FC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The return of its self-confidence and ambition - its always been there , but it's now being recognized. Go on Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's commitment to research and development, that it welcomes all with the friendliness and generosity with her citizens are renowned for. What surprises me is how surprised visitors are at how much to see and do there is here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's cultural hidden secrets - The Samuel Chorus, a friendly choir, rehearses on Wednesdays in Baptist Church Hall, Bright Street, Lochee, performs quality music twice yearly. Our concerts are on Sat. 27 April 2013 at 7pm in St Hary Magdalene's Episc, Church, Dundee and Sun. 28 April, in St John's Episc.Church, Forfar
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Only in my second year in Dundee, after going to the Fireworks display in Baxter Park, did me and my flatmate go for a wonder and found ourselves at the city quay. We had never known about it and were amazed, it was night time and looked amazing by moonlight. So we walked about and explored the ship near by....it's a lovely part of the city.
<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 ever changing look of sea, river, clouds, hills and wildlife make everyday a surprise.
The richness of women's history in Dundee.
The thriving arts community in Dundee and surrounding countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not only is Dundee a sunny City which manages to mix historic and modern very well, it's also a friendly City. No matter where in the City you are - the Centre, Broughty Ferry, St. Mary's, no-one will leave you feeling lost or lonely. I've lived in many areas within the City and felt at home in each at different times. Dundee also has it's own weather system where the climate and temperature can be vastly different only 5 miles apart. There's so much of interest in Dundee, I'm still learning new stuff about my City after 40 odd years. I wouldn't live anywhere else!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Blues Bonanza is almost the highlight of my year.........every year !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The glorious setting, the spectacular river Tay, the rolling hills of Fife, the blend of old-new build in the city, and the relentless cheerfulness of its citizens
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art in such a small city, particularly visual art and theatre is of an amazingly high standard. There is a huge appetite for more and the City of Culture designation could really help this. It would tie in nicely with revamping the city centre which will make the city visually pleasing itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The outdoor swimming club based at Broughty Ferry Pier "Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association" at 128 years old is, so I believe, the last remaining outdoors swimming club in the country. I love the history , the idea of it still going strong and I wish I was brave enough to join in. One day I will.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that the city has the feeling of a town, but still has such great amenities. We have museums, universities, shops, restaurants, parks, etc all so close together; for visitors it's an ideal 'no hassle' place to come and explore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Genuine ingenuity; unpredictable weather rollercoaster; expect the unexpected; a place to realise urban utopia; where dreams descend into reality; thinking outside the box and daring to be different. Consider the above mediocre banter that flows through the boulevards.
Dundee
set me free
since 2003
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On a visit a few years ago we visited the Discovery Centre and a sweetie factory in one day, there is lots to see and do in Dundee, just wish I lived a bit closer so that I can visit more often.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunny weather
<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> Simonanna weekly art classes for adults held in the wonderful Art Angel are a fabulous resource. Simon Reekie and Anna Orton facilitate a supportive and inspiring environment to enable exploration of the creative process.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Tay, at any time of day. Sunrise, sunset, night-time... I can't count the number of times I've stopped, in awe, to look at it.
It's totally under-rated; and absolutely beautiful.

DJCAD, too. I'm having the best time of my life at art school in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of fabulous friendly people. Lots of small family run business thriving in these difficult times from coffee shops, young fashion retailers and not forgetting cutting edge hair and beauty salons. Lots of these businesses have won many awards which is a great achievement for our city. Great schools and one of the countries best Universities employing lots of people from all over the world. I have always been very passionate about our city and it deserves to win this award.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has developed a wow factor!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> set on the Firth of Tay to the south, country side within 5 minutes drive to north and a beach to the east. How diverse scenery can you get? Are we mad? You bet judging by this picture of The Broughty New year Dook.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are a number of extremely talented amateur dramatic and musical groups and societies in the city. Dundee Rep boasts an excellent professional repertory company which, I believe, is unique in Scotland and rare in the UK as a whole.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee has a worldwide reputation for excellence. It draws scientists from all over the word to enjoy the city of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Brilliant city set in the most beautiful Scottish countryside. A large enough city to meet every need with a 'small town community'. I've lived in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dundee - Dundee by far is the best.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dawson Park ~ where everyone can go thru out the day and do their thang ~ dog walkers, ,joggers, runners, schoolchildren doing sports with their school, dog walkers, keen gardeners, after school hanging out, dog walkers, sports clubs ~ a great green place with good facilitles for everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's culture is about diversity. We have an award winning professional theatre company who also involve the people of the city through their outreach programmes, and provide the opportunity for amateurs to perform on the professional stage.

The city's pubs also provide many local and touring groups the opportunity to play every weekend - the choice and the quality is excellent, especially during Dundee Blues Bonanza.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's main post office is just like any other - except James Chalmers, the inventor of the stamp, sleeps in the howff cemetry across the road.
Dundee was, and is, seat of innovation in printing, journalism, international adventure (although, as the Discovery shows, one way travel is considered a success!)
Posting or sailing you onwards, Dundee lead the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural diversity of the city, particularly in the West End is an unexpected delight and the refurbished McManus Gallery is full of treasure.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Museum... Beautiful and mystery... A taxi driver told me, that below the McManus museum is a water... he is one of the city council worker before he retired. I like Dundee very much... a nice place to study.. to live.. a good environment.. nice people..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> people, festivals, music &amp; history
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyday is a surprise, I have lived and loved Dundee since the day I was born here in 1960. There have been many changes, a few not so good but many more for the good of the City. It keeps growing and growing..I am proud to be a Dundonian, and I think I am talking for all Dundonians......that's why people who leave always come back, why would you live anywhere else.....we should be the new City of Culture in 2017. Dundee deserves it....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Blues Bonanza an annual weekend event in mid summer! The world's biggest free blues festival attracting musicians and fans from all over the globe. Many bars and clubs across the city host a variety of local, national and international acts. They are welcomed by a friendly and fun-loving population. The West Fest is another festival, a week long one with a more local and artsy feel to it, covering all artistic genres!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camperdown park is a delightful park which hosts a variety of different community events throughout the year. There is a play area for children, a wildlife centre, duck pond and golf course/tennis courts which provide a fantastic resource for the whole family right in the centre of the city. Great for long walks and BBQ's in the summer time and sledging in the winter.

Empire State coffee house is a fantastic cafe right in the centre of Dundee. Espress-Oh! is another great new place on the Perth road. Lots of great little independent shops and cafes all along the Perth road which is near to the University and popular with students.
<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> Lived here for 10 years. Great Universities and Great Social Life. A city of culture from Verdant Works &amp; Discovery Point to New V&amp;A Museum.
You are spoiled for choice, something for all ages.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's resilience: its irreverent bachchat. It has a wonderful sense of who it is and it always has an answer to those who criticise or deride it. The exciting things that are happening to the city , through its regeneration, are a symbol of Dundee's determination not to lie down! I can't wait to see what will happen next in my brilliant city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much I miss it - I never expected to feel that when I moved away, but there's a unique sense of warmth and welcoming about the Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great location for walkers, runners and cyclists, productive and unique art and music scene, cosy corners in the phoenix and art bar, lovely wee tea and cake shops, great parks to explore on a sunny day, we get plenty here!
<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> Dundee is full of wonderful musicians, people and their own humour. The redevelopment that is going on is so overdue and when finished will place Dundee well and truly on the map of culture where it so rightly belongs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> To me, Dundee is the modern version of a village community. I originally come from Liverpool, and Dundee has this kind of 'everyone's included' feel to it. It doesn't have the cold anonymity that is present in a lot of UK cities. Walking through town will often result in a chance encounter with someone I know.

I'd say my favourite parts of Dundee are definitely the markets in the city centre. Though I've still not got the knack of finding out when they're scheduled, this sometimes adds to the magic. Dashing to town for errands and I'll turn the corner to be greeted with wooden huts and the smell of German sausages. Ambling through the stalls of local produce and crafts is the best study break a student can wish for.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the obvious spots like The Law Hill, McManus Galleries, Sensation and The DCA. I am always in awe of sheer natural beauty of Dundee's many Parks and green spaces. They are not just places of stunning natural beauty but full of exciting things to do for everyone, regardless of age. The Wildlife Centre at Camperdown, the new sports hall and Pavillion in Baxter Park and the skatepark at Dudhope Park are just a few examples of the outstanding facilities on offer either free or at low cost. We embrace all cultures and encourage diversity, growth and free thinking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Mills Observatory.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City's history really means something to its inhabitants, to Scotland and to the wider world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a spectacular location that amazes people who visit for the first time. There is a lots of green space in the city with lovely well maintained parks. There is something for everyone in Dundee with concerts and exhibitions of various kinds and good shopping. The people are friendly and will go out of their way to help you. A great place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unlike many cities in the UK, in Dundee something that i can proudly say is i work and study in the creative industry. the vast amount of support and creative industry community in this city is second to none. with the rich creative history and exceptional collages and universities not only for creative's and the arrival of the V&amp;A this creative community and presence will only strengthen and further enrich the city and its people.
<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's setting is utterly stunning, its history is fascinating, its people warm, friendly and honest. From art galleries to community theatre, Dundee's cultural scene is growing and blossoming. What a fantastic choice Dundee would be for City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I arrived in Dundee in 1966 as a student I was bowled over by the generous spirit of the working class people of the city. There was such an air of optimism then. Going back to Dundee as I do every year I'm shocked at the reversal of fortunes of those same people. The social housing stock being demolished, lack of jobs for young people. Showcase developments like the New Overgate are just a sticking plaster. Good luck with the Waterfront Project but I don't think it will improve the lives of Dundee's working class. The city's hidden secret are the city's poor and downtrodden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are always new people to meet and connect with, there seems to be a continual flow of people coming into Dundee, some stay a month, a year or maybe 4 or more, and the city takes them all in.

Though not born and bred in Dundee, I have done a lot of growing here; I moved to Dundee at 18, and 8 years later I am still exploring and discovering new streets, communities and people. As a student and then lecturer, most of my time has been centered at DJCAD, University of Dundee. The university often provides a reason for people to come to Dundee but the communities pre-existing (and yet to form) are the reason people care, contribute and continue talking about Dundee.

For me, Dundee's hidden secret is its adaptability in itself and the people it hosts. It is not a perfect city, nor does it pretend to be, therefor people take on the challenge of shaping it, in turn shaping themselves. In this continual movement Dundee has witnessed many a success, and failure, but it (and the people it hosts) keeps on trying because that is the nature of the space and place it inhabits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here at the start of my degree almost 10 years ago and I'm still here, despite now studying in Aberdeen. Dundee is the best place to live. With its ideal location I can get to anywhere else in Scotland easily, and the links to the rest of the UK are fab too. The people in Dundee make it what it is, and it has its own individual character. You don't have to go far to find lovely areas like Magdalene Green or Baxter Park, and there's always some great architecture (old and new) lurking round the corner.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that when you walk into any pub, you are guaranteed to find somebody you know or somebody that is worth knowing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's location is incredible - whichever view you take, from Dundee to Fife, from Fife to Dundee (the lights reflected in the water on a calm night are amazing), up the river to Perth, or out to sea, the city sure has one of the best settings possible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With a bit of digging, you'll find that Dundee is one of Scotland's hidden treasures. The city is a rough diamond, made even more special by its unpolished edges. If we win the bid for UK City of Culture, hopefully Dundee will shine in the eyes of the rest of the UK too.

:)

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