We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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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> Dundee offered the framework and opportunities for me to go from college, to university, to a dream career as a game designer. I've been able to study and work in the city I was born in. It's allowed me to live and work in another country and also return again because of the amazing opportunities available.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is known for its large cultural variance, the achitectural layout ofthe city is one that seems to fascinate. The location of the law hill, providing an enigmatic view of the whole city. The weather is one that is highly intriguing. known to be the sunniest city in the scotland, hail stones in august spices up the flavour of the Dundee life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has long been the central hub of video games development in Scotland. The days of 300 employee developers are gone, but in their place a thriving, vibrant community of smaller developers has emerged. More agile, more creative and more suited to the constantly changing world of video games. It's an exciting time for Dundee. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its cinemas and theatres - such good quality in a smaller city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an international student I presented a topic by powerpoint in a language class about , " Dundee, the city of innovation and the city of discovery "
My presentation was well but what I would like to let you know is the history I tried to learn about this city from prehistoric era till date are really amazing. Those are with so many discoveries and innovations.
particularly my take home message is Dundee went on through castles and battles in earlier ages, city of discovery (year-1900),jam-jute -journalism—late 18th century, a golden time in 1950s and 1960s- employment vs industrial revolution, city of scholars and researchers(one of the intellectual communities in this planet).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its cute and its got nice footballers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that I can walk through Dundee streets and see it's rich history from converted mills, towering tenements and stunning Victorian buildings. The City gives me a sense of how my ancestors lived and worked, and I feel a great connection to them just by living here myself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't deny its flaws, instead uses the wide range of skills that its diverse population has to offer to tackle problems. The range of voluntary and statuary services in Dundee amazed me when I started working in the voluntary sector, and I'm proud to say I've been part of it. The city has a bad reputation that it doesn't deserve, I've lived here for 4 years since coming for university and I'm reminded on a daily basis why I decided to stay!
<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> I love living in Dundee. The ice arena is my favourite place to go and I love all of the parks and adventure equipment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We've got two Universities, two football teams, two bridges and a professional ice hockey team a plethora of theatres and a number of fine museums. The people are proud, but not pushy. The city has one of the finest settings in the world and despite many of the mistakes of the sixties almost every other city made it is now going places and has a tremendous sense of optimism. Becoming City of Culture would be the icing on the cake of the cities rebirth.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Planning student at the University of Dundee. The city has changed so much in the space of less than a century from industrial to culturally-orientation. V&amp;A, DCA, The Waterfront, Discovery, McManus are only tips of a very large iceberg.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bars and pubs are ace! My two favourites are The Art Bar and The Speedwell Bar (AKA Mennie's) - quite different from one another but both very friendly, unique and wonderful.
The fact that 20 minutes drive in any direction takes you into fantastic countryside. Dundee is surrounded by beautiful hills, glens, lochs..... Great for outdoor activities. Hill walking in summer and snowboarding / skiing in winter (or spring this year!).
<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> 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> 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 is a city of great cultural richness, but the area in which I feel it excels is that of theatre. Both professionally, with the ensemble at Dundee Rep, and in the amateur field, Dundee presents an amazing variety of theatrical performances. Recent amateur productions include "Cats", "The Sound of Music" and "Whistle Down the Wind" with "Miss Saigon School Edition", "Parade" and "Spamalot" still to come this year. Absolutely fabulous darling! l
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing ability to reinvent itself, grow and thrive. Our georgraphy means that we have to make an effort to connect with others and make things happen. You can see that in our history with Jute from Pakistan; Marmalade and oranges from Seville; and today we reach out with our imagination and creativity; Stem Cell research and the V &amp; A @ Dundee. What we create - shapes us! Dundee continues to transform - our city and our culture!
<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> The amount of things available at your doorstep; the beach, country walks and city life all in the one-day!

The art &amp; culture scene is something you can't ignore, it's unique and embraced by the people of Dundee in a very special way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee to me is a city of perseverance, passion and pride.

I chose to live in the city because of my strong families ties. In my family, storytelling is important, whether it's reminiscing about past events or passing down fables. These stories transfer a rich tapestry of experience on to the next generation.

The regenerating of Dundee's industrial heritage has reinvigorated the City and can be interpreted as a symbol for personal transformation.

My secret spot is the mosaic bench in Finlathen Park next to the Dighty Burn. A little bit of public art that adds to its setting. I would love to see some stone sculptures from a nearby artist on display there too. His work is inspiring and amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views, the wealth of culture, and the warmth of its people. Dundee truly is a Historic City and the V &amp; A is coming to a prestigious location in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's maritime heritage often overshadowed by Glasgow but non the less ust as important. The Discovery,Unicorn and North Carr.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has more history in its proverbial little finger, you just have to know where to look. From the Unicorn to the Howff, I hope more people come to discover it in 2017
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born in Dundee in the 80s. The city has really changed since then. Dundee has worked so hard on it's cultural side. Every time I go back to visit there is always something new to see or do. Go for it Dundee! You deserve it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The lovely views, sunrises and nature in Dundee. Camperdown wild life park is an amazing pocket of nature and the giant park it's self is a great place to go and visit on a lovely sunny day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A pint in the Snug Bar on match day. Having Banter with the lovely colourful ladies at Fellows Barber Shop. Fine Italian Beer and coffee in the historic Cafe Borsa. Live music in the Fishermans Tavern. All day breakfast at Cafe Rodi. Dundonian Seagulls, they are good chaps if a bit mental.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful Broughty Ferry beach.
<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> 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> Just love my home town. No matter where I go, it doesn't live up to Dundee!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's in the air, Dundee is the perfect size and setting for people to get together and do great things. It's the friendly atmosphere that it creates that leads you to meet people from all walks of life. The result is a meeting of minds and creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing beats the magical feeling during the Universities graduation ceremonies in the Caird Hall and City Square in June. Graduates and their families and friends fill the city with colour, celebration and culture. These celebrations start for me with the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show earlier in the season - you get a great sense of creativity, potential, excitement and the ultimate start to a cultural summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much to see in this small city which is the home to the Beano and the Dandy
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a jewel in Scotlands crown. From the days of Jute, Jam &amp; Journalism it has been reborn with the continuing development of the Waterfront. Looking forward with great excitment as the face of Dundee changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I feel Dundee women have a deserved reputation for being strong independamt women as they have been since the days of the jute mills
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Don't let the reputation fool you. It's way out of date. Dundee was my home for 2011 and 2012 and I enjoyed every minute of it. A beautiful setting for a city looking out across the silvery Tay. I met many good people and the town inspired me to be successful. A part of me will always be from Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's interesting that many people who come here to study end up making a real effort to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's full of creative people from a variety of disciplines
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I don't think this is classed as a "hidden secret" but it's something I hope will be highlighted as part of Dundee's cultural activity - the annual blues bonanza held at the end of June each year - purported to be the biggest free blues festival in Europe, and hugely popular with the artists and audiences alike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible array of highly detailed building facades - all one has to do is LOOK UP!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I leave Dundee, I think I'm done with it. I return grudgingly, only to realise that Dundee is not done with me. I rediscover lost pockets of memories. I discover hidden gems. I reconnect with old friends. I engage with new communities. Music, film, photography, games, animation, journalism, fine art... A city full of potential the world has yet to appreciate. It's time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Pulling off yet another Dundee Womens festival, most probably the largest and most varied women's festival in the UK, by harnessing the strengths, talents, enthusiasm, creativity and generosity of the community, that is Dundee. Celebrating women's culture, women's stories, women's wisdom, women's identities and women's lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great place.....great past, present and future
<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> 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> I am amazed at the number and variety of public lectures available in Dundee in the course of a year. DundeeAtrs Cafe, Cafe Science, Saturday Evening Lecture Series - in its 89th year, Armistead Lectures - over 120 series, to name but a few. All are well and enthusiastically attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the hustle and bustle of Saturday afternoon. Always changing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Art Gallery is a hidden gem. The history and culture of Dundee all one one place. Very interesting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by additional facts about Dundee and Dundonians; from the Neolithic to the space age, Dundee has hidden its light under a bushel, and needs to be recognised for the amazing place it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art &amp; Design annual Degree Show at the University of Dundee. What a fantastic art and design teaching ethos and culture that exists within this Dundee institution to produce this showcase of talent each year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rama Thai restaurant is wonderful as is Parlour Cafe and the city is vegetarian/vegan friendly compared to most, especially of this size.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Twenty odd years ago I was first acquainted with Dundee as a part of the design team for the Discovery project and I now have a home just outside of the city. My main responsibility was the design of things on-board the ship itself which included the flock of sheep (not as big as it could have been) on the shore, etc. It was a period of great energy and creativity, but was grounded in solid research.
At that time there was a lot of talk about how good things in the city could be, and most of it has happened plus a lot more. The later things such as the V&amp;A are an extension of that vision for culture whilst not loosing sight of the past. This is the core of Dundee.
The whole place has a 'life' to it and all of its attractions are not only for visitors, but are of relevance to all who live there.
I am thinking in particular of the McManus, the DCA &amp; the Rep'. It has a dynamic student population and a world class Art &amp; Design School in The Duncan of Jordanstone.

The proposed long term plan for the waterfront looks as though it should work well, and take advantage of the truly wonderful river aspect. But whilst I am glad to see the back of the Council Tower, various blocks of flats &amp; the Olympia pool, the Railway station &amp; the ex Stakis/Hilton might be a loss in terms of architectural progression - not all '70ies was bad.

The Unicorn needs to be integrated much more into the scheme of things, it is a gem, and perhaps a museum of transport and the docks, should be considered, in particular as unlike at a lot of other places, the docks still work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's actually not bad. No, really it's great. I've been here for 8 years and think it's an incredibly vibrant wee place.
<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> From the small grassroots voluntary arts organisations to the organisations, teams and Directors of the city's notable arts venues, to business that invests and sponsors culture in Dundee. Everyone has a voice and space to discuss, join in and start up. Its an inclusive city where art and culture are not out of bounds or highbrow, its open to anyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Well for such a small city, I personally think it is a great and fun place to live. I love the city centre, it might be minute compared to other cities but it is continuing to grow and develop into a place that could possibly rival the bigger cities centres. I think that the water front project, once it is finished, will look great and will bring more people down to Dundee. Also, the seating area outside the caird hall is being changed around, which will also make the town centre look better. There are some great looking buildings in Dundee right now and more on their way, such as the new olympia. There is no denying that Dundee has a lot to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is special !!! Because it the only place in the UK that houses a great and creative acting and dance company in one building . Dundee Rep Enssemble and Scottish Dance Theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre is a place to be proud of .!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> The Head of Cinema at DCA was on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How we've grown up to be a city once again capable of inspiring, educating and encouraging our own, and those who become our own; proud of our past and confident about our future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is always trying to make things happen with visions and plans that will take years to complete but the passion is clear to see. It is full of innovative and creative businesses and individuals that are putting the City on the map on an international level.

That coupled with an ideal location with access to amazing scenery right on our doorstep just makes Dundee ideal.
<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> The D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum! It's hidden away on Dundee University campus but has stuffed animals, skeletons and fossils from all around the world. A fascinating look at the work of a very intersting Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The production in early 2013 of 'This Town' devised and performed by a local community theatre group in Scotland's Jute Museum @ Verdant Works proved a real success - a great example of partnership between Dundee Heritage Trust (who own and run the museum) and Dundee Rep. The dance, drama and live music staged in different locations around the former jute works was a much-enjoyed sell-out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most exciting thing for me recently was discovering all about the law tunnel! It would be amazing to be able to see it and walk through a piece of history that had been shut away for so long.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Street Art and the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Some beautiful old buildings, an exciting waterfront, good shopping streets, plans for new V&amp;A gallery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the city, its only 1hour away form the mountains, glens etc
<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> 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> my god-daughter, Jennifer Gavin, was born in Dundee!!!..she's a credit to her birthplace!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible generosity of spirit in the people. Unseen at first, but just waiting to be uncovered.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I always want to go back. Having had the intention of going to Dundee and getting out as soon as possible, but the combination of arts, design and regeneration leaves me seeking a return every time I leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an 'honorary' Dundonian who has proudly worked here for nearly 20 years I feel sometimes that to the outside world the whole city is a hidden secret. From the beauty of the setting to the wealth of internationally sigificant heritage to the vibrancy of the cultural scene - all are waiting to be discovered. And when you add in the warm and welcoming people with their irrerevant sense of humour - a winning combination!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its a brilliant place full of artistic people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ancient history, never realised it has been a settlement for thousands of years! The Jacobite rising started on the Law, how amazing! love the city events for Christmas etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite things about Dundee are the people and the accent! Friendly folk and a fab dialect! I'll hae fower pehs, twa sassidge rolls, a plen bridie and an ingin ane an a!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the largest small village in the world. It really is a friendly city and it's that atmosphere that strikes people when they first visit. Dundonian's themselves might not realise it but they really are warm and friendly. There's a feeling like everyone knows one another. The locals are relaxed and unpretentious and that's refreshing in this day and age. So it's the social fabric, the affable, approachable nature of the people that needs to be put forward as one of the Dundee's main assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee isn't an 'obvious' place - you have to dig a bit deeper than in other major cities. Once you do, you start to find places like Generator (pop up exhibitions by emergent visual artists) you see Performances in community centres and other strange places (by the Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre) and mini festivals for families all across the city. The difference is that you need to seek it out. You need to talk to people and make connections. Communicate with people and Dundee is one of the most exciting places you'll come across. It's all there for the taking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving to Broughty Ferry on a Winter evening and parking the car facing the Tay. One red, and one white pudding supper takeaway and back to the car. Sitting in the warmth watching the lights of Newport and Tayport reflected in the calm black water. Looking at the cars on either side and the same ritual is taking place, A line of parked Dundonians chomping on their suppers looking out across the river ... fine dining and romance Dundee style.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee right now is lively and exciting, the city itself is looking good and theres a certain buzz about the place.. a change of attitude perhaps? The shops are trendy and lots of new individual businesses are opening everywhere. A trendy city full of friendly folk,,its deffo getting better..lets hope we win this.. check out the likes of House of Liberty, Hayley Scanlan and many other gems in this growing city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the art that is around the city. There are the penguin statues outside the overgate (which have santa hats put on them for Christmas); a scary looking dragon on the high street and of course desperate dan standing in the city center. My favourites are the more modern looking metal sculptures like the paper planes which are found across from the airport.
As for a hidden secret I really like the planet trail at the Mills observatory where you can walk across the beautiful park and walk from the sun to pluto. Each planet is represented by a rock with a plaque giving information about the planet. The distances between each planet is a scaled down model of reality so it can be hard to find Neptune!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Uplifting views over the river, great galleries, good range of music and theatre and the liveliness of an ever-changing student population married to the tradition and continuity of the long-term residents. All backed with good sport and outstanding opportunites to explore historic sites and a range of beautiful countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Douglas Sports Centre gives the local community access to excellent facilities on their doorstep providing opportunities to be active in their community.
<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> The first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish.
Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> The girls football leagues &amp; teams of all ages which play in Dundee and play team from the surrounding areas is a great opportunity for girls of all ages to improve and test their skills.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over the last decade Dundee has shrugged off its Jute, Jam and Journalism image for one of a technology, media and bio-science leader. A pheonix rising from the ashes of its past.

Dundee's progress is unlimately recognised by the decision to site the V &amp; A museum in the city which is a massive boost of confidence for the city. Dundee should be awarded the UK City of Culture 2017 as a recognition of its transformation and as an inspiration to other cities that they too can re-invent themselves.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A lovely city located over the bank of a l river, rich in history and Mecca of learning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Whilst I don't claim to know Dundee well enough to comment on the 'hidden secrets', I do plan to move there and find them out. What I like about Dundee is that it is not too big, is walkable in and around, has a lovely waterfront location and is brimming with potential. There are some cracking restaurants and lovely vistas all across the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The very fact that fans of United &amp; Dundee can easily share a pint on match day without the ugliness of other derbies. Derby days can produce terrific dundoinan banter amongst friends. Neil Forsythe portrays this kind of banter well in his bob servant books
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly amazed by the wealth of talent in the city. From music to art and beyond, I think the people of Dundee should be recognised for their famous cultural past and the amazing work that is happening right now.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over this past year or so I have become interested in independent retailers and discovered Dundee has many of these hidden gems dotted about town! Each one unique and welcoming for you to discover on a journey of your own to find some hidden little treasure that you don't find amongst the chain stores...
<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> Blackness. West End. MacManus Galleries. Dundee Contemporary Arts. Overgate Centre. V&amp;A. University of Dundee. Tay Estuary. Riverside. Broughty Ferry. Tentsmuir Beach. Even with all these, the layering of local people, visitors, students, businesses and a quiet ambition makes Dundee a culturally rich place to live. Help us give the city even greater depth in 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is one of the events that excites me about Dundee, Dundee Blues Bonanza, this free 3 day festival is unique to the city. Blues music is in the blood of Dundonians and this 18 year old event has grown in to a national and internation event. 12,000 people attend what is thought to be the biggest free blues event in Europe and it's a real gem in Dundee's musical heritage.
<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> 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 love how Dundee is always sunny! It's great to be able to look out over the Tay and see the sun glisten off it and feel the warmth - it's a rare find in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundonian dialect :) Sometimes difficult to understand, but really intriguing and beautiful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing changes which have come about over the last decade
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a child my granny, who is 93, still healthy and living in Dundee, took me to all of the local "great spots." My favourites were always The Unicorn and The Discovery, so much so that when civil wedding ceremonies became available on The Discovery, my husband and I were married on the decks of the boat. I think The Discovery has been well preserved and would wish the same for The Unicorn - its another amazing ship with a rich history; it should be less of a secret and used as an attraction to bring more tourists to Dundee. One city, two ships.
<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> You "Discover" it !

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