:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

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> The city centre on a busy Saturday afternoon.... everyone going about there business. Love the hustle and bustle of this.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sounds daft, but often when I'm in the queue at Tesco on Riverside, I'll have a look out the window across the Tay and think just how lucky I am to live in Dundee – with the sun streaming down the Tay, it really is a gorgeous view. The river has been underutilised in the past, but with the V&A opening, and the redevelopment of the centre, hopefully that will be addressed. And while Dundee has a great view across the river, those on the other side have a great view of Dundee’s skyline.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite Dundonians propensity to bemoan and belittle their city , Dundee punches above its weight for many reasons: Two universities that are leaders in their respective fields; University of Dundee, the mature sibling an internationally renowned leader in medicine and cancer research. Abertay, the cocky younger sibling, leading the way in video gaming, forging dynamic international links with major players and its internationally acclaimed ‘Dare to be Digital’ competition. Art with the nationally acclaimed Rep, local amateur companies and the DCA with cutting edge exhibitions and foreign cinema. Accessible history with the McManus Museum, Discovery Point, Verdant Works and the Howff an ‘A’ listed Burial Ground.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the people are so friendly and happy to help! It really makes someone's day when someone smiles at you, it puts a spring in your step and that is what Dundee has done for me - given me the spring in my step and through the support of the many great people around me that I have gone on to persue my dreams, because they helped me feel like I CAN!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Verdant Works is a hidden gem. The volunteers are fantastic and have a welath of knowledge.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tea ann cake
Jessie's Kitchen

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best thing about Dundee that you will never find anywhere else in Europe is our football, the closest grounds in Europe and win, lose or draw, there will always be friendly rivalry (or banter) yes we will wind each other up, but fans can still drink in the same pubs before and after the match, our fans are disciplined, #fact - welcome to Dundee where equality is happy!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Originally from Fife, I had no expectations of Dundee when I came to study here after time in America. I'm now in my 3rd year at Dundee University, and consider it one of the best decisions I've made. Dundee is full of great people with a surprising amount of fun things to do, rich in variety to cater for anyone from every background! The city of culture belongs no where else :)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have a contemporary arts centre, a reportary theatre company, Scottish dance Theatre, The Scottish School fo Contemporary Dance, Duncan of Jordanstone Art's School, a Concert Hall, and a centre of world class journalism and medical research......How much more cultured can you get!?!

<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> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee 3 years ago I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by all the wonderful things on offer, I am now proud to call it my home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived out of this great City for 25 years, visit as often as I can, and now I'm heading home.

It's Dundee's time and I for one don't want to miss it. If any City deserves it's place in the world and recognition for it's contribution, for all manner of wonderful reasons, then here's my vote.

'Dundee is like a light across my heart' - Michael Marra.

This covers it for me.

Good luck Dundee. You deserve it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city ensures continual improvement.
It is an exciting time with the addition of the new V&A developments and the current improvements being rolled out in the city centre.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Kage Nightclub - dundee's friendliest nightclub

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Has to be the Dundee derby. Friends sharing pints and banter hate each other for 90 minutes only, then meet up again for more pints and banter!!

<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> Astonishing views, warm people, fantastic University!
I love Dundee, its my second home town.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hidden jewel....it has a special energy and is full of kind and blessed people who radiate love.
Dundee is on the edge of great things........it's only a matter of time!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Barnhill Rock Garden. My children's absolute favourite place to visit whatever the weather. Beautifully kept with lots of hidden paths and ponds. Peaceful, tranquil & magical - nature at its best.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Years ago, a guy who (asked to) push beside us in the queue at the Mardi Gras, bought us a drink as soon as we were all inside. He then quoted what has become one of my rules for life - "It's nice to be nice."

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing warm feeling I get when I see the Tay road bridge as I approach my hometown on the train.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness Industrial area, rich in history with many old jute mills, today they hold some the cities gems. There are art spaces and studios such as tin roof, the verdant works museum and furniture recycling center.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I remember coming out of the Caird Hall in June some years ago, to find I was in Moscow in December! With snow and pictures of Stalin. The BBC had transromed the city square into a set for it's play 'An Englishman Abroad' set in comunist Russia in the cold war - it was amazing and yet another example of Dundee's rich yet unsung cultural patchwork.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden work being done to support young people with no hidden agenda except to see the young people develop and reach their potential. The work being done at St Andrews church with the young mother, Hot Chocolate Trust are to name two. Working with these young people are people who believe in the young people of Dundee. The are attempting to play a part in changing the future of Dundee from 'the inside' believing that any sustainable change must be done now to affect the future, and must be done in people not wholly by policies and procedures.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee rep have been at the leading edge of regional theatre for as long as I can remember. I grew up with so many great productions that I didn't realise how special they were and how lucky I was until I moved away from the city. It's not so much a hidden secret as a treasure hidden in plain sight, so much a part if the Dundee landscape that its easy to forget what a truly amazing resource it is.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an incomer I have discovered so many hidden wonders, from her Industrail Heritage in Jute, Jam and Journalism to the strength and vitality of the women of the city, as Civil Rights and Trade union Leaders as well as religious icons. Dundee's history is a wonderful web of intrigue enriched by her people.
I love that the Universities integrate so well and add to that.
We have much to be proud of! A walk round Balgay Cemetery tells amazing stories.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Traveling across the bridge towards Dundee at night with the lights shining beautifully across the water.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking towards Dundee and over to Fife from waterfront at Broughty Ferry, really pretty.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its a very lively city, with plenty to do and look at. you're never bored in Dundee

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of people from outside our city who knock us! I was born and brought up here and yes, we have our problems-what city doesn't, but the strength and inherent decency of the majority of Dundonians makes me proud. Oh yeah, the pubs and restaurants, Discovery Point, Verdant Works, Botanic Gardens, McManus Galleries, the new V&A, I could go on and on. The best thing? The feeling of homecoming when you come over the Rail Bridge - now that's special!!

<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> Its the city of discovery

<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> All my non- Dundonian friends , from all over, comment on the warmth and friendliness and humour of the people they meet .
Our city is full of surprises if you take the time to look. One of my favourites is our public observatory atop Balgay Hill. Accessible to all and wonderfully educational . I love our city and love living here. My latest secret is the new , free , WalkJogRun initiative . Brilliant idea and we can take in the stunning views of the River Tay and the Sidlaws en route. And then there's the
sunshine -------

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an annual event, held during March to coincide with International Women's Day. This is a very diverse festival with a wide variety of events held all across the city - culture, sport, leisure and celebrating Dundee's women. There is sure to be something to appeal to you.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is second to none in Dundee. So many versatile and hugely talented bands and individuals who contribute to many artistic streams within the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great deals for students
Huge amounts of diversity across all sectors of the city
brilliant cafes and restaurants

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duke's Corner Beer Garden, The Blues Bonanza, The Botanic Gardens, The Continental Market on a summer's day, the cycle route, the City Square, the generousity and enthusiasm of people like Charlie Kean, the DCA, the live music scene, the Rep, the warmth of the people!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A stunning location and a city with a wonderful heart. It could be one of the greats.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have lots of beautiful parks for anyone who wants to play or walk. Balgay Park is an unexpected treasure culminating with the observatory at the top.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing I love most about Dundee is it's creative culture. Over the years I have seen many wonderful artistic and musical talents thrive within the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing speed at which it has developed into a cool city i.e. over the last 18 years since i went there to university

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Too long the hidden gem, it is fantastic to witness Dundee shed its undeserved downtrodden image and become the vibrant, confident, culturally diverse and welcoming city it has always had the potential to be. If ever a city deserved the City of Culture title it is Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grants the butcher does the best mince.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are so friendly. I get lots of foreign visitors at work and they all say this.

<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> I am excited by the work of Literary Dundee - the literary festival and book prize, their monthly salons and sundry projects and publications. Literary Dundee celebrates the bright creative talents of writers in the city, and brings exciting literary figures to Dundonian audiences.

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

Is a big family...
Is the place Dundonians don't want to leave...
Has it's own language of circles and backies...
Is familiar...

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I've come back to Art College (DJCAD) as a pensioner to do a Masters in Fine Art and discovering a wonderful city, rich in history and a vibrant art scene. Warm and wonderful folk

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I always love seeing the McManus galleries especially following all of the restoration that's taken place. My Mum regularly took my sister and I there when we were growing up and we loved seeing the model of old Dundee, a great talking point, and the display about the Tay bridge disaster. I'm glad that we were able to experience some of the history of Dundee as it has connected me to where I'm from and I'm grateful to my Mum for ensuring we had that. Thanks Mum.

See All Backers