:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

It’s not just one thing but a range of things which makes Dundee stand out. Nestled between the Sidlaw Hills to the North, the River Tay to the South and the North Sea to the East lies a relatively small but compact city built around a extinct volcano. It has an extremely strong history as one of the major contributors to the industrialised world reflected in its architecture and a quietly proud and stoical mindset . It is building on this with growing vibrancy in education, IT, arts, culture and sport. It’s a hidden gem waiting to shine.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Seals barking on the sandbanks

<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> Multicultural people, from many countries and backgrounds, all live happily together without segregation or differentiation. Dundee is a friendly, happy city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the place I associate with vibrancy. The art college and university are places of excellence, and both have produced pioneers in their fields.
The artistic community has a similar buzz which Glasgow had in the 1980s!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For quite a small, old industrial city Dundee has so much to offer. From the indepedantly run gallery and cinema the DCA to the recently renovated McManus Gallery. There is also a whole host of events going on week to week in smaller venues such as the Generator projects and Tinroof... This place is alive with art and culture which I believe will continue to grow and grow

<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> The team and young people at Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee city centre - amazing, top quality youthwork going on. It's like a family. Also the wee garden in the middle of Perth Road, opposite the university, with the miniature bandstand. The flowers are always lovely and the view is brilliant.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> little coffee shops with amazing homemade cakes

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving to Dundee a few years ago, I quickly fell in love with the city with it completely surpassing my expectations.. It's a beautiful city full of talented people, with students from DJCAD producing spectacular work and creating a name for themselves. I'm proud to say that I live and study in Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such an interesting history for a relatively small city. There's plenty evidence to see as you walk about. The two universities bring a large student population and a youthful dynamic. Dundee has some beautiful parks and scenery and the silvery Tay is never too far away.

<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> I have travelled to many parts of the world and been lucky enough to have seen some amazing places. However, each time I return home, there is nothing quite like walking with my family and dogs along the 'Grassy Beach' and I think how lucky I am to live where I do.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovative, DIY attitude!

<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> great bars springing up in the west end, fantastic cafes. the stunning views of the river and bridges that change daily

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up here and went to University here. I then left and lived in several cities around the world. As Oor Wullie said though 'East, West, hame's best'. This is my city of choice now and it is so lovely to watch Dundee continually evolving and flourishing whilst still retaining the essence of what is has always been.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great place to live, work and enjoy.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The open attitude toward change and bringing culture into the city. Not many cities see culture as an important aspect of social life. People in Dundee are excited about change rather than being grumpy about even hearing that something new might happen.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing situation by the Tay

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live and work, has great links to other cities and places throughout Scotland. Its also one of the sunniest cities in Scotland!!

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

<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 sunny weather.
The SPECTACULAR setting on the River Tay.
The world class Universities.
The rich history. Even Glasgow doesn't have its own stone circle.
The mince roll.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The observatory on Balgay Hill- its a gem and free to visit!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone! Its a collective of things that makes the city great. There are plenty parks, ponds and the beautiful 'Silvery Tay'. Its a convenient and enjoyable place for families, couples, students and anyone who gives it a try! Easy to commute to and from. Ninewells is a fantastic teaching Hospital that is often in the news with the latest in science and technology.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee 5 years ago after living across the world.

What I love about this city is it's ability to evolve, to change with the times and to reinvent itself.

Above all it's home to me and my family and will always be home no matter where we are in the world

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the top of Glamis Road where it meets Dixon Avenue. This view of the Tay Estuary lookind towards Perth is picturesque like a scene from a Scottish Fairy tail. The Buzz of activity on the Perth Road on the evenings of the weekend is always welcoming. The Regeneration of the waterfront is truly amazing and looks to be progressing further for the future.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic architecture in the city centre - it is easy to just walk past without looking up and seeing the beautiful buildings.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most stunning waterfront in Europe. Looking towards the west at any time, absolutely incomparable experience.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A great city - first class university in design, art and ground-breaking medical research. One of the few theatre repertory companies still active in UK. Braithwaites coffee and tea emporium which is one of Dundee's cultural centres. Superb location on the river Tay. Verdant Works and the McManus first rate exhibitions and museum. Well deserved location for the V & A

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of great private and public golf courses, that are very well designed and challenging, including the links course at Carnoustie and the beautiful landscaping of Downfield Golf Club. International visits could purchase special passes during the year of culture to Dundee private and public clubs in order to play golf on them all - a passport - could be offered.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In some of the industrial port areas you will just sit for hours on, enjoying the old industrial, maybe a bit rotty looking sites with having the view on the see. As a student, I love this place for just relaxing and writing with the industrial 'landscape' aside. It just gives me goosebumps every time, thinking back to when this was one of the ports to the world. Strange, but stunning feeling!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great buildings - Gardyne's Land - original elements 1560, now preserved as a backpackers' hostel. St David's Rooms, - original elements early 1600's. 2 cathedrals - St Paul's and St Andrew's.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative atmosphere in the city.

<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> How it has improved since I was a student there in '60s

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amount of development and arts..not everyone knows about such great places such as the Mcmanus

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The pride of being home to 'the world's worst poet' William McGonagall. Taking a walk by the riverside you get to see the immortal words of the sage like McGonagall carved in stone next to his beloved 'silvery Tay.'
A city with a sense of humour.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The excitement and anticipation I feel when I pass through what will be the new waterfront. It is like a flower waiting to burst into full bloom. I can't wait!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City Hall, Kinetic Sculpture, beautiful river across the hills.

<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&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 & the Rep'. It has a dynamic student population and a world class Art & 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 & the Olympia pool, the Railway station & 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.

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