We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

If there was ever a person which embodied Dundee it would have to be Amanda Lowson from Dundee Rep Theatre. She exudes creativity, joy, resilience and a fiery passion for the city and the people who live here. Through her work at Dundee Rep and her general outlook on life, she unknowingly makes the city a brighter place to be.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene is thriving, welcoming and diverse!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Anyone lucky enough to see Gardyne's Land before it was turned into a Youth Hostel will know that Dundee was, once upon a time, a very influential city, not only in Scotland but Britain.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student I was struck by the friendliness of the people of Dundee and that while it has had its deprived past, the city is definitely changing for the better and is on its way up
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact you can turn a corner and find an amazing piece of street art, or a medieval building or just meet an interesting character, who's always friendly and willing to share
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views across the estuary, the beeches, the parks with pavilions, ponds and castles in them, the architecture, the friendly people, the restaurants and pubs, museums and the sunniness!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How one can get everything required in the city yet it is so easy to get around, park, eat and get away again. The sea scape is also such a pleasure, too, and a surprise when one is in the midst of a bustling University city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff surprised me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Left Dundee 15 years ago, but will always be a West End lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the Views across the Tay, McIntosh Patrick and not forgetting the pehs and plehn bridies.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland is probably the greatest place and family in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From it's unique cultural diversity to the well balanced synthesis between large-city and small community living, Dundee offers a unique balance which caters for everyone. Developed with environmental aesthetics in mind, the myriad of green spaces and waterways combine contemporary urban landscapes with more naturalised ones. The small hidden gems are plentiful with many unique shops, cafes, pubs and entertainment venues, representative of the eclectic nature of the city and it's residents.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This City has really grown and developed over the past few years , Discovery Quay , Verdant Works and soon the V &amp; A.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the most beautiful locations in Britain with the banks of the Tay on one side and the sidllaws on the other to capture the four seasons of the year. The people make the city and Dundee has the charactors and people to make any city proud. The very roots of Scotland are based here and the city today is as commercially successful as ever to be City of Culture 2017. Dundee maybe has no oil revenue but historical and cultural we are as good if not better to carry the flag.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's industrial history as a centre for textile production is apparent throughout the city. Numerous former jute mills remain standing and while some lay derelict, many have been converted into alternate usages. Of particular note are the Tay Works, built by the Gilroy Brothers c.1850-1865, Camperdown Works in Lochee, which built and owned by Cox Brothers, one of Europe's largest jute manufacturing companies, and begun in 1849, and Upper Dens Mill and Lower Dens Works, built by the Baxter Brothers in the mid 19th century.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is this vibrant, buzzing, creative cosmopolitan hub, where there's culture, entertainment, education and leisure at one's fingertips. Yet it has havens of peacefulness too, in its parks, the Botanic Gardens, Magdalen Green.
With its wonderful situation overlooking the Tay, and it's huge potential as a desirable destination to visit being helped along by major redevelopment, there is no question that Dundee is worthy of the title UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v&amp; a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the commitment of Dundee's volunteers.....most hours of the day and night there are a band of volunteers helping out those who need support. I am involved with the Dundee branch of Samaritans which has been on the go for over 50 years. There are many of us out there doing all sorts of things in our own time to lend a hand or an ear to another human being....so don't forget about them!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly people, diversity and surrounding beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the Tay.  We have a outstanding feature that most other Scottish cities do not have.
<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> "The Speedwell Bar ( Ma Mennies'), Perth Road, Dundee
is one Edwardian public house that has retained its original shopfront and fittings, due to their exceptional craftsmanship.

One of the very few pubs in Scotland and the only pub in Dundee having been listed for the quality of its interior"
Adam Swan, Chartered Town Planner, Dundee District Council"

Built in 1903 on the site of a well for the Lord Provost James Speed the Speedwell is acclaimed in the Daily Telegraph (3/4/09) asone of the Uk's best 70 pubs.

Home of Dundee's William McGonagall Appreciation Society
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's hidden attractions is Balgay Park. The park itself is lovely with beautiful walks through the trees an stunning views. There is also a Plant Trail walk up Balgay Hill leading to Mills Observatory which holds entertaining Planetarium shows and has several interesting objects related to space.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic DCA!
<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> Having spent my past 44 years living around the Tay estuary, I regularly re-discover the incredibly vibrant local music scene with which I first became familiar in 1969. The current crop of young musicians[I recently saw a 14 year old playing Peter green, Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix], supported and encouraged by the early 20 + year olds who had themselves been supported and are still supported by earlier generations. The Blues festival is rightly famous but you can go round many venues in Dundee weekly and hear music of the highest calibre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the Tay, the Tay that goes to Perth and back each day
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has some fantastic volunteers that give a lot of time and energy to running local sports teams!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was proud to be leader of the council during the reopening of the McManus Galleries and also to see the beginnings of the waterfront development, both of which add significantly to Dundee's cultural landscape.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dca
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the DC Thomson comic characters especially Dennis the Menace. I named my dog, Dennis after him even though he is more a gnasher lookalike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised every day by just how beautiful the view is from my office in the City Centre. I can see the river, the bridges, as far as Broughty Ferry and over towards Fife. It is one of the most amazing views and I am lucky enough to see it every day. Such a beautiful and intimate, yet lively and exciting city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think the judges would be surprised at the number of parks that are in Dundee City - Camperdown in particular is beautiful and has something for everyone. The McManus Gallery, Verdant Works, The Law and RSS Discovery are but a few attractions that are well worth a visit. Dundee City is not just grey buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> They still think pasta is a foreign food!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has seen a revolution in the past 20 years
With lots more to come
It's rich heritage, now matched by it's forward outlook makes it the ideal City of Culture,2017
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have this image of a group of people, one of them my wife, swimming across the Tay. They arrive, shivering and tired at Broughty Ferry Harbour and as they emerge a school of bottle-nosed dolphins barrels out to sea leaping and diving as if in salute. It sums up why we came and stayed. A plucky, generous place and people, succeeding against the odds and blessed with an incomparable natural setting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> having lived in the city off and on for sixty years, the Dundee of today is evolving into a modern 21st century city. Twenty years ago, that seemed unbelievable....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city maybe but it has everything you need - culture (museums and theatre), shops, universities - and all on your doorstep. Plus it has Dundonians - some of the friendliest people one could ever hope to meet. I love it here!
<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> I love that Dundee is striving to improve and has so much to offer from Football at Junior &amp; Senior level,the Science Centre, Art at McManus &amp; DCA and a brilliant rep theatre. We're on the river, near beautiful beaches and countryside and a thriving city! Beautiful buildings in The Caird Hall, Morgan Academy, McManus Gallery &amp; Custom House
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee went into an industrial nosedive in the 1970s, which I remember well. After many painful years it has emerged as a vibrant university town humming with energy, youth and ideas. It is wonderful to see old jute mills converted to artists' studios, to visit a refurbished McManus, to eat at the DCA and the Rep. The waterfront project is well under way, as is a physic garden being constructed by volunteers at Ninewells. Energy is the word !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a friendly city and also so much great music groups about. Choirs, Orchestras, bands etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city which really emphasizes its natural beauty. From the spectacular views from The Law to the Tay Bridge, there isn't a part of Dundee that doesn't have a beautiful aspect about it. Our cultural diversity is already present and growing at a rapid rate, led forward by two universities that attract students from all around the globe. A spectacular city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Universities and the Colleges with their unrelenting academic vibrancy amazes me and just blows my mind.  We are a city of Discovery and we discover something new every single day.  How fantastically magical is that?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to a great university that combines talents from multiple fields, including science and art, and when these talents and skills are combined amazing things happen! Dundee is small but productive and innovative!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have worked in Dundee for the last 17 years and in that time it never ceases to amaze me how much it has really flourished creatively to being the innovative and forward thinking city that it is today.

A great deal of commitment, effort and time has been given by the people and employers within the city to create this vibrancy and it certainly deserves to be credited as a City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I come from Christchurch, New Zealand though I have lived in Dundee for nearly 15 years now. On its journey to Antarctica the RRS Discovery stopped at Lyttleton, New Zealand which is just over the hill from Christchurch. I think there are few places in the world that I could choose to live in that would take me so far away from home however even here there are strong ties. Dundee has such rich cultural diversity which is not what most people expect - my daughter’s nursery school has children from over 26 nationalities!! One Dundee, Many Cultures.
<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> T Ann cake
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing, I'm from Dundee and have been all over the world with the Royal Navy but nothing competes with Bonnie Dundee !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came. up from The Scottish Borders in the seventies and have never left ! This is because I think Dundee is a great city. There is a special bond and pride in Dundee shared by Dundoians of all walks of life. For me I have always found the music and musicians of Dundee to be secondvto none. My favourite being Michaek Marra. Art theatre , despite it's size ..Dundee has it all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is in a beautiful location, on the banks of the silvery Tay. I've often felt that the city hasn't used this to their advantage, until recently with the new waterfront development and the V&amp;A. In the past Dundee has been a bit of a rough diamond compared to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen but now I think Dundee has definitely started to sparkle!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is such a variety of things to do in Dundee, numerous Cafes and Bars. Or a trip to the Science centre is a must.
The city also has wonderful architecture that shows the rich and varied history of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> there is a great vibe from up and coming designer makers in the city which is wonderful to see. i love the little independent shops that have managed to survive the recession and the new ones opening up recently - keep up the good work of reclaiming the high street !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Location, Location, Location!
Dundee has the most magnificent setting on the banks of the Tay.
Visit Reres Hill in the Ferry - with Queen Victoria's 1887Jubilee Arch, a carpet of daffodils in April and always wonderful views from the top.
I love living in Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee surprises you with unexpected opportunities, events, people and places. A fantastic, creative and inspirational city with heaps of personality that makes it stand out from the crowd.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan it is – out on Friday met Spaniards, Italians and Russians – all studying in Dundee!! So, it is already a City of Culture just need the recognition of the rest of the UK!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been invited by my scottish friend to experience the family Ceilidh. Though one word is not enough the describe it all, I would say: AWESOME, I had a really good time. You definitely need to experience it at least once in your life (with a kilt of course!). I think I'll cherish these memories my entire life, and I'll sign-up in the second when the next ceilidh is planned!

Dundee is a nice, peaceful place, where you can breath fresh air, swim in the water, or walk on the beautiful shore. There are plenty of museums around to visit too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a very peaceful, homogenous and beautiful city. You can go round the town at any time of the day and feel safe. Just love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I LOVE DUNDEE !!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The riverside is one of my most iconic places in Dundee. I jog the side anytime of the day as I experience a chilling and breezy experience from the Tay water. I know this is an obvious asset but it's not what you get everywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Windsurfing on the Tay with dolphins and seals playing around is something few cities can offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me it the rise dundee has made from post-industrial city to bidding for city of culture status. lets go for it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee in 1990 from England. Immediately I was immersed in the culture, the language, the people - wonderful. One of my colleagues gave me a sheet full of Dundee-isms and a whole new language opened up to me. My all time favourite was seeing a warning sign in the old Overgate: wet pent. It's a unique place, full of history, strong women and working class-ness.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is my home town. It always has been since I was born here. I left in the 60's to go to London but returned in the 70's after I married &amp; lived in London. I was desperate to leave Dundee when I was young but when I returned I really appreciated how much standards of living had improved, especially compared to London and the accesibility to the countyside wihout a queue of traffic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of independent, creative businesses springing up, collaborating and supporting each other - and organisations like Fleet Collective and Tin Roof which help make collaborations possible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its integrated creative scene, Dundee supports its local makers and has a driven attitude towards reaching an international level of success. The work of Vanilla Ink inspires me and makes me proud to be part of the creative Dundee network.
<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> The sheer amount of interesting artists and projects that come out of the Art School.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty ferry is a lovely wee town with nice pubs and restaurants! Something for everybody.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible selection of events, plays, music, exhibitions and talks, especially for a city of this size. I moved here from Sweden, and find it so much easier and fulfilling to live in Dundee. I live down by the Tay and have a magnificent view of Fife, the River and the sea. Hidden secrets? Well, Jazz nights on the Unicorn are quite an experience and the city is full of small cobbled alleyways such as Candle Lane, which is my way home. Last not least, the people must be considered a cultural treasure, friendly and with a very dry sense of humour. Go for it Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Agacan Perth Road been there for years or Zekis as it is know after the colourful artist owner , full of wonderful art , wonderful smells and wonderful food.
<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> The creativity and diversity. It's wonderful to see different backgrounds all come together to create a positive vibe around the city, not to mention the effect this has on the growing arts scene here. There's a real positive attitude here amongst the people that makes Dundee an attractive city to be in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is how much there is going on beyond the city centre - art exhibitions at Generator Projects and Tin Roof, gigs at Beat Generator and the Art Bar amongst other places and many other things. Dundee has a really vibrant up-and-coming art scene beyond the DCA. There is always something going on, and then you can walk to somewhere like Magdalen Green or the Law for some calm and to relaz with your friends. Dundee is just a special city of its own.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ninewells hospital in Dundee is amazing. It has done so much for myself and my relatives. A huge asset..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Contemporary Arts should be the "Centre of Culture" in the UK! Due to its quaint nature, the workshops and events it runs are very heavily community-oriented, attendants to these events feel the cultural message a lot more personally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have been in Dundee for over two years now and we love it. The Tay is by far my favourite part of Dundee, I enjoy how it changes from day to day, such a beautiful sight. Dundonians are a friendly bunch and we have always felt very welcome here. We even had our baby here, and I feel Dundee is a good place to raise a child. Also, the art scene here is incredible, there is always so much going on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history involved in any City but for me, Dundee is one of the most interesting. Being one of the first major City's to follow the French Revolution to fight for freedom, liberty and justice. With the most corrupt Provost in almost all of time Lord Provost Riddoch and not to mention the actual Tree of Liberty was thrown into a prison known as the Thief's hole! Being an Interior Design student and being able to take part in a live project which see's this Tree replanted is one of the many reasons I love Dundee!
<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> The beauty of the Shed at Tannadice is really something to behold.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heritage assets that the City has are enviable.Not just the decor of the traditional but magnificent museum but the historic cultural assets of the Verdant works and the football teams which capture the city's own history of immigrant Irish labour in Victorian times.
Dundee's cultural history mirrors much of Scotland's but its "discovery" reveals its own unique ingredients.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the aspirations of a larger city but the scale of a town. That scale fosters the feeling of community; whether in a cafe on the Perth Road or a pub in the city centre, a hike up Balgay Hill or a walk along the esplanade, you always bump into people you know or recognise faces you pass. Dundee is a Jeckyll and Hyde city with local Dundonians; their communities and institutions sharing the city alongside thousands of students with their bars and shops. You make up your mind which is Jeckyll and which, Hyde!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can just go 1 mile outside of dundee,
then you are suddenly in the countryside,
with veiws which are amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The accent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a relative newcomer to Dundee, I had no idea there was so much going on here. There are so many creative people, so many exciting new projects, and there's so much to explore. Quite inspiring for a small place!
<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 little independent shops. Coffee, clothes or technology, there is one for everything. Big chains are great but these places are what makes the town
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ancient Howff graveyard given to Dundee by Mary Queen of Scots, is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city, and a place to contemplate mortality.
Beautiful herbaceous borders with rare shrubs like the Yellow Magnolia mingle with crumbly, moss-furred tombs. Bygone names such as Barbary Bathie, German Stewart, and Euphemia Lochmolony really capture the imagination.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's attitude; fun and friendly with none of the pretence that you get from other cities. I think the thing I like most about Dundee is walking about, looking up and seeing some architecture that you missed before.
I love the Dundee accent, the building, the galleries, the pubs , the shops, the people, the history and heritage but most of all I love Groucho's second-hand record and CD store. Magic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think of Dundee primarily as A Town By A River. Its location made it important and now it's the source of its identity.

The Tay has never been tainted by industrial pollution in the same way as other rivers that run through cities. A reflective moment by the river takes you a journey of the mind, and the memory of it ultimately drew me back here.

Economically, the river made Dundee big enough to be cosmopolitan but its economic history has dictated that the city remains small enough to feel like a home town.

Culturally, Dundee has a strong sense of itself and an appreciation of the world beyond. I think the river is Dundee's "open secret" for it is a place for thinking, reflecting and imagining. Few things are more cultured than that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seemingly endless stream of talent from the artschool.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design!
<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 Cheesery in Exchange Street is fab. Dorothy knows so much about the wonderful cheeses she stocks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay with panoramic views across the river, to North Fife. It is both an intellectual and a cultural city, with two universities, theatres and the Dundee Contemporary Arts. It is a sociable, friendly city which deserves to to be on the limelight.
<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 views across the city and across the Tay are ever-changing and always inspiring. I'm sure few outsiders would think of Dundee as a beautiful city, but everyone who's been here knows.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The unexpected glimpses of the river Tay and the Fife countryside as you walk through the centre of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals sunbathing in the morning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ongoing surprises is what surprises the most. Events never end, the town centre frequently gets busy with what's new for the people to be a part of and not just see.
<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 &amp; magical - nature at its best.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to many great things. A thriving digital media sector is one of the city's greatest assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> THE FOLK
THE VIBRANCE OF THE PEOPLE
THE SELF BELIEF OF THE PEOPLE
THE VIEWS OF THE CITY FAE THE LAW HILL
TWA BRA FOOTBALL TEAMS
BEST EVER MUSIC LIVE
BEST ART SCHOOL
BEST UNVIERSITY WITH MULTI CULTURES
BEST PIES IN THE PLANET
BEST JAM , BERRIES,
BEST COMICS IN THE WORLD THE BEANO ,THE DANDY AND OUUUR WULLIE
BEST OF ALL YOU ARRIVE WITH NO FRIENDS YOU LEAVE WITH MANY !!!!!!!! THATS THE SURPRISE !!!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its that no matter where you are if you want a bit of quite space you will always find a bit of greenway anywere in the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grandad Mo is a hidden gem: only someone who is 83 could sing The Road and the Miles to Dundee with such understanding and tenderness. When he was a wee boy he used to nip across to Newport on the Fifie and walk to Wormit beach with his dog. He would look out over the Tay, through the railway bridge, to the jute factory chimneys and church steeples of Dundee. He joined the Post Office as a telegram boy when he was 14 and worked there for more than 40 years. Dundee is his home, come and see why!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city, Dundee offers everything and more than some large cities. As well as great shopping and numerous places to eat and drink, Dundee has many places where you can get away from it all. The many parks, the beach at Broughty Ferry and the Sidlaw Hills, all havens of tranquility when the pace of modern life gets too frantic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from York to Dundee for university I was surprised at the city's natural beauty! everywhere you go there is a diverse set of buildings all telling the history of the city, how it has grown and been developed. From student bars and clubs, art spaces and good food, Dundee represents the world in a city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have everything on our multi culture doorstep, from comics, to culture, cutting edge fashion &amp; technology, great pubs and clubs, Reading Rooms, and the obligatory Jam Jute and Journalism :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an American who spent several weeks in Dundee, I was especially surprised by the city's excellent institutions of higher education, the Dundee Rep, and the McManus. But the real hidden gem is the Dundee Contemporary Arts, where world-class art exhibits and independent films rival any one would find in a much larger city.

:)

×