We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The ability and courage to reinvent itself and determination to change the look and feel of the city, eg building new houses to replace the high rise flats and regenerating an old building for the council to pull down an eyesore that is the first thing you see on entering the city

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is no longer only a city of Discovery, it is a city which has re-invented itself. Like many places, the loss of industry was a severe blow. However, it has developed new industry, new strengths and new pride. Cancer research, arts, computer games; it's a reinvention based around research, creativity and ingenuity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the beautiful circles
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a hoora place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The 24-hour bakery - a place full of wonder, magic and mystery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> what surprises me is how often I'm surprised. A pub I went into for a bar lunch had a poster up about live music sessions. My wife and I went back out of curiosity and were amazed at the quality of the performances, and surprised to find that we were not the only middle aged people there and surrounded by young things! the crowd was really mixed and enthusiastic, and the programme for the next few weeks looked really eclectic covering a wide range of music tastes. We live outside Dundee but still rely on Dundee for music and drama - and it never lets us down.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is absolutely packed with cute little off the wall cafés and bars, a great art and science scene, and a vibrant and innovative university. For a fairly small city, it packs a lot in! To win the city of culture award would serve to boost all of these things and enhance the city even more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Glasgow for university in 2006. Having come from such a big city with a massive town centre, I spent the first wee while here moaning about how small it was and how there was nothing to do. Then I realised I hadn't really left the comfort of student halls. Once I went exploring I found out what a great city Dundee is, despite it's small size. It has fantastic pubs and bars, good places to eat, great cinema, art and a pretty awesome local music scene. I've come to love Dundee and 3 years after graduating - I'm still here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprises me that there are so many Graphic Designers who study at Duncan of Jordanstone and leave Dundee every year because of a lack of Graphic Design work. But there are so many other creative individuals doing great work within a variety of disciplines throughout the City and managing to sustain this successfully, without compromising on quality. With places like DCA, The Rep and with the V&amp;A on the horizon there should be an abundance of design work to go along with that. Which could potentially lead to the creation of more jobs in Dundee and strengthen the industry and culture within the City even further.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity ! and in a really good way . The West end is my home and there is so much going on. I work in the digital sector and what I admire about Dundee is that although it strives forward technologically it is still rich in tradition, but what really surprises and delights me is that you find such a variety of craft, design and culture in Dundee without having to look to find it. Its fantastic
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The castle in Broughty Ferry. It houses a surprisingly strong collection of Scottish art - not what you'd expect from a pretty random tower by the beach!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like that Dundee has culture without pretentiousness; that we have bands who play big festivals but still play in local pubs, and world class classical musicians playing in community centres and day centres for older people; and that I can be entertained on the way home from seeing Scottish Dance Theatre by a homeless guy dancing joyfully in the aisle of the bus while his mate plays a mouth organ.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the sunniest cities in the UK and has a rich history and culture kept alive daily by the humble Dundonian. Lying on the North shores of the Firth of Tay with two leading Universities, a teaching hospital and home to large businesses like Alliance Trust, Michelin and NCR as well as a host of other multinational and local businesses Dundee is a great place to live. The cultural quarter with museums, theatres and restaurants and the upcoming V&amp;A at Dundee make Dundee a worthy contender for City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> To me, the history of Dundee and surrounding area, going back centuries is just so rich and interesting and needs to be kept alive, although I do believe in more recent years the will and effort is there to do this. You only have to visit some of the local photo sites to read about the resiience and strength carried forward through very difficult times, from generation to generation. Of course, as in other cities there are problems, but again, the strength of the majority will make things better for the future. Nobody can deny the utter beauty of the surrounding landscape, just a stones through away....I think for the most part, anyone born and brought up in Dundee is blessd with an inner strength, passed down from those before, and also holds pride of the place we will always call "home".
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Duncan of Jordanston College of Art and Design is always a fantastic exhibition. I have to go at least 3 times each year because I dont want to miss anything!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It contains one of the best UK universities. The Dundonians are blessed with the human feelings. Dundee at my time was an ideal city for education, and I am sure it is still. The weather is stunning and marvellous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every day I'm pleasantly surprised and enthralled by the breadth, depth and richness of the cultural activities and endeavours of the people of Dundee. Not just the large, and growing, artistic, musical, theatrical and literary community but the ordinary people as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of wonderful collaborations. It's a rare City where events are discussed and shared between venues. The McManus, The Rep, Sensation, the University, The DCA... and soon the V&amp;A might spearhead events in the city but there are so many other venues that are engaging locals and visitors. There is always something going on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a busker who frequents the Murraygate and High Street, who plays the harmonica better than anyone I've ever heard. He plays blues and the experience is even better when someone, a stranger, joins in to accompany on vocals, which happens quite often.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The density of amateur theatrical groups in such a small area is amazing for one of Scotland's smaller cities. The nurturing that young people are given to participate in the performing arts through Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Dundee Schools Orchestra and Dundee Unuversity Music ensure the continuing breadth of involvement of the people of Dundee in the performing arts.
<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> It's Scotland's fastest growing city
<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> In a work capacity, I was asked the other day for details about Dundee as the lady had not visited before, i.e. accommodation with the city centre. I ended up sending a rather long email, about how accessible Dundee is. We have a great bus and train service in and out the city, there is plenty of great value for money places to stay from hotels to small B&amp;B. For catering, there are fantastic places to eat (think of a food and you'll probably find you can have it somewhere in the city). Great shopping for us ladies within a 1 mile radius. There are free places to visit such as McManus Galleries, Mills Observatory, Broughty Castle, DCA all within walking distance or a short bus journey. If you have have a love of the outdoors and wish to relax, again only a short distance and accessible there is, Camperdown Park, which includes a Wildlife Centre, Baxter Park, Templeton Woods, a lovely sand Beach at Broughty Ferry (cant visit without stopping off for an ice cream at Vissochi's). There are also many acitivities in and around the city, whether it be via sports development, creative learning workshops, easter hunts and of course not forgetting the Dundee Flower and Food Festival (an annual event), if you visiting Dundee, be well assure Dundee Is Worth It!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery Film Festival. I get invited every year and I love going to see films from around the world. Last year the film I saw was in French but I thought it was brilliant. Ava (aged 6)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee and Dundee United being in the same street.
<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> I love Broughty Ferry! It is a magical little area with independent cafes, shops, a beautiful castle and an amazing beach. There is nothing better than strolling along the beach first thing in the morning and making footprints in the sand - you may even spot dolphins in the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The more I travel away from Dundee the more I appreciate it. It has everything. It is big enough to be busy and small enough to be easily accessible. You really appreciate the scenery, the mix of hills, the Tay, urban areas with a lot of green parks and trees very nearby. You really appreciate that when you travel to flat, landlocked towns in England for example. Dundee has everything.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since a young age, the Rep theatre has always been a place of awe for me growing up. There's something about it that just feels magical &amp; buzzing with creativity &amp; energy. Dundee Uni campus itself is a brilliant place to be - unlike any of the 3 other universities I studied at after graduating from DofJ. Not only its huge size &amp; location, with amazing views that any student would value, but its ability to not exclude the public from its joys. Magdalen Green will forever hold special memories for me &amp; my student days. I defie anyone to have had a better student flat in a better place with views like I did, of the Tay &amp; the bridge. Stephen Fry said it perfectly regarding Dundee's unique, stunning location for a city. Aside from these factors, Dundee has a power over people who visit - they don't want to leave!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Loads of things about Dundee are awesome. 2 European Cup Semi finalists Dundee United FC and Dundee FC. Some of the UK's top nightlife and fab cultural venues. dundonians are awesome as well. I have worked all over the uk and dundee is one of the best cities. Lets win this thing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the history and the resiliance of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Botanic Gardens is a hidden treasure of Dundee. Lots to see, do and eat for all the family at any time of year! Dundee people are always positive, happy, friendly people and this is one of the best things about the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Something for everyone on your doorstep
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming from Edinburgh, I didn't know much about the rich history of industry and the variety in which it came in. But after studying at the university's art college for four years, I have learned a great deal about that history. I imagine a successful bit would help bolster and reignite the city's connection with what once made it a great place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city where the river Tay meets the North Sea. This huge tidal river with its spectacular views to Fife has the largest volume of water of any river in the UK. Dundee also housed the residents of two of the biggest psychiatric (Liff) Hospital and learning disability (Strathmartine) hospital in the East coast of Scotland. Many ex- hospital residents choose to remain in Dundee and have been absorbed into community life. No easy feat in a town of 140,000 population but were accepted with Dundonian’s usual kindness and down to earth attitude.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The atmosphere, the friendliness. That I can be at the beach, up an inactive volcano or shopping from big name retailers all within 10 mins of my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the best city in Britain for seeing red squirrels.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's fascinating history of whaling is still largely untapped. It inspired Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein and led directly to the amazing exploits of Scott, Shackleton etc. Shackleton even once tried to become MP for Dundee! The Tay Whale in the McManus is awesome and there's loads of animals brought back from the Arctic by the whalers in the university's zoology museum.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Davy's ice-cream parlour in Lochee was where my parents courted in the 1950s - they introduced me and my brother to the unique delicious flavour in the 1970s and 1980s.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry Beach, The Law Hill, The Perth Road, Magadelen Green, Camperdown Park, the friendleness of the people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, a Fifer, having travelled to Dundee as a child, clubbed in Dundee as a teenager and now looking at Dundee on a daily basis, spending most of my money in Dundee as an adult, I'm constantly amazed by the growth of the city, the art in the city and the constantly vibrant atmosphere in Dundee. The V&amp;A coming, the waterfront project evolving is hugely exciting and can only improve everything for Dundee itself. My favourite things in Dundee are the DCA and the McManus, Maggies Centre, as well as the city's amazing history. Dundee has much to offer......
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Music, music, music!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's the home of invention and Dundee's its Scottish home
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first was considering studying art at Dundee I took a train journey up for the open day. The conductor was horrible refused to accept my card and was very unhelpful when I asked what I could do as I had no money on me. A stranger sitting next to me offered to pay my fare and I could repay her when we got off at Dundee. Once we were in Dundee and I had given the money back she turned out to be an art student and took me to the art college! Dundee's friendliness inspires me!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Adhesive stamp &amp; Gardyne's Land. Merely 2 examples of our past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are the best - real and down to earth. The art scene and music scene is fantastic. I wouldn't be working in film and doing what I do - if I didn't know where I come from - Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Botanic Garden, an underused hidden gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is Scotlands best kept secret . With stunning backdrop, vantage points &amp; fantastic history. We should have a looking up day with that much architecture to feed the soul. Its no wonder Dundee isone of the top student choices. With top clubs and Djs and pubs with character and a thriving Celtic Culture in abundance. if you want to visit a real Scottish city come to Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has been a thriving cultural hub for decades if not centuries. With the refurbishment of the McManus Galleries the Dundee story has been well expressed and both reflected and built upon. The creation of the V&amp;A and the building of a new railway station by 2017 will allow Dundee to be more easily shared with the rest of the UK and the city of culture status would further evidence that we as a city have an exciting future ahead.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Between 1833 and 1850, Dundee built around 50 steam locomotives, some of the earliest in the world. They ran on all the local lines as well as many others across Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee - it's the visitors to the city that get surprised.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fantastic place! You have to visit to believe it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are indefatigable and always up for a boogie, and witty without being gallus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The growth of the University of Dundee &amp; the student activities it offers is fantastic. I worked in the students association for 4 happy years &amp; it inspired me to develop my career. I now live in New York!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You "Discover" it !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unless you are from Dundee you might not always see it's name as being synonymous with music. You might struggle to hear the music in our accents and language. But when I think of home, I think of music. I grew up with a litany of bands past and present. I spent my weekends in bars and clubs seeing live bands. Dundee reeks of music, it's in the very stones. Songs have got us through hard times and good times. From a pakced out gig Blues Bonanza to a house party with a guitar it's who we are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are hidden riches within the University of Dundee - for example the William McTaggart painting in the waiting room at the Dental Hospital. It was gifted by William Boyd, first chairman, a noted art collector who actually sold a Van Gogh to endow our first chair of dental surgery (though at the time he would have got more money if he'd sold the McTaggart!)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The main surprise to an outsider is the vibrancy and richness of the cultural life, which reflects the enthusiasm of the people who live and work in Dundee. They have a real pride in the history and achievements of the city; these attitudes are found right across the spectrum of the population.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and raised in Dundee before moving abroad where I have lived for the past 28 years. It never ceases to amaze me how many lovely memories I have of the city and I have tried to pass these on to my children, one of whom is currently living there. Everywhere you go tells a story, be it the West End or the East End. As youngsters we went everywhere, Balgay Park, Baxter Park, Camperdown Park, Caird Park for the school sports and the cultural events were numerous!! I wish Dundee all the best in their bid. It's a city that never stops trying!!! My Bonnie Dundee!!
<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> The heart of the city to me is the university of Dundee and the Duncan of Jordanstone. Even before I was a student I was impressed by how it was a self-contained area and I enjoyed the atmosphere and diversity of life all along the Perth Road. In the summertime there are always new faces and this breathes new life into the city. It's a creative, buzzing place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Im Proud Dundonian. I Love how GTA was created in Dundee! and look out for the next top selling title to come from our city :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's not just one place or one person. what always amazes me about dundee is it's great variety of people from different cultural and national backgrounds, whether at university or in the local community. and there are so many places my heart grew fond of over the years. for example, the view over the tay from balgay park's cemetary, or having a few pints among the locals in dundee's oldest pub (mennies), or even that there are some coffee places where you can simply sit down with a nice wee cuppa and play chess.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the audacity and capacity to repeatedly surprise the world. The city and its people continues to innovate and set new standards in a breathtakingly diverse portfolio of science and the arts
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the history and the culture... jute, jam and journalism... The Beano... The Verdant Works... The DCA... The Dundee Science Centre... The Universities... The restaurants and pubs... The new Waterfront project... the people!! Dundee is amazing, fun, entertaining, beautiful and interesting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in many cities and the people in Dundee are by far the friendliest I have come across. I think the fact that we have more sunshine here than anywhere else in Scotland does help
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, Dundee has presented the best music scene that Scotland has seen in recent years and hosted the best in art, computer art, animation and computer gaming.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> W.A.S.P.S studio, kate pickering @vanillainkuk, mike press, djcad
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Improvements in schemes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great northern soul scene where people of all ages come together and share their love of brilliant soul music and dance the night away. Everyone who goes dances and its all about the music. Everyone who goes loves it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So much within the city and so much around the city - a diversity of countryside - river, beach, hills etc. - just minutes away. Wonderful!
<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 came to Dundee for University, not knowing anyone and living by myself for the very first time. It was scary to say the least. But, Dundee is one of the most friendliest places I've ever been and straight away I felt welcomed. I've grown to love this little city and can't ever imagine leaving so much so I'm staying another year to study my Masters. As well as this the city offers so much for creatives, in Summer 2012 I got the chance to intern for 'Vanilla Ink', it is businesses like this that make Dundee, and it should be recongised, we may be a small city but we have A LOT of talent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee have kept me here for 20 years withe friendliness amazing warm hearts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a quality city to live and work in and it never ceases to amaze me that generally held perceptions of Dundee are so wide of the mark. Some of the other posts have said all, it's a happening place and Scotland, the UK and the world will soon get the message.
<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> In Novemeber, I was involved in, and attended the launch of Hayley Scanlan's first fashion collection. The event was at the McManus Galleries. To see someone from here moving up and gradually becoming a global name in the world of fashion is great for Dundee. It shows the creative side of our city, which may be (unfairly) overshadowed by other which are more normally associated with the arts and creative industries. I.e. Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland and the usual ones south of the border.
<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> The rich amount of history. Walk off any Main Street and find something. Eg. Cemetery in centre of town, law hill, verdant works, unicorn, Tay bridge. Wherever you go there is history shaping the city,
<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> I moved to Dundee 14 years ago. I love the vibrancy, the events scene, the bars, the people, the overall creativity of this fantastic city. It has brought me life, family, friends and love.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everytime I return to Dundee it changes, it grows, it develops, it feels brighter, fresher and warmer. Standing in the middle of Reform Street between the Caird Hall and the gates of the High School is a microcosm of architectural bliss in one single sweeping panorama, that many larger cities are envious of. Steeped in history from educating monks to cow pie the city is a beacon of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Groucho's. The shop itself ain't squirreled away, but unless you look for them, the treasures inside will elude you. A proper visit takes time, patience, an open mind and a well-honed record-rifling technique. Never mind Dundee - it's the only shop in Scotland a man can enter with no agenda and strut out like a champion, having bought an original, mint condition pressing of Bill Withers' seminal 1972 album "Still Bill", totally by accident.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee accent is one of the finest sounds in Scotland and always puts a smile on my face. The McManus galleries gives a wonderful of the history and culture of the city which means a great deal to me. Dundee is undoubtedly a city with problems, but these are being addressed and many of the steps which are being taken in that direction, such as the introduction of the V&amp;A and the regeneration of the waterfront, make Dundee an ideal candidate.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I have met so many wonderful people from.Dundee,a welcoming community without judgement. There is so much talent in the city,musicians,artists and just general friendliness!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has great coffee shops!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Galleries - a great treasure trove!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great live music, lovely art galleries, friendly people, great restaurants, rich history. I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town, They spruced it up with a lick of paint And then they showed him round, Two bands played in fierce competition As the rain came down, And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town." A man called Walsh hung from a window With the Starts and Stripes, And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette" It was sweetness and light, But as they sang the fire bell rang And they ran for their lives, "What well trained little orphans and a precious little song." Said the General's wife. A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green, Before the darkness fell, With a short stop over for the ladies convenience, At the Royal Hotel, And the General frowned through the last of the speeches Though he took it well, "What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple, What charming little houses and such cheerful little people, But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town." - Michael Marra.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian I'm from over the bridge in Fife but I've visited Dundee many many times since I was a child. It was always where we chose to go 'on a proper shopping day out'. Over the years I've seen so many changes to this wonderful place. I loved it when I was a kid but I remember it looking quite dated, its now having an overhaul and being sympathetic to some important features unique to the city, it really is starting to look the part. Dundee definately deserves its place as a city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The welcome of people who live in Dundee: as an incomer I was struck by the warmth and generosity of Dundonians that finds expression in a range of contexts across the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is how little people living outsidethe City realise how much Dundee has changed over the years and what a fantastic place this is to live,work and visit. I have lived in Dundee all my life and have raised my family here and I would never have had it any other way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There was a bookshop once, new to Dundee, but boy was that place embraced. Attracted a really varied cross section of the region &amp; everybody got involved. It was only as it was closing that it really hit home how much it had become part of the cultural fabric of the city - in reality it was only bricks &amp; mortar, it was the PEOPLE who made it such a great hub.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite the double recession Dundee is building for the future. Great things are happening to our city and it will be great to share them with people beyond Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's culture is about diversity. We have an award winning professional theatre company who also involve the people of the city through their outreach programmes, and provide the opportunity for amateurs to perform on the professional stage. The city's pubs also provide many local and touring groups the opportunity to play every weekend - the choice and the quality is excellent, especially during Dundee Blues Bonanza.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of Dundee's size there is a massive amout going on culturally and otherwise. The city is renowned for its medical teaching and innovative scientific research and also for the D of J college which produces some of the worlds finest artists. This, mixed with the ever evolving music scene makes Dundee a fantastic place to live and visit
<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> The Blues Bonanza is almost the highlight of my year.........every year !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the rep theatre is something Dundee should be very proud of - when I moved south I expected every city to have one - three Yorkshire cities later I am still waiting.....!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a perfectly placed city and isn't overcrowded, the small town big city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA Print studio is a great place to work, they are supportive of all Artists at every stage of their career.
<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> 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> Old buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of things there are to do in Dundee. Never a dull moment!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Brilliant city set in the most beautiful Scottish countryside. A large enough city to meet every need with a 'small town community'. I've lived in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dundee - Dundee by far is the best.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved here as an intern in the University of Dundee Museum Services. I am delighted to be part of a city with so much culture, and I was surprised at the amount of history and culture Dundee has. Knowing hardly anything about the city, I look forward to learning all there is to know (if that's even possible!)
<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.

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