We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Apart from the friendliness of our people and the sudden impact of some of our treasures – Frigate Unicorn, Morgan Academy, some of the surviving old tenements – I marvel at the strong thread of traditional Scottish dancing here. Dundee’s branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society started in 1925 (3rd oldest in the world!); there’s dancing all over, if you know where to look! It’s going on in school halls and church halls most evenings, but lots of visitors don’t know enough about it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a great city to write about because it has so many different faces; such a wealth of cultures and locations and sounds and languages. Dundee is a novelist's city with many novels written in, written about, being written in and yet-to-be-written here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the city's dynamic centre, within 15 minutes you are in beautifully peaceful countryside or at the beach with the waves crashing on the shore. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The View (from the Tay Bridge when the sun is setting towards Perth). Dundee United (in sport for all the community). Brian Cox (Stack, a nod to our industrial heritage). The Discovery (of a place where all are welcome). The Road and the Miles to Dundee (and also the road to Broughty Ferry for an ice cream at Visocchi's). Magdalen Green (future for the Waterfront). The Beano (we will all have in 2017).
<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> The changing nature of the scenery every day as the tide ebbs and flows on the River Tay. Very few cities provide such uninterrupted views of such scenic beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amasing river and extremely friendly people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art in such a small city, particularly visual art and theatre is of an amazingly high standard. There is a huge appetite for more and the City of Culture designation could really help this. It would tie in nicely with revamping the city centre which will make the city visually pleasing itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had never visited Dundee before moving here for Art School in 2004. Since then I have made it my home. The best bit about Dundee is that it feels like a big village, you're always bumping into someone you know. Yet, as a city it has lots to do. The thriving cultural scene is rivalling Glasgow and Edinburgh and with all the new developments it will only get better. Once you get used to the Dundonian accent the people are great, so friendly and fun :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden gem of Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer welcoming atmosphere from the people who live there. I'm not a resident - in fact I live on the other side of the globe. But I visit frequently to see family. Every time I visit everybody I meet in the city is extremely friendly and welcoming and eager to chat it up. The people are amazing and I have yet to be received the same elsewhere in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is loud and vibrant, full of music, art and science. It has a long and intricate history connected to the whole world. But it has places of solitude rarely visited, like the Fisherman's Graveyard in the Ferry, the University Campus has shady hideaways and tiny ancient pends cutting through the town. Dundee has just about everything...and sweeties!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a girl who moved around all my life, from the middle east, to scandinavia, to Africa and only came to Dundee for uni, I am constantly amazed that the 1000th time walking down Perth Road I can fall in love with Dundee over and over again. The sunshine, the buildings, the Uni,the people, the city. I think it's amazing that Dundee can be a home to a girl who come's from nowhere!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The helpful people who live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green on a summer Sunday, with a band playing in the band stand and a picnic with the family
<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> Everything is walkable within an hour. Up the law, Balgay park, great views. Serenity of the Houff cemetery city center. Along Perth road to Invergowrie/ Kingoodie for the botanic gardens or carry on to the quarry. From the docks along the waterfront to Broughty Ferry, much more but only 100 words.
<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> Dundee University is such an important part of the creativity in art and science that has a huge positive impact in Dundee. The city has an abundance of people who make things happen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its contribution to the world at large.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With the whole country in what feels like a downward spiral of negativity, Dundee seems to buck that trend just now and there is a real sense of optimism. The physical transformation of the city undoubtedly contributes to a positive mindset, but in this case the mindset seems to be based on more than just bricks and mortar. Open minds, and a belief that things can be better if you are willing to work to make them better are setting the city up nicely for a great future which does justice to its great history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing talent and gorgeous waterfront location. Discovery Point, Verdant Works, McManus Galleries, the jute mills. DOJ Degree Show. The musical talent. The people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Only in Dundee can one find such an eclectic choice of specialist shops, in particular specialist food shops
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the river surprises me every single time I see it. Especially when it goes completely still, as the tide changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a surprise around every Dundee corner. I came here to study 35 years ago and forgot to go home! This is a city that is comfortable with its own skin. Rich in history and resilience, the city gets knocked down but bounces back again. Dundee has yet to reach its full potential, it's getting there though... Love it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> hidden secrets
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a teenager Dundee Contemporary Arts was my first experience of seeing a contemporary art exhibition. I still remember first setting foot in the wonderful galleries and how intrigued I was. A few years later I was excepted into art college. I vividly remember nattering on about several of DCA's exhibitions in my interview. A few years later I was lucky enough to work at DCA. From here I discovered an organisation always striving to bring the best of the visual arts to the city while continuing to welcome as diverse an audience as possible. Every year it introduces many more young people to the possibilities of the visual arts through its excellent education, cinema and gallery programmes. DCA is there for you from the beginning. Its brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Approaching Dundee over the Tay Rail Bridge has to be one of the best ways to arrive into any city in the country. The whole city is laid out before you. Before you reach the station, you'll see beautiful parks, the vibrant university, galleries and museums, modern architecture nestled amongst the old. It's exciting and breathtaking every time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's actually not bad. No, really it's great. I've been here for 8 years and think it's an incredibly vibrant wee place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> 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> The City has lovely walks down at riverside.
<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> I think that Dundee has a unique character. I used to live in Peddie Street and the rear lane was Taits Lane - with high walls and the anticipation of beautiful secret gardens behind the tenements. And then the Law with its fabulous views. John Warren.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden beauty of a past industrial city surprises me every day. I am new to the city, having chosen to study in Dundee over the other cities that the UK has to offer, and every time I travel I am stunned by the beauty that the city has.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My daughter was born in Dundee. She was taught sign language at Oranges &amp; Lemons nursery when she was aged 3-4. She and her class mates performed 2 songs with signing when she moved on to school. The fact that she learnt sign language at nursery shows a great attitude to learning, and an outward looking but also inclusive culture. We love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The shining river Tay in all its moods and the 2 bridges that span it. We also enjoyed the dolphins swimming round the children in Broughty Ferry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Best loved city sculptures ever: the huge bronze dragon on the High Street is straight out of Narnia and never without a gaggle of toddlers all over it; and the row of penguins outside the Nethergate are adorable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Science Festival and the Dundee Literary Festival are two events that I look forward to. The fact that eminent scientists and authors want to come to the City to share their experiences is fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great cultural richness, but the area in which I feel it excels is that of theatre. Both professionally, with the ensemble at Dundee Rep, and in the amateur field, Dundee presents an amazing variety of theatrical performances. Recent amateur productions include "Cats", "The Sound of Music" and "Whistle Down the Wind" with "Miss Saigon School Edition", "Parade" and "Spamalot" still to come this year. Absolutely fabulous darling! l
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Perth and did not like Dundee. Now i am older I know this was clever spin, the term 'hidden secrets' sums up The Jewel on the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundonian sense of humour, the integrity and pride of its people, the diversity of culture, the beautiful setting on the river Tay! The world renowned work in science, the brilliant paper mâché Mills Observatory and, the Law! My friend's kids, on visiting the city, were so amazed to be standing atop a once active volcano! Going forward, we have the city's exciting regeneration project to look forward to.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing view of the city as you walk over the bridge
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The accent - no one sounds like us - bales of jute in every sentence!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is transforming itself in to a modern bright city for future generations to enjoy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic riverside walk between the boatyard along grassy beach to Broughty Ferry Castle
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee aged 21, all the way from Arbroath . As a child we would have the odd up Saturday up in Dundee.....why do we say " up" when technically it's down? My mother off to shop, and my father and I would go to the McManus Gallery and then the Arcade...oh how I loved Champion the Wonder Horse. Anyway, I have always loved it here. Culturally diverse ,creative and vibrant,friendly and " never quite up itself" A place, which in general values strong women. And as for its geographical setting, I feel it is next to none. Stunning locations on our doorstep, or within half an hour to an hour, you could be on the beautiful beaches of Angus and Fife, or in the Glens. Case closed Milord.... Pastille
<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> 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> The mad amount of creative ideas that come out of a wee city in the North East of Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Is a nice and quite place. It has good universities and everything (shops etc) are all nearby.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As someone who grew up on the other side of the Tay, Dundee was a quiet, slow burn for me. Once discovered, however, I loved the light, the people, the culture, the history, the new, and the magnificant river that reflects its glory and ambition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history to be proud of, and so many positives to look forward to. I love the views across the River Tay, the ability to see the whole City from The Law and the abundance of green space The vast changes that have taken place in the past 100 years from the 3 J's to manufacturing to biomedical and gaming hub is astounding! Dundee is just big enough to keep you excited, but small enough to retain a sense of community and you 'cannae walk aboot toon withoot bumpin intae somebody ye ken!'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great bunch of people aiming to make interesting, challenging, creative things happen. Anyone can get involved, join in or make things happen for themselves, which is what makes it such a brilliant environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views from so many angles are amazing. Both looking in and looking outwards. The struggles too, of many people such as my Granny who worked in the Jute Mills and the struggles too, of many today who can't find work, but keep striving despite the setbacks. It's not just the views, but the people. Their determinism to help others, even when they have so little, brings out the best. I've seen it often in the most surprising places.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How we've grown up to be a city once again capable of inspiring, educating and encouraging our own, and those who become our own; proud of our past and confident about our future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A Dundee local, Jenny Wood-Allen MBE, set the world record for being the oldest female marathon finisher. She walked her last London marathon in 2002 at the age of 90.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof studios and others like it are a little known asset to the city. It is an example of one of the many collectives to be found in Dundee which exist because like-minded people want to get together and share their interests.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> multicultural smooth academic environment, strong links between universities and enterprises, beautiful green surroundings!
<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 Howff offers a sanctuary in the middle of the city for a quiet conversation, a relaxed sandwich or just a moment of contemplation. Centuries of history offer snapshots of lives and a reminder that what's most important is what you leave behind for others.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Arriving at Dundee the first time, I was surprised about the architecture. Look up, and you will find some amazing buildings. My favourite place is without doubt the McManus museum. What a wonderful place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wee seceret thats hidden away in Milton St.. My art studio ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing local businesses tucked away in Exchange Street are becoming less of a secret by the day. Five minutes from the High Street and you'll find the best food in town at T Ann Cake and The Cheesery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of nature and natural history in and around the city amazes me, we have the Miley, Trottick, Clatto and the new reserve at Riverside. I also love being so close to the Angus Glens and the Perthshire hills where you can see all sorts of different fauna and animals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views are superb from everywhere especially from the top of Ninewells Avenue !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic food spots on offer! The overall vibe from the city is great!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like the penguins in the centre of town and by the Discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That the city is constantly changing and developing. That is a city but feels like a small town. That it is underrated and undiscovered by many.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always blown me away. From the first time I came to look round DJCAD as a hopeful student-to-be in 1994, this sunshine city floored me with it’s warm, genuine, open and friendly nature. During my time in the City I have witnessed several rebirths of it’s landscape; from the pedestrianisation of the City Centre, the demolition of the Nethergate Centre, the transformation of residential areas such as the Ardler Village development, and the opening of the DCA in 1999. It has a determined spirit to change and progress and look to the future. Dundee’s renaissance is seemingly unstoppable. It’s driving force, the folk that make up the Dee’s colourful landscape are gritty, determined, creative, edgy and hopeful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's like Glasgow's wee bruv!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the wide variety of culture from ancient history like the Discovery to the new V and A coming to the city.....the Hutton Institute does some wonderful work across the world. The McManus Gallery has Picasso coming to it shortly...where else could you find such diversity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden away and oft underrated Dundee is a really beautiful city with a huge amount going on for its size. The Tin Roof which from the outside looks like an abandoned warehouse is actually a studio which holds some awesome galleries and exhibitions, with live music, food, drink and bonfires which give it a vibrant festival atmosphere in the middle of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such a great location - between the Tay with it's dolphins and seals and the fabulous Angus glens. Great art centres, museums, theatre, cafe's - it's diverse, yet on a scale that feels more like a big village than a impersonal urban sprawl. And I the Wellgate clock - when I was little my grandpa would take me to see it chime at midday - I still love it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is an architecture lover's paradise! The past wealth of the city is clear to see in the architectural beauty of so many buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing variety of people, with tonnes of things going on all the time: I'm repeatedly surprised to find out about all the music, art, innovation and imagination seeping out of our city's pores!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing cultural diversity of the local population, the student population, and the provision of music, drama, theatre, learning and leisure opportunities
<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> The range of cultural activities and sites available in and around the city. From fantastic architecture (buildings and bridges) to a whole range of galleries and parks, to the theatres, cinemas, concert halls, football stadia, etc. Not to mention the mighty Tay and Macgonagall.
<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> Magdalen Green - an inspiring open space that overlooks the ever changing river. A great place for meeting folk, exercise and relaxation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The waterfront is something that makes the city standout . As we are making it better, it will make Dundee a Scottish city landmark.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 1. its beautiful setting 2. its unique society - it is/was the stronget matriarchal group in Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view coming over the Tay Bridge by train. Awe inspiring
<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> Sunny weather
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a wonderful, supportive creative community, who welcome new makers to the city. It also has some great green spaces, like Magdalen Green, which are used to hold all kinds of community events.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a growing number of cyclists around Dundee over the past few years. This past winter has seen cyclists out whatever the weather. I still can't believe I saw someone cycling/sliding down an icy cycle path on his way to work. Once the sunny weather comes, there will be lots more cyclists out and about around Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dudhope Skatepark is a free, outdoor facility with a thriving community of skateboarders and bmxers. Continuing Dundee's strong skateboarding heritage which started back in the late 70's / early 80's, it's a great place to ride whether you've been skating for three days or three decades!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite thing is doing the penguin puppet show at the boat (Discovery). Katherine 4 and a half
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Up The Law singin, "Pehs, Puggie Buns and Pew Ends at weddings.....Mince rolls at midnight doon the Hawkhill, these are a few of my favourite things..."
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians!! The people of Dundee are friendly, funny, creative and ambitious and are genuinely interested in what other people are up to. A great place to live, work or study in. Shops, pubs &amp; restaurants old or new - Rockhaven, Burns &amp; Harris, Grouchos, RARA, Carnaby's, The Dock Street Pet Shop with the talking parrot, The Doghouse, The Popular, The Deep Sea, Jimmy Reid's, too many to mention!!
<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> History, warmth, calm and nice
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I leave Dundee, I think I'm done with it. I return grudgingly, only to realise that Dundee is not done with me. I rediscover lost pockets of memories. I discover hidden gems. I reconnect with old friends. I engage with new communities. Music, film, photography, games, animation, journalism, fine art... A city full of potential the world has yet to appreciate. It's time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> lochee parks Bonfire Display
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of the local bands and the enthusiasm of the local gig-going community. I've been going to gigs for over 15 years and the banter, humour and passion never ceases to amaze me
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much I miss it. I never thought, when I left 40 years ago that I would care about my home town. I have kept up with it's growth and visual changes and I am very proud of Dundee. The only thing that surprises me is how it is not advertised as something tourists would want to visit. You need to get Dundee out there and noticed by people from other countries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful and quirky architecture, the Green Circular walking and cycle route and the (normally) drier weather than the West coast are some of my favourite things in the big village of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over this past year or so I have become interested in independent retailers and discovered Dundee has many of these hidden gems dotted about town! Each one unique and welcoming for you to discover on a journey of your own to find some hidden little treasure that you don't find amongst the chain stores...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the impact artists past and present have had on the city. Currently Im looking forward to exploring more of Vince Rattray's work, as he is talked about with so much warmth by Dundonians. And I was fascinated to discover Pat Douthwaite's amazing paintings. She was born in Glasgow but chose Dundee has her home because she liked it so much and took up a permanent residency at The Queens Hotel.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Get the hidden closes opened up. They are a fantastic asset to Dundee and not many people know about them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee. Where to start? A welcoming city, where you can have a joke with anyone. Arts mix with Sciences and there is always something happening - Talks; Hands-on Activities; Events; Music; Visits - enough to suit every taste. From The Unicorn and The Discovery ships to Claypotts and Broughty Ferry castles; from Verdant Works jute museum to the stars of the Mills Observatory; from the Dundee Rep Theatre to the MacManus Museum; from the Botanic Gardens to Camperdown Wildlife Centre and Park; from the music of the Wighton Heritage Centre to The Beano; from the Desperate Dan statue to the Dundee Dragon and Penguin sculptures loose in the city centre; from real Red Squirrels roaming the city to Seals on the sandbanks; Dundee has it all. Together with a strong Community spirit and set in a wonderful location, running from high hills to sandy beaches, on the banks of the magnificent and ever-changing, tidal Tay, the longest river in Scotland. What's not to like?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!
<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> Dundee for me will always be the place where I found love as my future husband hails from is glorious shores! As an American who moved to Scotland 6 years ago, choosing to live in Dundee will always be one of my greatest decisions! Loved the university experience I got while there and the city will always have a place in my heart. It is a place that has seen so many changes over the years and is constantly working to improve and rejuvenate itself. Little city with a big personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Whenever I travel back to Dundee I am always surprised at the beauty I see. Travelling over the water on the train I never fail to remember how lucky I am to be able to see our landscapes and treasures in architecture, history, creativity and community... That and a good pub!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Discovering foody gems like 'The Cheesery' and 'T-Ann Cake' both on Exchange Street just a few hundred yards off the High Street.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.

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