We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The stunning views across the Tay River are a delight.
Dundee’s south facing sunny aspect – indeed the only city in Scotland to face South- is a secret bonus.
It has a “can do” attitude giving the City an air of quiet confidence, based on a rich and strong cultural heritage and identity, and a present day wealth in Education and Technology.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place in the city is the Verdant Works museum and its surrounding industrial area. Just walking down the streets around there you can almost feel the history around you. You can picture the workers, the carts of jute, the sound of the 'bummer'... Being in that part of the city brings to life the rich cultural history which Dundee is lucky enough to have bucket-loads of. It is not a city of great affluence, but it is a grand city in its own right. It is a city teeming with community spirit, scientific innovation and civic pride.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always impressed by the wealth of creativity shown by the ordinary person in Dundee - from Amateur stage shows to local bands to individual aspiring artists creating interest around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No matter where one lives in Dundee, a view of the silvery Tay is very close. The river Tay is like a woman - ever interesting, ever questioning, ever fascinating. To see the seals on the sandbanks, when the tide is low, and to watch the bottle-nose dolphins leap and play, early on a summer's evening is an unforgettable joy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I remain struck by this rugged diamond of the North, a world class centre of education and research in the finest European traditions, embedded in local communities and business while reaching out to virtually every corner of the globe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Cemetry is my most favourite, beautiful, quiet place. A place for reflection and peace with the most stunning views from up high right down to the Silvery Tay. Just don't tell everyone....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> River Tay is amazing on any day with its many facets. Dark and gloomy, foggy and mysterious, bright and sunny, and the occasional seals.
The research ongoing in University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital aiso punches above its weight internationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The real surprise is why Dundonians don't shout about the place more loudly. For it's size Dundee punches well above it's weight and the people are disarmingly modest about it. .
<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> 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> The Coldside Community Fun day is an annual festival with Dundee poets, singers, bands, dancers, pipe bands and arts and crafts activities for young people. All organised by community volunteers , it attracts around 500 people each year. Its a great display of community spirit and local talent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is best viewed from the top of a bus. The rooftops are amazing. Then climb to the top of the Law for wonderful views and aching legs. Approaching Dundee from any side makes you feel as though you are coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for a short period and now 14 years later it is my home. I love the size of the city and the village feel. Mrs William's newsagent in the Perth Road has been operating for over 30 years and who better to pop in and visit of a morning than herself. She has become a good friend and we will all sorely miss her when she retires in the near future. It's people like this along with its vibrant art scene and waterfront location that makes Dundee a truly unique place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A large number of restaurants and pubs and many places of relaxation for students. Not very big and very comfortable city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city waiting to be discovered, situated between the dolphins in the river Tay and the magnificent mountain 'The Law' behind, it holds a rich history of Jam, Journalism and Jute and an exciting future of biomedical discoveries, computer game inventions and the 'city makeover' with a new V&amp;A museum and a new train station.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the museums. Dundee was the home of my ancestors and I found it an amazing place to visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City and the people are growing and expanding ALL THE TIME. Their ability to embrace change and look to the future is inspiring!! City of Culture would give this City the springboard it deserves into a cultural explosion of sharing our differences.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How great the view is from the top of the Law
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the buzz around town! Everyone is always cheery and chatty, and no one hides away from anything. The city is full of confident individuals which makes living in the city a beneficial experience for everyone! I come from a small village, but living in Dundee has certainly given my small town attitude a makeover!
<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> The Community spirit is really coming back.  Great groups/sessions in Finmill Community  Centre and Whitfield Community Centre.  Also Skillshare.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> so many wonderful things about a city always looking towards the future of discovery. whether its art (v&amp;a), music (rustyhipcollective) or science (research centre) dundee has it all!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant and multi-cultured city. I love the areas around the west end of Dundee and the University. Beautiful gardens, quaint shops,lovely coffee shops, fantastic restaurants, theaters and exciting bars.

Dundee is an ever changing city, every time I go back to visit there are improvements and something new. There are always fantastic events going on. It is also a city rich in history, displayed at wonderful museums and easy to spot in the streets.

There really is something for everyone in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing is "normal" about Dundee. Having lived there for 4 years at university, the thing that most surprises me is the notion so many Scottish people have of the place: "Dundee? That's a dump" being the consensus of nearly 100% of those who've never been. The lovely secret held by those who have is that it is one of the most wonderfully inviting, absorbing, positive, encouraging, resourceful and accepting small cities in the world. Do we really want to share that secret? Oh, go on then!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of good musicians in the city, the amazing venues to go and listen to well established and fabulous up and coming musicians.....Dundee is very rich with talent
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Barnhill Rockgarden, great fun and very beautiful, pools and waterfalls, secret paths, a myriad of different leaves and flowers, wildlife and plenty of bushes and trees for hide and seek!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee is very broad and would excite those who are into its study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How friendly the people are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first came to Dundee about 20 years ago, the city certainly did not look like much. But I've met some of the warmest people of my life there and fell in love with the place. Since then, the great people are still here, and the city has upgraded itself visually as well as culturally with a lot of cultural events and activities going on from high culture down to grass roots level. I keep coming back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> IT's people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city in the middle of the most beautiful countryside. I love going my business about the city and suddenly getting a glimpse of the snow capped Sidlaws, the sun sparkling on the Tay, or the green hills of Fife. And in what other city can you spot red squirrels or watch seals sunbathing on a sandbank just metres away?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee for over 40 years. I recently had a guided tour around the frigate Unicorn at Discovery Quay. A truly hidden gem in Dundee. Steeped in history on 4 decks I could imagine life as a crew member almost 200 years ago.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The citizens of Dundee are what make it such a vibrant city. They are open, friendly, and helpful, and seem to adapt easily to change. This approach to life is fully deserving of the City of Culture award.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is always trying to reinvent it'self, trying to be better than it's percieved. Dundee is different, we are brilliant and it's time for the rest of the world to see that too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived away from Dundee for 20 plus years now. But it continues to have the best people and the best humour - it's my hometown and I love it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, one of the oldest cities in scotland has such rich heritage, and a fascinating history from back when it was just a small settlement between two hills. So many museums, fantastic art college, theatres, parks, the list is endless. Dundee deserves a bit of respect for the way it has been revitalised over the past 20 years amid the shutdown of industries and the emergence of new industries. People need to be encouraged to look again at Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dragon, Minnie the Minx and Desperate Dan sculptures. My children love climbing all over them and running away from the dragon. The sculptures are accessible, contemporary and have relevance for every age group.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's status in the world of higher education is rapidly growing, and the world class research in areas such as Medicine and Life Sciences is something all Dundonians should be proud of. The Riverside redevelopment programme will redefine the city, and the new V&amp;A at Dundee will put the city firmly on the culture map!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians never cease to amaze me with their talent and innovation in all fields of art, science and industry. Dundee is the ideal size city - big enough to have a thriving culture, but small enough to have a strong community spirit and identity. The visionary Waterfront proposals are becoming a reality and will begin a new renaissance of the city and surrounding region. Nick Day
<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 's friendly locals, its beautiful setting on the Tay, its stunning architecture, sunshine and outstanding art school all drew me to the city which I now call home. The passion and talent of Dundee's creative community and the various organisations that support it, with my particular favorite being Vanilla Ink Studios, have continued to surprise me, with their commitment and determination, inspiring and motiving me in my own practice. Dundee creatives are putting this great city on the map, and well, you may be surprised, but I'm not! :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people. Everyone here is so friendly! The beautiful sunsets over the River Tay, and the beaches too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing warm feeling I get when I see the Tay road bridge as I approach my hometown on the train.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a hidden secret fae the west end o dundee, a man wa goes by the name alfie, the mans been entertaining fowk ah eez days wi eez patter and eez always dressed ti impress.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Got a lot of love for DCA, fantastic contemporary arts &amp; cultural centre for all x
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of people in Dundee make the city what it is - vibrant, fun, ever-changing. We have much more to give than some realize.
<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> Dundee is growing into a vibrant city, with the new waterfront development now taking place and also the V &amp; A plans, Dundee is becoming a very cultural city. With two universities it also has a wide variety of students from different cultures. With the McManus Galleries and the Discovery it also offers history. And the iconic River Tay and two bridges sets Dundee apart from a lot of other cities, the views are just beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is an incredible thirst for knowledge in Dundee as can be seen in the great variety of public meetings and the huge numbers that attend them. Some of the Saturday evening lectures at the university attract 800 people or more.
<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> Has anyone mentioned DC Thompson's yet?! The Beano, The Dandy, The Broons... and my fave, Twinkle :) ... spawning the talents of Jacqueline Wilson, Alexander McGregor and Andrew Nicoll.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing resilience of Dundee folk, after all the changes the city has seen over the last century - and the way they continue to adjust and adapt, with characteristic good Scots humour in the process!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where you can go for a walk in the hills in the morning, enjoy the beach in the afternoon, and then recharge yourself with a great meal and drink before catching some live music or a play in the evening. Everything is so accessible!
<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> The rest of Scotland sneering at Dundee, because...?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> everything
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural city with a wonderful, supportive creative community. It is also the sunniest city in Scotland, which makes it a fantastic place to live, discover and grow in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community full of caring, artful, sharing people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its very own Neollithic stone circle - in Charleston.

I hope that the focus on the City of Culture can bring more of Dundee's history that is one the ground (and under it!) to the fore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden asset of Dundee is the fact that It is easily accessed from all other major cities in Scotland, therefore an ideal place for being the City of Culture 2017. A beautiful setting as you approach the river, miles of beach, countryside within 10 minutes and people from all walks of life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Word on the Pavey - surrealist self deprecating Dundonian humour sung by a big chap called St Andrews produced by the late great Michael Marra
- Dundonians internationally now share snippets like a secret handshake - a rendition of an \"inganingana\" checks you really are the genuine Dundee article !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Daffoidils every where , beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the belief that Dundee people have in Dundee as a place to live. Our city sometimes gets bad press for some socially undesireable statistics but we defend our city's pride with great belief. Belief that our city can provide us with a place of enjoyment, nurture and development for our families to strive in. Dundee has a fantastic array of culture to be involved in and i am glad to be an active citizen with a young family in this thriving city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has grown beyond the small university town it was just a couple of decades ago. The diversity and inclusiveness as well as the industry that has expanded Dundee into a city is just amazing and makes me proud of my Alma Mater.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's commitment to research and development, that it welcomes all with the friendliness and generosity with her citizens are renowned for. What surprises me is how surprised visitors are at how much to see and do there is here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of ethnicities in the city who all love Dundee and see it as their home. This is due to the warm, friendliness of the people who were born, live and work here- making it a joy for others to live and be a part of. There's a general sense of community when it comes to improving Dundee and a great excitement for what the future will bring!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In 1901 the RRS Discovery was launched from Dundee and took Captain Scott on an epic joiurney of discovery to Antarctica. What I find exciting about Dundee is that it is now the city itself that is on a journey of discovery with the people of Dundee as the crew.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are two paintings in The Pillars Bar depicting the sacking of Dundee during the17th century by General Monk's troops. Seeing these as a young man gave me a lifelong love of the history of the area and that is why I became a fine-art curator.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great cycle paths means getting around on 2 wheels is easy - cycling alongside the river or across the bridge - fantastic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an incomer I have discovered so many hidden wonders, from her Industrail Heritage in Jute, Jam and Journalism to the strength and vitality of the women of the city, as Civil Rights and Trade union Leaders as well as religious icons. Dundee's history is a wonderful web of intrigue enriched by her people.
I love that the Universities integrate so well and add to that.
We have much to be proud of! A walk round Balgay Cemetery tells amazing stories.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee aint no cookie cutter moulded city, and thank goodness for that. It is a force to be reckoned with in its continuous drive to reinvent itself time and again throughout its history, most recently in the birth of the waterfront project and the blossoming of the city's visual and performing arts scene. It is great to see that Dundee never tires of 'discovering' new talents within itself, and long may that last.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing positive 'surprises' me about Dundee, but one of my favourite aspects of the city is its welcoming community. No matter what your background, nationality, class or accent, the city accepts new comers like family. It is so easy to make Dundee home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I always want to go back. Having had the intention of going to Dundee and getting out as soon as possible, but the combination of arts, design and regeneration leaves me seeking a return every time I leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The distinctive Dundonian language celebrated in the songs of Michael Marra and the performance poetry of Mark Thompson.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What's really surprised me since moving to Dundee - after living in Edinburgh and Newcastle - is how easy it is to get a creative project off the ground. Want to find others with the skills to design a game, shoot a film, form a band, or start a creative business? Everyone is here in Dundee - and amazingly willing to help you. A lot has been said about Dundee's 'Goldilocks' size - not too big and not too small. Dundee is just the right size to make amazing creative things happen, whatever your skills, interests and ambitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think that Dundee has one of the most beautiful locations for a city in the whole of the UK. The city's views over the River Tay never fail to make me stop and take a moment. The river brings a serenity to the city, it's like living in a vibrant seaside town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its huge creativity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live and work, has great links to other cities and places throughout Scotland. Its also one of the sunniest cities in Scotland!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Best thing about Dundee is the people. It's diverse, constantly changing and welcoming population are what made me want to move to Dundee and why it still feels like home every time I make a trip back
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's in the air, Dundee is the perfect size and setting for people to get together and do great things. It's the friendly atmosphere that it creates that leads you to meet people from all walks of life. The result is a meeting of minds and creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised how much cricket goes on in Dundee and the surrounding area. There are four clubs in Dundee alone, and some really nice grounds. Back Dundee and back grass-roots cricket!
<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> We have dolphins that swim wild in the city! Walk along the shore as the tide comes in and you can sea seals and dolphins just off the shore while at your back is an amazing busy city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee North West Community Sports Club is a newly established Community Club. It consists of 4 local sports clubs
and is in the process of becoming a registered charity.
Dundee West have also created strong School to Club Links within the area. The club delivered a Family Fun Day at Charlotte Street in May 2012 which was a fantastic event attracting over 2000 visitors throughout the day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My partner and myself, have just returned from a wonderful week on holiday in Dundee.
We were delighted to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the vibrancy, and the optimism of the Dundee people.
The Macmanus galleries were an absolute pleasure.
There was an exhibition of photography showing the work
of a Scottish photographer, capturing the pop music heritage of Scotland.
Our 'Hidden Treasure' was finding the oldest floating warship HMS Unicorn!
Set in the some of the worlds most magnificent scenery, Dundee, and its people have won our hearts.
We both cannot wait to visit Dundee again.. and soon.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a native Dundonian who has not lived there for 28 years, it's still a city I know better than anywhere else. The place? must be the Law Hill. The views are quite breathtaking, taking in the entire city, and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visiting distance learning student, I thought the Dundee Backpackers Hostel was a hidden gem of the city's heritage. It is an unusual converted 16th-19th century building with layers of character and some interesting preserved objects on display. The city's rich culture is also represented by a vibrant and diverse art scene which adds to the enjoyment of being there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view eastwards down the ancient Nethergate, with the spire of St Paul's Cathedral in the distance, is one of the country's most dramatic and under-rated street vistas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an "immigrant" to Dundee I am continually boosted by its determination to develop and improve what it offers to the community. So small a city but with amazing museums, science centre, galleries, parks, forests, beaches ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich industrial and martime heritage of the city. Not just the Discovery but the lesser known gems such as the verdant works which give a real insight into the city's past. The most surprising is the departure point for the longest flying boat flight - a world record that remains to this day !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having travelled from the North West of England to study at the University of Dundee I was surprised to find such a variety of places to go and things to do! My new favourite pastime is going to performances at The Rep! They have a range of incredible performances from dance to drama, comedians to musical shows. Dundee and The Rep have truly opened my eyes to the world of performance!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great city filled with lots of wonderful things to do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love RARA and the pretty vacant showrooms and the creativity it encourages through selling vintage and pieces from local designers. It's like a little treasure chest.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have lots of beautiful parks for anyone who wants to play or walk. Balgay Park is an unexpected treasure culminating with the observatory at the top.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are so many kind people when I walk round the city centre. Who open doors, help me with the pram up stairs, or if I look in difficulty. Photo is of the gorgeous view from my house of an oil rig arriving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where I have lived three exciting years as a PhD student. Cutting-edge science work, multinational friends, delicious christmas puddings, amazing landscape!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee my home I grew up its inspire me of education, historys, tourest attractions, museums friendly people and have everything for events all preformance and the pipe bands is my big thing and Broughty Ferry Gala week is great. radio 1 weekend in 2006, waterfront , Science, Jazz and Blues, Discovery ship, Jute Mill, Rep Theatre, lots of activity for the city of cuture.
<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> Since returning to Dundee after an absence of 30 years I have been truly amazed at the can do attitude of the people here and the extraordinary determination to transform the city, which despite all the challenges, is bearing fruit. What is being achieved by Dundee is an example for all to follow and if awarded UK City of Culture status will fully merit the honour and Dundee will do justice to it benefiting not just Dundee and its surrounds but all of the UK. I've worked in cities round the world but none have the spirit of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene!
In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> University - I wouldn't have met my awesome girlfriend or any of my university friends. Dundee's a great place full of friendly people, fun things to do and places to go. Very often underestimated!
<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> Dundee is a wonderful place. It is beautiful, the Tay gives the city an amazing backdrop. It embraces freedom of experience. My daughters learnt Highland dance in school but also grew up steeped in Bharatnatyam (Indian dance culture) and this was supported by the Dundee City Council and Creative Scotland. There is much personal space, Dundonians get on with their lives, the city's culture is one of non-interference and mutual respect. My daughters now study in Edinburgh and Riga, I work in Brighton, but we are looking forward to experiencing the magic of Dundee over Christmas and Hogmanay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it's always a nice weather, whereas in Glasgow it always rains. Doesn't matter that you're in the middle of a flood and super rain in the West of Scotland, because you come to Dundee and it's sunny.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of investment being put into Dundee,is incredible! About time Dundee was given a boost, can't wait to see the finished waterfront. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The greatest hidden secret relating to the City at the moment is George McCann's EBook, entitled, The Eight Hale Mary's of Dundee, Scotland
The book essentially refers to the inspiration for it, which is a set of statues located on the rooftop of the McManus Art and Museum Galleries, originally the Albert Institute. The book delves into the history of Dundee prior to the Institute being built. The architect George, Gilbert Scott, is a central character. The story follows the progress of Muirfield Contracts, who carried out the latest refurbishment, and collates details of interesting artefacts within and surrounding the building. An 1860s Sanitary inspector is in the tale, as are local conditions and worldwide events taking place at the time. The ancient Howff cemetery and the associated Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee command considerable space. The future of Dundee is left in the hands of those who will oversee it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I adore lochee library. Beautiful building and a great atmosphere .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The abundance of hope, positivity and generosity of spirit apparent across every part of this city

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