We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

I am constantly surprised by the river; the way it moves, the way it changes.
I am happily surprised by the dedication of the community, especially in the arts and culture field, to bringing Dundee to life; to building social houses to eat and laugh; to making any environment one of creativity.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is very much in touch with its people, whether the civic development of the city likes it or not. The uprising at the water front area and other less recent developments in the city belie the reality of its people and its heritage. For me, Dundee is about its people, their characters and steely caring nature. Just now most people talking about Dundee and the validity of its cultural heritage don't seem to know the Dundee that Dundonioans know, which is sad. If the rest of the world took some time to challenge their ability to understand people, they would see that Dundee's people, amongst its history and civic setting, are what makes the place so special. Something like Marmite.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Culture is more than just art, theatre and buildings it is also about history and social morals and I believe Dundee is second to none on these areas. 1777 Dundee Joseph Knight a “Negro” slave won his freedom from his master Wedderburn when he successfully argued that “slavery was not recognised by Scots Law and runaway slaves (or 'perpetual servants') could be protected by the courts, if they wished to leave domestic services or were resisting attempts to return them to slavery in the colonies”. This was in effect abolishing slavery 100 years before the UK Parliament. Dundee also has Mary Slessor who moved from Aberdeen to Dundee at the age of 11, Lily walker and many many more who stood up against tyranny and injustice to change the political and moral culture of our city and our country to make it more caring and equal for all.
<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> Nothing surprises me about Dundee. I am a proud Dundonian and think my city deserves to be shown off to a wider audience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is outward-looking boasting the Mills observatory, one of the few major public-access observatories in any UK city, as well as having introspective tendencies with high resolution microscopy, and views both inward and outward looking via satellite receiving stations. The unaided views to the naked eye are also quite stunning from estuarial sunrises to majestic river Tay sunsets, and all the intervening splendour of a cosmopolitan urban landscape. We are also pretty good at ultimate frisbee !
<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> Hospitality of the people &amp; racism free culture. I am from Pakistan &amp; studied in university of Dundee for my masters’ degree during 1999, 2000 and I must agree that it was one of the best times of my life. People are marvelous &amp; welcoming and I would also like to corroborate the high standards of neatness &amp; cleanliness of the city, which is unmatched. I live in Pakistan but keep visiting Dundee with regular intervals and always find this city as beautiful as ever. Whole city makes you feel like you are part of it, with least possible extraterrestrial feeling.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant literary community- we have the Dundee Literary Festival, the International Book Prize and lots of author events, poetry readings and live literature going on all year round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee, many people wondered (including me at times) why I would want to leave such a beautiful, exciting and amazing city for a smaller, lesser (in some respects) city in Scotland. No regrets! Dundee may be smaller but has a bigger heart, fantastic people and has won me over! I will always love our capital but Dundee is the best city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's hidden secrets is the wonderful night sky which can be seen above and around it - as most Dundonians sleep there can often be see the Northern Lights and rare Noctilucent clouds giving a wonderful backdrop to the city. Dundee is a photographers paradise - from the at times quirky architecture, its stunning location on the Tay, its bridges, its surrounding countryside, and its people - always varied, always individual, always Dundonian :)
<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> 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> Dundee is this vibrant, buzzing, creative cosmopolitan hub, where there's culture, entertainment, education and leisure at one's fingertips. Yet it has havens of peacefulness too, in its parks, the Botanic Gardens, Magdalen Green. With its wonderful situation overlooking the Tay, and it's huge potential as a desirable destination to visit being helped along by major redevelopment, there is no question that Dundee is worthy of the title UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Park in the sunshine. Best place for a picnic and a kick about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the architecture and the waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the obvious attractions, etc available in and around Dundee you just have to ask people who are not from Dundee, students , medical trainees, art students, what they think and why they want to stay, it is the warmth,humour and friendliness of dundonians which make this city inviting and a home, there is something for all ages in Dundee. From Invergowrie to Monifieth, from across the Tay from Fife there is easy access to all amenities and attractions, people want to come back to Dundee. With future plans e.g. the new train terminal, the museum ,waterfront redelopment Dundee moves on to the future and makes it even more attractive for locals and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Simonanna weekly art classes for adults held in the wonderful Art Angel are a fabulous resource. Simon Reekie and Anna Orton facilitate a supportive and inspiring environment to enable exploration of the creative process.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity - so many people who paint, sing, write and want to share it. The enthusiasm and love of the arts sets this city apart from anywhere else in the UK
<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> 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> 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> Is the passion for creativity involving people from many different walks of life and situations.
<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> Well Dundee is my home city and I just love it! The people are fun and friendly. Eh just love the way we speak! Pure teckle! There are loads of amazing parks to take the bairns - the swannie ponds is fab in Summer and Winter - I grew up with stories of ice skating on the ponds. Tannadice is hallowed ground - I grew up there with my uncle and cousins, and now my wee boy is United daft too. And what about the brilliant Michael Marra's song about Hamish McAlpine and Grace Kelly! The Lochee baths - aye freezing, Victorian splendour and full of characters. St. Mary's Lochee Catholic Church - absolutely beautiful - and funded by Irish immigrants that helped build the population of Dundee from the 1840s. Juteopolis - a brilliant book about Dundee and its people. The Cleppie Road - and the imaginary 'secret tunnel' that goes from Aunty Isabel's bin store on the Cleppie, underground to Tannadice. (Ok - so its not real but its in my imagination). Lawside Academy - my young days of joy roaming the streets of Downfield and Ardler with my pals - days out up the "Seedlees" (Sidlaws) with picnics, swinging over the Dighty Burn on a rope swing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visit my family every year and every time I come back to the city it's buzzing. There's always something new to see, the landscape changes every year for the better. There's some fantastic restaurants and everyone is really friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The community of young creative people is simply amazing. From hackers to designers to artists, Dundee has them all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!
<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> The Scouringburn- it can come up from culverts to surprise people when the tide is high. A phalanx of jute mills, bristling with chimney stalks, between Dudhope Park and Hawkhill used that tiny stream again and again for steam engines. Many of the mills are successfully re-used by artists, businesses, students and residents. Industriekultur is alive here like nowhere else in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Wighton Collection at Central Library is a wonderfully, rich and musically diverse hidden treasure which belongs to the city. This fantastic collection of books is priceless and provides the city with a magnificent musical resource.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic gaming community. Digital, table top, cards and board. From game shops to pubs you'll find gamers everywhere
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The D'Arcy Thompson collection is amazing and something for Dundee to celebrate. I think more attention should be placed on the collection and the art works it inspires. What a great attraction.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the great hidden secrets of Dundee is tin roof. Its an new art studio which has hosted a few great gigs which, I was lucky enough to attend. Just the once. I really hope to pop along again soon. The atmosphere was brilliant. Everyone enjoying the music with a nice cold beer (there was no fridge it was just freezing!). Not to worry though, there was a nice fire out the back and when the music got a bit intense you could take a break and stroll through their gallery. It was some pretty funny cartoon sketches when i was there. The music was everything from metal to folk. Whatever your into you'll enjoy tin roofs' events. Unless you don't like art or music of course. In that case get off the bid for city of culture. Swine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thousands of people who turn up to the Art College degree show opening night - year after year. The small city that has the most enormous pride in its new creative talent. And in return - the creative community that champions and celebrates the city that sustains it. Together, they will reinvent Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, the things to do and see, the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My girlfriend was getting the train from Leeds to Dundee. The conductor was Dundonian, and when he processed her ticket, he remarked "City of the Gods". Both pride and wit are at the heart of this city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I got my PhD degree in Dundee. In that three years, I was surprised about the clear sky, clear water, clear air and wonderful landscape. I also was very enjoyable about the night-life in the bars. I think now it is a traditional culture of Dundee. There are several bars on street which have been existed for more than 100 years. I always went to the 'The counting house' established in 1893 to drink beer, and eat the wonderful steaks in each Tuesday,s night. I also like the ancient church building, like the McManos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is one of the events that excites me about Dundee, Dundee Blues Bonanza, this free 3 day festival is unique to the city. Blues music is in the blood of Dundonians and this 18 year old event has grown in to a national and internation event. 12,000 people attend what is thought to be the biggest free blues event in Europe and it's a real gem in Dundee's musical heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been surprised by the amount of community arts activity that goes on. Also by the long-term thinking that's gone into the Waterfront development. Dundee is a city on the up!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duke's Corner Beer Garden, The Blues Bonanza, The Botanic Gardens, The Continental Market on a summer's day, the cycle route, the City Square, the generousity and enthusiasm of people like Charlie Kean, the DCA, the live music scene, the Rep, the warmth of the people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has so much to offer from historic interests right through to creative arts (games design companies) whilst having two internationally recognised universities making the city known far and wide.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Multi cultural city that is very dynamic and go ahead.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking down by the Tay on a sunny day lifts my spirit, even on a blustery day it is a good refreshing and scenic walk. The Agacan is a small gem of a restaurant. The city's football clubs are based in the same street, without any trouble. I also hold general sentimentality about my hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am three and I love visiting the libraries for storytimes and crafts. I also love spending time at the museum and Camperdown Park. which has fun play areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonian people have a very friendly which has often led to the most interesting conversations on the bus! It never fails to surprise me how helpful people can be when you need a hand.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the whale oil an' the stoor it's in the blood - way down in the depth and the darkness of our river you can feel it coming in like a distant whispering in the wind blowing in wi' the haar from the north east it's in the sweep of the girders that cross the Tay over the wide expanse of water it's in the re built bridge that took us forward to the re discovery it's deep down with the feeling of pride in the building of ships for the whalers in the hard grey dockyards along the water's edge the ships that connected us with the world beyond and reached out to the furthest away places on earth
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camperdown park is a great area for the kids and for a lovely walk just as a couple. my favourite place to walk in dundee is right along riverside drive and along to city quay it is a beautiful walk seeing both the tay road bridge and the tay rail bridge in the evening all lit up. the caird hall is fantastic the square outside is a lovely setting for a cuppy at the cafe and just to relax in the square.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city ensures continual improvement. It is an exciting time with the addition of the new V&amp;A developments and the current improvements being rolled out in the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a past student of UoD, I can honestly say I would have rather gone nowhere else. The best student union in the UK and a strong student culture that is really celebrated by the entire city. Dundee is a city with the best parts of a busy city and a friendly town, the community really gets together and is united through love of their hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always had the roots of a great city. I studied Medicine there, starting in 1990 and had a fantastic time. It's always been a relaxed place, not taking itself too seriously. And yet it's increasingly renowned nationally and internationally in the fields of Medicine and Science. Among others. Having returned from there just this afternoon, it's abundantly clear that the city as a whole continues to flourish and is now truly in blossom. Good luck for 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always celebrated its past but its brilliant to see it now also celebrating its future!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness. West End. MacManus Galleries. Dundee Contemporary Arts. Overgate Centre. V&amp;A. University of Dundee. Tay Estuary. Riverside. Broughty Ferry. Tentsmuir Beach. Even with all these, the layering of local people, visitors, students, businesses and a quiet ambition makes Dundee a culturally rich place to live. Help us give the city even greater depth in 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As soon as there is a hint of sunshine I love the way students at Dundee University sit on the grassy areas on the University campus and bring these areas to life. Different languages and cultures mingle together enjoying the light and sunshine which has a special quality in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Brought Ferry on a summers day is my favourite place in Europe. Lively bars and cafés, a beautiful beach and great views. Culture is something that attracts people. Seeing the ferry in summer certainly does that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a very peaceful, homogenous and beautiful city. You can go round the town at any time of the day and feel safe. Just love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love 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 fantastic architecture in the city centre - it is easy to just walk past without looking up and seeing the beautiful buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The humour and resilience of the people from Dundee. A sometimes self-depreciating fondness and pride of where we are from, despite the fact it has gone through some hard times Coming into Dundee from Fife, the city has a presence about it. Left 10 years ago, and would move back tomorrow if I could. And Goodfellows chocolate violets are my favourite thing in the world!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth, the colour of the stone, the glimpses to the sea, the irish influence, the wynds, the theatre experience like your extended family's front room at the Rep, the great and obscure films, comfy seats at the DCA &amp; the vibe in the cafe/bar outside, the memory of Michael Marra everywhere, the bridges, the hope of seeing dolphins, the criss-cross bustle of the Ferry, the friendliest hairdresser ever, the cheek, the possibilities, the Discovery, the jute mills, the wide boys, green surprises like Baxter Park, the end of eyesores like Tayside House, the refurb of the Tay Hotel and the best cycle route across any bridge anywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was a student in Dundee many years ago and recently visited the city. The city has changed so much - not in terms of the buildings, but in terms of the vibrancy and the general feel of the place. Dundee is a compact city with a lively, creative arts scene, with the added benefit of being right next door to beautiful countryside and coast. Above all else - Dundee is moving forward!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a strong musical heritage, encompassing a variety of styles and tastes. From musical societies and choirs, to singer song-writers and bands; from theatre concerts to open mic nights, there is rarely an evening in Dundee when lovers of good music will fail to be entertained. There is a vibrant live acoustic scene, showcasing Dundee's talent and banishing the karaoke culture of many other towns and cities. We have much to celebrate; not least Dundee's very own multi-instrumental 'Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' who last month were named 'Best New Scottish Band' at the Scottish Variety Awards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming from Perth my perception of Dundee was always negative until work brought me here in 2004. Dundee in general has surprised me, continues to evolve and in turn surprises friends who I bring to the city. It is hard to explain but I feel comfortable here. Dundee is home.
<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> The way the people welcome you into their lives, their dreams, their failures, their success.
<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> 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> Dundee is set in an absolutely fantastic location, definitely one of the best in the UK - stunning views across the Tay and to the hills beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee folk have the driest wit on the planet. Their quick humour requires a very thick skin. However this goes hand in hand with true kindness and community spirit. I love Dundee!
<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> Balgay park is just beautiful and people don't mention it enough or talk about it. Exploring the really old massive grave monuments on the hills in the park on a sunny day are great.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love that Dundee is a huge village pretending to be a city. Forget about 6 degrees of separation, in Dundee its always 2 degrees. People are friendly, and make everyone welcome due to its matriarchal society, forget about women's movement, Dundee women have always been the centre of the workforce.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The pride of being home to 'the world's worst poet' William McGonagall. Taking a walk by the riverside you get to see the immortal words of the sage like McGonagall carved in stone next to his beloved 'silvery Tay.' A city with a sense of humour.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Design houses in Dundee produce world leading technology, recognised throughout the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being among the first to see amazing new children's films at Discovery Film Festival, eating fudge donuts from Fisher &amp; Donaldson and meeting so many welcoming, funny, inspiring people. Every time I get a funny look from someone outside of the city when I tell them I live in Dundee it makes me proud to say it's a truly great place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Templeton Woods, one of many public outdoor spaces in and near Dundee, is a wonderful place with fun artwork
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We moved here 18 months ago and it already feels like "home". I love the mix of the old and new, the ups and downs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a fantastic cultural depth which has integrated itself into the fabric of the city - the people who work full time in offices and building sites but make music with their friends in studios and pubs and halls at night; those who discover a love and ability for writing and poetry through attending writer's workshops and gaining support from others at literary evenings; and the artists who encourage each other to expose their work to strangers. In Dundee, this is all multigenerational and not bound by class.
<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> My parents lived in Dundee just before I was born, but they still took me to the wonderful city often to visit old friends and enjoy the culture. My best memories are from the Contemporary Arts centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's sunny disposition is actually reflected by the people. Just look closely.
<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> D'Arcy Thompson Museum, Dundee Botanic Gardens, The Observatory at Balgay Hill are hidden secrets for naturalists and curious people who want to Discover!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always surprised how Dundee feels like a smaller place than it actually is, with it's unique geography. I also like how proud Dundonians are of their city. And the waterfront development can only help make this city even better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The building of a pioneering ultra-Low energy, autonomous studio in the Botanic Gardens of Dundee, by Masters Architecture students at Dundee University.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here from Aberdeen over 10 years ago. Got married here, had my kids here; I've made this amazing city my home, but its warmth, its vibrance and its diversity never fails to surprise and amaze me. Great people. Great location. Great City!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Good place to study and loads of things to do as a family.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is an established cultural asset, as a foreigner to Dundee I was surprised to find such an amazing cultural institution such as the DCA! But Dundee has many surprises in store, be it the whimisical statues on High Street or the art that surrounds you on campus buildings on a daily basis. Dundee is full of culture but never does it loose its rooting with its people and pretend it is something it isn't. That degree of down-to-earth-ness is surprising for a cultural city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I relocated to Dundee from Glasgow 10 years ago and I love this city. It has everything, restaurants, shows, casinos and lots more.. Loads of stuff for the little ones too, from the Science Centre to Camperdown Park AMAZING city to live in
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Women's trail. Find out about all the Dundee Women who have plaques in and around the city centre, such as No 24. JANET KEILLOR 1737-1813.Plaque above the bakers shop at the top of Castle Street. or No 14.VICTORIA DRUMMOND 1894 -1978. Plaque located at ABERTAY UNIVERSITY Bell Street Dundee. or No 19 MARY SLESSOR 1848 - 1915. Plaque located just up from the Wishart Arch. There are many plaques to discover and see how these ladies were pioneers in their field.
<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 Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art &amp; Design annual Degree Show at the University of Dundee. What a fantastic art and design teaching ethos and culture that exists within this Dundee institution to produce this showcase of talent each year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With tens of thousands of miles behind me and the privilege of being able to work anywhere in Europe and Canada, there is something special about Dundee. It's more of an atmostphere, combined with its natural beauty and blatent history and disparity. I find myself longing to come back, drawing creative inspiration and hopefully giving back along the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bars and pubs are ace! My two favourites are The Art Bar and The Speedwell Bar (AKA Mennie's) - quite different from one another but both very friendly, unique and wonderful. The fact that 20 minutes drive in any direction takes you into fantastic countryside. Dundee is surrounded by beautiful hills, glens, lochs..... Great for outdoor activities. Hill walking in summer and snowboarding / skiing in winter (or spring this year!).
<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> I love the fact that Dundee is changing so fast, that no place is safe from the scrutinizing look of whether it deserves to stay or make place for the new. Unloveable buildings are demolished and open spaces are created. Dundee is not in any way decadent or settled, nor is it burdened with too much that needs to be preserved or archived or mummified. It is in this way a place that is on the move, and that makes it an exciting and vibrant place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> walking along the Grassy Beach in Broughty Ferry on a blustery, sunny day heading towards Dundee enjoying the view of the Law and the Bridge, then turning back to walk home, and seeing Broughty Castle standing proudly - guarding the mouth of the river Tay - undoubtedly out best asset
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way the sun sets over the bridges, particularly during winter evenings - makes me feel like I am home every time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cherry blossom 'avenue' in full bloom at Dawson Park. Its beauty surprises me every year and it is a reminder that spring has finally arrived!
<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> I've lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there's nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I've been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from Canada and have visited Dundee a few times. 1-It is a wonderfully &amp; welcoming warm city. 2-It's people are quick to helpful, with a sense of humor that renews my soul. 3-They have the best fish &amp; chips in the whole world. 4-The city is beautiful and easy to get around. 5-The Law Hill is a highlight of my trips especially on the 1st day of summer. 6-If I could managed it I would immigrate to Dundee, as there is no where in the world that I would rather live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's first woman plumber: Maggie Ellis. The best pies and bridies. The friendliest folk. The best Scottish university.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing situation by the Tay
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The V&amp;A and the waterfront development combined with the DCA and the Rep are in themselves brilliant cultural hot spots within our great City as they buzz with conversations of the arts. However, it's the community culture of Lochee or Fintry that I think plays a key role in Dundee being nominated. With several such unique areas within one city it makes for a truly special place something worth UK recognition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never fails to amaze me. From the jute, jam and journalism era to present day, its rich culture of down to earth, hard working men and women is a legacy that will live on. Dundee is a city with a small village attitude - well known faces in well known places - that's the magic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm constantly surprised by the huge amount of history in such a compact area, and the almost hidden current developments in area like art &amp; technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Windsurfing on the Tay with dolphins and seals playing around is something few cities can offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old higgledy piggledy buildings against a backdrop of the swathe of the River Tay, and the unexpected gastronomic delights in a hidden restaurant here and a quirky bistro there.

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