:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Vibrant, ambitious and determined. That’s how I’d describe the city and one of my most favourite Dundonians. This person whom I met 20 years ago was part of the set up of King Tuts and was a part of the city’s nightlife scene for many years, he then went on to be an instrumental player in T in the Park. He thinks big, as does Dundee and I love that!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the art that is around the city. There are the penguin statues outside the overgate (which have santa hats put on them for Christmas); a scary looking dragon on the high street and of course desperate dan standing in the city center. My favourites are the more modern looking metal sculptures like the paper planes which are found across from the airport.
As for a hidden secret I really like the planet trail at the Mills observatory where you can walk across the beautiful park and walk from the sun to pluto. Each planet is represented by a rock with a plaque giving information about the planet. The distances between each planet is a scaled down model of reality so it can be hard to find Neptune!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Centre doesn't cover a very wide area but it has everything you'd ever need. Lovely and compact but with all the big shops as well as the lovely independent cafes for some variation.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish.
Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The breathtaking views from the law, from Newport across the river, when driving along Riverside Drive, the constant surprise of small planes coming in to land or taking off, the DCA, buzzing with life and Magdalen Green with its backdrop of the tay and the rail bridge.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's interesting that many people who come here to study end up making a real effort to stay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee 3 years ago I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by all the wonderful things on offer, I am now proud to call it my home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee University campus holds an incredible vibe about it. I remember first starting university and being completely awed by the atmosphere always surrounding the campus and the community spirit of the university. Whether it's your freshers week, a random night out, or even cramming at the library, the fact that all the uni's institutions are contained in this one campus means the place has a constant buzz about it. I doubt there's many other universities that hold the same exciting atmosphere.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its setting - coming home from whatever direction - over the bridge, along the Carse, or from north or east - nestling on and around the Law and overlooking the Tay - beautiful and welcoming - home!

<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> I live in the west end of the city, high up above Perth Road and just in front of Blackness Road. I have an uninterupted view of the River Tay. I waken each morning and the view never fails to amaze me. It is fantastic and the ever changing river provides a backdrop for all sorts of wildlife. I can look west towards Perth and see what sort of weather is coming my way and I look east and sometimes see the 'haar' rolling up the river.I am a very fortunate Dundonian.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine! Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city. Plus, there's a real buzz about the city city these days. It's a place I choose to live in.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location, location, location

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great buildings - Gardyne's Land - original elements 1560, now preserved as a backpackers' hostel. St David's Rooms, - original elements early 1600's. 2 cathedrals - St Paul's and St Andrew's.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 'Forgotten' history and potential...

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old medieval town of Dundee which can still be found in places when walking around the city. This includes old streets and closes, hidden buildings, and an underground network of passages. All of these features of the built environment of the city are completely hidden unless you know where to look but provide an opportunity to witness the hidden past of Dundee prior to Jute when it was a wealthy and successful trading port with the Baltics.

<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> Artist Matt Stoke's award-winning film 'Long After Tonight' was part of DCA's Our Surroundings exhibition (2005). Matt filmed Northen Soul dancers from across the UK in St Salvadors chuch over two evenings. The result was breathtaking. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch it.

<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> What we like best about Dundee:

Me, my wife and two boys simply love the Grassy Beach Walk from Stannergate to Broughty Ferry. The walk coupled with the views of the sun glistening off the River Tay are simply breathtaking.

Ample reward is to be had at the end of the long pleasant walk with a cold drink or two (alfresco I might add) at the all too inviting Ship Inn by the side of the river.

Where else in the UK can you spot dolphins bobbing in and out of the Silvery Tay and also catch a glimpse of Bob Servant's extension!

Now thats what I call a family walk on a Sunday!

<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> How much there is to see and do in Dundee. Many people including it's own citizens have a bad habit of talking Dundee down but it has superb visitor attractions eg the McManus Galleries, Discovery, Verdant works etc. Some of the architecture both old and modern is very atrractive. There is a great beach at Broughty Ferry, a cycle route round the city and many parks, golf courses etc within easy reach of the city centre. The counrtyside around Dundee provides plenty of walks for the able and less able. All in all it is a great place to live.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can just go 1 mile outside of dundee,
then you are suddenly in the countryside,
with veiws which are amazing.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about this city, having worked all over the uk the best road in this country is the one from Fife! You see the splendour of its setting and as a colleague from London once said at the top of the Law "what the hell you doing living in London?" Dundee has something which maybe only Glasgow has " its got soul" FIFA paid tribute to our city when Dundee United lost the Eufa cup final they found our friendship so great they brought out the fair play award. This epitomises Dundonians , We have SOUL !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All you have to do in Dundee is look up. The architecture and features are amazing at rooftop level. Amazing buildings too...Morgan Academy, Caird Hal & many more.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> At 18 I came to Dundee to rule it out as a uni option. I quickly got lost, where (in the pouring rain) a woman went out of her way and escorted me to the nearest bus stop for Ninewells. That was 1986. I am from Edinburgh. Dundee just felt right, its people with their strange accents are uber-friendly, and I have been here ever since. Dundee is now home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I discovered my love of independent cinema at the DCA whilst a student in the city. I had been eating dinner with friends and stumbled upon the small cinema in the building. That night opened my eyes to a wealth of thoughtful, original films - British and international - and I have since studied evening film courses and joined film clubs. All thanks to a fun night at the DCA!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City Hall, Kinetic Sculpture, beautiful river across the hills.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The burgeoning independent film scene (Closure, Location Scouting among others), the home of Yuck'n'Yum,lots of local bands, Ickle Film Fest, the Dundee Comics Day, the creativity of Dundonians clearly attracts more creativity.

<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> The city has a romantic side, and it's always good to see how people of all sorts of backgrounds get along with each other.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan it is – out on Friday met Spaniards, Italians and Russians – all studying in Dundee!! So, it is already a City of Culture just need the recognition of the rest of the UK!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Speedwell bar - from the outside it looks a little grotty and like the kind of place you'd pass by in favour of a more modern pub, but when you get inside, it's atmosphere (and amazing whisky selection) completely distract you from any misgivings you may have initially had. A really wonderful example of a little old man pub that is totally accesible to anyone who wants to stop in!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The straightforward honesty of Dundee people allied to a razor sharp wit mixed with amazing creativity, particularly displayed by young people, makes this one of the most surprising places to be.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> People come to the city after often having heard negative comments about it, only to discover a warm welcoming people friendly city with a "small town feeling". It's not just a destination it's the ideal location to base yourself in, being less than two hours public transport from Scotland's three largest city's. As well as other highlights such as Stirling, St Andrews and Glen shee and Braemar. Why not have a homely base instead of packing and unpacking every day, and enjoy a plentiful selection of affordable accommodation.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The open attitude toward change and bringing culture into the city. Not many cities see culture as an important aspect of social life. People in Dundee are excited about change rather than being grumpy about even hearing that something new might happen.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA Printshop!! Anyone can take a course there in a huge variety of print-related media and techniques. Taking a course entitles you to become a printshop member, with access to tools, materials, and best of all, the help and support of the friendly staff as well as other printmakers. Just one example of how Dundee nurtures and grows creativity in its lucky citizens!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gems of architecture scattered around the city along with the green spaces as your drive into Dundee along the river.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The daffodils

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