We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Returning to live and retire in my home city after an absence of twenty-three years the changes are immediately obvious. Busy, vibrant, friendly, definitely a city on the up. With our Universities, existing excellent venues for art and culture and the fact that the V&A have chosen Dundee for their Scottish location says it all. This is the place to be, no doubt about it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Some of the best assets of Dundee is it's small bars and cafe's. They are very inviting and have a great atmosphere. Due to Dundee's landscape there is many hills which give you tremendous views over the city centre and the Tay. Dundee also has many fabulous parks such as Baxter park. The best thing of all though is that everything is very central, so it's easy to get everywhere.
<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 DCA is a wee gem, always something going on. The Women's Festival each year just gets better and better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The new McManus Galleries are excellent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is very nice because of firth also there are a lot of parks. What is more there are lot of places to have fun with friends such as Dundee Law Hill where you can meet sunset and sunrise. People are awesome, so kind and always ready to help. I have never met such a nice people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance is based in Dundee and is the only training centre of its kind in Scotland. It is not recognised enough!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Saturday lecture series at Dundee University is a fantastic venture which more people should be aware of. Snapshots of diverse and intriguing subjects for a wide-ranging audience
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The community spirit. The stories people tell. The willingness to get involved in creative projects.
<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> It's growth - back in the mid-19th century, there was no Riverside Drive or Seabraes areas, just the waters of the Tay. In the last century-and-a-half, Dundee has expanded, grown, developed, nutured and inspired people, buildings, industries, research and bussiness - we live in an exciting peroid where we get to watch Dundee transform from a Scottish town to a Scottish institution.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's full of creative people from a variety of disciplines
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i like the view of coming in on the bridge or looking down from the law, the hidden history........all the hidden nooks for street artistry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's always evolving!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My attic studio is a great wee secret place, right in the center of the town with all the works going on around. There is a buzz going on all around here of unlimited potential, and Dundee has certainly provided me with the countless opportunities to practice my trade of conserving the cities archival heritage. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated in a beautiful location. Easy access to Angus Perth and fiFe. No other town I know of. Has such a perfect Location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even the small communities such as Lochee are getting extensive work done on them to improve the place overall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the Disco capital of the UK!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The well in the Botanic Garden that never runs dry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Once a city where working class folk had take what the mills had to offer or go hungry... Now out of the stoor and rubble of the past an amazing new Dundee is evolving... there are equal opportunites for all. The young are excited!.. the not so young are... well, just burstin' wi pride at their 'new toon'.... there is a momentum of cameraderi which builds as the city blossoms.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian I'm not surprised, just proud, of what Dundee has to offer in terms of culture in the broadest sense. A prime example was the late lamented Michael Marra, whose genius lay in delivering the people's culture with dry Dundonian humour (listen to If Dundee Was Africa, Muggie Shaw, Hamish) as well as universal observations (try Happed In Mist, Hermless). See also how he inspired other local artists such as Vincent Rattray and the many groups he collaborated with at Dundee Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like how interesting the buildings in the town are when you just look up, it like looking back in time.
<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> There is nowhere to compare with Dundee's situation overlooking the Tay , the walk from the Ferry up to the docks, along the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That we are the only city in Scotland still with its own repertory group in its own theatre designed by its own architects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the city, its only 1hour away form the mountains, glens etc
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee band REVOLVER is the best Beatles tribute band in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ive been around the world and yet the view entering Dundee from Fife across the Tay Road Bridge still gives me goosebumps.Simply astounding...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's green spaces! It is a small place with lots of country parks. I love being in a bustling city but with the choice of seeking a quiet spot, surrounded by nature if I wish.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't deny its flaws, instead uses the wide range of skills that its diverse population has to offer to tackle problems. The range of voluntary and statuary services in Dundee amazed me when I started working in the voluntary sector, and I'm proud to say I've been part of it. The city has a bad reputation that it doesn't deserve, I've lived here for 4 years since coming for university and I'm reminded on a daily basis why I decided to stay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay park because of its views across the river tay and observatory. Its good for walks in summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> magdalen green
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of live drama and dance available at the Rep thetare but also from a number of amateur groups both in the city and in the close surrounding areas such as Carnoustie, Monifieth and Forfar.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the blues bonanza is huge!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, beaches, the Tay, its location, gateway to the countryside, Perth rd pubs, cafes, students and multi-culturalism.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Going from strength to strenght reinventing itself. Full of hidden gems allready and only increasing.

Dundee is truly a city of many discoveries!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in the city until the early 1990s and still enjoy visiting regularly. Now there's a much more diverse cultural life, great restaurants, good retention of the city's heritage alongside all the amenities required for modern urban living.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On my first visit to Dundee, back in 2005, i felt like anything was possible. I still find Dundee creatively inspiring, welcoming and open to new ideas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view of Dundee at night from across the water - a magical fairyland. The wildlife, Dundee has red squirrels, foxes and deer, as just a small example - alive with nature. The history within the Howff - Dundee's past in one central area.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee-The place to be!

It will astound you the sheer number of the most famous people in the world who have connections with Dundee- some that have been hidden or forgotten about up until recently - you can google them to find out -e.g Ian Fleming(007 Author) and Daley Thompson(Olympic Athlete).... along with the more well-known ones such as Brian Cox,The Average White Band and Winston Churchill....

Not to forget all the other legends from the worlds of Politics, Music,Theatre,Art,Writers and Sport-George Galloway, Brian Cox, MIchael Marra, Ricky Ross, DannyWilson,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> little coffee shops with amazing homemade cakes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since starting to work in Dundee in 2011, the changes have been phenomenal. I think a hidden secret is the area stretching along to City Quay from the city centre. City Quay is an incredible asset for the city and one which I hope will really flourish with the continued development of the Waterfront.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's long history of pioneering whole industries. Today many people think of DC Thomson as an institution of the city, but they almost single-handedly invented the global comics industry as we know it. Dundee's full of these sorts of inspiring stories, and that's why I'm backing the bid.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich diversity of the city's historical legacy, which is reflected in its social history, as well as the many unseen surprises on the buildings and little pockets of interesting nooks and crannies tucked away, waiting to be explored.
<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'd only ever driven around Dundee, on the way from Glasgow to Aberdeen, and it wasn't a particularly good impression. But when I took the trouble to stop there, I was amazed at how friendly the people were, how wrong my first impression was, and how much was going on. Dundee values its arts and science in equal measure. Irrespective of anything else, visitors will be assured of a sincere, down-to-earth welcome, as they experience this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is a city where what you do feels noticed and appreciated. Dundee has an encouraging and supportive atmosphere for creative ventures and isn't afraid to be itself! Places like Creative Dundee, Tin Roof, Hot Chocolate Trust, The Rusty Hip Collective, Generator Projects, Flyboy Productions and Art Angel are great examples of people setting up their own thing and connecting with our community together. So happy to live here!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is an underdog, but if you ever lived there - you would see its potential is sky high.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is a wonderful place, always showing great movies that wouldn't be seen at the multiplexes, as well as giving plenty of opportunities to learn about film and to be artistic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee FC and Dundee United FC. Two senior football clubs situated only a couple of hundred yards apart. A rare football derby where supporters of both football clubs can meet in the pub both before and after the match without any trouble.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's whaling history and the associated exhibition in the refurbished McManus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty that is Debbie Mcleod.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the ground roots style activism that seems to make the City belong more to the people of the community than any other city I know. The very strong games community is one example. Another is the West End Festival that is organised by some very cool Dundonians!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the setting on the river and the way the sky continually changes but what gets me every time is the unexpected humour of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Climbing the monkey puzzle tree in Camperdown, 40 years ago and now watching my children do the same
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazingly close network of young up and coming designers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount and variety of bars the city has to offer
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city full of quirks and quirkiness. I think there are more quirks per head of population than anywhere else I know! Yet its hard to put my finger on it. There's a quirky humour, quirky attitudes, quirky language, quirky culture, quirky history - in fact its just DIFFERENT. There's always a surprise just around the corner waiting to smack you right in the pus (excuse the quirky Dundee vernacular!). And that's what makes Dundee a wee bit special
<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> I moved away from Dundee 12 years ago but I have so many fond memories of the city. The education I received in the city didn't just come from being at the University of Abertay, it came from living within and enjoying all that the city has to over. I've watched world-class plays at the Rep Theatre, listened to some great concerts at the Caird Hall and seen some fantastic art at the galleries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As far as cities go, everything's here - niche boutiques, lively coffee shops, young fashion retailers, award winning shopping centres, two universities - it's so vibrant, and that's what makes our city flourish. If you are lucky enough to live and work in Dundee then wherever you go it will stay with you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All my stuff is here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the vibrant music scene in Dundee. There is a diverse choice of live music at various venues on any given night of the week. Add that to the amount of small cafes etc that showcase local art by having artwork on display where you least expect it makes Dundee's culture very easily accessible to all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community in Dundee is 2nd to none and continues to grow! 
Coming from Glasgow I love Dundee as it feels more like a big town than a city. The people are extremely friendly and it has some beautiful scenery. Anytime you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town the countryside is just moments away.
<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 Dundee science community has a really appetite for collaboration, innovation and growth. Exciting new projects between disciplines are creating a new future and discoveries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is indeed a wonderful place to be. The cutural diversity seen in Dundee made me feel I was reaching the entire world in minutes. The two universities (Dundee and Abertay) champions the unity in diversity seen there.
The site of the collapsed tay bridge and the relatively new tay road bridge (longest in the world at that time) are worth mentioning.
Another stunning suprise was to discover the area where the pretigious missionary Mary Slessor and her family lived when they moved to Dundee. Her role in stopping the killing of twin babies in Calabar, Nigeria is remembered till this day. With these and many more, I hereby recommend Dundee to host the UK's city of Culture 2017. Thank you
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people - I've never met friendlier people in my entire life. Walks down by the Tay and afternoons spent on Magdalen green on a sunny day are unbeatable!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many talented musicians who can be found playing at various bars in and around the city including Clarks on Lindsay Street and Fat Sams Live
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden lanes in the west end. It's like stepping back 200 years and you can still feel the presence of those who lived there and hear the carriages the lanes were designed for. Each turn is a surprise. Great to get lost in!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its really come on since I lived there until 2007.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Rep, been delivering great theatre for years and has a commitment to the community excellent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unassuming. Despite the magnificent setting, the wonderful cultural quarter and being the gateway to some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.

The courage and vision of the Council which have led to so many changes in recent years, have created confidence but lost none of that lovely unassuming and quietly courteous quality which characterises Dundee.
<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 whole city has a sense of friendliness about it with the residents taking a pride and an interest in their City. Their attitude encourages visitors to come back again and again as well as holding onto those who enjoy the City on a regular basis
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Caird Park - growing up I loved going to Caird Park, we would go to the Carnival when it was there, play in the grounds of the Castle, the old cemetry, at the ponds... it was always a great adventure! Dundee has amazing parks, people from all area's of Dundee have easy access to large parks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DightyConnect project (a sub-division of Broughty Ferry Environmental Project) which for the past few years has involved people along the Dighty from the Ferry to Kirkton in a variety of activities: planting wild flowers &amp; trees, gardening, mosaics, poetry writing, dramatic performances, decorating bridges, studying plants &amp; wildlife, foraging, industrial archaeology, geology, assorted artwork... the list goes on. Check out the website!
<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> Nothing beats the magical feeling during the Universities graduation ceremonies in the Caird Hall and City Square in June. Graduates and their families and friends fill the city with colour, celebration and culture. These celebrations start for me with the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show earlier in the season - you get a great sense of creativity, potential, excitement and the ultimate start to a cultural summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, as part of the University of Dundee, is ranked among the top art colleges in the UK for research, and led the country in student satisfaction surveys. As a testament to the quality of Education provided at DJCAD, its students have won more awards at the London New Designers exhibition than students from any other institution in the UK for two consecutive years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's legacy of the three Js - jute, jam and journalism. My great grandparents worked in the jute mills until retirement age. My granny is a dab hand at making raspberry jam, and it's well known that the banks of the Tay are the optimum place to cultivate berries in the world. What would the world be without Dennis the Menace and Desperate Dan? We also have Dundee to thank for D.C. Thomson &amp; Co.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful sunrises when i walk to work looking over the river towards Fife, the daffs when they are out in bloom, the lovely parks and open spaces, the friendliness of the people, I have lived here all my life and I love it here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing creative scene, Photographers (like us!) Film Makers, Jewellery, Fashion, Games Design. Vibrant, Cutting Edge and Diverse
<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> After moving here 2.5 years ago, its great to be in a city that seems to be refusing to stand still &amp; is working to secure itself as one of the leading 'creative' cities in the UK outside of the capitals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having lived all my life here there is little that surprises me anymore. It's when I visit other cities that I appreciate the relative calm and lack of awful traffic in Dundee all the more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact it doesn't take too long to get anywhere by car or public transport (£3.40 for unlimited bus travel). From ' the Ferry' to the West end gorgeous beach, excellent play park and if your a 'bit wabbit' Jessie's Kitchen tea shop, more independent shops than 'yi can shake a stick at', if your out on the rip or having a chilled out family day Dundee has plenty options. I have moved back here with my family after 13 years away. Its the best move we could have made!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If culture was designed so that it touched everyone in some way then Dundee would the exemplar project. Whether that's the Blues festival, shows at the Rep, exhibitions at the McManus or taking the kids to the Science Centre. Music, media and the arts seem to come as second nature to the City. Music and those who perform it, in particular, reflects the cultural heritage of Dundee well. Oor Willie might say - 'jings, help ma boab, that's just braw'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian I love this place , spectacular setting on a river visited by dolphins and seals , small enough to feel like a community, close enough to bigger cities if you want then, filled and surrounded by parks and a host of activities, monikie is my hidden treasure , drive for half and hour and you are in the countryside where you can walk till your hearts content , 40 mins more and you are in glenshee, where you can ski for hours without the queues.... What more can you ask for?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> sunset in riverside.
from Roseangle road to alongside the train railway.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University's Saturday Evening Lecture Series - where town and gown meet, with no pretensions!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My recollection of first travelling out Strathmartin Road by tram will always stay with me. I am pleased that the tram depot is to be reopened as a transport museum. The tram cars were very sociable, they were where you met people, and found out what was going on. The secret was the way the turned, the conductors has to reverse the seats, and the driver changed ends!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The multitude of traditional music sessions hidden away in tiny local pubs where the music, people and real ales are welcoming, friendly and always enjoyable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of people you meet in one day is both astounding and inspiring. Never have I been to a city where you recognize that, probably due to the intimacy of the place (considering it's a city!). I have vowed to return here to live and work in the future, as some who is not from Dundee that is quite a thing! After three years here I have witnessed first-hand the rapidly developing design and craft community, and how it is far outgrowing its Scottish competitors.

The natural surpise; feeling like you can see the Tay everywhere you go.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city it has so much to offer - a large, diverse and active student population, beautiful scenery, many cultural events, a lively night scene with many bars and clubs open each night, excellent transport links and several historical sites! There is never a dull moment in Dundee and there really is something for everyone!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone. For those quiet reflective moments when you can sit &amp; listen to the waves lapping and look at the beautiful view of the Tay, the view changing depending on the weather. There are lots of places to visit like the McManus &amp; DCA, there's retail therapy to be had, a quiet pint in the pub or a night out at a gig. I was brought up in Dundee but haven't lived there for many years. I visit family there regularly and am always struck by the friendliness of the people, and also how the city is always evolving and changing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so impressive. Scenery and Science!!
What a great place to learn, work and meet incredible people!
I've loved my time here and I can't wait to see what the city will look like in 10 years time.....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remarkable fund-raising achievements of its citizens for cancer research and medical equipment. It's many unsung medical, scientific and social pioneers eg Thomas Maclagan, James Bowman Lindsay and Mary Lily Walker. The past European successes of its football teams epitomise how so often Dundee punches well above its weight. The gradual eradication of multi-storey buildings is an indication of the city rediscovering its architectural heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of live music available is absolutely amazing. There is always some where to go on a Friday or Saturday night. Whether it is classical, pop or blues, you can find somewhere that suits you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful staff at the DCA who brighten up the day no matter what time it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spend the week in the bustling city centre at the McManus Galleries or shopping in the Overgate and the weekend with the family at Camperdown Park or Discovery Quay. There is always something to do!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The general community spirit and atmosphere created both daily and nightly through the city's people, places and attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, by far the most alluring spot in Dundee is the Law Hill which on a clear day has one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Scotland. It has a timeless feel, being able to survey the remnants of the City's history with its factory chimneys and tenements and its future in the waterfront development. One can gaze in wonder at The Silvery Tay and the two bridges whch span it, taking in the Kingdom of Fife to the South and the Sidlaw Hills to the North.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The independent development of resources, supported by local people. Support given to theatre, - professional and amateur {music and drama}. Scots music, song and poetry is endemic - popular,widespread and developing. A strong centre for Art and the Arts and prominent in the sciences (medicine, biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, IT skills,computing and traditional sciences. Dundee is a cultural centre for East and Central Scotland, Britain and the World, with many foreign students and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> There is an early 16 century brass astrolabe in the McManus galleries. As an object it represents remarkable craftsmanship, it has a story to tell about seamanship, discovery, imagination, and those whose hands it passed through - it is one unique part of the story of this fascinating city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hailing from Aberdeenshire I'd always had a less than positive idea of how Dundee was. But having visited the city many times over the past 5 years or so, I can say that it has a great music scene with a fantastic arts centre in Dundee Contemporary Arts -it's a little gem. I can't wait for the V&amp;A to open and with the regeneration of the docks area the city will be an even better cultural centre. I'd certainly vote for Dundee over Aberdeen.

:)

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