We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

There is a wonderful very early painting hanging in Ninewells Hospital of a Dundee doctor – Dr David Kinloch (1560 – 1617) Written on a document he is holding are the words – “Life is short, Art is long, Opportunity is elusive, Experiment is dangerous, Judgement is difficult.” How true!!

 

<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> From entry till you exit, every bit of it will surprise you, with all the love and warmth, of the people of this lovely city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's biggest asset is the people who live there - there are an overwhelming number of people who care about its future and its potential. It's also the most beautifully sited city in the UK - the Tay never fails to impress!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great bunch of people aiming to make interesting, challenging, creative things happen. Anyone can get involved, join in or make things happen for themselves, which is what makes it such a brilliant environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I spent many a happy year at University here and loved the University life. Dundee is a great city to study and live, I have very fond memories of my time there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The energy, the facilities and the potential. What a wonderful city to be associated with!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A Great Place to live, with stuff always on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Botanic Gardens is a hidden treasure of Dundee. Lots to see, do and eat for all the family at any time of year! Dundee people are always positive, happy, friendly people and this is one of the best things about the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Stores, cafes close too early. Later closings would encourage tourists to come and spend time more time in the city. As well after shows/concerts/theatre people would like a place to have coffee and/or light snacks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has many hidden treasures; it is steeped in unspoken history, for example 'the walled City'or the many networks of tunnels that still exist around the City. For a city I find it a very calming place to live, with the water and the trees. People are friendly and helpful. The future for Dundee is exciting with an extremely positive vibe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are so firendly and a good laugh, we are very lucky with the weather and are the sunshine city with more sunny days than anywhere else in Scotland. Dundee has taken many knocks over the years with industry moving out and unemployment rising but the Dundonian culture is to keep fighting to make the city better and better. This is clear to see in all the redevelopment in place at the waterfront, and at the University where we are world renowned in life scicnes and voted best university for student experience. Dundee is a great place to live and I am proud to be a Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has now been home to Scotland's biggest computer games festival for two years, run by University of Abertay Dundee (8-11 August 2013).

Dare Protoplay attracts the world's best young game designers and gives the public the chance to play exciting and innovative games before they're released. It includes the internationally-renowned Dare to be Digital competition, involving student teams building a game in only nine weeks.

A fantastic family event to inspire the next generation of computer games makers, keeping Dundee firmly on the computer games map!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am origianlly from Inida and have lived in Dundee for last 22 years. This is my hometown now and I am partial to it, However I would like to say that, Dundee's one of the attractions is the tayview and beauty of it during sunset and sunrise, also Broughty Ferry beach is not too far from the city centre and every place is within reasonable distance without travelling too far. Plus it is very multicultural and endorses ethinicity. It would be fabulous for Dundee to be recognised as one of UK's City Of Culture
<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> The view from the top of The Law - beautiful, inspiring and one of the best things about Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee rep have been at the leading edge of regional theatre for as long as I can remember. I grew up with so many great productions that I didn't realise how special they were and how lucky I was until I moved away from the city. It's not so much a hidden secret as a treasure hidden in plain sight, so much a part if the Dundee landscape that its easy to forget what a truly amazing resource it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is ‘Culture-tastic’. For Art lovers there is the award winning McManus Galleries or the DCA to visit. For music lovers, there are several vibrant pubs offering a diverse selection of music including the annual Blues Bonanza which attracts musicians from all over the world and bring people out in their thousands. Dundee is also steeped in History and provides great attractions like the Discovery and Unicorn ships or the Verdant Works highlighting Dundee’s past involvement as one of the world’s leading cities in the production of jute. Regular markets in the city square also provide a great selection of local and European foods.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I often think about Dundee &amp; growing up there. We love to go back every couple of years, visit friends who as Dundonians are always very good to us. We are Canadians who love Scotland &amp; the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a foreigner working in Dundee I am most touched by Dundonians' intrinsic desire to improve their communities by working together.
The Dundee Dance Partnership is an example of this and a model to follow in other areas.
Dundee promotes social and cultural exchanges in every corner of the city, all in a humorous and light-hearted way but without trivialising the impact of such a conversation.
Dundee symbolises the slogan "working together for an equal and better future", embracing the challenges that such a lofty cause might entail.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of creative people in Dundee is amazing. So many creatives of all different disciplines all supporting each other where we can. Art, music, literature, design, architecture, Dundee's got it covered. It rocks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I really like the idea that in theory, you could visit a second hand shop in Dundee and come across a sailor's Bitty Box from a former whaling ship or a souvenir from a Jute mill.. How exciting and completely possible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back to Dundee I don't feel at home until I have walked beside the river. It is a simple walk but the view is constantly changing. This magnificent bit of water can comfort, excite and rejuvenate. Whenever I show someone around Dundee I do the same walk down to the river. Time and again visitors comment not only on the view but how surprised they are at how everyone we pass smiles and says hello as we walk along. It is surprising how the common connection with the Tay connects its admirers and how, at other times when there is no one, there can be such quiet open space and wide horizons so close to a busy city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing, I'm from Dundee and have been all over the world with the Royal Navy but nothing competes with Bonnie Dundee !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Living beside the ever-changing river and the views of the hills and sky - the diverse music, theatre, art, culture, much of it within walking distance - the architecture (check out the McManus Gallery!) - the friendliness - the history of the city as a great port - wonderful environment for children - people talking about interesting and important things - our local Arts Cafe with great food AND art every day - easy to access some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland - outdoor sports.....I've lived in some great places, and Dundee is up there with the best.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff - a secret store of history, stories, beauty and death. It really is an amazing place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have a rich hidden talent in our young people in Dundee. A wealth of Artistic and Musical Talent in the under 18's that needs more opportunity to showcase what it can do. At present only one Art exhibition a year in the city that is council supported, for our S6 pupils, hopefully by 2017 this can be expanded to let these fantastic young people show the city what they can do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to London a year ago and it surprises me how much I miss Dundee. Although I live in what is, arguably, the cultural capital of the UK, I think Dundee is a really exciting place to be. It may be small but it has such a vibrant and burgeoning cultural scene and is just going to go from strength to strength.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee as an undergraduate in the 1990s and grew to love the place like a second home. As a historian Dundee has many a fantastic story to to tell in social and maritime history. There is a wonderful walk around some underground chambers, that was conducted by by Professor Charles McKeand in the day, I believe the city flooded in the late 17th Century so they just built on top of it and as the flood receded the old chambers opened up; just one gem of many!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the sunniest places in Scotland (when the sun actually shines) and looking out to the Tay, especially from the top of the law, is always breathtaking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The plentiful times I have walked from the bustle of the city, along the waterfront, and spotted a little seal pup sunbathing near the Discovery in the coldest winter weather, have always warmed my heart. I love the contrast of the bustle and buildings with the tranquil nature, the city centre with the waterfront, the observatory and parks with the technology park.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the city's dynamic centre, within 15 minutes you are in beautifully peaceful countryside or at the beach with the waves crashing on the shore. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The negative attitude of some Dundonians about the aspirations of this great city. Wake up, smell the coffee and see all the great things happening here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming here in 1993 I have never been let down by the city's enthusiasm for development and growth. "Big enough to be a city, yet small enough to be friendly" has always been an unofficial motto banded about on its' streets and one that it lives up to. I have been proud to be part of the city through the Univeristy of Dundee and it's motto to "Transform LIves" and see how these changes still happen on a daily basis in the hearts, minds and souls of the Dundee population who continue to strive for change for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's a city of innovation and culture, a great place for a graduating student! All this and its only ten minutes to the countryside or beach, what more could you ask for?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has undergone so many changes over the years and is now finally heading in the right direction,the people are very proud of they,re city,and rightly so,
Dundee has many firsts,the first radio broadcast,the first place in the world to abolish slavery 55 years before any other city or town,many firsts in medicine,i could go on,take a bow Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city where everything is happening! Dundee got strong roots, but also keep an eye on the future! Friendly people everywhere, nice wee places to eat! (I really love Lily and Stone caffe!) The waterfront is beautiful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof arts collective - a group of artists doing amazing things.
<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> One of the best waterfronts in Europe, which is about to be renewed and enhanced - Dundee is on the brink of reinventing itself - from rich industrial history to creative, scientific and cultural future! More than 800 years in the making... Exciting times that I'm proud to be a part of!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Free access to cultural attraction like the McManus
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Edinburgh 38 years ago, and was expecting something of a cultural desert. However, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the Dundee Rep (then located in an old converted church), who have always gone for adventurous and imaginative productions rather than the “safe” ones you might expect. There has also always been an extremely lively music scene, from classical, rock and folk concerts in the Caird Hall, Fat Sam's, the Rep and Gardyne theatres, to the guitar and jazz festivals, and even the wonderful “bring-your-own-instrument” traditional music sessions in the Fisherman's tavern, Broughty Ferry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ive been away 4 years now, near Glasgow and i have to listen to how great Glasgow is and how Dundee is a' wee toon' with nothing in it, mostly from people who think Dundee is in the highlands!!
I love nothing better than bringing weegie pals with me when i come home for a visit, i take them through the town, to the Discovery, across the bridge, up the Law at night (that view stuns them) the McManus and Nicolls for a peh! Weegies now in awe of us, job done.
I just let 'meh toon' do the talking!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden Secrets- Doghouse, Legends, the scientific collections a Dundee Uni.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof studios and others like it are a little known asset to the city. It is an example of one of the many collectives to be found in Dundee which exist because like-minded people want to get together and share their interests.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for years - in good times and in bad times. I have seen people struggle through periods of immense poverty and deprivation and yet been amazed at the way they have helped to change and rejuvenate the city - through their belief in the place and their determination . I remember the singer/songwriter Michael Marra as an inspirational voice of the people and "Witch's Blood" as an incredible example of a life changing community arts project that is still remember 26 years after it was produced'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the friendliness of our people and the sudden impact of some of our treasures - Frigate Unicorn, Morgan Academy, some of the surviving old tenements - I marvel at the strong thread of traditional Scottish dancing here. Dundee's branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society started in 1925 (3rd oldest in the world!); there's dancing all over, if you know where to look! It's going on in school halls and church halls most evenings, but lots of visitors don't know enough about it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The real characters. The amazing sights. The classic bridges. The underground music scene. The ever growing arts scene. The tastiest steak pies. The shimmering Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the friendliness and humour in good times and bad, and managing to be cutting edge modern (esp in arts) while retaining all that's best about traditional Scottish urban life
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An inspiring creative community. Great people. Countless art events and festivals.. Stunning river location. A blue flag beach. An extinct volcano. Historic ships. Britain's only full time public observatory. Castles. The UK's only Frank Gehry building. World leading research centers. Digital hub city. Great entertainment and cultural venues. It's time to share Dundee's secrets with everyone in 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its rich games development heritage is amazing and I love that its so small that you can quickly bring good people together for creative projects!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Compared to other cities Dundee is very clean and litter free. The crocuses that come up in the middle of the roundabouts as well as all the daffodils on Magdalen Green and the Marie Curie Field of Hope (among other places) mean that Dundee always looks nice and well cared for. The fact that the people are friendly as well means that Dundee is a great place to visit.
<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> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design continues to 'fleh heh' as one of Britain's Top 5 art schools, but paradoxically remains a hidden gem, both locally and nationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of the city's music scene. From big bands and jazz at the universities to punk rock and indie in small venues, Dundee is again beginning to be recognised as a place well worth visiting - whatever sounds you prefer to have in your ears.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden secret is Dundee itself. Before moving to Dundee for work, one of my former colleagues expressed candid surprise at my decision to move from Southeast England. She said she had been to Dundee, and that it was not a very nice place. After having spent almost a year here, I can say she was utterly wrong. The city is one of emergent wealth, thriving because of several factors -- lively students, vibrant arts, beautiful outdoors, surprisingly sunny weather . . . The city is well connected by bus, rail and air.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is filled with sooo many opportunities for young people to get involved with dance and the arts. Being a student at the Scottish school of contemporary dance, having Scottish Dance Theatre on our door step is only one of the great things we have!! Dundee is filled with lots of organisations like Showcase the Street and SmallPetitKlein Dance Company where there are always things happening for young people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has many cultural assets but none richer or more surprising than its people. Resilient, honest and acute in their analysis of events, cultural phenomena and ephemera that impress themselves, so urgently, upon less doubtful populations, their creativity is all the more authentic as a result.
Expressed through a distinctive dialect, Dundee wit is like a silk lining on a coat made of jute. It can be rough but is ultimately comforting and made of the finest material. Dundee is changing but let's hope we keep the essence of what makes Dundee the place it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blue Sky Photo Club is run by an exceptional and inspirational young photographer, Ross Fraser McLean and operates out of DCA. Around 25 digital camera enthusiasts from semi professional to absolute beginners explore the artistic and technical challenges of the medium on a weekly basis. There are regular exhibitions in Roseangle Cafe Arts ( another hidden gem) in which members share and display their best work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not a lot of people know just how good we are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty ferry is a lovely wee town with nice pubs and restaurants! Something for everybody.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> People often think of Dundee in terms of what it used to be, but come here and have their opinions turned completely around by how awesome our city is now and the wealth of things to do and see.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born in Dundee in the 80s. The city has really changed since then. Dundee has worked so hard on it's cultural side. Every time I go back to visit there is always something new to see or do. Go for it Dundee! You deserve it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much creative talent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a fantastic city with fantastic fowk living in it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was a wee lassie, living in a Dundee housing scheme, then i got involved in Youth Theatre at Dundee Rep - that was 30yrs ago!! I am still there!! - in my role as a community drama officer, i see daily the impact the arts have on peoples lifes.
<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> I studied Fine Art at DJCA and my experience there, the aspiration and belief it had, and that living in the city provided, all instilled aspiration in me beyond measure. The dynamics of being a student in the city was way beyond the comparative scale of the city, the environment was rich in enquiry and expertise, pride in the city was palpable and the attitude positive and open towards everyone. I miss the obvious 'cultural highlights' but I miss the warmth of the people and old Dens Rd Market.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I was a kid all I wanted to do was get away from Dundee, there was nothing here I thought we could be proud of. Now, upon my return after having lived away for many years there's nothing I'm not proud of. The city is changing beyond recognition, but its sense of history and identity remains. It took me years to see the light, but all I want now is the best for Dundee and its people and to show the world what a great place this is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee because we are the underdog city and the music scene here is a little gem that deserves more credit with a really cool D.I.Y ethic going on bringing touring bands from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was very pleasantly surprised when I moved to Dundee 24 years ago, it is the friendliest city I have ever lived in! I loved the way that people just talk to you at the bus stop or in the queue at the post office. It was a great move for me and confounded the expectations of a lot of friends (especially scottish ones). I love watching the river change before my eyes along Riverside near the rail bridge, I really love Magdalen Green and its battered bandstand and I really really love the view from the Law!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Flower and Food Festival is a huge, fun event, attracting thousands of people to the Camperdown Country Park every September. New visitors and exhibitors are always amazed at the scale of what we do!
<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> Love the way they are re-developing the City's waterfront - traffic a serious pain however it will all be worth it in the end. Majority of Dundee citizens are kind and considerate people and are very generous with local charities as well as national ones, particularly Charlie Kean. The culture within the city is growing all the time which makes me proud to be a Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee "law" provides a spectacular view to the whole city center and from which you can enjoy the amazing view of Tay River. The Law itself has a very old history whereby it was used as Iron Age hillfort and prehistoric graves dating to about 1500 BC have been uncovered on its slopes. Roman pottery dating from the 1st century AD has also been discovered (see http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/supportservs/dundeelaw).
<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> The sheer natural beauty of the river views with the vibrant yet friendliness of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a lot crammed into this compact city. It doesn't seem to matter what is achieved in Dundee, there is a sense of constantly striving forward. Dundee is vibrant cultural hub with an industrial past, which reflects the positivity of the welcoming people who live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful city with a fabulous location and THE most friendly, funny people. Drinking Pinot Grigio whilst watching dolphins on Brought Ferry beach swim by - priceless :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much I miss about Dundee - I live near Aberdeen now and there is no comparison. The Rep, Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, vibrant degree shows at Vision, walking thorough the City and feeling the energy and of course the music
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Quartic Llama has seen things you humans would not believe. Attack ships afloat off the shore off the shoulder of City Quay. I watched sea beams glitter in the dark near the Over-Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like *moo* tears in rain. Time to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a black medical doctor &amp; horonary Scot who graduated from University of Dundee at the millennia, I want to lend a supporting hand to Dundee's bid as City of Culture. Ninewells continues to be innovative, Dundee continues to embrace diversity and is a champion in believing in and bringing out the best in people. Our beautiful city has been transformed over the years sprinting into the future where others follow. She is warm, Eco friendly, appealing and is everything a modern city should be. We would be delighted for this honour to be bestowed on us.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back I find a new discovery - hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, castle ruins - within a stone's throw of the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Too long the hidden gem, it is fantastic to witness Dundee shed its undeserved downtrodden image and become the vibrant, confident, culturally diverse and welcoming city it has always had the potential to be. If ever a city deserved the City of Culture title it is Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has emerged from it's dark past like an ugly duckling becoming a beautiful swan. Those who knock the place tend to never have been here. They need to visit and open their eyes to our wonderful, vibrant, buzzing reborn city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two closest football stadia in the world. Smallest city to have had both clubs reach semi final of both European competitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have looked out on the Tay all my life, now I have a view with the bridges in it now, I love that every day I look out the river changes. And it's even better from the top of the Law!
<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> 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> Every time I come home to Dundee, it changes. It is always adapting to different cultures, technology and attitudes which gibes it a very cosmopolitan view.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is much more beautiful than a lot of people realise. There are some stunning buildings and because so much of it is on a hill there are some beautiful views of the river. I like going to the graveyard next to the Westpark Conference Centre and looking across the river.

Other things I like about Dundee - the DCA, the amazing Dundee Roller Girls roller derby team, the Creative Dundee movement that seems to be developing, the little independent shops and cafes that are hidden away and some of the lovely green spaces we have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The village community. The length of time we spend playing 'wha d'ye ken?'; a game which involves 2 initially unfamilar Dundonians grilling each other on past schools, jobs, pals, cousins and favoured social locations until a mutual connection is inevitably established (and all is right in the world again).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an extraordinary city. The genuine wealth of culture within the city is defined by the character of its people. This richness of character has offered exceptional music and art over many decades and continues to do so every year. Should Dundee be successful in this bid, the honour would be embraced with a very real and very true passion by it's people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee offered the framework and opportunities for me to go from college, to university, to a dream career as a game designer. I've been able to study and work in the city I was born in. It's allowed me to live and work in another country and also return again because of the amazing opportunities available.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student I was struck by the friendliness of the people of Dundee and that while it has had its deprived past, the city is definitely changing for the better and is on its way up
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing move from industry like jute to the sciences and arts. Also the jumping drags at invergowrie house and the red squirrels that can be seen around camperdown. The amazing river Tay sets the city as beautiful as any other.
<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> Amazing ancient archaeology under our feet, just waiting to be discovered: the medieval burial grounds under the Auld Steeple; the mystery of the Bronze Age Balgarthno Stone Circle, and the McManus Galleries with their unique collection of Pictish monuments inspiring us to gaze into the past and wonder who? what? and why?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee area is like an Aladdins cave of experience, its one of those places where you pick your kids up from school, and could be standing next to a cleaner, a plastic surgeon and an artist. It never ceases to amaze me the variety of people that live here, hiding their lights under very unassuming bushes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful river views from the top of the Law, dolphin spotting down the Ferry and long woodland walks through Camperdown Park. Amazing place to bring up children!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's only Frank Gehry building is in Dundee (Maggie's Centre at Ninewells). Dundee should be looking to commission more as they are attractions in themselves !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2017 will be the centenary of D'Arcy Thompson's amazing book On Growth and Form, "the greatest work of prose in 20th century science". Written in Dundee using the specimens in D'Arcy's museum, it has literally changed the world, influencing not just biologists and mathematicians but artists, architects, philosophers, geographers, engineers, cyberneticists, computer scientists, anthropologists and umpteen others! Today the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is one of the city's hidden gems, its amazing collections brought to life through a diverse programme of events and exhibitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much going on and it is all within easy reach! Having two Universities, the fabulous DCA (Dundee Contempory Arts) and the McManus Art Gallery to name only a few brilliant cultural resources there is always public lectures, exhibitions, activities and places to meet family and friends to eat and drink. Broughty Ferry has beautiful beaches which are great for walks, sunbathing, water sports and the castle ~ not forgetting New Years Dook!
<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> The many great things this small city has produced that have changed life for the btter not only in scotland but the world over
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the advantages of a city, all the cosiness of a town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Roseangle gallery, art exhibitions at the Botanic gardens,the paintings in the new gallery on South Tay street, the beautiful jewellery at the DCA shop...the list goes on.So much talent and so much creativity in his town.As an outsider who emigrated toDundee from India in 2001,I have watched the city reinvent itself culturally.I love Dundee and I hope to never leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Left Dundee 15 years ago, but will always be a West End lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the Views across the Tay, McIntosh Patrick and not forgetting the pehs and plehn bridies.

:)

×