We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Hidden away and oft underrated Dundee is a really beautiful city with a huge amount going on for its size. The Tin Roof which from the outside looks like an abandoned warehouse is actually a studio which holds some awesome galleries and exhibitions, with live music, food, drink and bonfires which give it a vibrant festival atmosphere in the middle of the city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have grown not to be surprised but to relish the amount of creativity this city fosters. From the art school and far beyond. The initiatives, artist run spaces, music, collectives and individual driving forces who make this city their home and make it amazing.
<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> The beautiful Magdalen Green as it pans down on to the banks of the River Tay. A very special place to me as I have had many romantic walks here, a summer BBQ proposal and then my wedding photos in the bandstand. What a peaceful and inspiring space and view!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> having lived in the city off and on for sixty years, the Dundee of today is evolving into a modern 21st century city. Twenty years ago, that seemed unbelievable....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city centre with music, art, history, theatre and more in about one square mile
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its labour history and political history is a deep and wonderful vein for a historian to study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of nature and natural history in and around the city amazes me, we have the Miley, Trottick, Clatto and the new reserve at Riverside. I also love being so close to the Angus Glens and the Perthshire hills where you can see all sorts of different fauna and animals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The longest seaplane flight took off from Dundee in 1938 and flew non stop to South Africa. The river has been the vehicle of discovery not just out to sea but into the air as well. There is such a rich history in Dundee just waiting to be soaked up.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great deals for students
Huge amounts of diversity across all sectors of the city
brilliant cafes and restaurants
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Many little side streets radiating from the Perth road have a somewhat Spanish feel to them, with diverse cottages to modern student flats, both boasting cobbled streets with lush greenery. You almost forget that your 5 minutes walk away from the bustling University's and city center.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The team and young people at Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee city centre - amazing, top quality youthwork going on. It's like a family. Also the wee garden in the middle of Perth Road, opposite the university, with the miniature bandstand. The flowers are always lovely and the view is brilliant.
<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.
<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> McManus Awards - we award this to a senior pupil in Dundee Secondary Schools for the work they have done to contribute to the ongoing citizenship of Dundee - always amazes us - the extent of our young people's talents is immense.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised and reminded on a daily basis just how great this city really is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee always surprise me. I was born in Dundee but left 16 years ago to live in London. I come back as often as i can. My twin brother Pete sums up Dundee to me. He is one of kindest, funniest and loveliest people I have ever met and is Dundee through and through.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that Dundee is striving to improve and has so much to offer from Football at Junior &amp; Senior level,the Science Centre, Art at McManus &amp; DCA and a brilliant rep theatre. We're on the river, near beautiful beaches and countryside and a thriving city! Beautiful buildings in The Caird Hall, Morgan Academy, McManus Gallery &amp; Custom House
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a sunny city with friendly people, beautiful views, the Law, the River Tay, Broughty Ferry beach, easy access to countryside in any direction an ideal location.
The McManus Gallery &amp; DCA already offer culture and arts and the addition of V&amp;A will add to this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The very fact that fans of United &amp; Dundee can easily share a pint on match day without the ugliness of other derbies. Derby days can produce terrific dundoinan banter amongst friends. Neil Forsythe portrays this kind of banter well in his bob servant books
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of wonderful collaborations. It's a rare City where events are discussed and shared between venues. The McManus, The Rep, Sensation, the University, The DCA... and soon the V&amp;A might spearhead events in the city but there are so many other venues that are engaging locals and visitors. There is always something going on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual Dundee Jazz &amp; Blues festival is an amazing experience that really brings the whole community together and creates a fantastic feeling in the city. It also highlights the cities passion for creativity and is attracting fans from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city that continually re-invents itself - I've worked my 30 years career in the city's manufacturing community. We and I have experienced many major kicks in the teeth over the years however we always bounce back. We have so much innovation and creativity for a small city, it is truly staggering and it is actually world class. I know because I've seen it first hand and we need to tell the world how good we are. Technology and Engineering can be a beautiful thing and compliments a city of culture!
<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> The bridge club, housed in its own stunning premises on Perth Road, owned by the club since 1956. I have played in many bridge clubs throughout the UK, but never in such a spacious, comfortable building, with stunning views over the Tay estuary, it's own bar, catering facilities and friendly staff and members.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much in the city that encourages people of all ages to get creative in some way. We have great things available for 'budding artists'. My 3 year old loves the DCA activity room and the workshops at the creative learning space at the McManus. Plus they are all free! The award of City of Culture would inspire our future generations.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I come from Christchurch, New Zealand though I have lived in Dundee for nearly 15 years now. On its journey to Antarctica the RRS Discovery stopped at Lyttleton, New Zealand which is just over the hill from Christchurch. I think there are few places in the world that I could choose to live in that would take me so far away from home however even here there are strong ties. Dundee has such rich cultural diversity which is not what most people expect - my daughter’s nursery school has children from over 26 nationalities!! One Dundee, Many Cultures.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rama Thai restaurant is wonderful as is Parlour Cafe and the city is vegetarian/vegan friendly compared to most, especially of this size.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about the city is the wealth of local talent it houses. There are so many disciplines represented here from skateboarders to singers to artists to bakers and the humble Dundonian seems to want to out their talent in some way. Afraid perhaps to admit it's a damn fine city with great things to offer - they offer their expressive selves. Proud to be Dundonian!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Whenever I travel back to Dundee I am always surprised at the beauty I see. Travelling over the water on the train I never fail to remember how lucky I am to be able to see our landscapes and treasures in architecture, history, creativity and community... That and a good pub!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Goldilocks analogy definitely fits Dundee juuust right! It's a cheeky chappy of a city with lots of surprises to keep you smiling (SPOILER: mosaic waiters will greet you outside Agacan, a fierce dragon rules the high street and penguins waddle around a triple whammy mega church, which faces Mecca)...

When the sun is shining and the water's sparkling, life feels pretty darn Dandy here, sprawled out on Magdalene Green or Baxter Park with some good tunes and funny people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Une ribambelle de petits pinguins sur un mur et un magnifique musée!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The arrival to this city is unlike any other in the UK. Crossing the sparkling Tay, the city is set against the spectacular Law. A city of many surprises
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remnant stubs of the original Tay road bridge, a reminder of the disaster of 1879; a street named 'Peek-o-day Lane' because of all the smoke from the mills &amp; factories, a nod to the industries of the day; a statue dedicated to William Wallace where he first killed another man as a young boy; and the High School of Dundee, which educated Wallace as a sect of travelling monks (the Monks of Lindores) before it was built here in 1239; all glimmers of Dundee's rich history &amp; colourful past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Born in Dundee nearly 80 years ago. Educated and qualified in Medicine there. Proud of the way Dundee has moved forward over these, quite difficult, years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the inscription of McGonagall's poem about the Tay Bridge Disaster, along the pavement on Riverside Drive. It was a joy to literally stumble upon it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That there is such a vibrant amateur classical music scene.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Kage Nightclub - dundee's friendliest nightclub
<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> Dundee has an amazing creative community who are extremely supportive of one another. More and more creative talent is coming out of Dundee. With The V&amp;A coming, The Waterfront Development and more young designers / artists deciding to reside here its only proving how exciting the future is for the City and its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a beautiful city with great attitudes amongst the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Perth rd for drinks and food on a Friday after work. Taxi home at 10.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The forward thinking art and technology community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has amazing cultural and geographic attributes but its chief strength is its people with their unique sense of humour and caring attitude to each other that I have not encountered anywhere else in my travels all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Perth road has the equivalent of my own local butchers and veg shop, where else do you get your own local village center within a big city?!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is part of national life-only think of Dundee cake and Dundee marmalade.
But would you have guessed that when it kicked Winston Churchill out after serving as its MP for 14 years,it would elect a temperance candidate?
And who exactly was Bonnie Dundee of the song
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking across from Fife as the winter sun sets, the silhouette is unmistakable and the bridges dark against the pastel flow of the river. There not many other cities in Britain that create such an instantly recognisable horizon. Then the sun sets and Dundee sparkles into life as the myriad of lights paint the river with trails that stretch gently towards the fife coastline. Beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee was the first Scottish city to have suffragettes bringing to light the inequities if the time. When you scratch the surface of our understated city you will find such depth, humour and humanity that this example shoes. Also a rich dialect that will educate visitors-do you know what a circle is? :) Dundee is a truly lovely place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian - but love staying here. I do wish the locals knew what they had and could appreciate it though. Dundee is a braw place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much I miss it. I never thought, when I left 40 years ago that I would care about my home town. I have kept up with it's growth and visual changes and I am very proud of Dundee. The only thing that surprises me is how it is not advertised as something tourists would want to visit. You need to get Dundee out there and noticed by people from other countries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you open the door into libraries, you will find creative writing sessions for children, adults and young people, manga sessions, video games workshops for young creatives to develop their own games, as well as regular author events.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 1) Old train tunnel through Law hill- could reopen as exhibit
2) River cruises- Tay is beautiful. Could get more like Taymara.
3) Mills Observatory- only free public one in UK &amp; great fun at nights
4) James Chalmers- inventor of stamps. Could have international philately expo
5) James Bowman Lindsay- first inventor of lightbulb. Could have huge illuminated lightbulb sculpture or combine with-
6) Could have UK's first "Bellagio" style water fountain combining movement and classical music.
7) Jimmy Shand- lived in Dundee and bought his first accordian there. Could have National Accordian Championship like Glasgow's successful Piping Championships.
For more ideas- email me!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of animals at Camperdown Zoo suprised me. I had no idea there was such an extensive zoo in the middle of Camperdown Park! And the diversity and uniqueness of shops in Broughty Ferry is lovely, such a change from the high street. I lived in Dundee for 10 years and visit at least once a month, and it always feels like coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Loadsoweemensingin at the Rep Theatre!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I believe you can walk anywhere in the City and not feel intimidated.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the ability to change, to look at itself and learn from the past, to grow, to thrive and to change.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a foreigner, the first thing that surprised me is the kindness of the Dundonians! I walk a lot in the city everyday and according to the weather, you have a different magic view everyday ! Hills surrounding Dundee, Dundee Law, residential neighbourhood, town center. It's amazing and so pleasant to walk and just observe the city !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The stunning views across the Tay River are a delight.
Dundee's south facing sunny aspect - indeed the only city in Scotland to face South- is a secret bonus.
It has a "can do" attitude giving the City an air of quiet confidence, based on a rich and strong cultural heritage and identity, and a present day wealth in Education and Technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an ever-changing city - re-inventing herself and surprising visitors from both home and abroad.

A totally hidden secret is part of the Castle Walls in the basement of an office in Castle Street, Dundee where I used to work.

McManus Art Gallery and Museum is not only an amazing building but filled with History, Art and Artefacts - a total treasure in the middle of the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of musical talent Dundee has to offer as well. The beautiful beach at Broughty Ferry. But most of all the friendliness and humour of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a mélange of cultures, young students from all over the world who feel comfortable and welcome in this city. Dundee has a strong history, and you'll find the roots in every little corner of the town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are many 'secret' ballrooms in houses in the city with sprung floors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city, Dundee has so much going for it- one of the top art colleges in the UK producing graduates who go on to be Turner prizewinners and scooping most of the awards at the London graduate exhibitions; a multi-cultural society that mixes well; taxi drivers who are full of amazing stories and knowledge; one of the driest, sunniest climates in the UK; gorgeous sunsets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old tunnel under The Law would be worth opening up for public access and use in some social venture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love when I travel along in Perth road with a double decker and I can see the beautiful river Tay with the clouds and the sun. My original hometown is a big,busy city so I could hardly experience the nature like this. Also I love the green grass.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of nice places to visit, rest or enjoy for a walk if you want, but its best asset is the people.  Dundee is full of people from different culture and being French I felt integrated very quickly because this is what this city is about: People with great heart. I am regularly dancing Indian dances at the Bharatiya Ashram and  I am learning painting with a local artist John Stoa and I think that I could not combine so many arts activities elsewhere than In Dundee – Great  city of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Art &amp; Design courses at Dundee College are brilliant! The teaching staff are so enthusiastic and are supportive to all students. The Gardyne Campus is a beautiful and welcoming place to study. This is a vibrant and exciting place - the V&amp;A will be right at home when it comes to Dundee with all the homegrown talent alraedy here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of people prepared to climb mountains, do hikes, runs, and just about anything to raise monies for charities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's thriving cultural scene, for far too long, Scotland's best-kept secret, is now bursting out all over! Dundee is pulsating with creative ideas and regeneration!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite a lack of national exposure, Dundee's creative community continues to flourish and produce young, genuinely innovative art across many media. There is always something exciting happening in Dundee's bars and galleries. With the help of the DCA, DoJ and other well-meaning parties such as local music promoters; musicians, film-makers, artists and designers will always find a home for their terrific talent somewhere in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local knowledge of the staff at the VisitScotland Information Centre(Tourist Information) is astounding, helped us get our feet in a City with a fantastic amount to DISCOVER!!!!

Discovery Point and RRS Discovery is also very good, built by dundonians for scientific research!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can be in stunning countryside within 15 minutes.
<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 beaches are stunning and a city with such genuine and friendly people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The arts scene in Dundee is not simply a matter of excellent facilities, strong grass-root commitment, and the way the size and mix of the city encourages participation: it regularly features artists and performers of international importance: see the history of performances for Dundee Chamber Music and shows at DCA. We have seen the same work featured in DCA and in the Venice Biennale; we have heard the same performers in the Caird Hall and in Alice Tully Hall, NYC. Also, Caird Hall is a major recording venue for classical record companies, such as Philips and Chandos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the number and variety of public lectures available in Dundee in the course of a year. DundeeAtrs Cafe, Cafe Science, Saturday Evening Lecture Series - in its 89th year, Armistead Lectures - over 120 series, to name but a few. All are well and enthusiastically attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view, from riverside you get stunning vistas of the Tay and Fife, from the Law you get stunning views all around. The people are intelligent, engaged and forward thinking.
<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> Scotland’s Jute Museum @ Verdant Works

A fantastic look back in time to the height of the Industrial Revolution and the social and economic impact that the Jute industry had on Dundee (Jutopolis).

A historical commentary on the social issues that affected Dundee at the time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee to me is a city of perseverance, passion and pride.

I chose to live in the city because of my strong families ties. In my family, storytelling is important, whether it's reminiscing about past events or passing down fables. These stories transfer a rich tapestry of experience on to the next generation.

The regenerating of Dundee's industrial heritage has reinvigorated the City and can be interpreted as a symbol for personal transformation.

My secret spot is the mosaic bench in Finlathen Park next to the Dighty Burn. A little bit of public art that adds to its setting. I would love to see some stone sculptures from a nearby artist on display there too. His work is inspiring and amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming from Edinburgh, I didn't know much about the rich history of industry and the variety in which it came in. But after studying at the university's art college for four years, I have learned a great deal about that history. I imagine a successful bit would help bolster and reignite the city's connection with what once made it a great place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its riddled with irish invaders (myself included) and its just like being at home... minus the relentless bombing of each other. Clarkes 24 hour bakery is an absolute delight and the biggest asset dundee has to offer. Serving the burst student community and lining their stomachs for the lecture filled day just a few hours away. KEN THAT!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> CULTURE!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee people are proud of a city which has seen hard times but is reinventing its self as a modern city which embraces change and new opportunities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> strolling through parts of Dundee it can be sometimes uncertain whether we are beholding the longings of yesteryear or the imaginings of today. Dundee's old mills are fascinating reminders of its industrial history, intriguing features in the city fabric. Dundee feels like a contrast between a little scottish town and a truly cosmopolitan vibe. Facilities like those of the Print Studio at the DCA draw artists &amp; creative people from all over the country.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visited Dundee this past January-February for the first time, and was amazed by its rejuvenation. I stayed at the Alberta Guesthouse, which was run by a lovely and very homey-artistic duo of John and Hazel. There's something very different about it. I was there for my bday, and hazel made me handmade cuff links without knowing me very well. An amazing and artistic bed and breakfast. Truly outstanding.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic, thriving life sciences research at the University
<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> Busy, bustling city with easy access to 20 odd miles of beaches. The surrounding Perthshire countryside is a gateway to the beautiful highlands.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of true innovation, reinventing itself time and time again. Drawing it's strength from it's communities, their tenacity to deal with life, look to the future and strive to make a difference. From the sciences, technology and arts it is a truly inspiring place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't feel the need to try and prove itself - resulting in a very chilled out and welcoming atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's amazing how much of a hidden history and the many people who have a connection with the city especially through literature, entertainment, music, sport &amp; media.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery Film Festival. I get invited every year and I love going to see films from around the world. Last year the film I saw was in French but I thought it was brilliant. Ava (aged 6)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery, McManus Galleries, Caird Hall, Law Hill, The Waterfront and so many more things is what makes Dundee such a wonderful place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the buried hidden secrets for me is the old Dundee Rep Theatre. I was lucky enough to work there as a child and teenager. These opportunities embedded within me a voice, a confidence and an understanding of others.
It also catapulted me into drama school, teaching and lecturing in colleges and universities across Scotland.
Dundee introduced me to the Drama and shaped my personal,professional and cultural life/lifestyles.
Work has taken me away for 35 years and I only returned 2 years ago.
A working class "laddie fae the scheme" who turned "oot no too bad!"
I am not the hero in this story..Dundee is!! Cityof Discovery indeed!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful place. It is beautiful, the Tay gives the city an amazing backdrop. It embraces freedom of experience. My daughters learnt Highland dance in school but also grew up steeped in Bharatnatyam (Indian dance culture) and this was supported by the Dundee City Council and Creative Scotland. There is much personal space, Dundonians get on with their lives, the city's culture is one of non-interference and mutual respect. My daughters now study in Edinburgh and Riga, I work in Brighton, but we are looking forward to experiencing the magic of Dundee over Christmas and Hogmanay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 universities and museums! Two universities mean that there are fantastic opportunities to acquire knowledge, both formally and informally (through diversity and cultural enrichment) and the newly refurbished McManus galleries offer an insight on all aspects of life in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Incredible Roll Inn on Whitehall Crescent, just a stones thow away from the new Waterfront Development and Neighbour to the Malmaison Hotel is a sandwich bar with a difference. Come try our tasty treats!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> D'arcy Thompson museum within the University of Dundee. Packed full of beautifully presented gems of the natural world (including Shackelton's Penguin!) and a lovely collection of art inspired by nature. And it's free!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee 's friendly locals, its beautiful setting on the Tay, its stunning architecture, sunshine and outstanding art school all drew me to the city which I now call home. The passion and talent of Dundee's creative community and the various organisations that support it, with my particular favorite being Vanilla Ink Studios, have continued to surprise me, with their commitment and determination, inspiring and motiving me in my own practice. Dundee creatives are putting this great city on the map, and well, you may be surprised, but I'm not! :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has been more prominent in the history of Scotland than many people realise.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most welcoming and Dundee is amazing :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's culture is about diversity. We have an award winning professional theatre company who also involve the people of the city through their outreach programmes, and provide the opportunity for amateurs to perform on the professional stage.

The city's pubs also provide many local and touring groups the opportunity to play every weekend - the choice and the quality is excellent, especially during Dundee Blues Bonanza.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a unique city. We have everything on our doorstep - the benefits of a city and the beauty of the countryside, and amazing culture and heritage that we should be very proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing changes which have come about over the last decade
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That even after 20 years I can be surprised by the happenings in Dundee.....there is always something going on if you know where to look...and part of the fun is in the looking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The density of amateur theatrical groups in such a small area is amazing for one of Scotland's smaller cities. The nurturing that young people are given to participate in the performing arts through Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Dundee Schools Orchestra and Dundee Unuversity Music ensure the continuing breadth of involvement of the people of Dundee in the performing arts.

:)

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