We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The V&A is coming!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has inspired me to be everything i can be i live in Fife but attend university. The university of Abertay Dundee has helped me in my career to become a marketer thanks to the outstanding support through mentoring and teaching i have receive from DR Jason Turner the head of the marketing &amp; business programme at Abertay. I have met some tenacious and determined individuals who innovate and bring their business ideas to life with great support from Abertay. Thank you for inspiring me to be all i can be.
<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> Dundee folk are so friendly and welcoming. The sunrises and sunsets are unbelievable. There is always something going on culturally, the DCA, McManus and discovery point are all fabulous places to be educated and entertained.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the rich arts and culture scene - i also think that it sits within a microclimate as the weather is always much better there than the rest of scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our young people Diversity in action
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Law - one of the finest view points in Scotland. Inspirational.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer welcoming atmosphere from the people who live there. I'm not a resident - in fact I live on the other side of the globe. But I visit frequently to see family. Every time I visit everybody I meet in the city is extremely friendly and welcoming and eager to chat it up. The people are amazing and I have yet to be received the same elsewhere in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The energy and buzz in the city as the waterfront development progresses as well as the vibrant culture in the city with some great venues - The DCA, The Rep and the McManus all spring to mind. The addition of the V&amp;A is going to be fabulous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Broughty Ferry is one of Dundee's little gems, lovely little seaside village, great little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hugely supportive and inclusive student culture. The West End of Dundee is a hub for all sorts of student activity and promotes a truly welcoming vibe. The number of independent traders and retailers along places such as the Perth Road makes Dundee thrive and elude individuality. It is great to see residents supporting local business and hailing from Derry, the current city of culture, I can see how winning this bid could only boost Dundee's already growing culture sector.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i'm amazed by the number of things to see. i didn't realise there was so much going on. the people have been really friendly to me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry! The beach, the views over the tay, the castle, the sunsets, the swans, the dolphins, the fresh air and my girlfriend all make it a beautiful place. Along with all the lovely restraunts/cafes/shops and friendly people to share it with. Dundee is a small city and everywhere you go, you are bound to bump into a friendly familiar face. It has a good music scene and a great talent has come from this little city. The Associates, enough said.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing splendour of the Tay. Each time I cross the bridge the views are different. Sometimes the water is wild, rough and very dark. Other times it lives up to it's reputation as 'The Silvery Tay', mirror-like, flat calm and very beautiful. It is always changing, always spectacular.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having moved here from SE England almost 30 years ago, where there was no shortage of things to do, I am surprised and delighted with the changes in Dundee over that time. Next week, to celebrate my birthday, Dundee is hosting the fabulous Blues Festival, with International bands playing all over Dundee. All we need now is a John Lewis!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a qualities that it doesn't boast about. It doesn't boast about the beautiful river, parks, buildings, people and even the wonderful weather. The people of Dundee are amazing and every day you meet someone interesting and talented. We ned to blow our own trumpets more. As you walk around Dundee you see the most amazing buildings and art which you miss because they are a bit tired - give Dundee a polish. Dundee has so many famous and talented artists show them off.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A quite lovely nice city, warm studying atmosphere. close facilities to students, universities of good worldwide reputation. Dundonians are so kind and lovely, they welcome internationals and give them the real feel of home. love you Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What we like best about Dundee: Me, my wife and two boys simply love the Grassy Beach Walk from Stannergate to Broughty Ferry. The walk coupled with the views of the sun glistening off the River Tay are simply breathtaking. Ample reward is to be had at the end of the long pleasant walk with a cold drink or two (alfresco I might add) at the all too inviting Ship Inn by the side of the river. Where else in the UK can you spot dolphins bobbing in and out of the Silvery Tay and also catch a glimpse of Bob Servant's extension! Now thats what I call a family walk on a Sunday!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Dundee's public art, it pops up and surprises you when you least expect it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The observatory on Balgay Hill- its a gem and free to visit!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's alive, diverse, has art, history and Scottish dance theatre!! dont let it loose so much from so little and can be huge!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community involvement which takes a pride in it's heritage and culture such as Whitfield Community Centre , in the middle of a peripheral housing scheme, which was recently involved in an arts production in collaboration with Dundee Rep. This included drama, dance and a choral performance. Each performance was sold out and supported well by the Dundee public.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Culture is more than just art, theatre and buildings it is also about history and social morals and I believe Dundee is second to none on these areas. 1777 Dundee Joseph Knight a “Negro” slave won his freedom from his master Wedderburn when he successfully argued that “slavery was not recognised by Scots Law and runaway slaves (or 'perpetual servants') could be protected by the courts, if they wished to leave domestic services or were resisting attempts to return them to slavery in the colonies”. This was in effect abolishing slavery 100 years before the UK Parliament. Dundee also has Mary Slessor who moved from Aberdeen to Dundee at the age of 11, Lily walker and many many more who stood up against tyranny and injustice to change the political and moral culture of our city and our country to make it more caring and equal for all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most surprising thing about Dundee is that so many people are unaware of how good it is to live and work here. It's as if Dundee itself is a hidden secret. Dundee has all the facilities of a city and all the benefits of a big village. Not too big, not too small - just right! Everything is close at hand. Beautiful countryside and beaches on our doorstep with all the culture, sport and shops you could want. People are friendly and the city continues to get better. Having moved here over thirty years ago, I've seen United win the cup twice and have no wish to live anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness. West End. MacManus Galleries. Dundee Contemporary Arts. Overgate Centre. V&amp;A. University of Dundee. Tay Estuary. Riverside. Broughty Ferry. Tentsmuir Beach. Even with all these, the layering of local people, visitors, students, businesses and a quiet ambition makes Dundee a culturally rich place to live. Help us give the city even greater depth in 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heritage assets that the City has are enviable.Not just the decor of the traditional but magnificent museum but the historic cultural assets of the Verdant works and the football teams which capture the city's own history of immigrant Irish labour in Victorian times. Dundee's cultural history mirrors much of Scotland's but its "discovery" reveals its own unique ingredients.
<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> It's a great city to write about because it has so many different faces; such a wealth of cultures and locations and sounds and languages. Dundee is a novelist's city with many novels written in, written about, being written in and yet-to-be-written here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Mennie's Bar (Sunday name is Speedwell Tavern) on Perth Road is a gem of a pub. Spent many happy hours in my youth being served by Mrs Mennie herself and her Manager Ian Thomson
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I first moved hear 12 years ago and was warned about Dundee's reputation. I have been constantly surprised and delighted by Dundee, it's setting, the buzz, whats available to do but for me the hidden gem of Dundee is the Dundonians - friendly and with a quick wit. I love this city for so many reasons but mainly for the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its very own Neollithic stone circle - in Charleston. I hope that the focus on the City of Culture can bring more of Dundee's history that is one the ground (and under it!) to the fore.
<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 annual half marathon - great value and great race! Bridgeview Restaurant and T Ann Cake - definitely hidden gems. Cycling along riverside drive - invigorating and wonderful views Dundee Law - what a view! Dundee parkrun - almost a year old and a Saturday morning challenge at Camperdown
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Getting 300+ people routinely turning up to the University Saturday Evening Lectures. Topics range wide from Leonardo da Vinci to Cecil Beeton, Climbing Everest to Child Abuse. This wouldn't happen in London, nor (dare I say) Edinburgh!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has created amazing musicians, scholars and passionate people who have shaped the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible welcoming I received by all sort of organisations and people during the period of my PhD studies and which made my stay in Dundee an unforgettable time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is no longer only a city of Discovery, it is a city which has re-invented itself. Like many places, the loss of industry was a severe blow. However, it has developed new industry, new strengths and new pride. Cancer research, arts, computer games; it's a reinvention based around research, creativity and ingenuity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is evolving! An exciting place to live right now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What it has to offer. Dundee is steeped in history and has a more diverse cultural population split today than it ever has. DUNDEE womens festivalis hugely successful......local people recognise their city as somewhere with a depth of commitment to put dundee on the map ascan internationally recognised tourist destination.........the support for V&amp;A at Dundee....redevelopment of the waterfront....Malmaison coming to dundee...Icould go on!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's fascinating history of whaling is still largely untapped. It inspired Mary Shelley when she wrote Frankenstein and led directly to the amazing exploits of Scott, Shackleton etc. Shackleton even once tried to become MP for Dundee! The Tay Whale in the McManus is awesome and there's loads of animals brought back from the Arctic by the whalers in the university's zoology museum.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The unexpected glimpses of the river Tay and the Fife countryside as you walk through the centre of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a past student of UoD, I can honestly say I would have rather gone nowhere else. The best student union in the UK and a strong student culture that is really celebrated by the entire city. Dundee is a city with the best parts of a busy city and a friendly town, the community really gets together and is united through love of their hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> 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> 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> I've been invited by my scottish friend to experience the family Ceilidh. Though one word is not enough the describe it all, I would say: AWESOME, I had a really good time. You definitely need to experience it at least once in your life (with a kilt of course!). I think I'll cherish these memories my entire life, and I'll sign-up in the second when the next ceilidh is planned! Dundee is a nice, peaceful place, where you can breath fresh air, swim in the water, or walk on the beautiful shore. There are plenty of museums around to visit too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have the two closest football grounds in europe
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Nairobi via China and Laos, 5 and a bit years ago. What surprised me about Dundee was how it manages to be a big city with numerous hidden surprises and at the same time a small city with a real sense of community and pride. My favorite surprise in Dundee was when I stumbled across a pop up gallery called the guerrilla gallery at the back of the recycling center. This gave me a glimpse into the world of Artists in Dundee and I was amazed!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovative, DIY attitude!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There really is something for everyone, music with the likes of the blues festival and loads of gigs, fantastic theatre both amature and professional, a variety of fine art or easy access to both urban and rural environments
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland is probably the greatest place and family in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is set in the most beautiful setting, students, gaming, history beyond belief, Jute, Jam, Journalism!! What more could I say. Beautiful beaches, Winston Churchill Lived here!! William Wallace went to school here and we have Olympic champions too
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Location, Location, Location! Dundee has the most magnificent setting on the banks of the Tay. Visit Reres Hill in the Ferry - with Queen Victoria's 1887Jubilee Arch, a carpet of daffodils in April and always wonderful views from the top. I love living in Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has seen a revolution in the past 20 years With lots more to come It's rich heritage, now matched by it's forward outlook makes it the ideal City of Culture,2017
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is beautiful and glamorous. The city is small but sentimental, with old and new. There is no place like it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's forty years since I left Dundee after graduating. I still hold very dear memories of the Deep Sea fish restaurant on the Perth Road. Fifteen years after leaving, on a visit to relatives, my wife and I went to the Deep Sea. It wasn't open so we joined the queue - and got chattinng to the folks in the queue, several of whom knew relatives of mine. And the, the staff remembered us in the restaurant. My wife, who hails from Surrey, still thinks Dundee is the friendliest palce we're been to.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me it's the presence of cultural opportunity - as a musician, I'm forever finding new openings within the city, where I can express myself and be creative with scores of others like me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great industrial legacy, wonderful thriving city full of creative and vibrant people. Downtown Dundee is great, artisan shops and cafe's, DCA wonderful arthouse cinema and gallery. Wonderful musicians - The View, Hazy Janes and my absolute favourite St Andrew (Andy Pelc) famous amongst those "in the know" he has talent in abundance!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be the butt of jokes, but no more!! People from all over the world come to study here and decide not to leave because they can see the potential of the city. There is a great sense of humour here too - I love how if someone gets a bit above their station there is usually some wit armed with a razorsharp comeback to put them firmly back in their place :D
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Between 1833 and 1850, Dundee built around 50 steam locomotives, some of the earliest in the world. They ran on all the local lines as well as many others across Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My first time in Dundee was on late november last year, when Christmas lights turned ON for the first night and there were this fantastic atmosphere in downtown!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love all the talks and events that go on around the city, some supplied by the University and others just from people wanting to inform and educate about Science, the Arts, or just about anything you can think of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a jewel in Scotlands crown. From the days of Jute, Jam &amp; Journalism it has been reborn with the continuing development of the Waterfront. Looking forward with great excitment as the face of Dundee changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view of the Tay, with the rail bridge and beyond. Every day it's different and every day it is beautiful! It will comfort and uplift you.
<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> Situation
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is the city where I got my MSc degree, a great city in all aspects, very friendly people, a warm place to live in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic architecture in the city centre - it is easy to just walk past without looking up and seeing the beautiful buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's under appreciated (and mostly free) music scene showcases a huge array of local talent and really makes me proud of what the people of this city are capable of achieving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible generosity of spirit in the people. Unseen at first, but just waiting to be uncovered.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> west end, architecture, incredible buildings, people, places, open spaces, the Tay
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> all the little details - benches in the street which are wiggly rather than standard straight ones, arty bollards, dragon wrapped around a street sign etc etc etc, so many
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great cultural richness, but the area in which I feel it excels is that of theatre. Both professionally, with the ensemble at Dundee Rep, and in the amateur field, Dundee presents an amazing variety of theatrical performances. Recent amateur productions include "Cats", "The Sound of Music" and "Whistle Down the Wind" with "Miss Saigon School Edition", "Parade" and "Spamalot" still to come this year. Absolutely fabulous darling! l
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first came to Dundee about 20 years ago, the city certainly did not look like much. But I've met some of the warmest people of my life there and fell in love with the place. Since then, the great people are still here, and the city has upgraded itself visually as well as culturally with a lot of cultural events and activities going on from high culture down to grass roots level. I keep coming back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Budding artists used to come to Dundee to study at Duncan of Jordanstone college of Art because its an amazing college but would leave after graduating to live in bigger, more "happening" cities....now they come to DJCAD because it's an amazing college and they stay! Dundee is now one of the happening cities, overflowing with creative talent with a great vibe. It IS a city of culture..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town, They spruced it up with a lick of paint And then they showed him round, Two bands played in fierce competition As the rain came down, And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town." A man called Walsh hung from a window With the Starts and Stripes, And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette" It was sweetness and light, But as they sang the fire bell rang And they ran for their lives, "What well trained little orphans and a precious little song." Said the General's wife. A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green, Before the darkness fell, With a short stop over for the ladies convenience, At the Royal Hotel, And the General frowned through the last of the speeches Though he took it well, "What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple, What charming little houses and such cheerful little people, But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town." - Michael Marra.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking towards Dundee and over to Fife from waterfront at Broughty Ferry, really pretty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm a Dundonian who has been living away for the past 10 years. Next year I am coming home and I couldn't be more excited! During my recent visits I have seen remarkable improvements in Dundee but know this is only the start! Dundonians are the warmest people I have come across, this together with the impressive developments in the City makes Dundee the place to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee buzzes with creative energy. For a city of its size, it has a large and very active scene. Best of all, it has imaginative, creative, dynamic people who make it special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Fireworks night fireworks! An amazing display and a great place for people to come together. They always mark the start of a special time in the year and I look forward to seeing them again this year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it makes me want to stay and get creative! Having previously lived in a number of bigger cities, including Paris &amp; Glasgow, I moved to Dundee by chance a few years ago. I think what Dundee may lack in quantity when comparing to larger cities, it more than makes up for in quality, accessibility and community. I am inspired by the amount of creative collectives that I have seen develop within the few years I have lived here (Tin Roof Arts Collective, The Vanilla Ink Jewellery Studios, Skillshare Dundee, Fleet Collective and Creative Dundee). I also love the range of creative learning opportunities and events that more established venues such as The McManus and The DCA offer. Ultimately, it is people that make a place and craft a culture and the people I have met since moving here have shown me there is a wealth of forward thinking, creative people in the city that are working hard to make exciting things happen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved going to school in Dundee with the children's international film festival at the DCA. A pile of tickets for a bundle price and I was able to go in on the bus every day after school.... I was just sad that not more people knew about it at the time. It is great to see the more recent film festivals better attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Perth Road always was and always will be one of my most favourite parts of the city - all the gorgeous wee shops and cafes - Rockhaven was my favourite treasure trove when I was wee, my dad would take me to Russells or the Parrot Cafe for a slice of orange cake and a hot chocolate... the Parlour, still going strong and the mini band stand with the stunning views of the tay behind - just perfect :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like the way Dundee is renewing itself, learning from its past and creating beautiful, interesting places. I love attending events, knowing I will meet interesting people who have lived all their lives in Dundee and have a wealth of stories about the city. I love the history of Dundee women as outlined in the Women's Heritage Trail which shows women's creativity, imagination, enterprise and courage - qualities which have helped to make the city what it is today.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprised be to learn that the roots of some of the biggest games within the video games industry started in Dundee over two decades ago.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Planning student at the University of Dundee. The city has changed so much in the space of less than a century from industrial to culturally-orientation. V&amp;A, DCA, The Waterfront, Discovery, McManus are only tips of a very large iceberg.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee 5 years ago after living across the world. What I love about this city is it's ability to evolve, to change with the times and to reinvent itself. Above all it's home to me and my family and will always be home no matter where we are in the world
<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> Dundee's historic roots are hugely important. Everywhere you go in the city you can catch a glimpse of fascinating parts of our history - you just need to know where to look. There's the group of five historic 16th Century houses in the High Street known as Gardyne's Land and the Wishart Arch which is built into a small surviving section of Dundee's 16th Century city wall. There's the award winning Verdant Works jute museum and Scott's historic Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. It also boasts the frigate HMS Unicorn which is the world's last intact warship from the days of sail, and the North Carr, Scotland's only surviving lightship.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its integrated creative scene, Dundee supports its local makers and has a driven attitude towards reaching an international level of success. The work of Vanilla Ink inspires me and makes me proud to be part of the creative Dundee network.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view from the law of the Tay bridges, you can even see the remains of the 1st rail bridge. Dundee has a changing skyscape and it's changing for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duke's Corner Beer Garden, The Blues Bonanza, The Botanic Gardens, The Continental Market on a summer's day, the cycle route, the City Square, the generousity and enthusiasm of people like Charlie Kean, the DCA, the live music scene, the Rep, the warmth of the people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What a situation Dundee finds itself in, surrounded by some of the best scenery in the UK. Whether crossing the Tay by road or rail from Fife the view of Dundee is stunning, or approaching from Perth along by the river when the bridges come into view takes my breath away. Travel just a few miles to the north and the Sidlaws are a Mecca for walkers and Dundee's own hills. Mustn't forget the Tay,walk in either direction and be rewarded with superb views. Can it get any better?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals sunbathing in the morning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having travelled from the North West of England to study at the University of Dundee I was surprised to find such a variety of places to go and things to do! My new favourite pastime is going to performances at The Rep! They have a range of incredible performances from dance to drama, comedians to musical shows. Dundee and The Rep have truly opened my eyes to the world of performance!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Perth and did not like Dundee. Now i am older I know this was clever spin, the term 'hidden secrets' sums up The Jewel on the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing positive 'surprises' me about Dundee, but one of my favourite aspects of the city is its welcoming community. No matter what your background, nationality, class or accent, the city accepts new comers like family. It is so easy to make Dundee home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city. It is an amazing place to live. I think it is just the right size. If you look upwards in Dundee, you can see amazing architecture on buildings.
<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> In Dundee you can just be who you are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible richness in the arts and science, and a thriving live music scene. Many fantastic musicians reside in Dundee and perform regularly. Dundee hails one of the best all female bands in Scotland and the UK over the past 2 decades - the very talented "adam812", who were asked by Henny King to represent Dundee City and perform at the Octcentenery Awards in the city square and in London at the St James Palace Hotel. Adam812 - one of Dundee's hidden secrets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived out of this great City for 25 years, visit as often as I can, and now I'm heading home. It's Dundee's time and I for one don't want to miss it. If any City deserves it's place in the world and recognition for it's contribution, for all manner of wonderful reasons, then here's my vote. 'Dundee is like a light across my heart' - Michael Marra. This covers it for me. Good luck Dundee. You deserve it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The reinvention! I am in Australia, where the 'History Cold Case' series was recently shown on SBS, one of our free-to-air public broadcasters. And it was uplifting to see the work of Professor Sue Black and her colleagues. It really put Dundee onto the map!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee University Student Union (DUSA) is incredible. A lot of events through out the year both at the Universities and the city centre (ie. the Christmas tree lighting).

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