We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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Dundee has to be the most gorgeous location for a city ever! There is nothing like coming home over the bridge and seeing your city in all its glory. It makes me 🙂

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since having my son who is 2 I've rediscovered Dundee, in particular some of the incredible green spaces we have.Balgay and Magdalen are within walking distance for us, however the Botanic Gardens (or the jungle as my son refers to it) is a little haven full of surprises. Perfect for picnics, playtime and public art. They've hosted some incredible events over the years, N_ILK at the Botanics being one of my favourites.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is so welcoming!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing views from Ninewells Hospital - got to be the best views of any hospital in Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I never been there but I will be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, it's no secret, some love it whilst loathing it but it's always home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Almost everything about Dundee surprises me. Its location is fabulous, its new found ambition and regeneration of the waterfront, its positive partnership working and its people. All result in a place where culture, creativity and community thrive in spades.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful situation and Dundee Contemporary Arts - fantastic venue, fantastic atmosphere, amazing works of art, and workshops. Lucky Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On my first visit to Dundee, back in 2005, i felt like anything was possible. I still find Dundee creatively inspiring, welcoming and open to new ideas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remarkable fund-raising achievements of its citizens for cancer research and medical equipment. It's many unsung medical, scientific and social pioneers eg Thomas Maclagan, James Bowman Lindsay and Mary Lily Walker. The past European successes of its football teams epitomise how so often Dundee punches well above its weight. The gradual eradication of multi-storey buildings is an indication of the city rediscovering its architectural heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v&amp; a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art in such a small city, particularly visual art and theatre is of an amazingly high standard. There is a huge appetite for more and the City of Culture designation could really help this. It would tie in nicely with revamping the city centre which will make the city visually pleasing itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How many interesting and creative people come from Dundee... Not least of all my husband and actor Forbes KB !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised every day by just how beautiful the view is from my office in the City Centre. I can see the river, the bridges, as far as Broughty Ferry and over towards Fife. It is one of the most amazing views and I am lucky enough to see it every day. Such a beautiful and intimate, yet lively and exciting city.
<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> Sunrise on Broughty Ferry Beach, looking out to sea as the sun breaks cloud cover. Any season, any weather, the start of a new day, accompanied by the breathtaking skies over the Ferry beach, is food for the soul.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's music scene is different! I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's a lot of diverse musical activity in Dundee relative to its population size. For anyone interested in music and people, it elevates Dundee beyond its fabulous natural location. Maybe it's the geographical setting that inspires people so much. The air here is also good!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such an interesting history for a relatively small city. There's plenty evidence to see as you walk about. The two universities bring a large student population and a youthful dynamic. Dundee has some beautiful parks and scenery and the silvery Tay is never too far away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What always surprises me about Dundee, is even after living there all my life, whenever I leave I look forward to going back. Maybe it's the community spirit, or just that it's the only place I feel truly at home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Working in Dundee for the past 6 years I have noticed positive efforts to change the face of the city. This has been, on the whole, embraced by residents re-enforcing pride in where they live. Speaking to a number of residents, I have noted a growing wish to be more involved in how the improvements can be sustained and used in promoting Dundee as a progressive, thriving city moving with the times, and in many opinions exceeding expectation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden secret - Broughty Ferry Amateur Operatic Society.
The present - our games industry.
The future - a cure for cancer, which some believe will be made here, in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the Tay, the Tay that goes to Perth and back each day
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the best places to go and have your lunch in the city centre in summer time is actually... cemetery. Howff Burial Ground. It's just across the street from the post office on Meadowside. It's surprisingly quiet and calm. You got to try it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is set in an absolutely fantastic location, definitely one of the best in the UK - stunning views across the Tay and to the hills beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee aint no cookie cutter moulded city, and thank goodness for that. It is a force to be reckoned with in its continuous drive to reinvent itself time and again throughout its history, most recently in the birth of the waterfront project and the blossoming of the city's visual and performing arts scene. It is great to see that Dundee never tires of 'discovering' new talents within itself, and long may that last.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is simply a very large village which makes it easy for everyone to feel part of the City. Dundee has throughout its history always welcomed people and visitors and those settling in the area soon feel very much at home.

Dundee has a stunning location with the water and the countryside within easy reach. All sports, hobbies and leisure activities are catered for.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a masters degree student: the inclusiveness, fairness and friendly international climate within the University of Dundee.

As an experienced Latin American knowledge entrepreneur, the quietness of the city that helped me revisit my professional goals in life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of diversity. I was a student there, and there is an ingrained culture and inherent creative spirit of learning which really makes it a place you love.

The DCA is a hub of film and creativity. The local pubs and restaurants build up the atmosphere. The history of comic books and journalism. The old factories and the production of Jute.

It's a city that will stay with you long after you leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The magnificent concert organ in the Caird Hall built in 1923. this was the first concert organ built by Harrison &amp; Harrison, Durham and designed by the blind organist and composer, Alfred Hollins. It is today considered one of the finest concert organs in the world and the Friends of the Caird Hall Organ (FOCHO) was formed in 2010 to help preserve it for the culture of Dundee and the heritage for tomorrow as well as encourage the introduction of the instrument and its music to young people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sun shines!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since starting to work in Dundee in 2011, the changes have been phenomenal. I think a hidden secret is the area stretching along to City Quay from the city centre. City Quay is an incredible asset for the city and one which I hope will really flourish with the continued development of the Waterfront.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative hub that Dundee has become... What many people still don't know is that Dundee is a hot spot of creative talent waiting to be utilised. From the well known such as Hayley Scanlan, the DCA and Vanilla Ink, to the undergraduates at DJCAD who are always pushing the boundaries and ready for more. This is a clear reason for the V and A choosing Dundee as its scottish venue and a great reason for Dundee to become 2017 city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is large enough to be a vibrant city, but small enough to still have a small-town friendliness. I work in tourism, and visitors are continually surprised by the overall attitude of Dundonians - it's what keeps bringing people back to the city, and why I'd rather be here than anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing work our volunteer organisations do with the youth of today – be it Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade, Brownies, Guides or Scouts and not forgetting the many sports teams, community centres, dance or music classes that Dundee volunteers support.  The many volunteers who help the sick, elderly, vulnerable, meals on wheels, support charity shops, fundraising events, support at courts and hospitals and many other tasks not listed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sitting in Mennies bar and looking down on the beautiful curves of the Tay Bridge, nice.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of green spaces available. All on bus routes. For a city this size there are a lot of cultural things on offer as well as varied cost of housing to suit most budgets. Edinburgh and Glasgow are expensive but not tooo far away
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the only women's trail of its kind in the whole of the UK. You can get the free leaflet and talk a walk from plaque to plaque round the city centre, marvelling at the interesting lives and achievements of 25 notable women, and then go home and read of many more on the website dundeewomenstrail.org.uk. This is a city which has been known for its strong women. Doctors, witches, artists, mill workers, Suffragettes and business women - they're all here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> to see so many of the population of dundee walking upright
<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> Dundee Contempory Arts........Great venue, great food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's location at the mouth of the Tay offere unparalled natural beauty and light unlike any other.

The natural sense of pride the locals have in their city is well-deserved, it has incredible history from it's exporting days, fantastic educationional establishments today and a never ending culture of change in the lifestyles and culture of its people.

I lived there, first as a student and then working, for 17 years. I love the place. Sitll do. The best friends I have in this world still live there. There's a reason for that too.
<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> The creative community here in Dundee is amazing. I have witnessed many collaborative projects that have succeeded due to the positive attitudes and creative abilities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The accent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The climbing wall in the church-I think it surprises most of the people coming from continental Europe.
But what I like about Dundee the most is the international environment, especially within the College of Life Sciences. We are a bunch of strangers gathered here from all around the world, and we really stick together, we are a family here, far away from home. I lived in Hungary and France before, but nowhere is as easy to find friends as it is in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing beats the magical feeling during the Universities graduation ceremonies in the Caird Hall and City Square in June. Graduates and their families and friends fill the city with colour, celebration and culture. These celebrations start for me with the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show earlier in the season - you get a great sense of creativity, potential, excitement and the ultimate start to a cultural summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city, it has an amazing warmth of people. The mixture of students, locals and immigrants creates a melting pot of talent and creativity that you don't find anywhere else. And the accent is unlike anything you'll ever hear!
<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> I moved here for University in the summer, the friendliness of the locals and the incredible architecture has surprised me the most. Dundee boasts the most incredible scenery of any city in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Cemetry is my most favourite, beautiful, quiet place. A place for reflection and peace with the most stunning views from up high right down to the Silvery Tay. Just don't tell everyone....
<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'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> I love how child friendly Dundee is - places for cake or eating out, loads of activities to do from sports activities, art &amp; crafts, places to go like Camperdown, Botanics or the beach and so much more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of domes, cupolas and extraordinary roof architecture if you raise your eyes and look at the tops of the buildings in the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me is the reaction people have when i say that from italy, I moved to Dundee, and LOVE it here! The city is modeled around students, there is always something to do for everyone and the music venues are fantastic! The 24h Bakery is a real hidden gem, but of course so are all the kind people that make living here a pleasure :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 1. its beautiful setting
2. its unique society - it is/was the stronget matriarchal group in Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Traveling across the bridge towards Dundee at night with the lights shining beautifully across the water.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In some of the industrial port areas you will just sit for hours on, enjoying the old industrial, maybe a bit rotty looking sites with having the view on the see. As a student, I love this place for just relaxing and writing with the industrial 'landscape' aside. It just gives me goosebumps every time, thinking back to when this was one of the ports to the world. Strange, but stunning feeling!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Student life - having spent 4 years there is a culture seldom seen at larger universities where all of the students socialise together regardless of course or faculty and this also transfers into fitting into the City. There is a pride in alumni that I have never seen from other university graduates.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The off the beaten track arts in the city . Weather its the colour of westfest or the viberance of the artists its all good .Very very good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never fails to amaze me. From the jute, jam and journalism era to present day, its rich culture of down to earth, hard working men and women is a legacy that will live on. Dundee is a city with a small village attitude - well known faces in well known places - that's the magic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's WONDERFUL!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are indefatigable and always up for a boogie, and witty without being gallus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Some beautiful old buildings, an exciting waterfront, good shopping streets, plans for new V&amp;A gallery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It seems like the city continues to grow and I've discovered more places and more people in the past year. There are so many creative opportunities for students and friends, and the international variety of people makes it multicultural and incredible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strength of its creative community. Supportive practitioners are working together to promote the cities design talent. Building a stronger creative identity for Dundee collectively.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I used to visit an auction centre nearby the University of Dundee, when I was a student there, back in 1996-1997. They auction all sort of things like jewellery, antique cameras, etc. I brought a couple of things there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i like the view of coming in on the bridge or looking down from the law, the hidden history........all the hidden nooks for street artistry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Dundee just does things. No messing around. If they want something to happen they just make it so.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not only is Dundee a sunny City which manages to mix historic and modern very well, it's also a friendly City. No matter where in the City you are - the Centre, Broughty Ferry, St. Mary's, no-one will leave you feeling lost or lonely. I've lived in many areas within the City and felt at home in each at different times. Dundee also has it's own weather system where the climate and temperature can be vastly different only 5 miles apart. There's so much of interest in Dundee, I'm still learning new stuff about my City after 40 odd years. I wouldn't live anywhere else!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With such an industrial history Dundee has a surprising amount of green spaces. Whatever the weather there is somewhere beautiful to go out walking with the dog.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As soon as there is a hint of sunshine I love the way students at Dundee University sit on the grassy areas on the University campus and bring these areas to life. Different languages and cultures mingle together enjoying the light and sunshine which has a special quality in Dundee.
<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> There's an incredible creative scene here, from the universities and colleges, to the artist studios, to the galleries and live music events.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Rep, been delivering great theatre for years and has a commitment to the community excellent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> I love the fact it's a small city with big ideas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City of Dundee has the current 'Scottish Hairdresser of the year' Kay McIntyre who is now in the latest member of and the only Dundonian in the British Hairdressing 'Hall of Fame'
Its also the only hair salon to have won a Regeneration Award and Commendation by the British Civic Trust...Oh and you get a great hair cut too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City of nature. Lush green, fantastic landscapes, stunning views of Tay from every corner of city. A city for nature lovers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonian's really have a great banter, our sense of humour is second to none, and we are unique in that OUR 'village' follows the 'one degree of separation' rule - everyone knows someone, who knows someone. Also, regardless of where anyone stays or works in the city, you're only ever 10 minutes distance away!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The parks and the people:

Inspiring.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In the last few decades Dundee has added a cathedral, it's now a City an airport, added a road bridge across the Tay, a University or two, a V. &amp; A. Museum, and retains its Medical Knowledge, its history (adding to its naval vessels). What more can anyone ask of a City?

I support Dundee's claim to be European City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the reputation it has undeservingly collected from previous lives. People within Scotland have the impression that Dundee is still an old whaling town filled with desolate jute mills and nowhere to go. The reality is far from the truth: Dundee is a place bursting with architecture both modern and the type of old to be admired, music events, art galleries, science and education. There are groundbreaking opportunities everywhere with a college and two universities offering unique computing and medical facilities. There are so many amazing places within Dundee whether it be the beautiful beach at Broughty Ferry, the top of the Law or beneath the shadow of the RRS Discovery. I've lived in Dundee all my life and yet, as a young person, I am still surprised by the constantly growing and evolving platform of culture which exists within the city. Some people grow up somewhere and want to get out and away but you know what, I can honestly think of few better places to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love RARA and the pretty vacant showrooms and the creativity it encourages through selling vintage and pieces from local designers. It's like a little treasure chest.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a great city for walking in. A 30 minute stroll can encompass wonderful waterfront views, a gallery or museum and a great independent cafe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The shining river Tay in all its moods and the 2 bridges that span it. We also enjoyed the dolphins swimming round the children in Broughty Ferry.
<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> 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> Vibrant, ambitious and determined. That's how I'd describe the city and one of my most favourite Dundonians. This person whom I met 20 years ago was part of the set up of King Tuts and was a part of the city's nightlife scene for many years, he then went on to be an instrumental player in T in the Park. He thinks big, as does Dundee and I love that!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Huge variety of surprises we can find
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Twenty odd years ago I was first acquainted with Dundee as a part of the design team for the Discovery project and I now have a home just outside of the city. My main responsibility was the design of things on-board the ship itself which included the flock of sheep (not as big as it could have been) on the shore, etc. It was a period of great energy and creativity, but was grounded in solid research.
At that time there was a lot of talk about how good things in the city could be, and most of it has happened plus a lot more. The later things such as the V&amp;A are an extension of that vision for culture whilst not loosing sight of the past. This is the core of Dundee.
The whole place has a 'life' to it and all of its attractions are not only for visitors, but are of relevance to all who live there.
I am thinking in particular of the McManus, the DCA &amp; the Rep'. It has a dynamic student population and a world class Art &amp; Design School in The Duncan of Jordanstone.

The proposed long term plan for the waterfront looks as though it should work well, and take advantage of the truly wonderful river aspect. But whilst I am glad to see the back of the Council Tower, various blocks of flats &amp; the Olympia pool, the Railway station &amp; the ex Stakis/Hilton might be a loss in terms of architectural progression - not all '70ies was bad.

The Unicorn needs to be integrated much more into the scheme of things, it is a gem, and perhaps a museum of transport and the docks, should be considered, in particular as unlike at a lot of other places, the docks still work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from Dundee myself but live in Norway. The thing I love about being Dundonian is that we are proud of where we come from despite often being the butt of jokes by people from other cities. When I got married in Dundee the Norwegians loved Dundee and Dundonians. There are many famous Dundonians that have contributed a lot to national and international culture. From astronomers to actors. One of my favourite places is the Mills Observatory. Hidden in the trees of Balgay, the observatory is a local gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is and was a fantastic place to go to university. All four siblings in my family went there with no prior connection to the city. Our son is now there too and loves it. Dundee is still very much a hidden treasure and has some amazing new projects planned in the next few years. For those of us who came from small towns it is a lovely "smaller" city with a lot to offer, especially for students. The riverfront is beautiful and becoming more so as those projects come to fruition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Steeped in heritage but with a modern vibe, Dundee is a friendly and cosmoploitan city which somehow manages to maintain a respect for its roots in industry.
<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> Dundee has an amazingly vibrant and creative visual art community, buzzing with talented artists, designers and makers and sustaining an exciting range of creative activities and events. It is home to fantastic arts organisations and institutions including Dundee Contemporary Arts, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art &amp; Design, Generator Projects, Wasps Artists' Studios and McManus Galleries. Dundee also has a wonderful open feeling – you can see views of the sky and the River Tay from all over the city, and there are beautiful beaches and countryside just a hop, skip and a jump away!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The new breath of life by young, trendy businesses popping up to facilitate a fashion conscious dundee! Benjamin barker barber and shop, house of liberty, tiger Lilly boutique, Maggie's farm, missy lalas, hues, Rudy's rags....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's legacy of the three Js - jute, jam and journalism. My great grandparents worked in the jute mills until retirement age. My granny is a dab hand at making raspberry jam, and it's well known that the banks of the Tay are the optimum place to cultivate berries in the world. What would the world be without Dennis the Menace and Desperate Dan? We also have Dundee to thank for D.C. Thomson &amp; Co.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a multicultural city with a wonderful, supportive creative community. It is also the sunniest city in Scotland, which makes it a fantastic place to live, discover and grow in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attend one of Creative Dundee's Pecha Kucha nights to learn more about creatives you knew about and discover ones you didn't. Always inspiring.

Duncan of Jordanstone Art College is a hub of exciting creative activity and brings creative life to the city. I love going to degree shows in summer to see an amazing spectacle of talent and fresh ideas. Look forward to seeing a strawberry farm this year as part of Interior and Environmental Design's showcase. Can't say the students aren't dynamic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city with a vibrant student community and friendly, community conscious locals.
Each year the local Jazz Festival bring people from all over the UK and further afield. The city comes to life and the atmosphere is fantastic .
The parks and surrounding beaches are great for children and families - and its free!
Dundee is truly a city where People are the cultural centre.
<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 Coldside Community Fun day is an annual festival with Dundee poets, singers, bands, dancers, pipe bands and arts and crafts activities for young people. All organised by community volunteers , it attracts around 500 people each year. Its a great display of community spirit and local talent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the blues bonanza is huge!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that Dundee plays a significant role in the International Space industry. The University of Dundee employs one of the lead authors of the International SpaceWire standard which is used by many of the world's leading space agencies, e.g. NASA, ESA, JAXA; and local companies such as STAR-Dundee Ltd specialise in developing test equipment for SpaceWire networks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> MENZIESHILL

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