We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The local creatives and talented musicians who seek to be noticed. We have a lot of talented individuals and groups in Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to one of the hottest new Scottish bands; Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher and they recently recorded a new version of Dougie MacLean's 'Caledonia' after their 'take' on the much loved song was featured on the TV advert for Caledonia Best ale. The band have sold out the Gardyne theatre in Dundee on the three occasions they played there in the past year or so and were recently awarded the Scottish Variety Award in Glasgow for the best new scottish band.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer, with its beautiful views and has endless opportunities. As a young artist I feel at home here, with places like the DCA and the McManus Gallery, which I visit regulary. Also being the home of DC Thomson's 'The Dandy', the worlds third longest running comic, is really exciting, especially with the new digital version, a whole new place for comic books!

I've met so many amazing people since moving to Dundee two years ago, this city has really brought me out of myself and now I'm a completely changed person. Thank you Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a busker who frequents the Murraygate and High Street, who plays the harmonica better than anyone I've ever heard. He plays blues and the experience is even better when someone, a stranger, joins in to accompany on vocals, which happens quite often.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdelene Green with its Bandstand and terrific views over the Tay is one of the many delights of Dundee City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city for dance. We have Smallpetitklein, the School of Contemporary Dance, Scottish Dance Theatre, not to mention thriving Modern Jive, Nothern Soul and Salsa scenes throughout the city. People of all ages (literally), backgrounds and musical tastes can find a place to dance and express their inner selves here, in Dundee.
<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> Situation
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's never ending vibrancy, energy and beauty, the friendly people, the eclectic mix of born-and-bred Dundonians alongside the annual intake of students falling in love with the city. All the benefits of a large city condensed into a campus type environment, yet only a short drive to rural idyll. It's Fundee, it's Sunnydee, it's Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's place to be for jewellery design! Kate Pickering launched Vanilla Ink last year and gives designers from all over the chance to learn and make in a friendly and supportive environment.
<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> Not only is Dundee full of culture (museums, eateries, art galleries etc) but it has a great music scene. It boasts 2 fantastic Universities a teaching hospital, dental hospital and a College delivering a vast array of courses. The gem for me is the Castle and beach of Broughty Ferry and our proximity to the Glens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My mother is a from Dundee, most of mine and my brother's school holidays were spent there as children staying with our much adored Grandpa in the West end of the city. Much time was spent playing on Magdalene Green beside the Railway and the Tay (something we were never allowed to do growing up in London) which gave us a great sense of freedom. A treasured memory is happening to be staying up there when the Discovery was brought back to Dundee and the excitement and pride that people took in that event .It is a wonderful city with a rich and varied past that the city's very friendly and kind people are so much making the best of as regeneration continues very pleasingly to expand throughout it. With so much going on from the Discovery to the fantastic DCA I would recommend it to anyone as somewhere well worth a visit and a stay. I could not be more proud to say this place is where some of my family are from!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the belief that Dundee people have in Dundee as a place to live. Our city sometimes gets bad press for some socially undesireable statistics but we defend our city's pride with great belief. Belief that our city can provide us with a place of enjoyment, nurture and development for our families to strive in. Dundee has a fantastic array of culture to be involved in and i am glad to be an active citizen with a young family in this thriving city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Verdant Works is a hidden gem. The volunteers are fantastic and have a welath of knowledge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Read a book called "The Big Picture - Cinemas of Dundee" recently. What struck me was the amount of cinemas sprang up in the really early days of cinema. Dundee really embraced the new culture of the time - we can spot a worthwhile trend! Glad to see the DCA continues this tradition today - there is always something to learn in that building.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local creatives and talented musicians who seek to be noticed. We have a lot of talented individuals and groups in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think the city deserves this time in the sun (fingers crossed and not just a the UK's sunniest city) as so much more to Dundee than jam and jute. It is a city with swagger and one of Scotland's best kept secrets
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have been coming to Dundee since my students days in the 1980's. My favourite places still include Sunrise from the Law, seeing the city from the Tay Bridge, arriving by train along the river with the Tay silvery in winter sunlight. More recently the upgrading around The McManus gallery and the quality of exhibitions it attracts - I have a particular soft spot for this part of the city as My 5 * Great-Grandfather has a statue there and I recently found out that it was partly funded by the people he employed - inspirational at the time?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With tens of thousands of miles behind me and the privilege of being able to work anywhere in Europe and Canada, there is something special about Dundee. It's more of an atmostphere, combined with its natural beauty and blatent history and disparity. I find myself longing to come back, drawing creative inspiration and hopefully giving back along the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each time I come back to Dundee I love to walk down by the river near Broughty Castle. It always brings back great memories of the harbour swim training and the cross-Tay swims that I participated in many years ago and that still continue today. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the obvious spots like The Law Hill, McManus Galleries, Sensation and The DCA. I am always in awe of sheer natural beauty of Dundee's many Parks and green spaces. They are not just places of stunning natural beauty but full of exciting things to do for everyone, regardless of age. The Wildlife Centre at Camperdown, the new sports hall and Pavillion in Baxter Park and the skatepark at Dudhope Park are just a few examples of the outstanding facilities on offer either free or at low cost. We embrace all cultures and encourage diversity, growth and free thinking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great live music, lovely art galleries, friendly people, great restaurants, rich history. I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has become my 'home from home' over the past 13 years. I moved here at 17 to study and have never left! I love the fact that Dundee is a city, yet it is right next to the countryside.I love running along the river front and strolling along Broughty Ferry beach with an ice cream from Vissochis. I enjoy admiring the views of Dundee from the other side of the Tay Bridge. I enjoy the buzz from the West End and the Cultural Quarter and the diversity of the people you meet here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> culture in the city is for ordinary people, not just the elite
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Tay, The Law, the bridges, the castles, the universities, the art college, the parks, the Nethergate, the V&amp;A, the Unicorn, the Discovery, the Lamond schools, Castle Street, the waterfront, the Hilltown, the mills, the history, the views, the people, the cake and the pies.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful green areas, lovely views from different areas over the river Tay. The people are lovely! Never knew how much it has to offer - actually thinking of moving there from Kent!
<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> As a born and bred Dundonian, I often feel that Dundee is Scotland's "silent city" - that is, most people (particularly down south) think of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen first when naming a Scottish city. Yet, it has so much going for it in terms of its transition towards an artistic culture, its "student friendliness", and its beautiful location.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer. I love the Agacan on the Perth Road. Simple, uncomplicated Turkish food with the bonus of massive portions. It's like a little section of Turkey tucked away on the bohemian Perth Road.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is such a friendly city. People will welcome you and help you out in any way they can. I moved here 10 years ago and it's the best thing I ever did - I've made so many wonderful friends. There's such a buzz about Dundee - from great pubs like Clarks and the Phoenix, to the music scene, the university, the literary and creative people - everyone is so proud of what they've got here. Top that with all the sunshine, beautiful Broughty Ferry, the river, beach, parks, views, shops and museums and it's just got everything. I love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where else in the world can you buy an Irn Bru cupcake - try them, they are PHENOMENAL
<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 V&amp;A is coming!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic gaming community. Digital, table top, cards and board. From game shops to pubs you'll find gamers everywhere
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved to Dundee, the first thing that struck me was the friendliness of the people and the 'village' atmosphere even though it is a city. I enjoy the interesting architecture and street art depicting the history of the city ... or just for fun. There are so many events hosted to share knowledge in the sciences and arts - science cafe, saturday evening lectures, comedy clubs, many of which are free to the public. The Discovery point, McManus gallery, Science museum and other museums also add to the interesting things to do. Not least also the view across the Tay to North Fife is spectacular. I moved to Dundee from Switzerland and find that my life is actually richer and more varied here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are its best asset - witty, genuine and friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The waterfront location an view over the two bridges is stunning and so unique. It has variety of different architectural styles such as old mills and unique cosy geogrian style flats.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of culture and creativity that can be found between the crevices of the streets. The people will welcome you with open arms, and inspire you to go further with your own creative ambitions
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a student at DJCAD the city offers so much in the range of influence and inspiration, that's why I love it here, there's so much to offer for students at the uni. Shame the V&amp;A can't come quicker.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee rep have been at the leading edge of regional theatre for as long as I can remember. I grew up with so many great productions that I didn't realise how special they were and how lucky I was until I moved away from the city. It's not so much a hidden secret as a treasure hidden in plain sight, so much a part if the Dundee landscape that its easy to forget what a truly amazing resource it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dudhope Skatepark is a free, outdoor facility with a thriving community of skateboarders and bmxers. Continuing Dundee's strong skateboarding heritage which started back in the late 70's / early 80's, it's a great place to ride whether you've been skating for three days or three decades!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Reading Rooms - consistently one of the best clubs in the UK and a veritable institution which continues to keep the torch burning for underground music. Little known fact - its predecessor Homeless was voted one of the top 15 clubs in the world by `The Face', at the time the most influential style magazine. What's surprising - it has survived when all the odds had suggested it shouldn't. The heart and soul of weekend nights in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me most about Dundee is the continual diversity of our City in terms of people, its space and location. Dundee is Scotland's fourth largest City but yet it's small enough to allow for strong community bonds and a shared cultural past and future. No matter how long you live or stay here there is always something hidden away that will one day jump out and surprise you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Has anyone mentioned DC Thompson's yet?! The Beano, The Dandy, The Broons... and my fave, Twinkle :) ... spawning the talents of Jacqueline Wilson, Alexander McGregor and Andrew Nicoll.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee has an amazing sense of unity regardless of its many diverse cultures.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A great city - first class university in design, art and ground-breaking medical research. One of the few theatre repertory companies still active in UK. Braithwaites coffee and tea emporium which is one of Dundee's cultural centres. Superb location on the river Tay. Verdant Works and the McManus first rate exhibitions and museum. Well deserved location for the V &amp; A
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprises me that there are so many Graphic Designers who study at Duncan of Jordanstone and leave Dundee every year because of a lack of Graphic Design work. But there are so many other creative individuals doing great work within a variety of disciplines throughout the City and managing to sustain this successfully, without compromising on quality. With places like DCA, The Rep and with the V&amp;A on the horizon there should be an abundance of design work to go along with that. Which could potentially lead to the creation of more jobs in Dundee and strengthen the industry and culture within the City even further.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Heart Space Yoga and the Whiteroom's - two vibrant and supportive yoga centres in the lovely city of Dundee. Nourishing folks, impoving health and mental well-being.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a charity worker in Dundee I am constantly amazed at the number of people who approach me to join as a volunteer to support the people with disabilities our project works with. They are always willing to go that extra mile!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed by the vibrancy of the arts community in and around Dundee. and feel proud to have many of these artists as my friends. I came to the area to restore a ruined Baronial castle to the north of the city, in an attempt to bring back built heritage from the brink. However. so impressed have I been with the artists in the area, I would love to make the castle a cultural centre as well ... perhaps for 2017?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In 1901 the RRS Discovery was launched from Dundee and took Captain Scott on an epic joiurney of discovery to Antarctica. What I find exciting about Dundee is that it is now the city itself that is on a journey of discovery with the people of Dundee as the crew.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very honest and there is no falseness around them, no pretense
Oh and did I forget to mention the CAHID centre, the best in its field in the uk by far
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It feels like a city and a village at the same time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where I have lived three exciting years as a PhD student. Cutting-edge science work, multinational friends, delicious christmas puddings, amazing landscape!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Excellent shopping centres
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Cannae beat a proper Dundonian cultural experience in the twa Clarkys- starting with Clarks live music bar on Lindsay Street for the most bangin' new folky vibes you'll find in Scotland and a few pints with the local belters. Best followed in the early hours by a peh wi a panini fae Clarkys 24 hour bakery (Scotland's finest 24 hour eatery). Glorious
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nobody crowds you here, but nobody goes it alone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its really come on since I lived there until 2007.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity and buzz around the University's College of Art &amp; Design, DJCAD
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Don't let the reputation fool you. It's way out of date. Dundee was my home for 2011 and 2012 and I enjoyed every minute of it. A beautiful setting for a city looking out across the silvery Tay. I met many good people and the town inspired me to be successful. A part of me will always be from Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The huge amount of history of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I know where I am here, I'm comfortable, and although it can be annoying, it is quite a beautiful place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Symphony Orchestra is full of committed, talented musicians who constantly challenge themselves with their 3 annual concerts, and receive enthusiastic support from their audience.
<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> As a young Fifer, I rarely visited Dundee except to shop. Now I live and work in Dundee and feel part of the whole cultural environment
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city maybe but it has everything you need - culture (museums and theatre), shops, universities - and all on your doorstep. Plus it has Dundonians - some of the friendliest people one could ever hope to meet. I love it here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee in 1990 from England. Immediately I was immersed in the culture, the language, the people - wonderful. One of my colleagues gave me a sheet full of Dundee-isms and a whole new language opened up to me. My all time favourite was seeing a warning sign in the old Overgate: wet pent. It's a unique place, full of history, strong women and working class-ness.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is at once peaceful and energetic. There's a great sense of freedom and opportunity in the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The weather always makes Dundee a great place to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have been doing some work with school children on the Dundee Waterfront Project and their enthusiasm and pride in rejuvinating the city was truly inspiring. I know it's 'not cool' to show enthusiasm when your a teenager but they let their passion for Dundee shine through and overcome their natural reluctance to reveal their true emotions. Brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is second to none in Dundee. So many versatile and hugely talented bands and individuals who contribute to many artistic streams within the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me this is about saying 'thank you' to a city that made me feel so welcome and has become home! And, for me, it's the hidden surprises that make Dundee so special; the enigmatic jute mills awaiting rescue, the seals on the sandbanks under the rail bridge, daffodils in The Howff in the spring; the lovingly tended parks and forestry.... All this and we still have so much to look forward to! The V&amp;A and the whole waterfront redevelopment - I can't wait!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> everything
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have this image of a group of people, one of them my wife, swimming across the Tay. They arrive, shivering and tired at Broughty Ferry Harbour and as they emerge a school of bottle-nosed dolphins barrels out to sea leaping and diving as if in salute. It sums up why we came and stayed. A plucky, generous place and people, succeeding against the odds and blessed with an incomparable natural setting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view of Dundee at night from across the water - a magical fairyland. The wildlife, Dundee has red squirrels, foxes and deer, as just a small example - alive with nature. The history within the Howff - Dundee's past in one central area.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> The Waterfront developing into such a beautiful and state of the art area from what was such an industrial start. It proves with investment and creative thinking a 'sow's ear can be made from a silk purse'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think it's great that the sun shines so much in Dundee. Seeing Dundee from across the Tay with the sun shining on it is a wonderful sight. Every time you look you see something different.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful people, the attitude &amp; way of life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a safe friendly place with lots to do for teenagers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fewest of people arrive in Dundee with expectations but most of them leave with the fondest of memories. It must be the atmosphere of the people that leave something quite indescribable in the heart of every visitor.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are always new people to meet and connect with, there seems to be a continual flow of people coming into Dundee, some stay a month, a year or maybe 4 or more, and the city takes them all in.

Though not born and bred in Dundee, I have done a lot of growing here; I moved to Dundee at 18, and 8 years later I am still exploring and discovering new streets, communities and people. As a student and then lecturer, most of my time has been centered at DJCAD, University of Dundee. The university often provides a reason for people to come to Dundee but the communities pre-existing (and yet to form) are the reason people care, contribute and continue talking about Dundee.

For me, Dundee's hidden secret is its adaptability in itself and the people it hosts. It is not a perfect city, nor does it pretend to be, therefor people take on the challenge of shaping it, in turn shaping themselves. In this continual movement Dundee has witnessed many a success, and failure, but it (and the people it hosts) keeps on trying because that is the nature of the space and place it inhabits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is rich in wildlife and birds, up the Dighty burn that runs along the back of the city there are kingfishers, dippers, herons, otters, roe deer, foxes, and all along the shoreline, geese, mergansers, turnstones, dolphins and many more interesting species, our natural heritage is all around us in Dundee and throughout the city too, in the parks and gardens, fabulous waxwings, fieldfares, and redwings abound at this time of year, and at every time of year there is something to see whether you are a naturalist, or just like to take a walk along our sunny seafront .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee, many people wondered (including me at times) why I would want to leave such a beautiful, exciting and amazing city for a smaller, lesser (in some respects) city in Scotland. No regrets! Dundee may be smaller but has a bigger heart, fantastic people and has won me over! I will always love our capital but Dundee is the best city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised by the energy which is currently going into the transformation of Dundee's waterfront
<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 quality of the exhibitions Dundee attracts to the recently refurbished McManus Galleries, such as the opportunity to view Titian's 'Diana and Actaeon' at close quarters in a quality space. Just breathtaking!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have rich history which many people outside of Dundee would not be aware of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated in a beautiful location. Easy access to Angus Perth and fiFe. No other town I know of. Has such a perfect Location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university is fantastic, I honestly believe it offers one of the best student experiences in the UK. There is no night out quite like a Union night out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> quite simply the people, the friendships and the fantastic weather!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful restaurants and great people!
<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> 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 D'Arcy Thompson collection is amazing and something for Dundee to celebrate. I think more attention should be placed on the collection and the art works it inspires. What a great attraction.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such a great location - between the Tay with it's dolphins and seals and the fabulous Angus glens. Great art centres, museums, theatre, cafe's - it's diverse, yet on a scale that feels more like a big village than a impersonal urban sprawl. And I the Wellgate clock - when I was little my grandpa would take me to see it chime at midday - I still love it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We moved here 18 months ago and it already feels like "home". I love the mix of the old and new, the ups and downs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The waterfront is something that makes the city standout . As we are making it better, it will make Dundee a Scottish city landmark.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff - a graveyard in the centre of town where you can relax &amp; chill.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How, nearly twenty years since it changed beyond recognition, I can still hear the noises, smell the smells and feel the atmosphere of The Shed at Tannadice.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly, generous spirit of the people.
<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> I came to Dundee 23 years ago as a young artist never imagined I'd stay so long, thinking then it was a good stepping-stone to bigger things, now, there is a different attitude. With an authentic and vibrant cultural community the city provides the perfect environment for young artists, designers and musicians to live and work. They are positively moving to Dundee, building businesses, networks, towards a flourishing, creative momentum. The city has transformed itself, and it's poised for even bigger and better things, a cultural renaissance. I'm incredibly proud to say I live and work in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great musicians, poets and artists working in an exciting environment.
<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> Dundee is a city with a lot of character,friendly and helpful people and the thing that stands out for me is the view we have on any route into Dundee and the silvery Tay,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everytime I return to Dundee it changes, it grows, it develops, it feels brighter, fresher and warmer. Standing in the middle of Reform Street between the Caird Hall and the gates of the High School is a microcosm of architectural bliss in one single sweeping panorama, that many larger cities are envious of. Steeped in history from educating monks to cow pie the city is a beacon of culture.

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