We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

I moved to Dundee nearly a decade ago now and I’m still amazed by the incredible generosity, warmth and sense of community evident throughout the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My grandfather was walking home from the Kirk holding his father's hand on the night the Tay Bridge came down celebrated by the most awful doggerel ever penned by the 'poet' McGonigall. I went to Queens College in 1959 and took a degree in Chemistry and Physics and returned two years ago for a reunion and was amazed at the transformation of the city from the rundown images I remember in the sixties to the lively and fascinating modern Dundee with Scott's ship and so many other attractions artistic, cultural and physical.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Both born and bred dundonians, and the people who have chosen to live here all have a great outlook and sense of community spirit which is great to be a part of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> People's pride in the history of the City
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a strong musical heritage, encompassing a variety of styles and tastes. From musical societies and choirs, to singer song-writers and bands; from theatre concerts to open mic nights, there is rarely an evening in Dundee when lovers of good music will fail to be entertained. There is a vibrant live acoustic scene, showcasing Dundee's talent and banishing the karaoke culture of many other towns and cities. We have much to celebrate; not least Dundee's very own multi-instrumental 'Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' who last month were named 'Best New Scottish Band' at the Scottish Variety Awards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What doesn't surprise me about Dundee? As an 'incomer' 19 years ago what struck me then and now is the never ending enthusiasm of the people, the fantastic natural surroundings, the long term vision for the place and its proximity to nature, wild places and other cities. The creative talent in the City is amazing from musicians, film makers, dancers, games developers, artists, actors, theatre groups..... I could go on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What a view from the Law! The magnificent location of the splendid city of Dundee in the beautiful country of Scotland. The unequivocal view of an English M.A. graduate from 1966.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of strong characters who bind our communities together with a shared sense of resolve, grit and determination. I am always struck by the strong sense of identify that exists in Dundee and how when implemented can be a real force for positive change. That identity is not something that comes through nothing but through a development of a particularly strong culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remnant stubs of the original Tay road bridge, a reminder of the disaster of 1879; a street named 'Peek-o-day Lane' because of all the smoke from the mills &amp; factories, a nod to the industries of the day; a statue dedicated to William Wallace where he first killed another man as a young boy; and the High School of Dundee, which educated Wallace as a sect of travelling monks (the Monks of Lindores) before it was built here in 1239; all glimmers of Dundee's rich history &amp; colourful past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Mary shelly plaque and her famous book Frankenstein
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Mountain Festival! Always a great joy to go to. We are very lucky to hear and be inspired by epic adventurers each year, with the beauty of the great outdoors on our doorstep to enjoy afterwards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> ...the huge pot of creative talent and the wealth of optimism in the city generally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Monument of martyr of protestantism, George Wishart.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of secrets - a walk around the town shows so many hidden things we miss when driving around. The Dundee women's trail, for example and the Time Gun at Dudhope Park. Our parks are glorious!

I also believe we are responsible for the culinary innovation of 'The Mince Roll'. We deserve credit for that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> 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 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> Our ability to preserve our past with respect and at the same time our ability to regenerate and modernise with new developments and projects.
<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> How we've grown up to be a city once again capable of inspiring, educating and encouraging our own, and those who become our own; proud of our past and confident about our future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Groucho's. The shop itself ain't squirreled away, but unless you look for them, the treasures inside will elude you. A proper visit takes time, patience, an open mind and a well-honed record-rifling technique. Never mind Dundee - it's the only shop in Scotland a man can enter with no agenda and strut out like a champion, having bought an original, mint condition pressing of Bill Withers' seminal 1972 album "Still Bill", totally by accident.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has lots of hidden gems as well as a great and growing music scene.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of history and yet is a modern city with a great future and vibrancy. I love the simpicity of going down town and just having an urban adventure and seeing where we end up! The City Centre has wonderful streets, buildings (look up!) and the McManus is great to pop in or linger . The top of Dundee Law is different every visit and I love all the public art that makes Dundee a bit special don't forget the Victorian Parks where we can have fun, nothing beats Baxters Park on Fireworks Night!. We are very lucky to live and work here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The real characters. The amazing sights. The classic bridges. The underground music scene. The ever growing arts scene. The tastiest steak pies. The shimmering Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every year, when spring eventually arrives, the city is taken over by vast expances of daffodils. Driving down the Kingsway, the scenery becomes a yellow blur! I wouldn't be surprised if Dundee has more Daffodils per head of population than any other city in the UK!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back to Dundee it's changed - something new and something different, each &amp; every time. This ability to change, move and adapt is a key link to why Dundee has been responsible for so many discoveries and inventions over the years - we are not stuck in the past and we are not scared of change therefore we can move forward. The future is a very exciting place for Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Left Dundee 15 years ago, but will always be a West End lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the Views across the Tay, McIntosh Patrick and not forgetting the pehs and plehn bridies.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing I love most about Dundee is it's creative culture. Over the years I have seen many wonderful artistic and musical talents thrive within the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee to me is a city of perseverance, passion and pride.

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

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

My secret spot is the mosaic bench in Finlathen Park next to the Dighty Burn. A little bit of public art that adds to its setting. I would love to see some stone sculptures from a nearby artist on display there too. His work is inspiring and amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> I moved to Dundee aged 21, all the way from Arbroath . As a child we would have the odd up Saturday up in Dundee.....why do we say " up" when technically it's down? My mother off to shop, and my father and I would go to the McManus Gallery and then the Arcade...oh how I loved Champion the Wonder Horse.
Anyway, I have always loved it here. Culturally diverse ,creative and vibrant,friendly and " never quite up itself"
A place, which in general values strong women.
And as for its geographical setting, I feel it is next to none. Stunning locations on our doorstep, or within half an hour to an hour, you could be on the beautiful beaches of Angus and Fife, or in the Glens.

Case closed Milord....

Pastille
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a girl who moved around all my life, from the middle east, to scandinavia, to Africa and only came to Dundee for uni, I am constantly amazed that the 1000th time walking down Perth Road I can fall in love with Dundee over and over again. The sunshine, the buildings, the Uni,the people, the city. I think it's amazing that Dundee can be a home to a girl who come's from nowhere!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking out of my office window on a bright spring day makes me so glad to be Dundonian. The calm, still waters of the beautiful River Tay, beyond Seabraes Gardens with flowers in bloom and benches, invites you to sit and contemplate. I am inspired by the serenity of this City, safe and peaceful. There is an open &amp; honest nature to the people of Dundee reflecting it's surroundings. The University campus in the heart of the City is a hive of learning &amp; activity for many cultures and nations with no barriers. I am proud to be a Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History, maritime links, home to Scotland's oldest magic society - www.colinsmagic.com - wide, rich history of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's been surprising, but delightful, to notice how the city is regenerating itself. From the stunning rows of daffodils lining the roads into the city today, to the beautiful views along the river and the varied responses to economic growth, the city is a remarkable example of renewed confidence in itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great bars springing up in the west end, fantastic cafes. the stunning views of the river and bridges that change daily
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A bright, blue-sky day and the sun shining on the beautiful River Tay and glinting off the railway bridge. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its student friendliness and sunshine. I enjoy how many simple activities there are as well including walks and sites to see. The university is filled with nationalities and is a centre for culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green Park. It is a spectacular park overlooking the river Tay. It's Dundee's oldest city park with an old victorian bandstand right in the middle. The experience to watch and listen the city band in a summer sunday is the most incredible thing I lived here.
<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> Perth Road is my favourite feature. It is home to the acclaimed Dundee University (including Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design). Its students give the road a lively, youthful feel as they make their way around or relax in some of the excellent bars. Perth Road also has a rich variety of independent shops, revered eateries such as Balaka, the fantastic art centre/cinema DCA and it boasts a great view over the River Tay in places.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The red squirrels of Camperdown Park
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having never stepped foot in the city until my first day at University I had no idea what to expect, but the friendliness and welcoming attitude got me straight away, 11 years later I feel like Dundee is home, and I am very excited about what my future holds living in this ever developing city. The open spaces in Dundee are great, you never feel enclosed. With such easy access to beautiful countryside, beaches, hills and forests, why would you need to live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view walking or driving along Riverside, the water and rail bridge against different skies never fails to impress and I feel lucky to live here. Wee independent cafes on the Perth Road and city centre are my favourite hidden gems :) So excited to see how the city continues to develop in the years to come.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - a great place for a hot mince roll !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing, I'm from Dundee and have been all over the world with the Royal Navy but nothing competes with Bonnie Dundee !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Science Festival and the Dundee Literary Festival are two events that I look forward to. The fact that eminent scientists and authors want to come to the City to share their experiences is fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> broughty ferry beach
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most welcoming and Dundee is amazing :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's WONDERFUL!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rest of Scotland sneering at Dundee, because...?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its cute and its got nice footballers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Overlooking the city is Dundee Law, the plug of a long extinct volcano.

The view from the top is spectacular, reaching at least 20 miles east (to the Bell Rock lighthouse) and south (to Fife's Lomond Hills) as well as up the river westward towards Perth.

It is the perfect place to see just what a perfect position Dundee is in, on the banks of the silvery Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing and vibrant city with so much going on - we love Exchange Street with all its independent shops and cafes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The famous Dundee FC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an American who spent several weeks in Dundee, I was especially surprised by the city's excellent institutions of higher education, the Dundee Rep, and the McManus. But the real hidden gem is the Dundee Contemporary Arts, where world-class art exhibits and independent films rival any one would find in a much larger city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people. I now live on the opposite side of the world and I have yet to encounter such a braw, open-minded community full of life, acceptance and comical banter as my home tribe. Never a dull moment chatting with a friend, acquaintence or stranger. I miss you Dundee!
I'm just checking in, come back soon!
<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> Fantastic town, with great people. Lots to see and do
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was the place where I learned how to be a designer and how to think about my future. I work all over the world and take Duncan of Jordanstone everywhere I go. The scenery takes my breath away and it has a sense of opportunity in the air. I'm proud of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The forward thinking art and technology community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an annual visitor to this great city I can only say what a wonderful warm welcome we always receive both from staff at Caird Hall,an amazing venue, and from local people in eating places and in the street when seeking directions. A great place to be a City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dolphins in the Tay,which I can see from my bedroom window.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thriving technology community specifically software development the city supports is a hidden jewel in Dundee's crown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay park because of its views across the river tay and observatory. Its good for walks in summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much nicer it is than it nationally is thought to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The botanic gardens were a complete surprise - an oasis in the middle of the city and my 2.5 year old loved it too!
<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> Dundee is a multicultural town because of the different races and culture of people living in it. With two universities and one college, it offers a diverse community as students from different parts of the world choose to study in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the rep theatre is something Dundee should be very proud of - when I moved south I expected every city to have one - three Yorkshire cities later I am still waiting.....!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are two paintings in The Pillars Bar depicting the sacking of Dundee during the17th century by General Monk's troops. Seeing these as a young man gave me a lifelong love of the history of the area and that is why I became a fine-art curator.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a quality city to live and work in and it never ceases to amaze me that generally held perceptions of Dundee are so wide of the mark. Some of the other posts have said all, it's a happening place and Scotland, the UK and the world will soon get the message.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> friendly
<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> I'm always surprised by the fantastic range of shops and galleries in the west end/perth road area selling local handcrafted items, many of which have been made or designed by current and former duncan of jordanstone students. Many of these places are very unassuming, however have been there for years- proving how much the local residents value the creations on sale. The lindeen gallery in particular is a highlight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that Dundee is built on a human scale. I can jump on my bike in the north of the town and within 10 minutes I can be sitting drinking a coffee in a coffee shop, wandering round an art exhibition, doing my grocery shopping, walking along a sandy beach or a forest trail, watching a film, dancing the night away or just getting out into the countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My girlfriend was getting the train from Leeds to Dundee. The conductor was Dundonian, and when he processed her ticket, he remarked "City of the Gods". Both pride and wit are at the heart of this city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a unique feel to it, it has a tradition of accessible culture much of which comes from the working people of the city. It has always been enriched by people moving to the city, many of whom came to visit and decided to stay. Dundee is waking up to its potential future, recognising the value of it past and embracing the changes happening to the city which are occurring now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its History
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a pupil who is and has been part of many Dundee Schools activities, such as Dundee Schools' Music Theatre, the Youth Music Initiative and Dundee Schools Orchestras, I have been able to perform on stage at the Caird Hall and the Whitehall Theatre, I have made many new friends and I have learned many different skills.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its that no matter where you are if you want a bit of quite space you will always find a bit of greenway anywere in the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One thing that few visitors expect in Dundee is the quality of the food but we boast a great cheese shop, some first class butchers, amazing cake shops, proper greengrocers and, of course, Braithwaite's - timeless tea and coffee merchants. (And we still have some of the best raspberries you can find.)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly place with great theatre, art and architecture with the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of culture to be found in such a small geographic area.
<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> McGonagall's words skirt along a Silvery Tay,
A Dolphin gambols wi yachts in strong tidal bay, All can be seen fae tap o' the Law,
A jewel of a City or just affy Braw? (Paw!)

Dundee is oor city o' which we are proud,
So c'mon all you Taysiders and say it out loud.
We live here and work here and play and explore
It's simply our hame which we all adore!

3 Js a cliche but history dear,
That Oor Toon's a changin' is perfectly clear.
A chance for yet another recovery,
One City mebbe - but infinite Discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved from Dundee 15 years ago. However, i will always be a West end Lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the views across the Tay and McIntosh Patrick.
<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> Design houses in Dundee produce world leading technology, recognised throughout the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The 'lets just get on and do it' attitude that has started to happen in Dundee's creative world. From Vanilla Ink to Tin Roof via Fleet Collective, Jam Collective and Rusty Hip - not to mention all the independent shops and cafes that are setting the foundations for the future retail economy of the city. Good work, lets keep it going.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Caird Hall was the place where I went to to escape from being homesick when I studied there. Beautiful music was always a way to forget my woes. The building itself was something to admire.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much I miss it - I never expected to feel that when I moved away, but there's a unique sense of warmth and welcoming about the Dundee
<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> Its cinemas and theatres - such good quality in a smaller city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the university campus to the city, Dundee is an amazing place to experience. You have places like the Discovery, the DCA, the tiny university museums hidden around campus, and even an extinct volcano.

But theres also roller derby, american football, ice hockey...it's not a run-of-the-norm kind of place...

And then there's the V&amp;A - a true mark of a city of culture if I ever saw one.
<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> 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> dundee has some magnificent trees and green spaces, renowned for some of its champion trees and some really remarkable trees in urban areas . Dudhope gardens is an amazing space with view of the city and the tay which is breathtaking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing is "normal" about Dundee. Having lived there for 4 years at university, the thing that most surprises me is the notion so many Scottish people have of the place: "Dundee? That's a dump" being the consensus of nearly 100% of those who've never been. The lovely secret held by those who have is that it is one of the most wonderfully inviting, absorbing, positive, encouraging, resourceful and accepting small cities in the world. Do we really want to share that secret? Oh, go on then!
<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> Simonanna weekly art classes for adults held in the wonderful Art Angel are a fabulous resource. Simon Reekie and Anna Orton facilitate a supportive and inspiring environment to enable exploration of the creative process.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is best viewed from the top of a bus. The rooftops are amazing. Then climb to the top of the Law for wonderful views and aching legs. Approaching Dundee from any side makes you feel as though you are coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> The amasing river and extremely friendly people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local knowledge of the staff at the VisitScotland Information Centre(Tourist Information) is astounding, helped us get our feet in a City with a fantastic amount to DISCOVER!!!!

Discovery Point and RRS Discovery is also very good, built by dundonians for scientific research!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee from San Francisco, California to get a masters degree that is not offered anywhere else in the world: a Msc in Design Ethnography. Dundee has fostered such a creative and trail blazing thought culture that its university offers one of a kind degrees and attracts people from the worlds' creative cities to come and live and learn there.

:)

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