We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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The mini gothic cathedral just across the water (Leng Memorial Chapel), the weird acoustics of the Wormit water reservoir, the clock in the Wellgate, having a peaceful sandwich in the Howff graveyard and storytelling in the library.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is its distinct character, as though it were an admired, trusty and respected friend to it's inhabitants and visitors alike. The city's bairns form the roots of this collective character that comes through in strength; it welcomes me home and puts me at ease. I smile and long to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Council&#039;s Housing Support Team. We are still fairly unknown even by our tenants but can help with a wide range of problems to do with people&#039;s tenancies
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the top of The Law - beautiful, inspiring and one of the best things about Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The language, the humour, the vibrant music and arts scene, the beloved characters that are a part of the city. From McGonagle to Michael Marra, from Broughty Castle to the Beano. Dundee has a culture, soul, heart all it's own that endures despite being on the fringe and despite being a city which many pass through.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Chicken pilic at The Agacan
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the sunniest cities in the UK and has a rich history and culture kept alive daily by the humble Dundonian. Lying on the North shores of the Firth of Tay with two leading Universities, a teaching hospital and home to large businesses like Alliance Trust, Michelin and NCR as well as a host of other multinational and local businesses Dundee is a great place to live. The cultural quarter with museums, theatres and restaurants and the upcoming V&amp;A at Dundee make Dundee a worthy contender for City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was there and right in the thick of things when it transformed from a post-apocalyptic dump into a vibrant digital city. I am proud to be associated in some way with this unique, transformational city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The talent and prowess the city has in the technology and digital media sectors never fails to blow me away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth of the city when I return to see my family, great memories of growing up in Dundee that will stay forever. Dundee has that pull that brings you back time and time again.
<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 the largest small village in the world. It really is a friendly city and it's that atmosphere that strikes people when they first visit. Dundonian's themselves might not realise it but they really are warm and friendly. There's a feeling like everyone knows one another. The locals are relaxed and unpretentious and that's refreshing in this day and age. So it's the social fabric, the affable, approachable nature of the people that needs to be put forward as one of the Dundee's main assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city that is thriving with the ongoing development work at the Central Waterfront and other associated building works. The railway station is receiving a major overhaul and new hotels are sprouting up across the city. with the V&amp;A museum soon to be built alongside our flagship The Discovery people will be flocking in their thousands to see our city and whats on offer. The time is right for the Dundee to be the City of Culture 2017.
<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> Dundee is the home of comics. Not just The Beano and The Dandy, but has influenced artists, writers and talent, bringing great graphic novels to many.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Voices in Harmony is a choir operating out of Whitfield Community Centre. Membership is around thirty plus and growing. The choir sings acappella and is led by Sarah Harrop who is very enthusiastic and inspirational. Gigs are performed across the city including Marryatt Hall. Recently the choir worked in collaboration with Dundee Rep to perform "This Town" in Verdant Works.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is about to have its first historical anthology of poetry - 'Whaleback City' (from Dundee University Press). The broad sweep of Dundee's history, people and gegraphy has been represented in poetry since the 16th century, and this book will chronicle all of it through the words of Sir Walter Scott, Wiliam McGonagall, Joseph Lee, Don Paterson, Douglas Dunn, W N Herbert and many others.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing look of sea, river, clouds, hills and wildlife make everyday a surprise. The richness of women's history in Dundee. The thriving arts community in Dundee and surrounding countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Old buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing local businesses tucked away in Exchange Street are becoming less of a secret by the day. Five minutes from the High Street and you'll find the best food in town at T Ann Cake and The Cheesery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The general community spirit and atmosphere created both daily and nightly through the city's people, places and attractions.
<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 has such an interesting history but it also has a very interesting future! I've lived here all my life and don't think I've ever been happier in Dundee than I am right now. Dundee has recently been recognised as a new Destination in the world of Jewellery. everyone knows of the three J's, maybe it's time to add a fourth?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth, the colour of the stone, the glimpses to the sea, the irish influence, the wynds, the theatre experience like your extended family's front room at the Rep, the great and obscure films, comfy seats at the DCA &amp; the vibe in the cafe/bar outside, the memory of Michael Marra everywhere, the bridges, the hope of seeing dolphins, the criss-cross bustle of the Ferry, the friendliest hairdresser ever, the cheek, the possibilities, the Discovery, the jute mills, the wide boys, green surprises like Baxter Park, the end of eyesores like Tayside House, the refurb of the Tay Hotel and the best cycle route across any bridge anywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's not just one thing but a range of things which makes Dundee stand out. Nestled between the Sidlaw Hills to the North, the River Tay to the South and the North Sea to the East lies a relatively small but compact city built around a extinct volcano. It has an extremely strong history as one of the major contributors to the industrialised world reflected in its architecture and a quietly proud and stoical mindset . It is building on this with growing vibrancy in education, IT, arts, culture and sport. It's a hidden gem waiting to shine.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalene Green on a sunny day is a complete delight; the whole community gathers and basks in the sun, having BBQ's and playing sport. Is a delight to join or just to watch.
<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> The stunning views across the Tay River are a delight. Dundee's south facing sunny aspect - indeed the only city in Scotland to face South- is a secret bonus. It has a "can do" attitude giving the City an air of quiet confidence, based on a rich and strong cultural heritage and identity, and a present day wealth in Education and Technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its riddled with irish invaders (myself included) and its just like being at home... minus the relentless bombing of each other. Clarkes 24 hour bakery is an absolute delight and the biggest asset dundee has to offer. Serving the burst student community and lining their stomachs for the lecture filled day just a few hours away. KEN THAT!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity of the people of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Local bands make the city what it is. Energy, Excitement and Dedication. What more can you give?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Baxter Park is an asset which is taken for granted. It's a complete Joseph Paxton Park with many paths to promenade on, grass to lie on(just ignore the rumblings of victorians turning in their graves!), play parks for the children to climb on and a stunning stone pavilion to get married in. When did you last visit or encourage anyone else to visit? Friends of Baxter park
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Brilliant city set in the most beautiful Scottish countryside. A large enough city to meet every need with a 'small town community'. I've lived in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Dundee - Dundee by far is the best.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery
<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> 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> There's so much singing going on! There are loads of choirs in the city, formal and informal, singing so many different kinds of music - sacred choral, chamber music, Renaissance, Baroque, traditional Scottish, contemporary musicals, Gaelic - whatever you want to sing! Loadsaweeminsinging! (And men).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location, location, location
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> such a lovely variety of things to see and do, indoors and outdoors - something for everyone!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much in the city that encourages people of all ages to get creative in some way. We have great things available for 'budding artists'. My 3 year old loves the DCA activity room and the workshops at the creative learning space at the McManus. Plus they are all free! The award of City of Culture would inspire our future generations.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have so much to offer in such a small city, talent in abundance and lovely friendly people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No place can beat Dundee for green space and places to walk. Just begin to list the parks. Walking through cemetery and up to the observatory gives stunning views across Invergowrie bay and then to the North. Having lived in Glasgow for six years, I am continually reminded of what a great job the City does maintaining the parks and keeping the streets and open areas clean. Everyone I encourage to visit, loves it and can't believe they have never thought of coming to Dundee before.
I'm just checking in, come back soon!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic architecture in the city centre - it is easy to just walk past without looking up and seeing the beautiful buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Diversity, humour, twa teams, a Rep to be proud of, migrants adding to the mix of the city now and over 100 years ago, ground breaking research, AMWWF, and my adopted city...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With a bit of digging, you'll find that Dundee is one of Scotland's hidden treasures. The city is a rough diamond, made even more special by its unpolished edges. If we win the bid for UK City of Culture, hopefully Dundee will shine in the eyes of the rest of the UK too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Speedwell bar - from the outside it looks a little grotty and like the kind of place you'd pass by in favour of a more modern pub, but when you get inside, it's atmosphere (and amazing whisky selection) completely distract you from any misgivings you may have initially had. A really wonderful example of a little old man pub that is totally accesible to anyone who wants to stop in!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's public art, it pops up and surprises you when you least expect it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The "couthy-ness" of people here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way Dundee is situated next to the River Tay. It is different everyday. You can see a seal bobbing along or an oil platform being towed out to sea. It also gives great views when you're higher up in Dundee.
<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> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again” Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich history of Soul music. Back in the 1970's Dundee's Average White Band were the 1st non black act to play the legendary Apollo Theatre in NYC. This has caused creative ripples through the heart of Dundee's music scene ever since. There's a whole range of acoustic nights, pop up music events in barbers, opticians, artists studios, galleries and other unlikely venues - so keep your ear to the pavey!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the increasing amount of arts within the city! The home of a growing dance scene comparable with international cities. Scottish Dance Theatre, SPK, SSCD, DDP. This city is throwing above its weight in terms of modern dance. How many other art forms? Duncan and Jordanstone, DCA, McManus, V&amp;A, WASPS... need I say more?!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art and music in Dundee is imbued with a strong DIY ethic. The best thing that encapsulates this is the local art collective Tin Roof - newly established and expanding further across cultural territories; Tin Roof provides Dundee with a platform for artists, and musicians alike. Audiences and general appreciators of culture can expect the intimacy and refreshing rawness of grass-roots level art and music.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city it's self is very diverse. There are people from all over the world. The surprising thing is the amount of art's and culture events which are going on, there is world class art at the McManus gallery's, soon there will be a V&amp;A too. There is a live music scene all over the city, and also a media scene from Comic books to photography. These areas are all influenced by the different nationalities within.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden beauty of a past industrial city surprises me every day. I am new to the city, having chosen to study in Dundee over the other cities that the UK has to offer, and every time I travel I am stunned by the beauty that the city has.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City...... Scotland's last 'Big Toon'. Where else would you want to be?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Is the passion for creativity involving people from many different walks of life and situations.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The daffodils
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the great hidden secrets of Dundee is tin roof. Its an new art studio which has hosted a few great gigs which, I was lucky enough to attend. Just the once. I really hope to pop along again soon. The atmosphere was brilliant. Everyone enjoying the music with a nice cold beer (there was no fridge it was just freezing!). Not to worry though, there was a nice fire out the back and when the music got a bit intense you could take a break and stroll through their gallery. It was some pretty funny cartoon sketches when i was there. The music was everything from metal to folk. Whatever your into you'll enjoy tin roofs' events. Unless you don't like art or music of course. In that case get off the bid for city of culture. Swine!
<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> As a visitor to the city over the last two years I have been delighted by how friendly and helpful everyone is and how vibrant the city is in it's atmosphere. I love it so much I am trying to move my family near to Dundee from the south coast. You have so much to offer!
<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 meet many international people who are living in Dundee and they impress me by finding out about the extraordinary range of activities which people can get involved with, so many of which draw international participation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Rep and the Law Hill
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I was a kid all I wanted to do was get away from Dundee, there was nothing here I thought we could be proud of. Now, upon my return after having lived away for many years there's nothing I'm not proud of. The city is changing beyond recognition, but its sense of history and identity remains. It took me years to see the light, but all I want now is the best for Dundee and its people and to show the world what a great place this is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a past student of UoD, I can honestly say I would have rather gone nowhere else. The best student union in the UK and a strong student culture that is really celebrated by the entire city. Dundee is a city with the best parts of a busy city and a friendly town, the community really gets together and is united through love of their hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The welcome, the activity, the music, the drama, the films, the plays, the art - within Dundee and within reach of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Working in Dundee I love the community feel, co-operation and support for all kinds of creative endeavours across the city. It is a warm, friendly place with a great sense of history and we are all ajust bout to rediscover that amazing Tay....oh, and local bears, Comet and Star, at Camperdown have a broch purpose-designed by international artist,Mark Dion who also featured their paw prints in one of his own print editions. Grrrrrrrrrr.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 'Forgotten' history and potential...
<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> Dundee is a great place to live and work, has great links to other cities and places throughout Scotland. Its also one of the sunniest cities in Scotland!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McGonagall Walk on Riverside Drive is a truly genious piece of both Dundee's history and its future. You can see the railway bridge featured in Dundee's bard's famous poem, take in the "ludicrously ideal" setting; see a seal or two sunning themselves on the sandbanks and have coffee and cake in the Bridge View cafe at the end of the mile walk out from the city centre, before turning to walk back, breathing in the health-giving ozone whilst imprinting the river in front of you and the hills behind, to put in your memory box for darker days
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walks along the waterfront is beautiful in all seasons, and the view from the top of the Law Hill is amazing. These natural places bring genuine richness to the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My son Don Nicolson and daughter Cindy Nicolson were both born in the city. Don is a singer songwriter who won Dougie McCleans songwriter of the year award a few years back, and plays solo gigs all over the place. Cindy is also a singer songwriter who sings solo and is a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter with the group Mamasbaby which plays all over Perth and dundee, the highlands and toured europe as did Don. They are very talented people and come from a long line of musicians. My father who died at the age of 37 from cancer was a singer song writer too and he was the trainer for the under 21s Osborne team in Dundee back in the 40`s.
<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> I'm in Oslo today.. for some reason I found myself telling people about mcgonagle's 'silvery tay' and how you can read the poem as you walk along the riverside. I miss Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A beautiful city in a beautiful location with a great tradition of industry, education and the arts. My favourite location is Riverside Drive, the walk between the two bridges is always stunning regardless of the weather
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm excited by the excitement change is bringing: Dundee's cultural contribution is yet to be defined. So many parts of a new way of binding a city together are in the froth along the Tay: knowledge, history, clean next-generation energy, sustainability, digital promise and information culture. Dundee is becoming something new, something beyond what each ingredient adds to the soup. It's where a diverse past is becoming a vibrant future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> love all the green open spaces - there is so much to do!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As Tony Blair said "Education, education, education." what a wonderful place to study. Why is the ISIN project not being backed by a city full of engineering and education?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city steeped in culture with so much to see and do from theatres and restaurants to museums and ships. With the waterfront development it is set to become a must visit for tourists both from Scotland and abroad.
<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.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love it when me &amp; my Mum go into town after school, we walk all the way down the brae behind The Wellgate and I can see right over the water, then we go to The Pancake Place, then I get to throw pennies in the water fountains, see the penguins at the Overgate and sometimes the cherry blossoms at the church. Sometimes we go to Broughty Ferry to the beach and the big park then I get an ice cream at Visocchi's. My school's project is Dundee and we did the poem "Eh like baffies, tartan baffies, eh like baffies on meh feet" it was so funny. I love Dundee :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great industrial legacy, wonderful thriving city full of creative and vibrant people. Downtown Dundee is great, artisan shops and cafe's, DCA wonderful arthouse cinema and gallery. Wonderful musicians - The View, Hazy Janes and my absolute favourite St Andrew (Andy Pelc) famous amongst those "in the know" he has talent in abundance!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We all know about the Three J's, but I only recently found out there's a hidden and covered-over network of old rail tunnels crossing the town. 14 years of living here and I still find new surprises.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Creativity, industry and science all in one fun exciting city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is ‘Culture-tastic’. For Art lovers there is the award winning McManus Galleries or the DCA to visit. For music lovers, there are several vibrant pubs offering a diverse selection of music including the annual Blues Bonanza which attracts musicians from all over the world and bring people out in their thousands. Dundee is also steeped in History and provides great attractions like the Discovery and Unicorn ships or the Verdant Works highlighting Dundee’s past involvement as one of the world’s leading cities in the production of jute. Regular markets in the city square also provide a great selection of local and European foods.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Pulling off yet another Dundee Womens festival, most probably the largest and most varied women's festival in the UK, by harnessing the strengths, talents, enthusiasm, creativity and generosity of the community, that is Dundee. Celebrating women's culture, women's stories, women's wisdom, women's identities and women's lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What constantly surprises and delights is our people - the sense of 'we're all in this together', a determination and shared desire to make things happen. Our goldilocks size means that collaboration rather than competition works on a scale unseen in other cities. Creativity and genuine friendliness are part of our personality - I'm so proud of our city and its people and can't wait to share in the fun of bidding for 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden lanes in the west end. It's like stepping back 200 years and you can still feel the presence of those who lived there and hear the carriages the lanes were designed for. Each turn is a surprise. Great to get lost in!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is amazingly clean when compared to other cities. My wife is from Liverpool and her first comment on visiting Dundee for the first time was how well presented it is. There are hidden gems everywhere like the nature walk between the Esplanade and railway in Broughty Ferry, and Duntrune Garden in Dawson Park. And there are few things better than watching the dolphins in the Tay on a glorious summers morning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Centre doesn't cover a very wide area but it has everything you'd ever need. Lovely and compact but with all the big shops as well as the lovely independent cafes for some variation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The aspiring and positive nature of the city, coupled with the friendliness and incredibly welcoming atmosphere combines to provide a city which nurtures locals, guests and visitors alike, including the many students whom all grow to love their new environment. There is an extremely vibrant social diversity throughout this city and a genuine excitement surrounding the gradual, yet very noticeable continuing improvements; revitalising OUR Dundee. City of Culture 2013, 14, 15, 16 AND 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many unique features, but can't fail to be impressed by the view approaching the city over the river. Especially at night.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Fabric Mill at Halley Stevensons . This mill at Baltic Works now supports creative endeavours by supplying a huge range of fabrics for designers and artists. Hidden away amoungst the old mills it is a gem .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The building of a pioneering ultra-Low energy, autonomous studio in the Botanic Gardens of Dundee, by Masters Architecture students at Dundee University.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is so diverse. We are a City, surrounded by countryside 5 minutes drive away and sitting on the Firth of Tay, with a beach in Brought Ferry. We are also mad as this picture shows The New Year Dook!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> sunset in riverside. from Roseangle road to alongside the train railway.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene! In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's such a creative city, with arts and literature galore. An art college, 14 libraries, a fabulous museum, a modern art gallery, a science centre and not to forget it's bulging at the seams with history. Dundee has hidden depths.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee-The place to be! It will astound you the sheer number of the most famous people in the world who have connections with Dundee- some that have been hidden or forgotten about up until recently - you can google them to find out -e.g Ian Fleming(007 Author) and Daley Thompson(Olympic Athlete).... along with the more well-known ones such as Brian Cox,The Average White Band and Winston Churchill.... Not to forget all the other legends from the worlds of Politics, Music,Theatre,Art,Writers and Sport-George Galloway, Brian Cox, MIchael Marra, Ricky Ross, DannyWilson,
<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> Apart from The city of Dundee being beautiful and Fresh, with tress, gardens ,and cool breeze. The People are very kind and generous, on my first day in Dundee city I was shown around by a stranger I could hardly recall. Once unaware that I needed to have coins to pay for my bus ride before boarding in 2006 a bus driver paid a ticket for me. I remember the University of Dundee Faculty with lots of joy, and am always glad that I was their student.
<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> 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> DCA and culture generally
<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.

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