We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

I love Dundee’s legacy of the three Js – jute, jam and journalism. My great grandparents worked in the jute mills until retirement age. My granny is a dab hand at making raspberry jam, and it’s well known that the banks of the Tay are the optimum place to cultivate berries in the world. What would the world be without Dennis the Menace and Desperate Dan? We also have Dundee to thank for D.C. Thomson & Co.

<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> Dundee, for me, has always been a source of inspiration in terms of culture and creativity.
It always surprises me that; no matter where you are in the world, you'll always meet someone who been to, or knows someone from here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee sits on a beautiful location comparable to some of the most stunning cities in the world. The excitement in the City of how this will be harnessed through the development of the Waterfornt is palpable. Dundonians are already proud people with a rich cultural heritage and we are all backing the changes in the City that will afford us even greater pride in where we live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee 5 years ago after living across the world.

What I love about this city is it's ability to evolve, to change with the times and to reinvent itself.

Above all it's home to me and my family and will always be home no matter where we are in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a way of sneeking up on you. I should know..i came on a 2 year contract and am still here almost 30 years later (despite having had several opportunities to leave) Whilst it may have deserved some of the criticism it used to receive(it was very insular), I believe it has evolved far more than any other city in the last 25 years. The change came when they brought the Discovery ship, the waterfront has finally changed and will be amazing when we get the V&amp;A . The V&amp;A in Dundee? They would never have believed it possible 25 years ago
I rest my case
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> With Bonnie Dundee you get Scotland in a nutshell.
Red squirrels in the city parks; beautiful Angus hills and wilderness and dolphins on your doorstep and waterfront: Your universities, art college, film school, theatres; the V&amp;A coming and yet a Sunday morning so quiet you can imagine you are in a village long ago where people still walk to, and dress to, go to church.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love how nearly everyone I meet, from cabbies to people in the queue at the bank, has a story about their Dundee. Some are reminiscing about old Dundee but a lot are talking about what's going on in the city now and how vibrant it's becoming. The one thing they all are is proud of Bonnie Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attitude: Dundee has an impenetrable positivity - people just get on with things here and look forward to the next gig ;D
<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> The heart of the city to me is the university of Dundee and the Duncan of Jordanstone. Even before I was a student I was impressed by how it was a self-contained area and I enjoyed the atmosphere and diversity of life all along the Perth Road. In the summertime there are always new faces and this breathes new life into the city. It's a creative, buzzing place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Improvements in schemes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that is green, warm in the summer and has a good community spirited people. Having moved up from Plymouth 6 years ago and lived here with my wife in Tayside in a multicultural relationship I have been accepted as part of the community and has had few problems.

Dundee is a family orientated city with lots of family activities that are cost effective.
After returning from Plymouth when I see the sign welcome to Dundee, I get that feeling of being at home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I spent 4 years in Dundee at university and discovered what a beautiful city it is. Everyone is welcoming.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is simply a stunning place to live, with incredible views and access to nature and wilderness on your doorstep, but all the history and vibrancy of an ancient and thriving city. The people are warm and canny with an eye always open for progress they can believe in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I really love the enthusiasm for the arts in Dundee. Growing up, I got myself heavily involved with the school orchestras and music theatre programmes. I think these were amazing opportunities and I feel very privileged to have grown up in a city with so many opportunities like these!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Originally from Fife, I had no expectations of Dundee when I came to study here after time in America. I'm now in my 3rd year at Dundee University, and consider it one of the best decisions I've made. Dundee is full of great people with a surprising amount of fun things to do, rich in variety to cater for anyone from every background! The city of culture belongs no where else :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has many cultural assets but none richer or more surprising than its people. Resilient, honest and acute in their analysis of events, cultural phenomena and ephemera that impress themselves, so urgently, upon less doubtful populations, their creativity is all the more authentic as a result.
Expressed through a distinctive dialect, Dundee wit is like a silk lining on a coat made of jute. It can be rough but is ultimately comforting and made of the finest material. Dundee is changing but let's hope we keep the essence of what makes Dundee the place it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible contribution to the history of comics is one of the great stories of Dundee. Sure, everyone knows about DC Thomson's The Dandy and The Beano, but who knows about the Amazing Mr X, Britain's first homegrown superhero created by DCT? The lost comics studios of the 1940s? That Grant Morrison, one of the world's most reknowned comics writers, got his start at DCT? I teach the only postgraduate degree in Comics Studies at the University of Dundee, and want to put Dundee on the map as THE centre of Comics study and research! And we need a comics museum in Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I've come back to Art College (DJCAD) as a pensioner to do a Masters in Fine Art and discovering a wonderful city, rich in history and a vibrant art scene. Warm and wonderful folk
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We Dundee... A city brimming over with design, creativity and optimism; warm and welcoming people with resilience and determination to succeed; fantastic jewellers, artists and designers (young talent: Scarlett Erskine, Leanne Evans, Hayley Scanlon); creative entrepreneurs like Vanilla Ink and the Fleet Collective where collaboration and talent ignite; the Parlour Cafe and Jessie's Kitchen; so many shows, exhibitions, festivals and events from the universities, the Rep, the DCA, the theatres, the galleries &amp; museums; and a stunning location to live, work and enjoy. My Dundee is fabulous!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There"s a willingness to make things happen; people listen, consider and act and it feels as if the door is open. It's a city which aspires and inspires.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strong community spirit is a key feature of Dundee. I am constantly amazed at how the city has developed creatively building on the legacy of jute, jam, journalism, whaling, ship building etc. Learning from the past ... Looking to the future
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> little coffee shops with amazing homemade cakes
<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> Tea ann cake
Jessie's Kitchen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The arrival to this city is unlike any other in the UK. Crossing the sparkling Tay, the city is set against the spectacular Law. A city of many surprises
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for University, not knowing anyone and living by myself for the very first time. It was scary to say the least. But, Dundee is one of the most friendliest places I've ever been and straight away I felt welcomed.
I've grown to love this little city and can't ever imagine leaving so much so I'm staying another year to study my Masters.
As well as this the city offers so much for creatives, in Summer 2012 I got the chance to intern for 'Vanilla Ink', it is businesses like this that make Dundee, and it should be recongised, we may be a small city but we have A LOT of talent!
<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 ship Discovery is a great icon in my city let hope more people discover Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have seen dundee change from being a grim depressing place to grow up in the 80s to the vibrant, exciting and optomistic place it is today. if anyone had told me when i was a teenager that i would be back here living in my 30s and 40s I wouldnt have believed it! Yet here i am and here i want to stay. i
I am proud to see the place i call home thriving through the innovative and creative nature of its inhabitants. Dundee has really pulled itself up by its bootstraps and I'm glad to be part of it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art in the Agacan restaurant, Perth Road, infact the whole place is a piece of art
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sitting in Mennies bar and looking down on the beautiful curves of the Tay Bridge, nice.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is surrounded by beautiful countryside and has a fantasticly clean beach at Broughty Ferry. A great place to live with historic sights such as The Frigate Unicorn, The RRS Discovery and The McManus Galleries to name but a few. With the V &amp; A coming this will be the icing on the 'Dundee' cake.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is packed with culture. You only need to spend 10 minutes in the back of a taxi to hear about its rich history. Despite the destruction that the 60s/70s brought to Dundee, the whole city is buzzing with excitement about the new waterfront. And with gems like Broughty Ferry beach and the Perth Road, and music hitting you from every direction (dundee blues bonanza, westfest, clarks bar, henry's coffee house and the fisherman's on a thursday night, to name a few), it's someties hard to leave the place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Living out with the city, I find it very uplifting travelling over the bridge to what I consider my hometown. There is a great creative buzz floating around in all that friendliness. DCA, SDT, the Rep to name only a few, have together raised the profile and given us a city to be proud of - Dundonians are proud people and now they have a lot to be proud about!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What we like best about Dundee:

Me, my wife and two boys simply love the Grassy Beach Walk from Stannergate to Broughty Ferry. The walk coupled with the views of the sun glistening off the River Tay are simply breathtaking.

Ample reward is to be had at the end of the long pleasant walk with a cold drink or two (alfresco I might add) at the all too inviting Ship Inn by the side of the river.

Where else in the UK can you spot dolphins bobbing in and out of the Silvery Tay and also catch a glimpse of Bob Servant's extension!

Now thats what I call a family walk on a Sunday!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact it doesn't take too long to get anywhere by car or public transport (£3.40 for unlimited bus travel). From ' the Ferry' to the West end gorgeous beach, excellent play park and if your a 'bit wabbit' Jessie's Kitchen tea shop, more independent shops than 'yi can shake a stick at', if your out on the rip or having a chilled out family day Dundee has plenty options. I have moved back here with my family after 13 years away. Its the best move we could have made!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Billy Mackenzie !!!!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is a hidden gem in the heart of Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's got a great location, lots of history, culture and vibrancy and is a great place to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had lived in Scotland for four years before I came to Dundee for my interview. I had heard the usual negative comments about the city, so it was a great shock and pleasure to come over the rail bridge into the city and be amazed by the sight of the wide Tay that spread wide Fife and Angus. I thought to myself why has no-one ever told me about this amazing sight when talking about Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Hill and the observatory.
The Law hill.
The riverside.
The public parks and good network of path/cycle routes.
<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> 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> I love United!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunniest city in UK, in an exquisite setting on the Silvery Tay. Small and compact yet has with a vibrant social and academic environment, including two Universities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount and variety of independent food and coffee stores that are all offering different reason to come in from music to scientific debates.
<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> I recently moved here as an intern in the University of Dundee Museum Services. I am delighted to be part of a city with so much culture, and I was surprised at the amount of history and culture Dundee has. Knowing hardly anything about the city, I look forward to learning all there is to know (if that's even possible!)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the buzz around town! Everyone is always cheery and chatty, and no one hides away from anything. The city is full of confident individuals which makes living in the city a beneficial experience for everyone! I come from a small village, but living in Dundee has certainly given my small town attitude a makeover!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative hub that Dundee has become... What many people still don't know is that Dundee is a hot spot of creative talent waiting to be utilised. From the well known such as Hayley Scanlan, the DCA and Vanilla Ink, to the undergraduates at DJCAD who are always pushing the boundaries and ready for more. This is a clear reason for the V and A choosing Dundee as its scottish venue and a great reason for Dundee to become 2017 city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The law,a place you can see all dundee. The Bonney bits and the not so Bonney bits
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is: spring walks in Camperdown park, summer trips to Broughty Ferry, a malt whisky in an old pub on an autumn evening, in winter a frosty night walk up Balgay Hill to look at the stars.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's old New Year tradition of dressed herrings - which will be celebrated by Duncan of Jordanston graduates Derek and Deirdre Robertson as part of the Cupar arts festival this October
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I often think about Dundee &amp; growing up there. We love to go back every couple of years, visit friends who as Dundonians are always very good to us. We are Canadians who love Scotland &amp; the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Personally, I feel that Dundee is an amazing city that has a lot to offer. Walking up Law Hill to the top to see the most beautiful sights. You can walk along the beach in broughty ferry which is a personal favourite of mine during the summer. There's a lot of parks to sit and relax in the summer. The people are always kind and helpful when in need. I have lived here for the past 3 years whilst at the university and it has to be one of the best experiences I have had so far!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the vibrant music scene in Dundee. There is a diverse choice of live music at various venues on any given night of the week. Add that to the amount of small cafes etc that showcase local art by having artwork on display where you least expect it makes Dundee's culture very easily accessible to all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm often astonished by extraordinary architecture in our city centre streets, especially if you look upwards at the rooflines. Dundee has some magnificent buildings evoking earlier periods in our city's long and famous history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history to be proud of, and so many positives to look forward to. I love the views across the River Tay, the ability to see the whole City from The Law and the abundance of green space The vast changes that have taken place in the past 100 years from the 3 J's to manufacturing to biomedical and gaming hub is astounding! Dundee is just big enough to keep you excited, but small enough to retain a sense of community and you 'cannae walk aboot toon withoot bumpin intae somebody ye ken!'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> women were appreciated and treated with respect as they were the breadwinners during the war period and after as many worked in the jute mills to earn money for the family.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city to visit with its parks and high street. The city is rustic and full of character, yet modern. The Dundee football grounds and high street were among our favourite places to see. The view from the law is breathtaking on a bright summer's day. Nothing would make us happier than seeing Dundee named the UK's city of culture.

D and R from Ottawa Canada.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city with a village mentality. It has a great community.
From arts venues like the DCA and the rep which continue to provide thought provoking art, to pop culture such as the comics industry and DOJ-con there is always something on offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing splendour of the Tay. Each time I cross the bridge the views are different. Sometimes the water is wild, rough and very dark. Other times it lives up to it's reputation as 'The Silvery Tay', mirror-like, flat calm and very beautiful. It is always changing, always spectacular.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Getting 300+ people routinely turning up to the University Saturday Evening Lectures. Topics range wide from Leonardo da Vinci to Cecil Beeton, Climbing Everest to Child Abuse. This wouldn't happen in London, nor (dare I say) Edinburgh!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city, Dundee has so much going for it- one of the top art colleges in the UK producing graduates who go on to be Turner prizewinners and scooping most of the awards at the London graduate exhibitions; a multi-cultural society that mixes well; taxi drivers who are full of amazing stories and knowledge; one of the driest, sunniest climates in the UK; gorgeous sunsets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I would like to thank Baldragon Academy for the opportunities they have presented my daughter in her first year there. So far she has been successfully involved in the football, basketball, netball, and heptathlon and cross country teams. She has also taken part in the National Rock Challenge competition, Dundee Schools Art Festival in four different categories, sung in the Gold Leng medal competition and getting a main part in the school end of term show. Academically the school have also encouraged her to excel in all areas of the curriculum making her a confident and successful individual.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage that spans millennia, from the Balgarthno Stone Circle to hillfort ramparts on the Law, the Dark Stane Roundie, the De'il's Stane, King Alexander I and his Queen Sybilla living in Menzieshill in the 1100's, the many castles around and into the industrial era and the connections to the world via the river and railways. Some of which may be gone, but need never be forgotten.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view coming over the Tay Bridge by train. Awe inspiring
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Take a walk through Balgay Park on a frosty winter night. Wind your way up through the trees till the heavens open up above you. The observatory is there but you won't need it; the stars are close enough to touch.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the trades
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden work being done to support young people with no hidden agenda except to see the young people develop and reach their potential. The work being done at St Andrews church with the young mother, Hot Chocolate Trust are to name two. Working with these young people are people who believe in the young people of Dundee. The are attempting to play a part in changing the future of Dundee from 'the inside' believing that any sustainable change must be done now to affect the future, and must be done in people not wholly by policies and procedures.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's inhabitants make you feel at ease even though know little about what going on your own life
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee for me will always be the place where I found love as my future husband hails from is glorious shores!

As an American who moved to Scotland 6 years ago, choosing to live in Dundee will always be one of my greatest decisions! Loved the university experience I got while there and the city will always have a place in my heart. It is a place that has seen so many changes over the years and is constantly working to improve and rejuvenate itself.

Little city with a big personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a creative spirit, and a many promising, developing creative industry. But I think that the most important 'hidden secret'of this city is the V&amp;A museum and the configuration of the waterftont
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the brilliant and creative people that live here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Finding contemporary arts - print studio is just amazing there so much talent there I can hardly pick just one thing to buy
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first time I went to Stage 2000 I was amazed at how such a vibrant place could be hidden away in such an unpromising building. It definitely needs funding and a spruce up but as it caters for a massive age range from primary school beginners to seasoned old codgers with attitude, it deserves a higher profile and recognition. You can book on-line and the costs are very reasonable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been an outward looking city. We care about people and welcome everyone with open arms. My uncle fought in the Spanish civil war for people he had never met because, like many Dundee men, he felt he had to make a stand against evil.

I work all over the world. Everywhere I have ever been, the Scots are respected for their openness and friendliness, and I believe that Dundee personifies these virtues.

I am proud of my city and its culture. But I'm most proud to be one of its citizens.
<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> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Word on the Pavey - surrealist self deprecating Dundonian humour sung by a big chap called St Andrews produced by the late great Michael Marra
- Dundonians internationally now share snippets like a secret handshake - a rendition of an \"inganingana\" checks you really are the genuine Dundee article !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish.
Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> multicultural smooth academic environment, strong links between universities and enterprises, beautiful green surroundings!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With the whole country in what feels like a downward spiral of negativity, Dundee seems to buck that trend just now and there is a real sense of optimism. The physical transformation of the city undoubtedly contributes to a positive mindset, but in this case the mindset seems to be based on more than just bricks and mortar. Open minds, and a belief that things can be better if you are willing to work to make them better are setting the city up nicely for a great future which does justice to its great history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyone is connected in some way, it's a small place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the local creative scene and businesses.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people. Everyone here is so friendly! The beautiful sunsets over the River Tay, and the beaches too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a friendly village feel with all the benfits of a big city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The unexpected glimpses of the river Tay and the Fife countryside as you walk through the centre of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has now been home to Scotland's biggest computer games festival for two years, run by University of Abertay Dundee (8-11 August 2013).

Dare Protoplay attracts the world's best young game designers and gives the public the chance to play exciting and innovative games before they're released. It includes the internationally-renowned Dare to be Digital competition, involving student teams building a game in only nine weeks.

A fantastic family event to inspire the next generation of computer games makers, keeping Dundee firmly on the computer games map!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee because of the emerging visual art scene. It is fresh and different from anything I have encountered elsewhere - guaranteed humour and good times! Brilliant live art has emerged from this city - including Gammamoth Institute, Pester + Rossi and Ganghut
<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> Just off of the city centre, there are old jute warehouses, over the years fallen into disrepair. However, a lot of small companies repaired them, setting up places like Tayside Recyclers - a hidden hangar of old curiosities, next to Skillshare Dundee - a student-started free-for-all workshop extravaganza with green ideals. There is a lot going on in the city where no one is looking!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dylan Drummond is surely one of Dundee's greatest assets. The passion and enthusiasm he displays for his city (and the similarly talented locals he chooses to freely showcases) displays a vigour and vibrancy which I think is unique and truly infectious. See for yourself.
www.sonofthesea.co.uk
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love dundee ! I have lived here for a long time &amp; the people in the city are the best ! Hard working, kind,very funny, welcoming &amp; most of all very humble but still proud of their ever changing city. Dundee has wonderful artists &amp; musicians as well as well as very astute businesses. Let's celebrate them all.
<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> Has kept up with the pace of change, and led it some technology fields
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has lots of lovely buildings, botanic garden and the best place of all for kids growing up in Dundee and the surrounding area is camperdown park. Dundee is also the sunniest city In Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The big sky and light quality of the estuary. Havana Swing and "The Smiling School for Calvinists". Dry weather and humour.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan it is – out on Friday met Spaniards, Italians and Russians – all studying in Dundee!! So, it is already a City of Culture just need the recognition of the rest of the UK!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> when ever i am away driving on the west coast i always look forward to coming back and i can guarantee that when i am coming along the perth dual carriage way i am always on the look out for the top of ninewells hospital then i know i am home,,,its a great site to see......
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Walk along the front is fantastic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee:

Is a big family...
Is the place Dundonians don't want to leave...
Has it's own language of circles and backies...
Is familiar...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a foreigner who has settled down in Dundee, I found Dundee very accommodating to internationalism. It's not surprising. Having the advantage of our harbours and wharfs, Dundee is used to welcoming visitors. The Dundee International Women's Centre has been servicing the international community for over 40 years. I love living in Dundee and the cultural diversities and dynamics here excite me.

:)

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