We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

2017 will be the centenary of D’Arcy Thompson’s amazing book On Growth and Form, “the greatest work of prose in 20th century science”. Written in Dundee using the specimens in D’Arcy’s museum, it has literally changed the world, influencing not just biologists and mathematicians but artists, architects, philosophers, geographers, engineers, cyberneticists, computer scientists, anthropologists and umpteen others! Today the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is one of the city’s hidden gems, its amazing collections brought to life through a diverse programme of events and exhibitions.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! Our communities are our best asset.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Universit yof Dundee Saturday Evening Lecture Series is Scotlands oldest continuous free public lecture series, celebrating its 90th Anniversary in 2014. Each event sees between 200 and 800 members of public from across Scotland attend, sparking debate on many different topics. The people of Dundee are always very keen to support University activities, and we work closely with Dundee City Council and V&amp;A at Dundee among others to ensure we bring the biggest and best speakers to our campus!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a brilliant sense of multiculturalism-there is a Halal shop,a Polish shop, a Russian shop and a traditional Scottish fish and chip shop within walking distance of my flat. I like the fact that each of these cultures brings something unique to Dundee-it feels really special.
<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.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovation in Dundee. From inventing ways to weave material that was thought too weak to use (jute) through to being at the forefront of computer gaming Dundee is always adapting to suit the times.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee University Archives are innovators in their attitude to accessibility and in addition to the richness of their local collections have surprising hidden gems like their collection of early photographs of the Beatles.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Verdant Works is a hidden gem. The volunteers are fantastic and have a welath of knowledge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's music scene is different! I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's a lot of diverse musical activity in Dundee relative to its population size. For anyone interested in music and people, it elevates Dundee beyond its fabulous natural location. Maybe it's the geographical setting that inspires people so much. The air here is also good!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The level of excellence both universities have fostered in a diverse range of areas combined with the foresight to create an environment that supports continued betterment of the city and those that live in it is a glorious virtuous cycle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A pint in the Snug Bar on match day. Having Banter with the lovely colourful ladies at Fellows Barber Shop. Fine Italian Beer and coffee in the historic Cafe Borsa. Live music in the Fishermans Tavern. All day breakfast at Cafe Rodi. Dundonian Seagulls, they are good chaps if a bit mental.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> everyone works together to make dundee what it is going and growing to be. the people of dundee are what is making dundee become such an inspiring, engaging and exciting city to be part of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Diversity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City's history really means something to its inhabitants, to Scotland and to the wider world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> what I love are the hidden and timeless little places such as Strawberry Bank. A steep little road with all its fruit, plums, apples, pears waving at you from over their high walls. I also love the feeling of getting to the tap o' the hill with your leg muscles trembling with relief at getting to the top. and finally the last step up the Law and looking back over the fine city of Dundee and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The waterfront location an view over the two bridges is stunning and so unique. It has variety of different architectural styles such as old mills and unique cosy geogrian style flats.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee University is such an important part of the creativity in art and science that has a huge positive impact in Dundee. The city has an abundance of people who make things happen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm delighted that the University has introduced and encourages lots of different ethnic groups to come and live in the city. It opens up lots of different opportunities for the natives of Dundee, some of whom have never travelled outwith the city or abroad.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a really wonderful wee city with a brilliant creative community. Although I left Dundee almost a year ago now, I miss it dearly- and it just amazes me to see how much has changed in the past year. There's so much going on, and the people who live in Dundee are passionate about making it a great place to live and to stay. This city has so much potential- and the people to see that potential being fulfilled.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an undiscovered gem for many people in the UK. Full of creativity, culture, humour and sunshine - it is a vibrant exciting place to be. Straight-talking Dundonians are without a doubt the city's its best asset. I couldn't be prouder to tell anyone in the world that this great place is where I live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All Dundonians have time for you, even if, and, maybe, especially if, you are a stranger.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee 14 years ago. I love the vibrancy, the events scene, the bars, the people, the overall creativity of this fantastic city. It has brought me life, family, friends and love.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Botanic Garden, an underused hidden gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's sunny disposition is actually reflected by the people. Just look closely.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of its size, Dundee punches well above its weight - for good and the bad. While there are many problems to solve, thankfully the great cultural and social movements underway in the city are driving change on a scale that could have real positive impact.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Broughty Ferry! It is a magical little area with independent cafes, shops, a beautiful castle and an amazing beach. There is nothing better than strolling along the beach first thing in the morning and making footprints in the sand - you may even spot dolphins in the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Saturday lecture series at Dundee University is a fantastic venture which more people should be aware of. Snapshots of diverse and intriguing subjects for a wide-ranging audience
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many different things for a variety of ages etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most stunning waterfront in Europe. Looking towards the west at any time, absolutely incomparable experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hospitality of the people &amp; racism free culture.
I am from Pakistan &amp; studied in university of Dundee for my masters’ degree during 1999, 2000 and I must agree that it was one of the best times of my life. People are marvelous &amp; welcoming and I would also like to corroborate the high standards of neatness &amp; cleanliness of the city, which is unmatched.
I live in Pakistan but keep visiting Dundee with regular intervals and always find this city as beautiful as ever. Whole city makes you feel like you are part of it, with least possible extraterrestrial feeling.
<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 is a perfect location. It is full of bright and talented people. It is constantly changing. It also invites new creativity to the city which keeps it vibrant and exciting. There is always something happening. It is a place I hold dear, keep coming back to and will never forget!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised at how many things there are to do in Dundee. Every day there are many options for cultural activities. The people here are also very friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The unrivalled cultural reach in the city. From the Rep to the DCA, and the Art Gallery; the frequent orchestral concerts and the Dundee Choral Union.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is set in an absolutely fantastic location, definitely one of the best in the UK - stunning views across the Tay and to the hills beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never let's go of your heart.the people ,young and old welcome you .the architectur,history ,people are unique.the,law hill,road bridge ,old and new.rail bridge.the rail disaster,teaching hospital,dental hospital ,university.Jute ,jam ,journalism .Broughty ferry.berry fields.river Tay.Salmon,pearls.The Discovery,Card Hall.DC Thomson.
No hidden secret.Dundee shares whatever they have with whoever wants to look. Find. Explore and experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a beautiful city with warm quirky people, with amazing views across the Tay, which changes every day with the light. The city is vibrant, youthful and ever changing. Small enough to buzz and big enough to rock!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Douglas Sports Centre gives the local community access to excellent facilities on their doorstep providing opportunities to be active in their community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> friendly and arty
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came. up from The Scottish Borders in the seventies and have never left ! This is because I think Dundee is a great city. There is a special bond and pride in Dundee shared by Dundoians of all walks of life. For me I have always found the music and musicians of Dundee to be secondvto none. My favourite being Michaek Marra. Art theatre , despite it's size ..Dundee has it all.
<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> The way the people welcome you into their lives, their dreams, their failures, their success.
<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> It surprises me how cosmopolitan the city is considering the lack of transport links
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals on the riverbank under the rail bridge, the amazing work and environment at Maggie's Centre, the golden light in the early morning and the fantastic views across the Tay from so many unexpected places, the Beano sculptures in City Square, the awesome organ in the Caird Hall and the talent of the actors and designers at Dundee Rep, the excellent standard of music at Bell Street, the Dundee Symphony Orchestra and the exciting art and design at Duncan of Jordanstone. Dundee is a real mix - from proud and special Graduation ceremonies celebrating student achievement to quiet everyday efforts to improve the lives of people who are really in need, through projects like the Steeple Parish Nursing project and DD1 network.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is that moment when you are on a train coming North when you come round the corner of the track just before the bridge and see the city panorama. Gets me every single time I do it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Stunning landscapes, amazingly friendly people, hidden gems such as Lundie Crags, great weather, diversity of talent from computing to biosciences, views over the Tay, free tennis!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beaches are stunning and a city with such genuine and friendly people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dogs in the Campbeltown Bar, secret gigs at the Tin Roof Art studio or the recycling center, the stenciled graffiti that pops up every now and again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great size of city, not too big but but not too small, it's friendly with a fab cultural quarter. Spectacular views over the tay!!!. Great for sight seeing, shopping, a day out or a night out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The river Tay and all that's built along it! And a wonderful people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Many organisers and conference delegates visiting the city have been wowed by the friendliness of the people and how much Dundee has to offer outwith key cities such as Edinburgh or Glasgow. Dundee is becoming a vibrant and exciting cultural destination and I am delighted to be a part of it!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student, I love the variety of bars and restaurants. The social aspect of the city is buzzing.

The sea front on a sun soaked day is outstanding.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An inspiring creative community. Great people. Countless art events and festivals.. Stunning river location. A blue flag beach. An extinct volcano. Historic ships. Britain's only full time public observatory. Castles. The UK's only Frank Gehry building. World leading research centers. Digital hub city. Great entertainment and cultural venues. It's time to share Dundee's secrets with everyone in 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and grew up in Broughty Ferry- a beautiful wee town in the most idyllic of situations- a suburb of dundee. However I spent my teens exploring and adventuring around the streets and meandering cobbles of Dundee's city centre- I had a relatively sheltered childhood but Dundee's surprisingly vibrant fashion and music scene opened my eyes to a world of culture and diversity. I loved sitting outside st Mary's in the sunshine soaking up the rays, atmosphere and architecture and taking in art and cocktails at the DCA in the evening (the terrace is a godsend) and catching an abstract array of DJ's at the Reading Rooms until the wee hours...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing talent and gorgeous waterfront location. Discovery Point, Verdant Works, McManus Galleries, the jute mills. DOJ Degree Show. The musical talent. The people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The daffodils in springtime! The first year I moved to Dundee they were a joy to behold after my first Scottish winter.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Multicultural people, from many countries and backgrounds, all live happily together without segregation or differentiation. Dundee is a friendly, happy city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's children are it's hidden secret ! It's way forward into 2017 and beyond being proud of their city and all it holds for everyone .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many wonderful Victorian buildings and 9 times out of 10 the sun is shining
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so vibrant and focussed on the future, not the past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its simplicity! Dundee is amazing, it offers warmth to strangers and absorbs them in its culture. Good luck Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city. It is an amazing place to live. I think it is just the right size. If you look upwards in Dundee, you can see amazing architecture on buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the buried hidden secrets for me is the old Dundee Rep Theatre. I was lucky enough to work there as a child and teenager. These opportunities embedded within me a voice, a confidence and an understanding of others.
It also catapulted me into drama school, teaching and lecturing in colleges and universities across Scotland.
Dundee introduced me to the Drama and shaped my personal,professional and cultural life/lifestyles.
Work has taken me away for 35 years and I only returned 2 years ago.
A working class "laddie fae the scheme" who turned "oot no too bad!"
I am not the hero in this story..Dundee is!! Cityof Discovery indeed!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, and endless summer days of digging our allotment up on the Law, enjoying a BBQ and the amazing view over to Fife...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are many 'secret' ballrooms in houses in the city with sprung floors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, a Fifer, having travelled to Dundee as a child, clubbed in Dundee as a teenager and now looking at Dundee on a daily basis, spending most of my money in Dundee as an adult, I'm constantly amazed by the growth of the city, the art in the city and the constantly vibrant atmosphere in Dundee. The V&amp;A coming, the waterfront project evolving is hugely exciting and can only improve everything for Dundee itself. My favourite things in Dundee are the DCA and the McManus, Maggies Centre, as well as the city's amazing history. Dundee has much to offer......
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was raised in Dundee but exiled since 1978. A moment of sheer sporting magic should be remembered - the UEFA Cup Final: Dundee United had lost to Swedish opponents but the reaction of the home fans at Tannadice Park was astonishing. A thunderous ovation that went on and on for both sides greeted the final whistle. United fans like me were all disappointed but our team hadn't let us down. It was a spontaneous, heartfelt, memorable gesture that sums up Dundonians' sense of fair play, warmth and generosity. Swedish fans were tearful as they'd never experienced anything like it. I'll never forget that evening.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have it all on our doorstep! The breathtaking views from the law. Discover the interesting history of the city. So much entertainment, theatre, live music vibrant new bands. Fine dining. Art, design, culture, the Macmanus galleries. Star gazing at the Mills observatories. Education, our universities &amp; teaching hospital provide excellent training &amp; opportunities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there's nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I've been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.
<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> Dundee is a delightful place to live and work. We have some beautiful sights to see; my favourite is the Howff cemetery in the city centre. No matter how busy the city is the Howff is always quiet and peaceful; it is quite surreal. Dundee Law is also a wonderful place to be. I will never tire of living in Dundee, and I am a very proud Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The waterfront is something that makes the city standout . As we are making it better, it will make Dundee a Scottish city landmark.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Home of the UK's largest generalist Investment Trust, Alliance Trust PLC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry on a sunny day, the views of the Tay are spectacular and it's always nice having a castle!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it adapts to the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing cultural diversity of the local population, the student population, and the provision of music, drama, theatre, learning and leisure opportunities
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Echoes of history from the proud jute mills turned homes - colour and style in a modern landscape
<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 was a bookshop once, new to Dundee, but boy was that place embraced. Attracted a really varied cross section of the region &amp; everybody got involved. It was only as it was closing that it really hit home how much it had become part of the cultural fabric of the city - in reality it was only bricks &amp; mortar, it was the PEOPLE who made it such a great hub.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity and talent within the city's games industry always impresses me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Braithwaites Tea &amp; Coffee shop! So good i spend most weekends shipping orders to my friends and family who cant get into the shop in person.
<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> Our members are great examples of the great community spirit that echoes throughout the city...the unselfish attitude of Dundee residents is a constant reminder of how great this city is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the sport in Dundee is good, there's lots of activities you can do for everyone :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The evolution and growth of the last 10 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> West Fest on Magdalen Green. A great day for everyone. We were raising funds for the upgrade of Roseangle Play-Park and were surprised and delighted by peoples' generosity and support.
<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> Dundee has a vibrant literary community- we have the Dundee Literary Festival, the International Book Prize and lots of author events, poetry readings and live literature going on all year round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Traditional Music is kept alive by a small group of musicians, not just from Dundee, but from all over. They perform for free to anyone who listens, keeping traditions arrived. The Fishermans Tavern Session on a Thursday night, is just 1 of Dundee's hidden gems.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location location location - the river provides some of the most sublime light to be found in a British city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has a fabulous history and amazing site with hills and water it used to have teams too bit like San Francisco but not quite as warm
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Rep, been delivering great theatre for years and has a commitment to the community excellent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> At 18 I came to Dundee to rule it out as a uni option. I quickly got lost, where (in the pouring rain) a woman went out of her way and escorted me to the nearest bus stop for Ninewells. That was 1986. I am from Edinburgh. Dundee just felt right, its people with their strange accents are uber-friendly, and I have been here ever since. Dundee is now home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of many surprises, including our museums, our landscape, and our hidden gems like the howff graveyard. A medieval graveyard in beautiful condition.
Everyone here is incredibly friendly, and we merge the past and the future, only in Dundee do you find a university leading the way in technology and gaming, and one of the oldest universities in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived out of this great City for 25 years, visit as often as I can, and now I'm heading home.

It's Dundee's time and I for one don't want to miss it. If any City deserves it's place in the world and recognition for it's contribution, for all manner of wonderful reasons, then here's my vote.

'Dundee is like a light across my heart' - Michael Marra.

This covers it for me.

Good luck Dundee. You deserve it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visiting distance learning student, I thought the Dundee Backpackers Hostel was a hidden gem of the city's heritage. It is an unusual converted 16th-19th century building with layers of character and some interesting preserved objects on display. The city's rich culture is also represented by a vibrant and diverse art scene which adds to the enjoyment of being there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a university city. It is multicultural, it is international. It has the sea, amazing landscape, nice amenities and a proud history. Above all, despite hard economic times, its people are simply wonderful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's long history of pioneering whole industries. Today many people think of DC Thomson as an institution of the city, but they almost single-handedly invented the global comics industry as we know it. Dundee's full of these sorts of inspiring stories, and that's why I'm backing the bid.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The brilliant variety of live theatre, music, venues, quaint independent shops, cafes, restaurants....the list is endless. A university town, vibrant and colourful that cares about itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you see Dundee in sunshine, it is a lovely place. Yet seeing it when it rains and all is grey and the Tay river whirls with the wild currents, that is what summons the bitter-sweet nostalgia of the past, of the industrial times and streetcars passing through the city center.
<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> The team and young people at Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee city centre - amazing, top quality youthwork going on. It's like a family. Also the wee garden in the middle of Perth Road, opposite the university, with the miniature bandstand. The flowers are always lovely and the view is brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee? Perhaps I could begin with what doesn't surprise me - the friendliness of the people, for which Dundee is rightly famous. I have lived in many places across the UK and in the US and I never felt so welcome as a newcomer. What does surprise me is the compactness of the city - everything is within a few minutes' walk - and especially the glorious surroundings. Dundee has the most attractive location of any British city, from the always changing views over the Firth, to the Angus and Perthshire countryside. I've been here for eight months, and I already feel like a Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was first dragged kicking and screaming from London to here by a Dundee girl 18 years ago but I have never regretted the move. I have watched the City transform itself over the years and I am really looking forward to seeing the completed waterfront and what will be the iconic V&amp;A
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way that you can escape the bustle when you need too - beautiful, quiet places are sometimes only a walk away.
<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> Dundee is a jewel in Scotlands crown. From the days of Jute, Jam &amp; Journalism it has been reborn with the continuing development of the Waterfront. Looking forward with great excitment as the face of Dundee changes.

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