:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

The quality of light around our city is amazing. The combination of a huge estuary and big sky means Scotland’s sunniest city has a unique quality of light. Not exactly hidden; but perhaps not always noticed and appreciated. It took a spell of 5 years working in Oban Monday to Friday to make me fully appreciate this natural feature of our beautiful city. It lifted my spirit when I drove back into the city every Friday night…

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The airport is a treat - 5 minutes from check in to take off - and that's without a private jet.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of raw talent this city possesses. Eh Write! writing group at Fintry Community Centre, Voices in Harmony singing group at Whitfield Activity Centre, Art Class at Panmurefield village Church. Ordinary citizens with extraordinary skills and abilities being/needing encouraged. Becoming UK city of Culture 2017 will hopefully draw out and highlight these hidden gems. They are there - they only need to be uncovered !!!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee band REVOLVER is the best Beatles tribute band in the world

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> fantastic location and ever changing scenery

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a friendly city, and everything is easy to reach, as it is a small city. the Kingsway is a lovely road with all the flowers and plants. Dundee also has a lot of open park areas, and lots of trees.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and bred in Dundee and no matter where I have gone in the world I have always been pulled back. Dundee has a magical quality which my father kept alive for us through tales of glass staircases and worthies! As a nurse in Dundee I have had the privilege to have met and looked after a diverse and colourful cast of characters! I love our city and the people in it!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the hidden vaults below the city. I wish more people knew about them

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much is going on, from band gigs to comedy shows with everything, including drama and ballet, in between. Since I came to Dundee nearly 30 years ago, I've watched it transform from an ugly duckling into a swan, from something of a "cultural backwater" to a great, exciting and entertaining place to live.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the unique things about Dundee is that, from the middle of this city, you can nearly always enjoy lovely views of the river and open countryside. So you get the benefits of living in a city plus the views you'd get living in a rural environment. To give a couple of my favourite examples, looking north to the Sidlaws from the Brackens Estate, or looking eastwards towards the Ferry and Tentsmuir from Blackness Road.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up here and went to University here. I then left and lived in several cities around the world. As Oor Wullie said though 'East, West, hame's best'. This is my city of choice now and it is so lovely to watch Dundee continually evolving and flourishing whilst still retaining the essence of what is has always been.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The high level of cultural events, and places to visit

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic, thriving life sciences research at the University

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I left Dundee when I was 9, and the changes to the place amazes me !

<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> Fantastic town, with great people. Lots to see and do

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The South facing slopes of the town and the winter sun. But especially the McManus and the DCA

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view eastwards down the ancient Nethergate, with the spire of St Paul's Cathedral in the distance, is one of the country's most dramatic and under-rated street vistas.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the beauty of the Tay
the people's pride in their city

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of higher education on offer in Dundee is exceptional, as attested by warm and enthusiastic student reports. World class research in a range of academic fields is recognised in the wider academic community and places Dundee University (including of course Duncan of Jordanstone College) among the very best available.

<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> Driving across the Tay Bridge, Dundee is a beautiful sight. It is a vibrant, friendly city with great community spirit.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How friendly the people are.

<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> I'm most supprised by the amount of hidden gems, which many people simply do not know about, from the buildings/architecture, if you spend some time looking up! to the attractions and then on to the diversity of the open spaces and mixture on the doorstep. How many other cities can boast a beach, sea front and river bank, a volcano, universities and vibrant cultural quarters, not to mention quality attractions.

<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> I love RARA and the pretty vacant showrooms and the creativity it encourages through selling vintage and pieces from local designers. It's like a little treasure chest.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design continues to 'fleh heh' as one of Britain's Top 5 art schools, but paradoxically remains a hidden gem, both locally and nationally.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing academics here within the city, that come from all over the world.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although it is more than 20 years since I left Dundee ,I still have a love of the place and a feeling of loyalty to it that I cannot explain .I came to Dundee as a student and needed the accepting ,friendly atmosphere I found there .It is a down to earth, common-sense place with a heart of gold .

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city feels more vibrant and diverse than ever before. The mind is never bored in a place like Dundee. Hidden secret has to be the various collectives operating in the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's ability to host cultural events at select locations. its rich young artists community, headed by the young artists themelves.
the scottish dance theatre and rep productions. the fact its under the radar for many outside scotland

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness Industrial area, rich in history with many old jute mills, today they hold some the cities gems. There are art spaces and studios such as tin roof, the verdant works museum and furniture recycling center.

<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> Broughty Ferry Beach - minutes from the City Centre

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the view over the tay is breathtaking as is the view from the Law

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovation and culture that are driving forward a more welcoming, diverse and creative Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is much more beautiful than a lot of people realise. There are some stunning buildings and because so much of it is on a hill there are some beautiful views of the river. I like going to the graveyard next to the Westpark Conference Centre and looking across the river.

Other things I like about Dundee - the DCA, the amazing Dundee Roller Girls roller derby team, the Creative Dundee movement that seems to be developing, the little independent shops and cafes that are hidden away and some of the lovely green spaces we have.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in the whole of the UK with Red Squirrels within the city boundaries. As an iconic species for Scotland this says a lot for Dundee and shows the depth of commitment from its Ranger Service and Parks Management. Camperdown Wildlife Centre is a very important conservation site for endangered species across Europe and the World, and plays an important role in educating our younger people and serves as a main centre of attraction.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the art that is around the city. There are the penguin statues outside the overgate (which have santa hats put on them for Christmas); a scary looking dragon on the high street and of course desperate dan standing in the city center. My favourites are the more modern looking metal sculptures like the paper planes which are found across from the airport.
As for a hidden secret I really like the planet trail at the Mills observatory where you can walk across the beautiful park and walk from the sun to pluto. Each planet is represented by a rock with a plaque giving information about the planet. The distances between each planet is a scaled down model of reality so it can be hard to find Neptune!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City with community/village feel. Very friendly people.
Many lovely parks and open spaces for everyone. Integrated multi national community.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a sunny city with friendly people, beautiful views, the Law, the River Tay, Broughty Ferry beach, easy access to countryside in any direction an ideal location.
The McManus Gallery & DCA already offer culture and arts and the addition of V&A will add to this.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovative, DIY attitude!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strength of Dundee women, passed down through generations. Can do attitude.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, beaches, the Tay, its location, gateway to the countryside, Perth rd pubs, cafes, students and multi-culturalism.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> west end, architecture, incredible buildings, people, places, open spaces, the Tay

<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> 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> A walk along the riverside early on a summers morning is always a great experience and you are often watched carefully by the seals basking in the sun

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated beside the seaside and the Sidlaw Hills. Take the children to Broughty Ferry, build sandcastles, paddle, spot the dolphins, watch the busy Sand Martins, take a stroll through Barnhill Rock Garden. Take them into the city to sample the wonderful parks, Camperdown with its children's zoo and play area. Dudhope Park with its Castle and Skateboard Park, Baxter Park, Victoria Park, Caird Park the list goes on. Climb the Law and see the magnificent bridges and the views of the Kingdom of Fife. Head into the Sidlaw Hills for rambling. There's plenty to see and do in and around Dundee. Come visit and see for yourself.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the art scene, the nightlife and the underground music scene

See All Backers