We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Where we start? Frigate Unicorn, five or is it six castles, the Rep, the Botanic gardens, Tannadice park, DCA, Discovery, the Tay bridge, Camperdown House and park, two Universities, Geddes quad, the Space, McManus galleries, St Mary’s tower, Balgay park, Observatory, Maggies centre, Ninewells, this list goes on.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of people from outside our city who knock us! I was born and brought up here and yes, we have our problems-what city doesn't, but the strength and inherent decency of the majority of Dundonians makes me proud. Oh yeah, the pubs and restaurants, Discovery Point, Verdant Works, Botanic Gardens, McManus Galleries, the new V&amp;A, I could go on and on. The best thing? The feeling of homecoming when you come over the Rail Bridge - now that's special!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great northern soul scene where people of all ages come together and share their love of brilliant soul music and dance the night away. Everyone who goes dances and its all about the music. Everyone who goes loves it!
<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> The open attitude toward change and bringing culture into the city. Not many cities see culture as an important aspect of social life. People in Dundee are excited about change rather than being grumpy about even hearing that something new might happen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> River views and only 5 minutes. From beautiful countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing move from industry like jute to the sciences and arts. Also the jumping drags at invergowrie house and the red squirrels that can be seen around camperdown. The amazing river Tay sets the city as beautiful as any other.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's gritty determination. It's a city that just won't back down, always looking forward and has a belief in itself.
And the best fish suppers can be had at The Silvery Tay in Menzieshill!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee buzzes with creative energy. For a city of its size, it has a large and very active scene. Best of all, it has imaginative, creative, dynamic people who make it special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The People.... constantly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunny weather
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city to be part of. It blends together the traditions and culture of the past, with its modern approaches to education, arts, commerce and industry of today, and with our aspirations for the future. Where is there a city in the UK which has gone through so many transformations yet is still striving to reinvent itself again through the Dundee Waterfront Project? I can't wait to see it finished! Dundee has taken a leap of faith to secure its future as one of the UK's most exciting cities to live in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am originally from Switzerland and made Dundee my home 9 years ago. Many friends who have come to visit agree that Dundee is like an insider tip for travellers. Often ignored by the usual tourist trail its hidden treasures stay unseen. We need to put Dundee back on the map! It deserves to be known again, for its sights, its great location and most of all its unique and creative people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's passion, drive and dedication towards creativity and culture.
<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> I never seem to see Dundee as a city but rather one big cultural community where everyone is linked through the many events that take place. The art school, theatres and the DCA create a friendly and creative atmosphere in Dundee that has welcomed me so much that I don't mind being away from my big hometown, Glasgow (in fact I prefer staying here during my uni time)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an energy all of its own - its hidden gem is it's people. The friendliest, funniest and liveliest that Scotland has to offer.
I lived six very happy years by the Tay and still think fondly of sitting out on Magdelene Green in Summer or taking refuge in the DCA for winter warmer or three.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Braithwaites coffee shop. It's like stepping back in time!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much it has changed for the better since I was an undergraduate in 1978-1982!
<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> The historical buildings, the Scottish culture, the use of traditional teaching aids in the University, the lovely River Tay, and when I was there, a new casino opened!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are indefatigable and always up for a boogie, and witty without being gallus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's like Glasgow's wee bruv!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the commitment of Dundee's volunteers.....most hours of the day and night there are a band of volunteers helping out those who need support. I am involved with the Dundee branch of Samaritans which has been on the go for over 50 years. There are many of us out there doing all sorts of things in our own time to lend a hand or an ear to another human being....so don't forget about them!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A vibrant business community with a ''can do'' attitude that welcomed with open arms MacRoberts as a new entrant to the City earlier in the year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Some of the best assets of Dundee is it's small bars and cafe's. They are very inviting and have a great atmosphere. Due to Dundee's landscape there is many hills which give you tremendous views over the city centre and the Tay. Dundee also has many fabulous parks such as Baxter park. The best thing of all though is that everything is very central, so it's easy to get everywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic place to be right now. Great Art, Great Music, Great Design and Great Talent everywhere you look. Something for everyone here and much more. Happy vibes indeed. A warm welcome awaits all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> there is a great vibe from up and coming designer makers in the city which is wonderful to see. i love the little independent shops that have managed to survive the recession and the new ones opening up recently - keep up the good work of reclaiming the high street !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has amazing cultural and geographic attributes but its chief strength is its people with their unique sense of humour and caring attitude to each other that I have not encountered anywhere else in my travels all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin roof and all the artists associated, the cinema at DCA with its great program... And the PEOPLE! The city is bubbling with ideas!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland is probably the greatest place and family in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am three and I love visiting the libraries for storytimes and crafts. I also love spending time at the museum and Camperdown Park. which has fun play areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The transformation! The huge amount of creative talent in the city is amazing &amp; really, still to be fully discovered!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think modesty is a recurring attitude shared amongst Dundonians.
Not used to being the centre of attention, Dundee is full of talent yet so modest in sentiment, both past and present.
The music scene, science, creative arts and the diversity of mixed cultures make Dundee an inspiring place in which to live and bring up children.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's Parks are the nicest and most varied in any city I have been to. Magdalen Green has wonderful charm and is full of friendly people on a sunny day
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the silvery tay(fish shop)best in britain
the law giving amazing views of city
the on going improvements every time i come home from plymouth.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Museums - Discovery, McManus Gallery, and Verdant Works are all fantastic visitor attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spirit of inquiry and learning
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dudhope Park is a sometimes forgotten gem in the centre of Dundee! Dudhope Park has been improved with lighting in the skatepark and nearby paths, improvements to the tennis courts and - very soon - a brand new play park! Being the main green space in the centre of Dundee it's a great place to enjoy the sunshine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great city filled with lots of wonderful things to do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I still find it amazing how many creative people live and work in Dundee. I am always hearing about someone new working in the creative industries e.g. at the Pecha Kucha nights in Dundee. These are great nights to find out more about what talented people are working here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a student at DJCAD the city offers so much in the range of influence and inspiration, that's why I love it here, there's so much to offer for students at the uni. Shame the V&amp;A can't come quicker.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful memories of student life in Dundee in the early 1980s - the intimacy of a small city, the wry humour and endearing local dialect, the rich history (jam, jute and journalism), the creativity and individuality.... Small city with BIG personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As soon as there is a hint of sunshine I love the way students at Dundee University sit on the grassy areas on the University campus and bring these areas to life. Different languages and cultures mingle together enjoying the light and sunshine which has a special quality in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is part of national life-only think of Dundee cake and Dundee marmalade.
But would you have guessed that when it kicked Winston Churchill out after serving as its MP for 14 years,it would elect a temperance candidate?
And who exactly was Bonnie Dundee of the song
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee roller girls great bunch i just joined, the theatres the dca my daughter loves going to the art shows, the universities diverse people you meet
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The computer games culture in Dundee is excellent; it's easy to meet industry folks for a pint, particularly (Bert) Wednesdays and I enjoy fighting game action with Giant Attack Dundee as well, also in the pub.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There really is something for everyone, music with the likes of the blues festival and loads of gigs, fantastic theatre both amature and professional, a variety of fine art or easy access to both urban and rural environments
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people, the amazing views over the Tay, the Rep, the parks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Junior Bike 2012 (&amp;2006) organised and funded by Michelin Tyre. Supporting the young children of the city and encouraging them to be active as well as safe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazingly beautiful and varied doors on the old buildings!! I keep finding another and another. This city is full of beautiful and quirky architecture. I also love the 'drawbridges' on many of the houses on the south side of Perth Road.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city which deserves to be recognised as the UK city of culture. There are various reasons for it including the various interpretations of the term 'culture'. In terms of cultural capital, there is a lot of cultural diversity within our communities, which come together through public fora and work of the organisations such as our primary and secondary schools, two universities, college, Dundee Rep, DCA, McManus Galleries etc. One has to just google 'what is on in Dundee' to realise that we have various cultural events everyday and every individual in the city directly or indirectly plays a part in making this city so culturally rich. The arrival of V&amp;A is going to put us even more prominently on the world map as the cultural city of not only UK but the world. We strongly believe that Dundee is THE UK city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remnant stubs of the original Tay road bridge, a reminder of the disaster of 1879; a street named 'Peek-o-day Lane' because of all the smoke from the mills &amp; factories, a nod to the industries of the day; a statue dedicated to William Wallace where he first killed another man as a young boy; and the High School of Dundee, which educated Wallace as a sect of travelling monks (the Monks of Lindores) before it was built here in 1239; all glimmers of Dundee's rich history &amp; colourful past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's forty years since I left Dundee after graduating. I still hold very dear memories of the Deep Sea fish restaurant on the Perth Road. Fifteen years after leaving, on a visit to relatives, my wife and I went to the Deep Sea. It wasn't open so we joined the queue - and got chattinng to the folks in the queue, several of whom knew relatives of mine. And the, the staff remembered us in the restaurant. My wife, who hails from Surrey, still thinks Dundee is the friendliest palce we're been to.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are the best - real and down to earth. The art scene and music scene is fantastic. I wouldn't be working in film and doing what I do - if I didn't know where I come from - Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city full of quirks and quirkiness. I think there are more quirks per head of population than anywhere else I know! Yet its hard to put my finger on it. There's a quirky humour, quirky attitudes, quirky language, quirky culture, quirky history - in fact its just DIFFERENT. There's always a surprise just around the corner waiting to smack you right in the pus (excuse the quirky Dundee vernacular!). And that's what makes Dundee a wee bit special
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people. I now live on the opposite side of the world and I have yet to encounter such a braw, open-minded community full of life, acceptance and comical banter as my home tribe. Never a dull moment chatting with a friend, acquaintence or stranger. I miss you Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly place with great theatre, art and architecture with the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of jordanstone college - just a wonderful place to learn
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Accessibility of classical music in a variety of forms:

-The Dundee Chamber Music Society
-Live from the Met Operas &amp; Ballets at the DCA
-The University of Dundee's Friday Lunchtime Concerts at the Chaplaincy
-Opera, Ballet and Classical Concerts (RSNO) at the Caird Hall
-Dundee Symphony Orchestra (DSO)
-Amateur opera productions at Gardyne Road and elsewhere
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> that little spot behind the river wall just past the bridge café. on asunny day at low tide.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2 universities each prominent in its expertise draw in students and researchers from all over the world. These visitors bring the rich diversity of so many different cultures to the city and many become long term residents . Living in the West End I am constantly reminded of the cosmopolitan nature of Dundee in 2013 which was largely absent as I was growing up here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people - having spent over half my life in Scotland and been in Dundee since 2000 I have to say that the folk of Dundee are a constant source of surprise and cheeriness. They are the most down to earth and genuine folk you could meet. Everyone smiles at one another and Dundee is the most welcoming of places. Folk are engaged and love where they live and where they are from. Dundonians are a truly passionate bunch and make the city what it is.....one of the most dynamic and extraordinary cities I have ever been.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sometimes you have to look a little closer or a look at a city from a different angle to discover the hidden gems of arcitecture or urban archeology that may be there but never seen. Dundee is a facinating plave for this. The grand gateway to the Howfe that has never been opened for decades, The 1/4 mile long aquaduct over the Dichty burn at Fintry ....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Dundee and now live in the USA. When I return home, which I do regularly, I'm always amazed about how much Dundonians know about other countries, cultures, and ways of life. It's a refreshing change for me, and a great asset for Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is in a beautiful location, on the banks of the silvery Tay. I've often felt that the city hasn't used this to their advantage, until recently with the new waterfront development and the V&amp;A. In the past Dundee has been a bit of a rough diamond compared to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen but now I think Dundee has definitely started to sparkle!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that you can go into Dundee City Centre and always meet someone you know. Dundee is not an anonymous city but exudes warmth &amp; friendliness wherever you go.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the kind of city which never ceases to surprise even its own citizens. When I heard we were in the running for City of Culture, my first thought was "Yes, why not?" we have had so much to offer over the years and so much still to offer; art, music, scenery, setting, "couthieness". We deserve the chance to show the rest of the world just how great we are!
<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> it is the best city in the world and where I was born and most of my family live. Best schools and football team in DUFC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Cheesery in Exchange Street is fab. Dorothy knows so much about the wonderful cheeses she stocks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an abundance of amateur musical theatre, music and drama groups offering a multitude of opportunities for young people and adults to perform.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place is the Dundee Contemporary Art Centre, a cultural gem!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city looking to the future combining a new dynamism while also maintaining strong links with its cultural heritage. The city offers an excellent quality of life and provides an environment which fosters creative opportunities for both individual and business enterprise.

For a small city it hits well above its weight and more than deserves the title of City of Culture 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love the variety of things you can do in the city. The latest thing which amazes me is the growing reputation of DOJ-CON.
This should be promoted as part of our culture bid as some of the costumes created for this event are pure art.
<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> 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> I'm not a Dundonian - but love staying here. I do wish the locals knew what they had and could appreciate it though. Dundee is a braw place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Bustling atmosphere. Something's always happening.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mcManus and beautiful views along riverside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gem of our city is the attitude of the staff at the university. They are a family; they are colleagues; they are accepting and inspiring. University can be hard for students, as it was for me on occasion; the staff at my school made life easy and academia enjoyable. We have one-on-one with lecturers and support staff, and even the Dean over coffee, wine, and stand-up comedy- this is not a closed community. The secret to Dundee is that it is realises that to be great you need to integrate and evolve, and that is what I have done here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is my home town. It always has been since I was born here. I left in the 60's to go to London but returned in the 70's after I married &amp; lived in London. I was desperate to leave Dundee when I was young but when I returned I really appreciated how much standards of living had improved, especially compared to London and the accesibility to the countyside wihout a queue of traffic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived abroad on several occasions but always return home. I love the fact that I can walk everywhere, that it is a safe city especially for females and that with the new impetus of the V&amp;A and investment Dundonians of all ages are supporting this bid.
I believe we have medico-science facilities second to none. An innovative Games industry.
As I am now a senior Dundee looks after me very well with marvellous fitness facilities.
The Dundee Rep Theatre is one of Scotland's best and the DCA offers a wide range of films, displays, workshops etc. Dundee to win.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Something for everyone on your doorstep
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spex pistols.
<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> Has anyone mentioned DC Thompson's yet?! The Beano, The Dandy, The Broons... and my fave, Twinkle :) ... spawning the talents of Jacqueline Wilson, Alexander McGregor and Andrew Nicoll.
<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> The DCA is a wonderful place, always showing great movies that wouldn't be seen at the multiplexes, as well as giving plenty of opportunities to learn about film and to be artistic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I come from Christchurch, New Zealand though I have lived in Dundee for nearly 15 years now. On its journey to Antarctica the RRS Discovery stopped at Lyttleton, New Zealand which is just over the hill from Christchurch. I think there are few places in the world that I could choose to live in that would take me so far away from home however even here there are strong ties. Dundee has such rich cultural diversity which is not what most people expect - my daughter’s nursery school has children from over 26 nationalities!! One Dundee, Many Cultures.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful ,location on the Tay Estuary surrounded by wonderful countryside and beaches. Fascinating historic buildings like Macmanus and Caird Hall preserving a proud history. People cheerful and friendly despite recent economic difficulties.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great poets both famous and as yet undiscovered. From the Wedderburns in the Reformation to renowned contemporary writers like Don Paterson, John Glenday and Tracy Herd. I would very much include McGonagall in that list! It's also a place where the Scots language has been celebrated, in the work of Ellie McDonald, Matthew Fitt, and the late Harvey Holton.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love living in Dundee. The ice arena is my favourite place to go and I love all of the parks and adventure equipment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best thing about Dundee that you will never find anywhere else in Europe is our football, the closest grounds in Europe and win, lose or draw, there will always be friendly rivalry (or banter) yes we will wind each other up, but fans can still drink in the same pubs before and after the match, our fans are disciplined, #fact - welcome to Dundee where equality is happy!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spectacular view from the top of Ninewells Avenue ... it is never twice the same, beautiful in all its moods, and when the tide is low and the river is full of sandbanks, you feel you could walk your way across to Fife.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walking distance between Tannandice and Dens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That there is such a vibrant amateur classical music scene.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We love the people. So much energy, so much passion! Some amazing things are going down in Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every day I'm pleasantly surprised and enthralled by the breadth, depth and richness of the cultural activities and endeavours of the people of Dundee. Not just the large, and growing, artistic, musical, theatrical and literary community but the ordinary people as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is showing vision and courage to take it forward to the next generation. Dundee for me has been about the next generation through the ages - its famous for Jute, Jam and Journalism - but it is also now famous for life sciences, computer gaming. I am also surprised that so many cultural icons hail from or live in Dundee - its a wee city which punches above its weight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to go sailing on the River Tay. You can launch at Broughty Ferry and go to Perth or Norway!
<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 wealth and diversity of Dundee's green spaces. Stand on the Law in summer and see how green the city is. Balgay Hill. Botanic Gardens, Baxter Park, Templeton and Middleton Woods, Barnhill Rock Garden to name but a few, and Dundee's hidden gem, the Miley Urban Wildlife Site in Lochee. There are many many more, some of them used for education purposes as well as leisure. On practically every corner there
are Trees, bushes, planters and hanging baskets. On most roundabouts and roadside edges there is some planting even if it is only the bulbs in spring. I love Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Situation
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunniest place in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's very rich cafe culture. Dundee has a surprisingly large number of traditional coffees and modern coffee shops.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it makes me want to stay and get creative! Having previously lived in a number of bigger cities, including Paris &amp; Glasgow, I moved to Dundee by chance a few years ago. I think what Dundee may lack in quantity when comparing to larger cities, it more than makes up for in quality, accessibility and community. I am inspired by the amount of creative collectives that I have seen develop within the few years I have lived here (Tin Roof Arts Collective, The Vanilla Ink Jewellery Studios, Skillshare Dundee, Fleet Collective and Creative Dundee). I also love the range of creative learning opportunities and events that more established venues such as The McManus and The DCA offer. Ultimately, it is people that make a place and craft a culture and the people I have met since moving here have shown me there is a wealth of forward thinking, creative people in the city that are working hard to make exciting things happen.

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