:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

It's all about the people! They just get up, rise to the challenge and make stuff happen, the city has a long history of innovators, creators and game changers who adapt, shift and change to advance technology, industry, the arts and more. We are well known for our international trade and commerce links and that has influenced our cultural scene over the years (eg. I love that Timex/NCR back of the lorry spectrums kick-started Dundee's games industry!). The number of jute factories and trade buildings now repurposed by creative collectives/artists is really interesting i.e. Wasps, Tin Roof, Generator Projects, Fleet Collective and of course the DCA.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee university enriches life thru llunchtime concerts and free Saturday eve lectures with wide ranging speakers. All free. Mcmanus galleries featuring exhibits from V and A. Broughty Ferry Art society classes. DCA featuring National Theatre and opera from the Met.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is an underdog, but if you ever lived there - you would see its potential is sky high.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of wonderful musicians, people and their own humour. The redevelopment that is going on is so overdue and when finished will place Dundee well and truly on the map of culture where it so rightly belongs.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In face of many negative social & economic factors and compared to all other urban centres in the region, Dundee has a vibrancy and energy about arts and culture that can be felt. It's the pride people have, in themselves and their city that, despite adversity, creates this exciting environment.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly amazed by the wealth of talent in the city. From music to art and beyond, I think the people of Dundee should be recognised for their famous cultural past and the amazing work that is happening right now.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The 24-hour bakery - a place full of wonder, magic and mystery!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Andrew Wighton bequeathed one of the world's finest collections of Scottish national and traditional music to the City in 1861. It has been preserved by the Council in the Central Library and the music is performed regularly by Friends of Wighton.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the biotech lab researchers really do their best to find cures for many of our worst diseases

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprised be to learn that the roots of some of the biggest games within the video games industry started in Dundee over two decades ago.

<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> Dundee has something for everyone! Its a collective of things that makes the city great. There are plenty parks, ponds and the beautiful 'Silvery Tay'. Its a convenient and enjoyable place for families, couples, students and anyone who gives it a try! Easy to commute to and from. Ninewells is a fantastic teaching Hospital that is often in the news with the latest in science and technology.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The up and coming foodie scene in the city is a hidden gem - many people head to the big cities but with fresh fruits and produce available locally, there is plenty to get excited about that is dished up on a plate in Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is lovely city, I was impressed by the cleanliness in the city and the commitment that people have in their jobs. I attended the epidemiology classes and it was amazing. the reception on arrival was fantastic, the organization was lovely. we had wonderful lecturers who were knowledgeable. The rooms where we were putting up were lovely and we also had a wonderful kitchen where we prepared our meals. I also admired your public relations. keep up the lovely culture. bravo and have a lovely time during your Bid. I would love to visit Dundee again and enjoy their hospitality

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ancient Howff graveyard given to Dundee by Mary Queen of Scots, is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city, and a place to contemplate mortality.
Beautiful herbaceous borders with rare shrubs like the Yellow Magnolia mingle with crumbly, moss-furred tombs. Bygone names such as Barbary Bathie, German Stewart, and Euphemia Lochmolony really capture the imagination.

<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> Dundee is special !!! Because it the only place in the UK that houses a great and creative acting and dance company in one building . Dundee Rep Enssemble and Scottish Dance Theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre is a place to be proud of .!!!!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee had a reputation as being hard and unfriendly when i first came to the city in 1984 to study. I soon discovered that the City of Discovery is a safe and pleasant place to come. It has all the facilities of a big city but you don't have to travel too far to get to things. Not too big, not too small, just about right.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The students are super uber friendly and engaging. They will always be the first to inject energy and spirit into any and all projects within the Dundee community which only strengthens the bond between the people of Dundee and its connection to its fine educational institutes.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be the butt of jokes, but no more!! People from all over the world come to study here and decide not to leave because they can see the potential of the city. There is a great sense of humour here too - I love how if someone gets a bit above their station there is usually some wit armed with a razorsharp comeback to put them firmly back in their place :D

<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> I moved here for University in the summer, the friendliness of the locals and the incredible architecture has surprised me the most. Dundee boasts the most incredible scenery of any city in the UK.

<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> The city is beautiful with a rich history. Amongst the lovely sights to see are the ship "Discovery" and the Jute museum. The River Tay is a beautiful sight to see from the Tay bridge especially at night. The people are warm and always offer you the nice scottish hospitality and you often get to see many of the men in traditional Scottish kilt. The University Of Dundee offers a diverse mix of cultures from across the globe which blend with the eclectic mix of the old and the new that is The City Of Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The millions of things you don't expect from Dundee - from dirt cheap language courses by BERA to adult gymnastics classes at the new Dick McTaggart Gymnastics Centre and belly dancing courses at the ISE. Basically all the things you get in a big city without losing the friendly attitude you get in wee cities like Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Perth and did not like Dundee. Now i am older I know this was clever spin, the term 'hidden secrets' sums up The Jewel on the Tay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What i love about dundee is Balgay park, the gorgeous hidden forrest trails, the wildlife living there, An observatory, the ancient graveyard you can explore for days, the haunted bridge ... the rose garden...i could go on. I have spent so many weekends of my life swinging on those brilliannt swings overlooking the gorgeous greenery of the hill. One of the best parks i have ever been to and a real dundee gem.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's always evolving!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i'm not too far from anything. i can walk to everything i need- university, gym, pub and the shops! improvements are constantly being made to the city which is very exciting.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university is so good

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like it that the city is always clean and the flower beds are tidy in the winter and blooming in the summer months.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Schools orchestra concerts, nycos choir and youth musicals performed to very high standards...

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friends and relatives who have visited us and who have never seen Dundee before have been quite surprised at what Dundee has to offer when we have taken them around the City.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee went into an industrial nosedive in the 1970s, which I remember well. After many painful years it has emerged as a vibrant university town humming with energy, youth and ideas. It is wonderful to see old jute mills converted to artists' studios, to visit a refurbished McManus, to eat at the DCA and the Rep. The waterfront project is well under way, as is a physic garden being constructed by volunteers at Ninewells. Energy is the word !

<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> 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> The more I travel away from Dundee the more I appreciate it. It has everything. It is big enough to be busy and small enough to be easily accessible. You really appreciate the scenery, the mix of hills, the Tay, urban areas with a lot of green parks and trees very nearby. You really appreciate that when you travel to flat, landlocked towns in England for example. Dundee has everything.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amazing 'hidden' architectural gems, heritage of the 'Jute Barons', many now used as offices, sensitive conversions, etc.
The energy and innovation that underpins the DCA, Sensations, the Rep, and so much more - the city vibrates with art and cultural excitement.
The musical tradition, made manifest in the excellent programme of classes for Dundee's schoolchildren.

<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 annual Dundee Jazz & Blues festival is an amazing experience that really brings the whole community together and creates a fantastic feeling in the city. It also highlights the cities passion for creativity and is attracting fans from all over the world.

<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> So many unique features, but can't fail to be impressed by the view approaching the city over the river. Especially at night.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The independent development of resources, supported by local people. Support given to theatre, - professional and amateur {music and drama}. Scots music, song and poetry is endemic - popular,widespread and developing. A strong centre for Art and the Arts and prominent in the sciences (medicine, biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, IT skills,computing and traditional sciences. Dundee is a cultural centre for East and Central Scotland, Britain and the World, with many foreign students and visitors.

<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> Dundee annual half marathon - great value and great race!
Bridgeview Restaurant and T Ann Cake - definitely hidden gems.
Cycling along riverside drive - invigorating and wonderful views
Dundee Law - what a view!
Dundee parkrun - almost a year old and a Saturday morning challenge at Camperdown

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the cultural diversity of the city, the many different people from so many walks of life, dundee is fast emerging as a place to be whether you are into music, the arts, the outdoors, the city has a plethora of different things to offer everyone

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian I'm from over the bridge in Fife but I've visited Dundee many many times since I was a child. It was always where we chose to go 'on a proper shopping day out'. Over the years I've seen so many changes to this wonderful place. I loved it when I was a kid but I remember it looking quite dated, its now having an overhaul and being sympathetic to some important features unique to the city, it really is starting to look the part. Dundee definately deserves its place as a city of culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dragon, Minnie the Minx and Desperate Dan sculptures. My children love climbing all over them and running away from the dragon. The sculptures are accessible, contemporary and have relevance for every age group.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee for over 40 years. I recently had a guided tour around the frigate Unicorn at Discovery Quay. A truly hidden gem in Dundee. Steeped in history on 4 decks I could imagine life as a crew member almost 200 years ago.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I enjoy the fact that the supporters of both big teams in the city get along so well before and after the Derby's in the local pubs. Both sets of fans want their team to win with a passion, but after the game they enjoy a pint and a chat together win,lose or draw.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Years ago, a guy who (asked to) push beside us in the queue at the Mardi Gras, bought us a drink as soon as we were all inside. He then quoted what has become one of my rules for life - "It's nice to be nice."

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My parents were both Dundee doctors. My father was John Langlands who had a practice at Garland Place. He was a very much loved Dundee GP who used to visit his patients nearly every day of the year, even Christmas Day!

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