:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

As someone not native to these shores, I am proud that I now live in Dundee. It is a super-compact city that has everything on your doorstep. But What I appreciate the most is the warmth, the helpfulness that local Dundonians have offered me. Ten years down the line, I am still here.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of artistic talent that is in and around Dundee is so vast, but Dundee should be proud of it's efforts to educate the people of Dundee in all forms of the arts, especially through the Universities, Colleges and Schools of Our Proud City.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a buzz about - new architecture resulting in amazing buildings that the world should share

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I left Dundee around 8 years ago and when I returned I barely recognised the place, what a transformation!! It makes me even more proud to be a Dundonian!! Well done and good luck.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful sunrises when i walk to work looking over the river towards Fife, the daffs when they are out in bloom, the lovely parks and open spaces, the friendliness of the people, I have lived here all my life and I love it here.

<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> How, nearly twenty years since it changed beyond recognition, I can still hear the noises, smell the smells and feel the atmosphere of The Shed at Tannadice.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly city where you can cycle from one end to the other...on this journey one gets to experience parks with daffodils, the mighty Tay, Dundee Law, Ninewells Hospital designed by Frank Gehry and happy faces :)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I live in the west end of the city, high up above Perth Road and just in front of Blackness Road. I have an uninterupted view of the River Tay. I waken each morning and the view never fails to amaze me. It is fantastic and the ever changing river provides a backdrop for all sorts of wildlife. I can look west towards Perth and see what sort of weather is coming my way and I look east and sometimes see the 'haar' rolling up the river.I am a very fortunate Dundonian.

<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> Born and educated in Dundee from 1946 -1972 I have been astounded by the transformation of the city over the last 40 years. As the transformation continues returning to the city and the University are always a revelation. Dundee continues to be a vibrant visionary city and shall always have a place in my heart.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's status in the world of higher education is rapidly growing, and the world class research in areas such as Medicine and Life Sciences is something all Dundonians should be proud of. The Riverside redevelopment programme will redefine the city, and the new V&A at Dundee will put the city firmly on the culture map!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness and warmth of Dundonians; the huge number of independent shops, bars and cafes; and of course the sunshine!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University Gardens

<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> In terms of a walk from edge to edge of town, there is an amazing variety of specificities.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised by the energy which is currently going into the transformation of Dundee's waterfront

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Backpackers' Hostel, Gardyne's Land, is a medieval building situated in the heart of the city centre, and operates as a youth hostel to date. Dundee is often underrated for its architecture and it is not just a Victorian city: the subtle incorporation of the city's past is there for all to see.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again”
Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our young people

Diversity in action

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That more people don't know and appreciate it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of independent shops, the great work going on at both universities and the focus on education in general.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I always want to go back. Having had the intention of going to Dundee and getting out as soon as possible, but the combination of arts, design and regeneration leaves me seeking a return every time I leave.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee has to be one of the friendliest places I have been to. there is always a smile and a welcome and humour without the sarcastic aggressive tone that often goes with Scottish humour. Good luck Dundee URIT

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it has improved since I was a student there in '60s

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view of the Tay, with the rail bridge and beyond. Every day it's different and every day it is beautiful!

It will comfort and uplift you.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by the changes within the city. It continues to grow and diversify in this current climate of recession.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The parks and the people:

Inspiring.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be "jam, jute and journalism". Now it is vibrant, with mainstream and arthouse cinemas, live concerts, good theatres, a wide range of restaurants, including those specialising in local cuisine as well as a variety of different ethnic cuisines, and both old and new places to relax and socialise. The fact that the museums and heritage sites are here is just the tip of the iceberg. Dundee offers something for everyone.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As Tony Blair said "Education, education, education." what a wonderful place to study. Why is the ISIN project not being backed by a city full of engineering and education?

<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> I was a student in Dundee many years ago and recently visited the city. The city has changed so much - not in terms of the buildings, but in terms of the vibrancy and the general feel of the place.
Dundee is a compact city with a lively, creative arts scene, with the added benefit of being right next door to beautiful countryside and coast.
Above all else - Dundee is moving forward!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has so much to offer from historic interests right through to creative arts (games design companies) whilst having two internationally recognised universities making the city known far and wide.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am excited by the work of Literary Dundee - the literary festival and book prize, their monthly salons and sundry projects and publications. Literary Dundee celebrates the bright creative talents of writers in the city, and brings exciting literary figures to Dundonian audiences.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Mills observatory

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Close community and group of friends, a smaller city bringing more of us together.

<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> My grandfather was walking home from the Kirk holding his father's hand on the night the Tay Bridge came down celebrated by the most awful doggerel ever penned by the 'poet' McGonigall. I went to Queens College in 1959 and took a degree in Chemistry and Physics and returned two years ago for a reunion and was amazed at the transformation of the city from the rundown images I remember in the sixties to the lively and fascinating modern Dundee with Scott's ship and so many other attractions artistic, cultural and physical.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There"s a willingness to make things happen; people listen, consider and act and it feels as if the door is open. It's a city which aspires and inspires.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city to visit with its parks and high street. The city is rustic and full of character, yet modern. The Dundee football grounds and high street were among our favourite places to see. The view from the law is breathtaking on a bright summer's day. Nothing would make us happier than seeing Dundee named the UK's city of culture.

D and R from Ottawa Canada.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is truly magical place, blessed with great people speaking in our own Dundonian dialect. The city is so beautifully set that every time I come in from Fife my heart bounces with pride. Architecture...from Frank Henry at Maggies, set against an amazing world class labyrinth created by Arabella Lennox-Boyd and impressive outside art courtesy of Anthony Gormley. All within a stones throw of world class Ninewells Hospital and Medical School! Into town and there's history and thought at every turn. The Caird Hall used for live music and entertainment, and also in a number if movies! Live music - inspired! Snow Patrol with one of the most famous and recognisable songs 'Run'. Anderson McGinty Webster Ward Fisher with they're folksie Volk music.

<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> my god-daughter, Jennifer Gavin, was born in Dundee!!!..she's a credit to her birthplace!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Davy's ice-cream parlour in Lochee was where my parents courted in the 1950s - they introduced me and my brother to the unique delicious flavour in the 1970s and 1980s.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have travelled to many parts of the world and been lucky enough to have seen some amazing places. However, each time I return home, there is nothing quite like walking with my family and dogs along the 'Grassy Beach' and I think how lucky I am to live where I do.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact the even although Dundee is a city, it can feel so small. You will always find someone who knows someone else you know. Lived here all my life, apart from a short stay in Glasgow, but coming home either over the bridge or from any other direction, seeing a landmark and knowing I'm home is the best feeling in the world

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A growing city cente offering the high life - yes within minutes you can be surrounded by greenery, mountains, water - whatever you want. A genuine city with a bit of everything

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very caring and friendly. I was so overwhelmed by the caring of neighbours when my mother developed Vasular Dementia. They were so good at looking out for her before she eventually had to go into care. I nominated one of her neighbours (and she won) a Wave 102 neighbour of the year award a few years back.

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