We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

A City of poverty and richness beyond your wildest dreams. Now a City thats modest and Cool like no other

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming here in 1993 I have never been let down by the city's enthusiasm for development and growth. "Big enough to be a city, yet small enough to be friendly" has always been an unofficial motto banded about on its' streets and one that it lives up to. I have been proud to be part of the city through the Univeristy of Dundee and it's motto to "Transform LIves" and see how these changes still happen on a daily basis in the hearts, minds and souls of the Dundee population who continue to strive for change for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The abundance of hope, positivity and generosity of spirit apparent across every part of this city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of community that springs from nowhere in face of difficulties. The overwhelming positivity of community activists who will almost stop at nothing to improve their local area: see the local school or park get a new playground, tidy up the local burn, pull together to help people through difficulties, and generally have a good laugh while doing it all!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This beautiful little city of mine, I have lived here all my 66yrs of life, It never ceases to surprise me it grows better year after year with all our redevelopment of the Waterfront which will be fantastic when finished, to the V&amp;A which will bring in loads of visitors to our city. We have a wealth of great things to do, like the D.C.A, REP, Verdant Works,New swimming baths,Ice Rink, Discovery ship, music venues, loads of restaurants, Our great Universities that bring young people from all over the world. The great singers, song writers and actors that Dundee has produced known world wide. And off course the Dundee people well what can I say none better world over .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a past student of UoD, I can honestly say I would have rather gone nowhere else. The best student union in the UK and a strong student culture that is really celebrated by the entire city. Dundee is a city with the best parts of a busy city and a friendly town, the community really gets together and is united through love of their hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee! Great sized city, lots of green space and good people. Love the music scene, magdalene green, cultural opportunities and the amazing scenery.
<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> Dundee has lots of lovely buildings, botanic garden and the best place of all for kids growing up in Dundee and the surrounding area is camperdown park. Dundee is also the sunniest city In Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> University - I wouldn't have met my awesome girlfriend or any of my university friends. Dundee's a great place full of friendly people, fun things to do and places to go. Very often underestimated!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An amazing hub of creativity for my own field of jewellery and metal art generally. The metalsmiths are the most open and friendly team anywhere in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two aspects of Dundee do it for me. Firstly the youthful feel to the city. Evidenced by the welcome exuberance of the student population of the city; and secondly the architectural gems that are dotted about the city and are chanced upon quite often by accident.
<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> Dundee is open and welcoming with a diverse and vibrant arts culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city with a village mentality. It has a great community.
From arts venues like the DCA and the rep which continue to provide thought provoking art, to pop culture such as the comics industry and DOJ-con there is always something on offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's location at the mouth of the Tay offere unparalled natural beauty and light unlike any other.

The natural sense of pride the locals have in their city is well-deserved, it has incredible history from it's exporting days, fantastic educationional establishments today and a never ending culture of change in the lifestyles and culture of its people.

I lived there, first as a student and then working, for 17 years. I love the place. Sitll do. The best friends I have in this world still live there. There's a reason for that too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff - a graveyard in the centre of town where you can relax &amp; chill.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, the people are what make Dundee. They are as spirited group of individuals, who are friendly and welcoming to people in their city. They also celebrate everything their city offers depsite the negative image it has been wrongly given
<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> I love Dundee's legacy of the three Js - jute, jam and journalism. My great grandparents worked in the jute mills until retirement age. My granny is a dab hand at making raspberry jam, and it's well known that the banks of the Tay are the optimum place to cultivate berries in the world. What would the world be without Dennis the Menace and Desperate Dan? We also have Dundee to thank for D.C. Thomson &amp; Co.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city with a big image: Universities, hospitals, museums, music, films, sport, hotels, restaurants, shopping, transport, bingo, discos, nightclubs, theatres, workshops, Dundee holds its own with other cities. But there are also beautiful flowerbeds and gardens, beaches and castles. Dolphins and seals swim before us and the Aurora Borealis lights the skies. Dundee has produced too many famous people to list here. Visitors are always surprised at the diversity of culture in this warm-hearted and generous city. I love it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am consistently surprised by the amount of cultural and artistic events happening within a friendly and convivial atmosphere. There is a huge variety of events and plenty of opportunity to create your own.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a small city Dundee really punches above its weight in terms of its breadth of cultural activity and ambition and enthusiasm of its creative people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the seals hauled out on the sandbanks during low-tide in the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That despite people's perception of Dundee it has an incredibly vibrant creative culture which is only growing. It is very exciting!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of music talent from all age groups especially the younger bands, if you head to the 20rocks or non-zeros at the weekend you will see plenty of talented young potential stars. Clarks is a recently refurbished venue which is always jam packed not only with people but with the sound of music so i'd recommend visiting any of these three venues and be amazed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyone is treated equally here with no pretensions. People come before money in Dundee.
Dundee men are less likely to patronise women than other places. For example, Dundee men are comfortable to take and collect their kids to school if their wives work.
If I would change anything it would be to get Dundee folk to eat more fresh food (and that doesn't mean cakes), I should say Dundee bakeries are really fine.
Dundee would warmly welcome visitors who came to this event and they themselves would blossom from the experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the rep theatre is something Dundee should be very proud of - when I moved south I expected every city to have one - three Yorkshire cities later I am still waiting.....!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views, the wealth of culture, and the warmth of its people. Dundee truly is a Historic City and the V &amp; A is coming to a prestigious location in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heritage of Dundee and how we have progressed so far in a few years to adopt culture, art, fashion, education to such a high standard. But still keep ties to our history as a hard working industrious city.
<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> For a city, it has an amazing warmth of people. The mixture of students, locals and immigrants creates a melting pot of talent and creativity that you don't find anywhere else. And the accent is unlike anything you'll ever hear!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA and culture generally
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its dynamic internationalism
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With the V&amp;A, the DCA, the Rep, the Whitehall Theatre, our indoor and outdoor sports teams, our shops, music venues, our pubs, our cafes and bustling city centre with a rich heritage of history - why not Dundee for City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that Dundee is built on a human scale. I can jump on my bike in the north of the town and within 10 minutes I can be sitting drinking a coffee in a coffee shop, wandering round an art exhibition, doing my grocery shopping, walking along a sandy beach or a forest trail, watching a film, dancing the night away or just getting out into the countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Creative, vibrant &amp; friendly city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing creative community who are extremely supportive of one another. More and more creative talent is coming out of Dundee. With The V&amp;A coming, The Waterfront Development and more young designers / artists deciding to reside here its only proving how exciting the future is for the City and its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The welcome, the activity, the music, the drama, the films, the plays, the art - within Dundee and within reach of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's history and how it has constantly been trying to build itself up to be a more positive place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is my city. This is my home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an American who spent several weeks in Dundee, I was especially surprised by the city's excellent institutions of higher education, the Dundee Rep, and the McManus. But the real hidden gem is the Dundee Contemporary Arts, where world-class art exhibits and independent films rival any one would find in a much larger city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is defined by its people. Although many don't have much, they are rich in character, spirit and friendship. For me Dundee is a great place to live and grow up and truly has something for everyone.
Although the streets are ever changing, Dundee has kept its own character due to its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Culture is more than just art, theatre and buildings it is also about history and social morals and I believe Dundee is second to none on these areas.
1777 Dundee Joseph Knight a “Negro” slave won his freedom from his master Wedderburn when he successfully argued that “slavery was not recognised by Scots Law and runaway slaves (or 'perpetual servants') could be protected by the courts, if they wished to leave domestic services or were resisting attempts to return them to slavery in the colonies”. This was in effect abolishing slavery 100 years before the UK Parliament.
Dundee also has Mary Slessor who moved from Aberdeen to Dundee at the age of 11, Lily walker and many many more who stood up against tyranny and injustice to change the political and moral culture of our city and our country to make it more caring and equal for all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community involvement which takes a pride in it's heritage and culture such as Whitfield Community Centre , in the middle of a peripheral housing scheme, which was recently involved in an arts production in collaboration with Dundee Rep. This included drama, dance and a choral performance. Each performance was sold out and supported well by the Dundee public.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i like the view of coming in on the bridge or looking down from the law, the hidden history........all the hidden nooks for street artistry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most exciting thing for me recently was discovering all about the law tunnel! It would be amazing to be able to see it and walk through a piece of history that had been shut away for so long.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has become my 'home from home' over the past 13 years. I moved here at 17 to study and have never left! I love the fact that Dundee is a city, yet it is right next to the countryside.I love running along the river front and strolling along Broughty Ferry beach with an ice cream from Vissochis. I enjoy admiring the views of Dundee from the other side of the Tay Bridge. I enjoy the buzz from the West End and the Cultural Quarter and the diversity of the people you meet here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I took part in Dundee's 48 hour film competition in 2012, which was an amazing opportunity to meet new people from different creative industries
<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> Jute, jam and journalism made Dundee, so they said in school. The real hidden secret though is the people, they make it! And, the Highland cows on the way in, the DCA, the University, the Beano, the Tay, McGonagall's poems &amp; the V&amp;A one day! It's a hidden hub of creativity. Go Dundee!
<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> Reading Rooms in Dundee - different from everywhere in the city, hidden gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rama Thai restaurant is wonderful as is Parlour Cafe and the city is vegetarian/vegan friendly compared to most, especially of this size.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has gone through an incredible creative regeneration. With the imminent arrival of V&amp;A, the refurbishment of McManus and a flourishing dance community, the city has an abundance of creativity. It's already a City of Discovery. A city ready and well poised to further discover it's creative future. Bring on the City of Culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a real and loveable second home to many students, like myself, who study here. I am in my second year at University here and I am still discovering new parts of Dundee and the countryside surrounding it. The view points particularly over the Tay from near the observatory at sun down are absolutely stunning and is one of my favourite places to be. There are many inspiring lecturers and mentors attached to the universities which make me proud to say that I am spending my student life here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most sunny city in Scotland has a lot to offer. Great walks, great pubs and a small enough city to walk from one end to the other and at least seeing one person to wave at.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Brought Ferry on a summers day is my favourite place in Europe. Lively bars and cafés, a beautiful beach and great views. Culture is something that attracts people. Seeing the ferry in summer certainly does that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> having lived in the city off and on for sixty years, the Dundee of today is evolving into a modern 21st century city. Twenty years ago, that seemed unbelievable....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The distinctive Dundonian language celebrated in the songs of Michael Marra and the performance poetry of Mark Thompson.
<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> 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> A treasure trove of culture and history - Verdant Works, Discovery Point, McManus Galleries, DCA, Mills Observatory etc. Then there is Boughty Ferry with it's castle, sea front, fauna, interesting shops, restaurants and character. Journey on the train across the rail bridge on a visit to Dundee and be amazed at the beautiful view of river and shore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's such a lot happening in Dundee.
You'd be surprised at the wide range of events taking place throughout the year.
<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> we have the closest 2 football teams in the world. and dundee united are the only team in europe to have beaten barcelona everytime that we have played them in europe
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great bars springing up in the west end, fantastic cafes. the stunning views of the river and bridges that change daily
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's setting is utterly stunning, its history is fascinating, its people warm, friendly and honest. From art galleries to community theatre, Dundee's cultural scene is growing and blossoming. What a fantastic choice Dundee would be for City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a village within a city. Everything is accessible, landmarks are visible and social connections are easily made. The stunning geography of a city south facing to the river makes navigation easy and provides for some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You'll not find these assets in any other Scottish city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's aspect, the river, its bridges, the weather, but most of all its friendly and talented people.....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having spent 12 years working in Dundee, I was constantly amazed at the friendliness &amp; generosity of the school community of Ss. Peter &amp; Paul's Primary School.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As far as cities go, everything's here - niche boutiques, lively coffee shops, young fashion retailers, award winning shopping centres, two universities - it's so vibrant, and that's what makes our city flourish. If you are lucky enough to live and work in Dundee then wherever you go it will stay with you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the whale oil an' the stoor

it's in the blood - way down
in the depth and the darkness of our river
you can feel it coming in
like a distant whispering in the wind
blowing in wi' the haar from the north east

it's in the sweep of the girders that cross the Tay
over the wide expanse of water

it's in the re built bridge that took us forward
to the re discovery

it's deep down
with the feeling of pride
in the building of ships
for the whalers
in the hard grey dockyards along the water's edge

the ships that connected us
with the world beyond
and reached out
to the furthest away places on earth
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The red squirrels of Camperdown Park
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's hidden gem - its setting is sublime (the river seen from any of the city's hills never fails to stir the imagination), its people are warm and welcoming, and it has, historically, punched well above its weight as a centre of creativity and culture. No other city is more deserving of the 'City of Culture' award.
<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.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The climbing wall in the church-I think it surprises most of the people coming from continental Europe.
But what I like about Dundee the most is the international environment, especially within the College of Life Sciences. We are a bunch of strangers gathered here from all around the world, and we really stick together, we are a family here, far away from home. I lived in Hungary and France before, but nowhere is as easy to find friends as it is in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee speaks for itself. Since those illustrious days, it's had its fair share of critics but deep down I believe the nay-sayers are envious of Dundee's determination to strive forwards and fulfil its undoubted potential. Viva la Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the greenest cities in the UK.Everywhere you go in Dundee there are parks, green spaces and trees.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love all our green spaces. They are so well kept and a wonderful way to clear your mind. Id also like to add that the litter collection folk do an amazing job. Our city is not a dirty one!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have looked out on the Tay all my life, now I have a view with the bridges in it now, I love that every day I look out the river changes. And it's even better from the top of the Law!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a small city...and yet full of surprises! It is a city of culture with culture hidden in every nook and cranny of the city. A hidden secret is the Dudhope Centre, Bharatiya Ashram which holds cultural events from around the world. They have the only Indian classical and Bollywood music and dance classes in the city and the group have performances all around the UK, particularly in Dundee. There are also Chinese and Indian lunch clubs, Bellydance and Martial arts classes which transform the Centre into a place where the creative buds are constantly buzzing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much going on just now - the city is on the up. New buildings, future landmarks and an energetic creative community will ensure the city is an exciting place for residents and visitors now and in the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - sunniest city in Scotland, fact!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the University and the views.
The huge variety of friendly, helpful people though out dundee, from all across the UK and Europe with a huge sense of community. The Internationally acclaimed university, ranking high in league tables from sciences and medicine to the arts at Duncan of Jordanstone. Finally the views over the Tay with the twin rail and road bridges, from Riverside or from the top of the Law hill, breathtaking and constantly changing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> right opposite the DUSA students union exist - down the little road to look out over the water. There is a little bench with te most amazing views out over the tay.

I found out on my garduation day that as we past my grandad proposed to my gran there - a very special place and one of my Dundee Uni memories!!
<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> In Novemeber, I was involved in, and attended the launch of Hayley Scanlan's first fashion collection. The event was at the McManus Galleries.

To see someone from here moving up and gradually becoming a global name in the world of fashion is great for Dundee. It shows the creative side of our city, which may be (unfairly) overshadowed by other which are more normally associated with the arts and creative industries. I.e. Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland and the usual ones south of the border.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two closest football stadia in the world. Smallest city to have had both clubs reach semi final of both European competitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Getting 300+ people routinely turning up to the University Saturday Evening Lectures. Topics range wide from Leonardo da Vinci to Cecil Beeton, Climbing Everest to Child Abuse. This wouldn't happen in London, nor (dare I say) Edinburgh!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The long history of the Trades of Dundee - the Three United Trades of Dundee and the Nine Incorporated Trades and their link with St Andrews Parish Church. The beautiful stained glass windows in that Church commemorating that link and the stained glass at the entrance to Ninewells Hospital again displaying the City's links with its historic Trades.
<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> The purple lights in the trees on Perth Road.

The DCA!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Artist Matt Stoke's award-winning film 'Long After Tonight' was part of DCA's Our Surroundings exhibition (2005). Matt filmed Northen Soul dancers from across the UK in St Salvadors chuch over two evenings. The result was breathtaking. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch it.
<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> Never has a more creative city hidden its talents so well. Whether it be artists, jewellery designers, photographers, fashion designers, writers, food producers or dancers, Dundee has it all and more. A Scottish Montmartre... I would say it's time for the rest of the United Kingdom to hear about this secret of a city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about the city is the wealth of local talent it houses. There are so many disciplines represented here from skateboarders to singers to artists to bakers and the humble Dundonian seems to want to out their talent in some way. Afraid perhaps to admit it's a damn fine city with great things to offer - they offer their expressive selves. Proud to be Dundonian!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How wonderfully friendly the people are and how good the university is!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is bursting full of creativity! Creative local businesses, creative ideas, creative art, creative music..........! Great buzz and everyone is excited about the future of Dundee! Proud to be a Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not only is Dundee full of culture (museums, eateries, art galleries etc) but it has a great music scene. It boasts 2 fantastic Universities a teaching hospital, dental hospital and a College delivering a vast array of courses. The gem for me is the Castle and beach of Broughty Ferry and our proximity to the Glens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Old buildings and multicultural environment
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My birthplace and although I have not lived in the UK for 32 years when I return it is still my home. I have watched it's development over the years and at times have shaken my head at decision made by the planners and council. That being said I believe the new development plans are on the right track. The town has always been extremely supportive of the culture of scotland and of its own heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful and quirky architecture, the Green Circular walking and cycle route and the (normally) drier weather than the West coast are some of my favourite things in the big village of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking down by the Tay on a sunny day lifts my spirit, even on a blustery day it is a good refreshing and scenic walk. The Agacan is a small gem of a restaurant. The city's football clubs are based in the same street, without any trouble. I also hold general sentimentality about my hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That the "green circular" cycling route is just 27 miles around the city, but in that relatively short boundary you can cycle along the banks of the beautiful river Tay, find yourself at Broughty Ferry Beach, cycle through two large parks (Caird Park &amp; Camperdown) and a number of smaller parks, pass a few local nature reserves, explore Templeton Woods and ride around the base of the Sidlaw Hills. It's great to live in a city that offers such diversity of green spaces on its doorstop and is easily accessible by bike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Both born and bred dundonians, and the people who have chosen to live here all have a great outlook and sense of community spirit which is great to be a part of.

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