We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

There is that moment when you are on a train coming North when you come round the corner of the track just before the bridge and see the city panorama. Gets me every single time I do it!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is incredible to see this City growing and thriving on all the support it is currently receiving. Long may it last.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city on the east coast of Scotland, but with the most fantastic sunsets! Stand at the top of Ninewells Avenue when the tide is out and enjoy the amazing views of an almost empty River Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always blown me away. From the first time I came to look round DJCAD as a hopeful student-to-be in 1994, this sunshine city floored me with it’s warm, genuine, open and friendly nature. During my time in the City I have witnessed several rebirths of it’s landscape; from the pedestrianisation of the City Centre, the demolition of the Nethergate Centre, the transformation of residential areas such as the Ardler Village development, and the opening of the DCA in 1999. It has a determined spirit to change and progress and look to the future. Dundee’s renaissance is seemingly unstoppable. It’s driving force, the folk that make up the Dee’s colourful landscape are gritty, determined, creative, edgy and hopeful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a small city - can feel like a village, in social terms, but with everything a city should have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, my home city, always has something new to offer, after 30 years here im still finding new things to do and see. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, as part of the University of Dundee, is ranked among the top art colleges in the UK for research, and led the country in student satisfaction surveys. As a testament to the quality of Education provided at DJCAD, its students have won more awards at the London New Designers exhibition than students from any other institution in the UK for two consecutive years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm looking forward to visiting later this week, up from Yorkshire. Can't wait to visit the most fantastic cafe, Jessie's Kitchen, a real hidden gem. Wonderful cakes and drinks with a wonderful view over the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> everything
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spirit of creative collaboration; people are interested, helpful and open to working together on new ideas.
<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> The creativity and diversity. It's wonderful to see different backgrounds all come together to create a positive vibe around the city, not to mention the effect this has on the growing arts scene here. There's a real positive attitude here amongst the people that makes Dundee an attractive city to be in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's Jute Museum at Verdant works.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the best waterfronts in Europe, which is about to be renewed and enhanced - Dundee is on the brink of reinventing itself - from rich industrial history to creative, scientific and cultural future! More than 800 years in the making... Exciting times that I'm proud to be a part of!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee 's friendly locals, its beautiful setting on the Tay, its stunning architecture, sunshine and outstanding art school all drew me to the city which I now call home. The passion and talent of Dundee's creative community and the various organisations that support it, with my particular favorite being Vanilla Ink Studios, have continued to surprise me, with their commitment and determination, inspiring and motiving me in my own practice. Dundee creatives are putting this great city on the map, and well, you may be surprised, but I'm not! :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not always known for its architecture there are some amazing traditional built features. I moved to the the city with my family 18 years ago and the first night I was walking in the city centre and turned a corner and stopped in my tracks, struck by the most amazing built features. I had to stop and sit on a wall and time disappeared. This was very unusual thing for me - not something I am prone to doing. I revisit that spot often. One of my Dundee happy places :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a surprisingly large African community in Dundee. And with that brings a whole new culture, especially food, clothing and genre of music which I love - Afrobeats, dancehall, soca, hip hop and rnb. The good thing is that everyone has an open mind and are willing to try anything.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Modern architechture mixes with old, a centre of excellence on so many fronts, new shopping facilities, a vibrant nightlife, a varied spread of cultural entertainment-what more could anyone ask for. Already very popular with university students and a safe environment for all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My husband is from Dundee. His pride in the city is so obvious whenever he talks of it. His passion when he talks about the music and history of the place (from Billy Mackenzie to to Cromwell's troops sacking the town in 1651!) makes me smile. A working class town that has always housed artists and dreamers and punched so far above it's weight when it comes to creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently moved to England it's lovely to hear people I meet speak about the Beano, as many members of my family worked at DC Thomson. I think it's amazing that the Beano and other comics are still so popular and loved on such a wide scale.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The real surprise is why Dundonians don't shout about the place more loudly. For it's size Dundee punches well above it's weight and the people are disarmingly modest about it. .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's part in the history of cinema through Peter Feathers, a film maker contemporary with George Melies, who screened his short films in Castle street. Google 'Railway Ride over the Tay Bridge (1897)'
<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> Dundonians themselves. When in the city talking to peers often they overlook the vibrancy, riches and uniqueness of what the City has to offer. The usp of the City and it's developing drivers is that: the City continually renews and evolves with the changing environ, no longer should the city be thought of as the City of Discovery and the 3 J's for Jute, Jam and Journalism, but that One City Many Discoveries, and the drive and development in sectors of bio medicines, digital media, renewables, developing culture - DCA, The McManus, Dundee Rep, the impending V&amp;A Dundee. With that said, take a Dundonian out of the City, and it is inspiring to hear how positive an ambassador they are for their beloved home City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Anytime i think i would rather live in a bigger more 'cosmopolitan' place, i visit The Ferry. Changes my mind every time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is often described as the world's biggest village and it's true. Everyone knows nearly everyone and if you don't, the old adage rings true that strangers are friends we've yet to make! I no longer live in Dundee but I miss the place heaps - unlike most people I know who have left their home towns &amp; don't look back. Dundee's community education is revered throughout Scotland and outside of Dundee acknowledge them as leaders at the forefront of this sector. And it's not just education Dundee are leading the way in but science, medicine &amp; also the gaming industry, with even the infamous Banksy paying homage to Lemmings, an icon of an era, invented in Dundee... The city really is one of many discoveries :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative talent found at Art Angel. This is a centre for people with mental health difficulties to develop and expand their gifts in writing, painting and photography. It gives me an outlet and a lifestyle I could never have anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic architecture in the city centre - it is easy to just walk past without looking up and seeing the beautiful buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think that Dundee has one of the most beautiful locations for a city in the whole of the UK. The city's views over the River Tay never fail to make me stop and take a moment. The river brings a serenity to the city, it's like living in a vibrant seaside town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amazing ancient archaeology under our feet, just waiting to be discovered: the medieval burial grounds under the Auld Steeple; the mystery of the Bronze Age Balgarthno Stone Circle, and the McManus Galleries with their unique collection of Pictish monuments inspiring us to gaze into the past and wonder who? what? and why?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a distance-educated student of Dundee I was given tremendous support and warmth during my process to attain my Bachelors degree. The professors and entire staff that I dealt with both on-line and over the phone were patient, warm, understanding considerate. Always available for help and very bright people!
<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> The new breath of life by young, trendy businesses popping up to facilitate a fashion conscious dundee! Benjamin barker barber and shop, house of liberty, tiger Lilly boutique, Maggie's farm, missy lalas, hues, Rudy's rags....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich historic city with vibrant cultural and buisness sectors, has one of the best waterfronts in europe and comes alive at night with great friendly people - back the bid!! :-))
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Discovery Film Festival showcases a brilliant programme of films from around the world specifically children of all ages(even for the young at heart!) Hosted by DCA at the end of October for two weeks it offers an insight into the film industry with it's Youth Film Screen Weekend, workshops with a difference but most of all a unique and hugely enjoyable selection of films. Helping with the programme are a team of young film enthusiasts known as the Discovery Young Ambassadors. The festival brings young children and teens the very best of cinema as well as a great festival experience with its special events and the gallery exhibitions.
<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> The DCA, one of Dundee's many cultural gems
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A great place to study and reflect on beautiful Scotland. People are lovely and full of their history too. I back the bid.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The historical nuggets that are under our noses every day are amazing we just dont recognise them.. Dundee is steeped in history which is not only important to the local area but Scotland, Uk and internationally. It is about time the City was recognised for its cultural diversity and its potential as an international focus for artistic and industrial development.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich legacy of Scottish traditional music being played every week by local musicians at The Fisherman's Tavern in Broughty Ferry (on Thursdays) and Mennies (The Speedwell Bar) on the Perth Road(on Tuesdays). This community of local musicians also supports the Tayside Young Fiddlers and leaders like fiddler, Karen Hannah, and piper Kyle Howie, teach and organize traditional music concerts at The Dundee Library in the beautiful Wighton Heritage Centre http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/library/wighton. Scottish traditional music is strong in Dundee and led by young talented pipers, unusual in Scottish session culture which is often led by fiddlers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love United!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its an ah-mazing place to grow up in, even better to move away from but best and easier of all, to return to - little hard to break into but simple to recognise the warm rewarding wit, musical, artistic, academic attitude and talent of people, haphazardly grouped together, all working hard for themselves, each other, ourselves, creating our talented overlooked ambitious little city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are always new people to meet and connect with, there seems to be a continual flow of people coming into Dundee, some stay a month, a year or maybe 4 or more, and the city takes them all in. Though not born and bred in Dundee, I have done a lot of growing here; I moved to Dundee at 18, and 8 years later I am still exploring and discovering new streets, communities and people. As a student and then lecturer, most of my time has been centered at DJCAD, University of Dundee. The university often provides a reason for people to come to Dundee but the communities pre-existing (and yet to form) are the reason people care, contribute and continue talking about Dundee. For me, Dundee's hidden secret is its adaptability in itself and the people it hosts. It is not a perfect city, nor does it pretend to be, therefor people take on the challenge of shaping it, in turn shaping themselves. In this continual movement Dundee has witnessed many a success, and failure, but it (and the people it hosts) keeps on trying because that is the nature of the space and place it inhabits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me is the reaction people have when i say that from italy, I moved to Dundee, and LOVE it here! The city is modeled around students, there is always something to do for everyone and the music venues are fantastic! The 24h Bakery is a real hidden gem, but of course so are all the kind people that make living here a pleasure :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I feel Dundonians are very freindly and humour in the city is outstanding. Dundee has a very large and home grown music sceen. Dundee is becoming the most modern and vibrant city in scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The excitement and anticipation I feel when I pass through what will be the new waterfront. It is like a flower waiting to burst into full bloom. I can't wait!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A wonderfully welcoming city for a visitor with fantastic views and a diverse entertainment scene, from the DCA with the wonderful food, exhibitions and films, to the Sensation which is a great day out for children and adults alike, and the Discovery which was a source of great delight to my son, especially the man in the sick bay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene! In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city continues to thrive in quality. We are not a city of quantity. We more than make use of the resources we have and we are a beautiful, scenic city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is small enough to produce a unique sense of humour and personality in its residents. Dundonians are without any doubt, the greatest asset to this city; friendly, welcoming and witty.
<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> Bridge FM - Dundee's hospital radio station at Ninewells. Excellent banter from local presenters.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its that no matter where you are if you want a bit of quite space you will always find a bit of greenway anywere in the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Agacan Perth Road been there for years or Zekis as it is know after the colourful artist owner , full of wonderful art , wonderful smells and wonderful food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Caird Hall was the place where I went to to escape from being homesick when I studied there. Beautiful music was always a way to forget my woes. The building itself was something to admire.
<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 seemingly endless stream of talent from the artschool.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has a wonderful welcoming warmth - built on its people, traditions and heritage and its developing future. There is something for everybody to be both pleased with and proud of. You are never bored with vibrant Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The more than 60 Dundonians who volunteered to go to Spain to fight for democracy and against fascism between 1936 and 1938 in the Spanish Civil War. The inspiring story of both those who volunteered to fight in, and those in Dundee who helped support the victims of, a conflict in a country of which they knew little, but whose outcome they felt to be crucial to their own lives. 17 Dundonians never returned by lie in Spanish soil. Mary Brooksbank imortalised then in her poem 'Graves in Spain'.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have this image of a group of people, one of them my wife, swimming across the Tay. They arrive, shivering and tired at Broughty Ferry Harbour and as they emerge a school of bottle-nosed dolphins barrels out to sea leaping and diving as if in salute. It sums up why we came and stayed. A plucky, generous place and people, succeeding against the odds and blessed with an incomparable natural setting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking along the front at Broughty Ferry or coming into Dundee by train across the rail bridge the views are stunning. The Tay is Dundee's least well kept secret and it's most important feature.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is my place of birth, i have lived here for 50 years! Born and raised the son of a policeman and a nurse who both worked all their days in this fine city! The Law overlooking the river Tay with its 2 magnificent bridges still to this day is my favourite view! My great grandfather fought at tel el kebir in the Sudan my grandfather policed the streets of dundee! Im a tutor at UNiversity of Dundee and im a proud Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Buzz around the city and the combined excitment about the waterfront no matter who people are.
<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> Apart from the obvious attractions, etc available in and around Dundee you just have to ask people who are not from Dundee, students , medical trainees, art students, what they think and why they want to stay, it is the warmth,humour and friendliness of dundonians which make this city inviting and a home, there is something for all ages in Dundee. From Invergowrie to Monifieth, from across the Tay from Fife there is easy access to all amenities and attractions, people want to come back to Dundee. With future plans e.g. the new train terminal, the museum ,waterfront redelopment Dundee moves on to the future and makes it even more attractive for locals and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Jute, jam and journalism - what I had been taught prior to becoming a student in the late 1960s - were replaced by the SNO, Scottish Country Dancing and Scotch when I left, graduating in 1973. Dundee was the first place in Scotland I ever visited and I still remember the vivid impression it made on me over 40 years later!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can be in stunning countryside within 15 minutes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many great things this small city has produced that have changed life for the btter not only in scotland but the world over
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the quintessence of quirkiness and that's why I love it. Independent bar Clarks on North Lindsay Street is my favourite place for a night out- a rare gem where people go to have a great time with friends and strangers alike, with good prices, excellent music and a genuinely friendly vibe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two universities, several college campuses and great schools. Dundee really is the City of Discovery!
<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> I had never visited Dundee before moving here for Art School in 2004. Since then I have made it my home. The best bit about Dundee is that it feels like a big village, you're always bumping into someone you know. Yet, as a city it has lots to do. The thriving cultural scene is rivalling Glasgow and Edinburgh and with all the new developments it will only get better. Once you get used to the Dundonian accent the people are great, so friendly and fun :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The law hill is a fantastic place to see the whole City
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee 3 times: in the early 70s, the early 80s and now since the early 2000s: physically, the city has been transformed and mostly for the better, with some glaring exceptions. But the people have not really changed - still as friendly, as awkward, as forthright, as loud as ever. They prove you don't have to go to glasgow for these sterling qualities. And the people, not the DCA, the Rep, the bridges, the Tay, the Law - all unique - , are what make the city.
<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> The scale and variety of world class activity that takes place in Dundee from cutting edge science to advanced digital media activity, from highbrow theatre and arts to community involvement in cultural activity. All that happening in a city where you can be on the beach in ten minutes, in the hills in twenty minutes and, if you must, skiing in around an hour. I came for three years and now have clocked up a quarter of a century. Why live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I LOVE DUNDEE !!
<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> history of the jute mills , history of the discovery. dundee REP theatre, and the scottish dance theatre the inspiration the ambition and the talent from all people involved so much happening in this small city !!! not to mention the DCA and McManus galleries just a few reasons of why i am backing DUNDEE :) Dundee might be a small city but it has BIG things happening... past , present and future!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's long history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What's really surprised me since moving to Dundee - after living in Edinburgh and Newcastle - is how easy it is to get a creative project off the ground. Want to find others with the skills to design a game, shoot a film, form a band, or start a creative business? Everyone is here in Dundee - and amazingly willing to help you. A lot has been said about Dundee's 'Goldilocks' size - not too big and not too small. Dundee is just the right size to make amazing creative things happen, whatever your skills, interests and ambitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of green spaces available. All on bus routes. For a city this size there are a lot of cultural things on offer as well as varied cost of housing to suit most budgets. Edinburgh and Glasgow are expensive but not tooo far away
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Many people forget that we have a lovely beach on our door step! I pick up after my dog so people should pick up after themselves and their children. Lets keep in lovely.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a wonderful very early painting hanging in Ninewells Hospital of a Dundee doctor - Dr David Kinloch (1560 - 1617) Written on a document he is holding are the words - "Life is short, Art is long, Opportunity is elusive, Experiment is dangerous, Judgement is difficult." How true!! &nbsp;
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its so friendly and the people are helpful and welcoming. beautiful location with lovely parks and beaches.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From it's unique cultural diversity to the well balanced synthesis between large-city and small community living, Dundee offers a unique balance which caters for everyone. Developed with environmental aesthetics in mind, the myriad of green spaces and waterways combine contemporary urban landscapes with more naturalised ones. The small hidden gems are plentiful with many unique shops, cafes, pubs and entertainment venues, representative of the eclectic nature of the city and it's residents.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Born in Dundee nearly 80 years ago. Educated and qualified in Medicine there. Proud of the way Dundee has moved forward over these, quite difficult, years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city; all the random, unexpected adventures it holds. The variety of characters you will meet, the memories, and feelings you will share. It's beauty especially down by the water overlooking across. An adventure like no other.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently worked with elderly pensioners in the city on a food project entitled 'Food as a Trigger for Memory'. The narratives of Dundee described by the people of Dundee was a very humbling experience. What was most striking for me was the sense of community that existed in Dundee. One woman explained that in her family on a Saturday if you worked you were given a Wallace's Bridie and if you didn't you were given a pie. Another pensioner could tell the time of day by the smells coming from Nicol's Bakery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is plenty to keep the kids occupied at little or no cost! From visiting The McManus Galleries to walks in Templeton Woods. Spending time at Camperdown Park with a visit to the Wildlife Centre for a very small charge. They can also expand their knowledge by visiting Dundee Science Centre or The Discovery. And there are plenty of nice cafes that are child friendly too!
<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> Dundee is an amazing city that continually re-invents itself - I've worked my 30 years career in the city's manufacturing community. We and I have experienced many major kicks in the teeth over the years however we always bounce back. We have so much innovation and creativity for a small city, it is truly staggering and it is actually world class. I know because I've seen it first hand and we need to tell the world how good we are. Technology and Engineering can be a beautiful thing and compliments a city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Working in Dundee I love the community feel, co-operation and support for all kinds of creative endeavours across the city. It is a warm, friendly place with a great sense of history and we are all ajust bout to rediscover that amazing Tay....oh, and local bears, Comet and Star, at Camperdown have a broch purpose-designed by international artist,Mark Dion who also featured their paw prints in one of his own print editions. Grrrrrrrrrr.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> such a lovely variety of things to see and do, indoors and outdoors - something for everyone!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Bringing someone who had never been before, I got to see things that I had always taken for granted in a new light. The sarcastic humour of the locals, the warm atmosphere of bars and restaurants, the surroundings of the city (which look as though they could have been designed as a stage set, particularly when coming over the bridge when it looks as though all the buildings of the city are facing forwards, eager to be seen) and the abundance of exhibitions and festivals. i was surprised that I hadn't noticed that Dundee could be so fascinating.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spend the week in the bustling city centre at the McManus Galleries or shopping in the Overgate and the weekend with the family at Camperdown Park or Discovery Quay. There is always something to do!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best friendships I've had have been those which constantly redefine themselves over a long period of time. That's the way I feel about Dundee. As someone who was born here, Dundee is a place that has meant a variety of different things for me as I have grown older particularly within the arts. The Dundee Schools music programme is a great way to get people involved in music from a young age, giving you the confidence to develop into a talented young adult. The music scene has always been fantastic, with places such as beat generator, putting on local talent and the recent programming of WestFest during the summer months this is something that continues to grow. Music is just one example of how Dundee thrives within the arts, we have the literary Festival, the science festival and a festival of shorts for designed purely for children. This is unique as far as I am aware. The talent is not just imported here from all over the globe, it also nurtured here, in the young which is extremely important.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What you can find just around the corner - from lovely old bars to the Discovery, from Universities to old schools, lovely old buildings to the modern - sitting side by side. Then theres the heritage - jute, jam and journalism - how diverse it that!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The architecture across the city is beautiful. From Morgan Academy (my personal favourite!) to Custom's House and the old D.R.I. They are stunning examples of design and construction!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the place I associate with vibrancy. The art college and university are places of excellence, and both have produced pioneers in their fields. The artistic community has a similar buzz which Glasgow had in the 1980s!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The language. A man called, rather shouted, snow - "SNA!". Amazing.
<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> The Women's History Walk taught me about Dundee women's long history of innovation, creativity and political struggle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art in such a small city, particularly visual art and theatre is of an amazingly high standard. There is a huge appetite for more and the City of Culture designation could really help this. It would tie in nicely with revamping the city centre which will make the city visually pleasing itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual Dundee Jazz &amp; 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> 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> Dundee has the aspirations of a larger city but the scale of a town. That scale fosters the feeling of community; whether in a cafe on the Perth Road or a pub in the city centre, a hike up Balgay Hill or a walk along the esplanade, you always bump into people you know or recognise faces you pass. Dundee is a Jeckyll and Hyde city with local Dundonians; their communities and institutions sharing the city alongside thousands of students with their bars and shops. You make up your mind which is Jeckyll and which, Hyde!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so impressive. Scenery and Science!! What a great place to learn, work and meet incredible people! I've loved my time here and I can't wait to see what the city will look like in 10 years time.....

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