We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Dundee has a group, event or club for just about anything you can imagine.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an extraordinary city. The genuine wealth of culture within the city is defined by the character of its people. This richness of character has offered exceptional music and art over many decades and continues to do so every year. Should Dundee be successful in this bid, the honour would be embraced with a very real and very true passion by it's people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Access to outdoor activities such as paddlesport, in both kayak and canoe. There are many clubs locally offering access to the sea, rivers and lochs in a number of canoe and kayak disciplines. Many of them on a voluntary basis and at minimal cost.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery.
The McMannus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the waterfont and views are incredible
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's where the heart is!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people and all the talks at the science museum there seems to something going on every day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The local creatives and talented musicians who seek to be noticed. We have a lot of talented individuals and groups in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The girls football leagues &amp; teams of all ages which play in Dundee and play team from the surrounding areas is a great opportunity for girls of all ages to improve and test their skills.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of independent, creative businesses springing up, collaborating and supporting each other - and organisations like Fleet Collective and Tin Roof which help make collaborations possible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a busker who frequents the Murraygate and High Street, who plays the harmonica better than anyone I've ever heard. He plays blues and the experience is even better when someone, a stranger, joins in to accompany on vocals, which happens quite often.
<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> The rich heritage that spans millennia, from the Balgarthno Stone Circle to hillfort ramparts on the Law, the Dark Stane Roundie, the De'il's Stane, King Alexander I and his Queen Sybilla living in Menzieshill in the 1100's, the many castles around and into the industrial era and the connections to the world via the river and railways. Some of which may be gone, but need never be forgotten.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The castle in Broughty Ferry. It houses a surprisingly strong collection of Scottish art - not what you'd expect from a pretty random tower by the beach!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Community spirit is really coming back.  Great groups/sessions in Finmill Community  Centre and Whitfield Community Centre.  Also Skillshare.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was Scotland's second city for over 200 years and by area had Scotland's largest medieval city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After moving here 2.5 years ago, its great to be in a city that seems to be refusing to stand still &amp; is working to secure itself as one of the leading 'creative' cities in the UK outside of the capitals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I know where I am here, I'm comfortable, and although it can be annoying, it is quite a beautiful place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Creative and inventive people, with great sense of community and pride in the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has everything we need in terms of culture: we have the DCA with it's exhibitions and workshops and the cinema which brings films not always shown at Cineworld. Both cinema's have regular showings of live opera from the Met, and cineworld had regular showings of big rock bands. Soon we will have the V&amp;A which I'm so looking forward to.

In terms of leisure we have a brand new swimming pool opening soon, and Dundee has two major league football clubs and several amatuer clubs. There are many great places to eat like Marco Polo in the centre of town and several Indian and Turkish restaraunt up the Perth Road. There are many places to drop in for coffee and home made food like the wonderful T An Cake (not sure I've spelled that right) There is also a wide variety of shops including tradtional shops like Braithwaites who are sellers of teas and coffees from around the world.

Last, but not least, is the setting of the city itself: there are many green spaces with Camperdown Park as the main place to go for a picnic and a stroll, there are the walks along the Riverside, and there are the beautiful beaches at Broughty Ferry....and beyond, the coastal scenery going toward Monifeith and Carnoustie.

I came to Dundee 25 years ago to College and much has changed in the city since, except it's friendliness and welcome of the outsider. With the two universities and colleges and the Duncan of Jordanston School of Art, Dundee is a cosmapolitan city, with students from around the world and Indian, Pakistani, Polish and Romanian folk settling in the city and rubbing along together very well. Dundee has many churches; a beautiful mosque and a Sihk Gudwarra. This melting pot gives the city it's richness and expansiveness.

I now live across the water in Fife but feel Dundee is my city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a lot crammed into this compact city. It doesn't seem to matter what is achieved in Dundee, there is a sense of constantly striving forward. Dundee is vibrant cultural hub with an industrial past, which reflects the positivity of the welcoming people who live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm in Oslo today.. for some reason I found myself telling people about mcgonagle's 'silvery tay' and how you can read the poem as you walk along the riverside. I miss Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite being stuck in between oil rich Aberdeen and tourist attraction Edinburgh the people of Dundee continue to forge ahead in transforming the city from an old industrial one to one of high-tech business, excellent education and an arts, and culture scene that is becoming more tourist and citizen friendly every day, regardless of boom and bust economics.
While proud of our heritage, the people of Dundee continue to focus on their future, making it a better and brighter place for tomorrow.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where you can go for a walk in the hills in the morning, enjoy the beach in the afternoon, and then recharge yourself with a great meal and drink before catching some live music or a play in the evening. Everything is so accessible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of raw talent this city possesses. Eh Write! writing group at Fintry Community Centre, Voices in Harmony singing group at Whitfield Activity Centre, Art Class at Panmurefield village Church. Ordinary citizens with extraordinary skills and abilities being/needing encouraged. Becoming UK city of Culture 2017 will hopefully draw out and highlight these hidden gems. They are there - they only need to be uncovered !!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The open attitude toward change and bringing culture into the city. Not many cities see culture as an important aspect of social life. People in Dundee are excited about change rather than being grumpy about even hearing that something new might happen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was the place where I learned how to be a designer and how to think about my future. I work all over the world and take Duncan of Jordanstone everywhere I go. The scenery takes my breath away and it has a sense of opportunity in the air. I'm proud of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the locals has got to be listed as one of Dundee's best assets. Anytime I come home from Australia the welcome mat is rolled out. Good luck with your bid!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city of Dance - Its a well kept secret! So many fantastic dancers have came from their or have came to Dundee to dance. Even though I moved away from Dundee I still come home and will always find a dance class of some sort.  I've got to thank my first dance teacher - Emma Preston who made me love dance! And she also inspired many other Dundonians as well!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way Dundee is situated next to the River Tay. It is different everyday. You can see a seal bobbing along or an oil platform being towed out to sea. It also gives great views when you're higher up in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very friendly and Dundee is like a large village with many hidden features that you keep on finding the more you explore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is forward thinking in their ideas about what is best for the city. The work on the river front has been a great change for the aesthetics of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No Body's Fool..... Dundee is the peoples city. Bordering now on all sides by Dundee relocaters Inclduing heading up the coast to Monifieth and beyond....invergowrie and Inchture and beyond including Newport, Tayport and St Andrews. Dundee has a great surrounding of People offering artisan, cultural and musical ideas and delivering something special for and too our City.
To me Dundee has it all .....too small to be a big shot and so different that you canna forget her!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have been in Dundee for over two years now and we love it. The Tay is by far my favourite part of Dundee, I enjoy how it changes from day to day, such a beautiful sight. Dundonians are a friendly bunch and we have always felt very welcome here. We even had our baby here, and I feel Dundee is a good place to raise a child. Also, the art scene here is incredible, there is always so much going on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of people prepared to climb mountains, do hikes, runs, and just about anything to raise monies for charities.
<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> It's that Dundee isn't better known for the wonderful place that it is. Outsiders dwell on the negatives about the city but the reality is that that we are a small city with a thriving creative and artistic scene coupled with a surprising smattering of the high tech. And I love that our most famous statues are of cartoon characters!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I've come back to Art College (DJCAD) as a pensioner to do a Masters in Fine Art and discovering a wonderful city, rich in history and a vibrant art scene. Warm and wonderful folk
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I believe that Dundee has so much history and plays an important part in other countries throughout the world with its contribution to science, technology and the arts throughout the years and continues to do so today. With recent community development/regeneration, I am impressed that we are still incorporating our history in to modern design. Well Done Dundee!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are wonderful and the place is absolutely smashing
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place is the Dundee Contemporary Art Centre, a cultural gem!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design continues to 'fleh heh' as one of Britain's Top 5 art schools, but paradoxically remains a hidden gem, both locally and nationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All you have to do in Dundee is look up. The architecture and features are amazing at rooftop level. Amazing buildings too...Morgan Academy, Caird Hal &amp; many more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's something very human about Dundee. A grey mass of stone and concrete which is filled with people going about their lives. It's the minimum viable city.
<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> 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> I moved away 14 years ago, just moved back to the area, what a difference. So multicultural and diverse with some great redevelopment of stale and uninspiring buildings making Dundee a city to be proud of again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Beano Comics! Knowing they are published by D. C. Thomson, a Dundee publishing company makes each and every annual/comic given to me by my grandparents that little bit more special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the Tay.  We have a outstanding feature that most other Scottish cities do not have.
<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> It's the Disco capital of the UK!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over the last couple of decades Dundee has become a hub of creativity, not perhaps something which those not familiar with the city would realise immediately. There are exhibitions and arts events and festivals throughout the year ranging from the DJCAD degree show in May to the Light Night in November.
Dundee being a compact city, everything is accessible
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's gritty determination. It's a city that just won't back down, always looking forward and has a belief in itself.
And the best fish suppers can be had at The Silvery Tay in Menzieshill!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Dundee is going through a massive cultural shift and it is amazing how much fellow Dundonians are behind this. The people of the City want Dundee to be the best it possibly can be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving to Broughty Ferry on a Winter evening and parking the car facing the Tay. One red, and one white pudding supper takeaway and back to the car. Sitting in the warmth watching the lights of Newport and Tayport reflected in the calm black water. Looking at the cars on either side and the same ritual is taking place, A line of parked Dundonians chomping on their suppers looking out across the river ... fine dining and romance Dundee style.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best university volleyball club. Almost 30 different nationalities at the University of Dundee Volleyball club.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unless you are from Dundee you might not always see it's name as being synonymous with music. You might struggle to hear the music in our accents and language. But when I think of home, I think of music. I grew up with a litany of bands past and present. I spent my weekends in bars and clubs seeing live bands. Dundee reeks of music, it's in the very stones. Songs have got us through hard times and good times. From a pakced out gig Blues Bonanza to a house party with a guitar it's who we are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How rapidly Dundee is charging forward.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Verdant Works is a hidden gem. The volunteers are fantastic and have a welath of knowledge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Gardyne Theatre is a joy! Have been to The agony and ecstasy of Steve Jobs and an Audience with Jenni Murray in the past two weeks, both marvellous and so different.
It's a jewel of a place and more people need to find out about it .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My partner and myself, have just returned from a wonderful week on holiday in Dundee.
We were delighted to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the vibrancy, and the optimism of the Dundee people.
The Macmanus galleries were an absolute pleasure.
There was an exhibition of photography showing the work
of a Scottish photographer, capturing the pop music heritage of Scotland.
Our 'Hidden Treasure' was finding the oldest floating warship HMS Unicorn!
Set in the some of the worlds most magnificent scenery, Dundee, and its people have won our hearts.
We both cannot wait to visit Dundee again.. and soon.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The team and young people at Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee city centre - amazing, top quality youthwork going on. It's like a family. Also the wee garden in the middle of Perth Road, opposite the university, with the miniature bandstand. The flowers are always lovely and the view is brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No matter where one lives in Dundee, a view of the silvery Tay is very close. The river Tay is like a woman - ever interesting, ever questioning, ever fascinating. To see the seals on the sandbanks, when the tide is low, and to watch the bottle-nose dolphins leap and play, early on a summer's evening is an unforgettable joy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry has to be Dundee's best kept secret. Great beaches, great restaurants. It has a castle for christ's sake! ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I come from Christchurch, New Zealand though I have lived in Dundee for nearly 15 years now. On its journey to Antarctica the RRS Discovery stopped at Lyttleton, New Zealand which is just over the hill from Christchurch. I think there are few places in the world that I could choose to live in that would take me so far away from home however even here there are strong ties. Dundee has such rich cultural diversity which is not what most people expect - my daughter’s nursery school has children from over 26 nationalities!! One Dundee, Many Cultures.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the history alone bounces dundee right out there, everytime I come home to Dundee the look changes for the better
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Council&#039;s Housing Support Team.
We are still fairly unknown even by our tenants but can help with a wide range of problems to do with people&#039;s tenancies
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is a hidden gem in the heart of Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I came here as a student in 2006 and never left. It has every thing you could want, the DCA is brilliant with it's mix of cinema, art and educational resources. The REP is one of the best theatres in the country. There are nice places to eat, places to shop and the beach is only a short ride away. One of my favorite places in Dundee is the Howff cemetery. If you have had a busy day is a peaceful place to have a coffee and read a book.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderfully vibrant city. It doesn't try to compete with Edinburgh or Glasgow. It's a perfect size - with a great big personality. I've lived here all my life and love it. The regeneration of Dundee waterfront is so exciting. The people are wonderful and inspire me everyday.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fantastic city! I'm proud to be brought up in Dundee. The city has loads of culture, we are getting the V&amp;A which only London has, we are getting a £1 billion project on the mouth of the Tay and we are home to one of the greatest comic book series in the UK

I love Dundee and I think we should earn the 2017 City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Old Mill Snooker club in the city is a hidden gem where the full spectrum of Dundee citizens can be found in a friendly environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have been coming to Dundee since my students days in the 1980's. My favourite places still include Sunrise from the Law, seeing the city from the Tay Bridge, arriving by train along the river with the Tay silvery in winter sunlight. More recently the upgrading around The McManus gallery and the quality of exhibitions it attracts - I have a particular soft spot for this part of the city as My 5 * Great-Grandfather has a statue there and I recently found out that it was partly funded by the people he employed - inspirational at the time?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such an interesting history but it also has a very interesting future! I've lived here all my life and don't think I've ever been happier in Dundee than I am right now. Dundee has recently been recognised as a new Destination in the world of Jewellery. everyone knows of the three J's, maybe it's time to add a fourth?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden away and oft underrated Dundee is a really beautiful city with a huge amount going on for its size. The Tin Roof which from the outside looks like an abandoned warehouse is actually a studio which holds some awesome galleries and exhibitions, with live music, food, drink and bonfires which give it a vibrant festival atmosphere in the middle of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty that is Debbie Mcleod.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a relative newcomer to Dundee, I had no idea there was so much going on here. There are so many creative people, so many exciting new projects, and there's so much to explore. Quite inspiring for a small place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> At 18 I came to Dundee to rule it out as a uni option. I quickly got lost, where (in the pouring rain) a woman went out of her way and escorted me to the nearest bus stop for Ninewells. That was 1986. I am from Edinburgh. Dundee just felt right, its people with their strange accents are uber-friendly, and I have been here ever since. Dundee is now home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful green spaces especially Baxter Park in the middle if a city.
Friendly people and great amenities.
Always sunny.
<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 people of Dundee never stop surprising me. One of our biggest assets are our people. Our people are friendly, kind, caring, funny and adaptable. x
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a friendly city, and everything is easy to reach, as it is a small city. the Kingsway is a lovely road with all the flowers and plants. Dundee also has a lot of open park areas, and lots of trees.
<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> 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> dundee roller girls great bunch i just joined, the theatres the dca my daughter loves going to the art shows, the universities diverse people you meet
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Impromptu carol concert on the last bus home round Christmas time. Everyone a little tipsy but in a good natured way. One woman started to sing and before you knew it, everyone was singing along. Fantastic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the combination of rootedness in its past with a progressive forward thinking attitude towards the future.

Dundee is enjoying a renaissance &amp; there are lots of exciting things happening in the city. From the amazing waterfront transformation to the exciting world class science &amp; medicine in the city linked to Dundee University. This learning city has 2 universities and Abertay is a trailblazer in computer games among other areas.

The 'cultural quarter', the creative energy, and the depth of all kinds of artistic expression in the city attracted the V&amp;A to choose Dundee above all other cities in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city full of quirks and quirkiness. I think there are more quirks per head of population than anywhere else I know! Yet its hard to put my finger on it. There's a quirky humour, quirky attitudes, quirky language, quirky culture, quirky history - in fact its just DIFFERENT. There's always a surprise just around the corner waiting to smack you right in the pus (excuse the quirky Dundee vernacular!). And that's what makes Dundee a wee bit special
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a masters degree student: the inclusiveness, fairness and friendly international climate within the University of Dundee.

As an experienced Latin American knowledge entrepreneur, the quietness of the city that helped me revisit my professional goals in life.
<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> Its really come on since I lived there until 2007.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovative way Broughty Ferry named it's beaches. The sandy beach, the stony beach, and the best one, the grassy beach. Brilliant!
<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> After living in Dundee for over 30years the river continues to delight me. You can see it at the same time every day and it is never the same, weather , tide, time of year and light. It is so much an integral part of the city yet sets the city off. To the landward side of Dundee there are fantastic walks in the Sidlaws. Living in Dundee gives you the advantages of a city yet within 30 minutes drive you are in lovely countryside. An incredible combination.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving across the Tay Bridge, Dundee is a beautiful sight. It is a vibrant, friendly city with great community spirit.
<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> My girlfriend was getting the train from Leeds to Dundee. The conductor was Dundonian, and when he processed her ticket, he remarked "City of the Gods". Both pride and wit are at the heart of this city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love how Dundee has a strong social history and culture - from the women in the mill to the "hecklers" and the beginnings of the unions.
I feel this strong cultural identity is preserved and carried forward today and built upon by the people of the city nowadays... maybe not in an "In your face way" but in a quiet and assured way that directly affects real peoples lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness. West End. MacManus Galleries. Dundee Contemporary Arts. Overgate Centre. V&amp;A. University of Dundee. Tay Estuary. Riverside. Broughty Ferry. Tentsmuir Beach. Even with all these, the layering of local people, visitors, students, businesses and a quiet ambition makes Dundee a culturally rich place to live. Help us give the city even greater depth in 2017.
<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> The beautiful Broughty Ferry beach.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After more than a decade in Cambridge, I moved to Dundee on Sep 2013. I was reluctant at first, however its quirky charm has fascinated me. It is a welcoming place where people on the street greats you when you pass by, where the sharing of arts and human intellect is in the air. The breathtaking views, the DCA, the McManus, the discovery point, the multitude of independent coffees and restaurants, the vibrant atmosphere, the fresh and buzzing confidence of the waterfront redevelopment. Dundee is a unique place, to me culture is all around.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated beside the seaside and the Sidlaw Hills. Take the children to Broughty Ferry, build sandcastles, paddle, spot the dolphins, watch the busy Sand Martins, take a stroll through Barnhill Rock Garden. Take them into the city to sample the wonderful parks, Camperdown with its children's zoo and play area. Dudhope Park with its Castle and Skateboard Park, Baxter Park, Victoria Park, Caird Park the list goes on. Climb the Law and see the magnificent bridges and the views of the Kingdom of Fife. Head into the Sidlaw Hills for rambling. There's plenty to see and do in and around Dundee. Come visit and see for yourself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has many cultural assets but none richer or more surprising than its people. Resilient, honest and acute in their analysis of events, cultural phenomena and ephemera that impress themselves, so urgently, upon less doubtful populations, their creativity is all the more authentic as a result.
Expressed through a distinctive dialect, Dundee wit is like a silk lining on a coat made of jute. It can be rough but is ultimately comforting and made of the finest material. Dundee is changing but let's hope we keep the essence of what makes Dundee the place it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My parents lived in Dundee just before I was born, but they still took me to the wonderful city often to visit old friends and enjoy the culture. My best memories are from the Contemporary Arts centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is an architecture lover's paradise! The past wealth of the city is clear to see in the architectural beauty of so many buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of wonderful collaborations. It's a rare City where events are discussed and shared between venues. The McManus, The Rep, Sensation, the University, The DCA... and soon the V&amp;A might spearhead events in the city but there are so many other venues that are engaging locals and visitors. There is always something going on!

:)

×