We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Dundee is a very friendly and happy city with many multi-cultural aspects and people. From shopping to food you can normally find what you want somewhere close.

We love to look back at our history but also keep an eye on the future with new technologies.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love the rich history! :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The availblity of the arts for everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much history involved in any City but for me, Dundee is one of the most interesting. Being one of the first major City's to follow the French Revolution to fight for freedom, liberty and justice. With the most corrupt Provost in almost all of time Lord Provost Riddoch and not to mention the actual Tree of Liberty was thrown into a prison known as the Thief's hole! Being an Interior Design student and being able to take part in a live project which see's this Tree replanted is one of the many reasons I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The drama classes and workshops that the Rep Theatre offers - from young children to teenagers to adults and also for those with additional needs. We are so lucky in Dundee to have this - my friends in other cities are envious of what my kids have access to.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am a visually impaired musician born in Dundee. It is never short of amazing venus, and it has plenty of opportunities to hear some some amazing bands.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of talent that originates from home grown routes right here in the city and makes an impact both within the city and world wide. The potential and capability of the people is extremely inspiring and should challenge us all to work harder.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's west end on a summer evening has the feel of a vibrant area in a larger city. Magdalene green is so sunny and sociable it can be like being in any other european park of a sunny afternoon with people siesta-ing, walking their dogs, socialising, playing sports having barbeques. And theres hardly any traffic. Theres loads of events on related to the university whatever your interests are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is transforming itself in to a modern bright city for future generations to enjoy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> sunset in riverside.
from Roseangle road to alongside the train railway.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My attic studio is a great wee secret place, right in the center of the town with all the works going on around. There is a buzz going on all around here of unlimited potential, and Dundee has certainly provided me with the countless opportunities to practice my trade of conserving the cities archival heritage. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite thing is doing the penguin puppet show at the boat (Discovery). Katherine 4 and a half
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lively city minutes from sea, sand, hills and glens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it produces music of such diverse style, colour and excellence.

The Annual Dundee Blues Festival, brings acts from all over the world, giving the locals of Dundee a chance to experience the richness and culture of world class Blues music.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have an amazing memory of my grandparents house, Pitkerro House. It was the most amazing place when I was little. Every corner of the property was like being in wonderland and my grandparents where both amazing fun to be around. I only found out that my Grandad had bought and renovated the property after he passed away, but it amazed me how much love he had for the place and how it always buzzed when the whole family spent time together there. I miss those days.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of pride Dundonians have in their city is incredible! The Dundonian sense of humour stands apart from that of other cities. Everyone is so welcoming and makes time to speak to others. That's what makes the difference.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> went to dundee to see the leonardo exhibition. it was wonderful but I was surprised at how wonderful the city was also. go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&amp;A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!
<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> Dundee went into an industrial nosedive in the 1970s, which I remember well. After many painful years it has emerged as a vibrant university town humming with energy, youth and ideas. It is wonderful to see old jute mills converted to artists' studios, to visit a refurbished McManus, to eat at the DCA and the Rep. The waterfront project is well under way, as is a physic garden being constructed by volunteers at Ninewells. Energy is the word !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its attitude to change. Its growing at a fast pace. its the new up and coming place to be as a design student.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born &amp; bred in Dundee. I now live in Sydney, Australia but my heart will always be a true dundonian. The people are great, the city keeps growing and Dundee represents the future xx
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of domes, cupolas and extraordinary roof architecture if you raise your eyes and look at the tops of the buildings in the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I used to visit an auction centre nearby the University of Dundee, when I was a student there, back in 1996-1997. They auction all sort of things like jewellery, antique cameras, etc. I brought a couple of things there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I work with a group of ESOL learners at Dundee International Women's Centre. They never fail to bring a smile to my face when they say what a wonderful place Dundee is to live and how friendly and welcoming the people have been to them. I would like to share the voices of these women, who come from many different countries and many of whom now call Dundee home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The density of amateur theatrical groups in such a small area is amazing for one of Scotland's smaller cities. The nurturing that young people are given to participate in the performing arts through Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Dundee Schools Orchestra and Dundee Unuversity Music ensure the continuing breadth of involvement of the people of Dundee in the performing arts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place is the The West End, a vibrant neighbourhood with small craft shops, local food shops and cafes frequented by students and other residents. There are lovely views down Windsor strret across Magdalene Yard Green to the rail bridge across the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing cultural diversity of the local population, the student population, and the provision of music, drama, theatre, learning and leisure opportunities
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee from San Francisco, California to get a masters degree that is not offered anywhere else in the world: a Msc in Design Ethnography. Dundee has fostered such a creative and trail blazing thought culture that its university offers one of a kind degrees and attracts people from the worlds' creative cities to come and live and learn there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a hub of Indian culture at Heart Space Dundee offering Yoga. There are AMAZING practitioners capable of the impossible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view of the city from Fife - I always have that feeling of returning home. I could never imaging living anywhere else, I love the city &amp; its people. Dundee has reinvented itself in the past &amp; will do so again in the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a vibrant city where something is going on all the time....events vary from concerts, talks, lectures, balls , sports, festivals, nightlife, presentations , art, movies, galleries and exhibitions to parties.
Soon the V&amp;A will become the living room of the city so why not support Dundee for the City of culture 2017
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth of the people, it's such a friendly place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love watching the skaters in Dudhope Park (lamenting my complete lack of balance)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city where I have lived three exciting years as a PhD student. Cutting-edge science work, multinational friends, delicious christmas puddings, amazing landscape!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Roseangle gallery, art exhibitions at the Botanic gardens,the paintings in the new gallery on South Tay street, the beautiful jewellery at the DCA shop...the list goes on.So much talent and so much creativity in his town.As an outsider who emigrated toDundee from India in 2001,I have watched the city reinvent itself culturally.I love Dundee and I hope to never leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich industrial history with women working in the mills and their male folk staying at home boiling kettles and looking after the bairns
<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> Enjoying the views from the Top of the Tower Building cafe, (University of Dundee, main campus) and see how changes of the weather are reflected upon the city, the rooftops, the parks, the bridges and the river. And if you are lucky, this is prime location for spotting rainbows in the distance.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There was a bookshop once, new to Dundee, but boy was that place embraced. Attracted a really varied cross section of the region &amp; everybody got involved. It was only as it was closing that it really hit home how much it had become part of the cultural fabric of the city - in reality it was only bricks &amp; mortar, it was the PEOPLE who made it such a great hub.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that when you walk into any pub, you are guaranteed to find somebody you know or somebody that is worth knowing!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All dundee's public artwork. My favourites are desperate dan and the dragon. Also some of the buildings in dundee are beautiful like the McManus, the maggies centre and St. Paul's cathedral
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City has lovely walks down at riverside.
<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> It is a beautiful setting on a wonderfully rich estuary with the Law standing majestically over it like a jewel in a crown .

It is kith and kin, seat of ancestors and souls gone before, heart, warmth, fond memories, friends, and the dawning place of my family.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a technical educator at Dundee University's DJCAD, I'm amazed by the undergraduate student body who are - uniquely in the UK - so comfortable and adept at blending Art and Design skills with bleeding edge technologies. A great source of pride to those of us who guide them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has so much to offer from historic interests right through to creative arts (games design companies) whilst having two internationally recognised universities making the city known far and wide.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've come to this place to learn new skills and never planned to stay. That was about 8 years ago.

Ever since then this city has kept me fed, happy, working, learning, experiencing amazing new things, meeting great new people and not wanting to leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's rich heritage ... a century ago one of the most prosperous small cities in Europe ... the richness fading during my lifetime as two of our famous three J's - Jam, and Jute - disappeared ... five decades of recovering and building from such unanticipated adversity ... we have grown though all this ... and now ... about to reach for the stars ... 'If a man's reach can not exceed his grasp, then what's a heaven for' ... my city is ready ... to fully recover it's self esteem ... it will be a great day for Dundonians if City of Culture day dawns on the Tay ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed by the vibrancy of the arts community in and around Dundee. and feel proud to have many of these artists as my friends. I came to the area to restore a ruined Baronial castle to the north of the city, in an attempt to bring back built heritage from the brink. However. so impressed have I been with the artists in the area, I would love to make the castle a cultural centre as well ... perhaps for 2017?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Reading Rooms. Best venue in a 5-mile radius bringing great bands, DJs and nights to the city and supporting musicians, artists and everyone else. Catering for the underground in a funky old library that epitomises the redefinition of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Anyone lucky enough to see Gardyne's Land before it was turned into a Youth Hostel will know that Dundee was, once upon a time, a very influential city, not only in Scotland but Britain.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of investment being put into Dundee,is incredible! About time Dundee was given a boost, can't wait to see the finished waterfront. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been an outward looking city. We care about people and welcome everyone with open arms. My uncle fought in the Spanish civil war for people he had never met because, like many Dundee men, he felt he had to make a stand against evil.

I work all over the world. Everywhere I have ever been, the Scots are respected for their openness and friendliness, and I believe that Dundee personifies these virtues.

I am proud of my city and its culture. But I'm most proud to be one of its citizens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's attitude; fun and friendly with none of the pretence that you get from other cities. I think the thing I like most about Dundee is walking about, looking up and seeing some architecture that you missed before.
I love the Dundee accent, the building, the galleries, the pubs , the shops, the people, the history and heritage but most of all I love Groucho's second-hand record and CD store. Magic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee. I am a proud Dundonian and think my city deserves to be shown off to a wider audience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Language, vibe, situation
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having lived here for 4 years, I went out for a walk today and discovered a lot of lanes and back streets that I had never seen before. So many locals with great accents packed into little cafes. The city offers much more than this, one only has to look around to see that it a place rapidly changing for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love that it's cooler than everyone thinks when you dig a little deeper.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee 3 years ago I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by all the wonderful things on offer, I am now proud to call it my home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The stunning views across the Tay River are a delight.
Dundee's south facing sunny aspect - indeed the only city in Scotland to face South- is a secret bonus.
It has a "can do" attitude giving the City an air of quiet confidence, based on a rich and strong cultural heritage and identity, and a present day wealth in Education and Technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first was considering studying art at Dundee I took a train journey up for the open day. The conductor was horrible refused to accept my card and was very unhelpful when I asked what I could do as I had no money on me. A stranger sitting next to me offered to pay my fare and I could repay her when we got off at Dundee. Once we were in Dundee and I had given the money back she turned out to be an art student and took me to the art college! Dundee's friendliness inspires me!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Doesn't matter where you are or how many times you've been in a certain place but if you stop for a minute and have a good look there is always something that will surprise you and catch your eye about Dundee. Whether it be buildings or people it is an amazing city to be in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the trades
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly city with close links between the academic institutions and the city supporting the arts and and exciting scientific activities, especially in biological and medical sciences. Punching way above its weight!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee are the most generous and friendly people any where, and for all the bad press it gets there are hundreds of good people who get no press who do fab work ,the diversity of culture and creed never ceases to amaze me either,and the ability for other cultures to not only be welcomed in Dundee ,but to flourish should be recognised ,Oh not forgetting the Dandy and the Beano ...Oor Willie and the Broons fae Glebe street ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing view of the city as you walk over the bridge
I'm just checking in, come back soon!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How great the view is from the top of the Law
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great little place with a little bit of everything.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a perfect location. It is full of bright and talented people. It is constantly changing. It also invites new creativity to the city which keeps it vibrant and exciting. There is always something happening. It is a place I hold dear, keep coming back to and will never forget!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Glasgow for university in 2006. Having come from such a big city with a massive town centre, I spent the first wee while here moaning about how small it was and how there was nothing to do. Then I realised I hadn't really left the comfort of student halls. Once I went exploring I found out what a great city Dundee is, despite it's small size.

It has fantastic pubs and bars, good places to eat, great cinema, art and a pretty awesome local music scene.

I've come to love Dundee and 3 years after graduating - I'm still here!
<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> Broughty Ferry Beach, The Law Hill, The Perth Road, Magadelen Green, Camperdown Park, the friendleness of the people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magnificent St. Salvador's Church in the Hilltown is a little-known artistic and architectural gem - the only one of the famous Victorian church designer Bodley's churches in Scotland. Set in a challenging neighbourhood, it has extended its ministry of lavish worship and social action to the Hilltown for 150 years.
<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> Great international exhibitions
Beautiful Location
Small enough to get to know people
Fantastic university which develops new medical breakthroughs
Has great musians
Berths the 6th oldest boat in the world "The unicorn "
Berths Sir Captain Scotts Ship "The Discovery "
<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> For me it has everything I'd want in a city, good nightlife, restaurants, culture and shopping. It is also centrally positioned to the big two (Edinburgh and Glasgow) as well as ideally situated for my daily commute to Aberdeen for work. If the estuary could be dredged/lowered to allow easier (non-tidal) access for more offshore vessels and possibly build an offshore business hub on the harbour for oil and gas jobs it would indeed be perfect
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is best viewed from the top of a bus. The rooftops are amazing. Then climb to the top of the Law for wonderful views and aching legs. Approaching Dundee from any side makes you feel as though you are coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That you're never more than 6 feet away from a game developer.

And that there are so many opportunities for them to develop and flourish here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here for University in the summer, the friendliness of the locals and the incredible architecture has surprised me the most. Dundee boasts the most incredible scenery of any city in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> There's so much singing going on! There are loads of choirs in the city, formal and informal, singing so many different kinds of music - sacred choral, chamber music, Renaissance, Baroque, traditional Scottish, contemporary musicals, Gaelic - whatever you want to sing! Loadsaweeminsinging! (And men).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blue Sky Photo Club is run by an exceptional and inspirational young photographer, Ross Fraser McLean and operates out of DCA. Around 25 digital camera enthusiasts from semi professional to absolute beginners explore the artistic and technical challenges of the medium on a weekly basis. There are regular exhibitions in Roseangle Cafe Arts ( another hidden gem) in which members share and display their best work.
<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> Dundee is a fabulous city in the most stunning location in Europe. That's no surprise to those of us who have grown up here and still live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having returned to Dundee after 12 years I am constantly surprised it how Dundee has changed for the better. It has become an articulate and confident city, one that I am proud to say I come from.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> To me, the history of Dundee and surrounding area, going back centuries is just so rich and interesting and needs to be kept alive, although I do believe in more recent years the will and effort is there to do this. You only have to visit some of the local photo sites to read about the resiience and strength carried forward through very difficult times, from generation to generation. Of course, as in other cities there are problems, but again, the strength of the majority will make things better for the future. Nobody can deny the utter beauty of the surrounding landscape, just a stones through away....I think for the most part, anyone born and brought up in Dundee is blessd with an inner strength, passed down from those before, and also holds pride of the place we will always call "home".
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We all know about the Three J's, but I only recently found out there's a hidden and covered-over network of old rail tunnels crossing the town. 14 years of living here and I still find new surprises.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its labour history and political history is a deep and wonderful vein for a historian to study.
<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> People care. Culture Reflects that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry on a sunny day, the views of the Tay are spectacular and it's always nice having a castle!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came here over 30 years ago to go to University and loved it so much I stayed. I am now proud to call this my city and my home. So much has changed, so many amazing things to learn about - who knew the reverse gear was invented by a Dundee man and that Dundee woman once owned a huge tract of Texas?!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived out of this great City for 25 years, visit as often as I can, and now I'm heading home.

It's Dundee's time and I for one don't want to miss it. If any City deserves it's place in the world and recognition for it's contribution, for all manner of wonderful reasons, then here's my vote.

'Dundee is like a light across my heart' - Michael Marra.

This covers it for me.

Good luck Dundee. You deserve it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for years - in good times and in bad times. I have seen people struggle through periods of immense poverty and deprivation and yet been amazed at the way they have helped to change and rejuvenate the city - through their belief in the place and their determination . I remember the singer/songwriter Michael Marra as an inspirational voice of the people and "Witch's Blood" as an incredible example of a life changing community arts project that is still remember 26 years after it was produced'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee possess a good mix of enrgy, self-reliance, enthusiatiasm, community spirit and a certain toughness in the face of adversity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a friendly village feel with all the benfits of a big city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The stories my gran told me of her time in the jute mills will never be forgotten. What terrible conditions to work under, for very little pay. The hard times they lived through made the women of Dundee strong but humorous, and a real sense of family. My gran's, and her parents, philosophy on family has been passed down the generations to my own children. Dundonian and proud.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An English friend of mine lived in London and said he drank in his local for four years before the regulars spoke to him. He visited Dundee once, ended up in the Jimmy Shand of all places, and said he was sat at the bar ten minutes before being adopted as a native son. He loves Dundee and thinks the people are as friendly and welcoming as he's come across anywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The reinvention! I am in Australia, where the 'History Cold Case' series was recently shown on SBS, one of our free-to-air public broadcasters. And it was uplifting to see the work of Professor Sue Black and her colleagues. It really put Dundee onto the map!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The author of Frankenstien, Mary Godwin Shelley, holidayed in Dundee as a girl. She even mentions it in the introduction to her famous novel. A plaque marking the site of the cottage where she stayed is embedded in a building on the city's South Baffin Street off Broughty Ferry Road. This is just one of Dundee's literary claims to fame!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant and multi-cultured city. I love the areas around the west end of Dundee and the University. Beautiful gardens, quaint shops,lovely coffee shops, fantastic restaurants, theaters and exciting bars.

Dundee is an ever changing city, every time I go back to visit there are improvements and something new. There are always fantastic events going on. It is also a city rich in history, displayed at wonderful museums and easy to spot in the streets.

There really is something for everyone in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> little coffee shops with amazing homemade cakes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What has surprised me recently about Dundee and makes me proud to be a Dundee boy, is our ability to realize and act upon our ever growing potential as one of Britain's main culture hub's.

With things like the West Fest charitable community culture festival that kicks off on the 18th of May aboard HM Frigate Unicorn. The festival harnesses and celebrates our many unique talents and attributes as a tight nit society!

It is things like this that makes me and many others love my home city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mad amount of creative ideas that come out of a wee city in the North East of Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Stunning landscapes, amazingly friendly people, hidden gems such as Lundie Crags, great weather, diversity of talent from computing to biosciences, views over the Tay, free tennis!

:)

×