We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The Dundee I know and love is supercharged with passion, resilience, energy and enthusiasm. Whatever the endeavour – good, talented people come together from all sectors to get results and make a difference. Working together successfully is in our DNA and unleashes creativity and possibilities by the bucketload. Being UK City of Culture 2017 would be another great focus for the city’s ambitious regeneration. Dundee is a city of many wonderful discoveries. – prepare to be surprised, enraptured, inspired and fascinated!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from Canada and have visited Dundee a few times.
1-It is a wonderfully &amp; welcoming warm city.
2-It's people are quick to helpful, with a sense of humor that renews my soul.
3-They have the best fish &amp; chips in the whole world.
4-The city is beautiful and easy to get around.
5-The Law Hill is a highlight of my trips especially on the 1st day of summer.
6-If I could managed it I would immigrate to Dundee, as there is no where in the world that I would rather live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The humour and resilience of the people from Dundee. A sometimes self-depreciating fondness and pride of where we are from, despite the fact it has gone through some hard times Coming into Dundee from Fife, the city has a presence about it. Left 10 years ago, and would move back tomorrow if I could. And Goodfellows chocolate violets are my favourite thing in the world!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ok, I'll admit it, as an Aberdonian I always used to be a bit sniffy about Dundee, but when I returned to Scotland from down south I saw the city with new eyes. Dundee has got such a great arts and design culture, with the Rep, the DCA, the McManus, etc. providing fab opportunities to enjoy a variety of world-class shows and exhibitions. But the city remains people-friendly, and is a pleasure to wander through with all that really interesting architecture, new and old. The new buildings balance innovation and fitting in with their setting perfectly. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> love Dundee city!!! I live here not so long term, but I am pleasently surprised that people here are sooo friendly!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The "couthy-ness" of people here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of diversity and talent within Dundee's creative industries never ceases to amaze.
<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> The opportunities for such a wide range of music - for those who perform and those who prefer to sit and enjoy. There are amateur musical societies with professional standards, trad music in the Wighton at Central Library, folk music in pubs, groups for children bringing on the next generation, Dundee Schools Music Theatre showcasing incredible talent, Caird Hall as a tremendous venue - the Proms concerts broadcast across the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a non Dundonian I find the people very friendly to newcomers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One Cultural event that I really enjoyed taking part in was the city wide production of "Witches Blood 2". ( This was community theatre at it's best! ).

There is many more current examples of community theatre in Dundee, the production of "This Town" at the Verdant works being a another good example.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the home of comics. Not just The Beano and The Dandy, but has influenced artists, writers and talent, bringing great graphic novels to many.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How friendly the people are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am surprised at how many things there are to do in Dundee. Every day there are many options for cultural activities. The people here are also very friendly.
<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> There's a quiet spirit of determination, generosity and ambition found in Dundee that's positive and uplifting, but hard to find elsewhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was in my late teens (over a decade ago) when I discovered Grand Theft Auto had been designed and developed in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Multi cultural city that is very dynamic and go ahead.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the Magdalen Yard and its vast green garden. Also the DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts), its courses, the atmosphere in Jute's cafe, everything!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The miniature bandstand on the Perth Road
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing splendour of the Tay. Each time I cross the bridge the views are different. Sometimes the water is wild, rough and very dark. Other times it lives up to it's reputation as 'The Silvery Tay', mirror-like, flat calm and very beautiful. It is always changing, always spectacular.
<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> The rich amount of history. Walk off any Main Street and find something. Eg. Cemetery in centre of town, law hill, verdant works, unicorn, Tay bridge. Wherever you go there is history shaping the city,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think the judges would be surprised at the number of parks that are in Dundee City - Camperdown in particular is beautiful and has something for everyone. The McManus Gallery, Verdant Works, The Law and RSS Discovery are but a few attractions that are well worth a visit. Dundee City is not just grey buildings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City Council's Instrumental Music Service is an amazing programme. It educates pupils in musicianship and in performance of an instrument of their choice. The instructors are of the highest calibre, many of them having been professional performers, and pupils are actively encouraged to take part in ensembles. I, personally, have made my best friends. The service has shaped who I am as a person and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity it provided me with. It is definitely a 'hidden gem'.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a social and mobile games developer headquartered in the heart of Scotland's creative industry, we have been privileged to meet and work with some incredibly talented people. Whether industry professionals, graduates or students, we are continually blown away by the creative and innovative minds of Dundee's experienced and upcoming creative talent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student, I love the variety of bars and restaurants. The social aspect of the city is buzzing.

The sea front on a sun soaked day is outstanding.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at all the beautiful medieval buildings there are in Dundee-hidden jewels.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has inspired me to be everything i can be i live in Fife but attend university. The university of Abertay Dundee has helped me in my career to become a marketer thanks to the outstanding support through mentoring and teaching i have receive from DR Jason Turner the head of the marketing &amp; business programme at Abertay. I have met some tenacious and determined individuals who innovate and bring their business ideas to life with great support from Abertay. Thank you for inspiring me to be all i can be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's been surprising, but delightful, to notice how the city is regenerating itself. From the stunning rows of daffodils lining the roads into the city today, to the beautiful views along the river and the varied responses to economic growth, the city is a remarkable example of renewed confidence in itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a real and loveable second home to many students, like myself, who study here. I am in my second year at University here and I am still discovering new parts of Dundee and the countryside surrounding it. The view points particularly over the Tay from near the observatory at sun down are absolutely stunning and is one of my favourite places to be. There are many inspiring lecturers and mentors attached to the universities which make me proud to say that I am spending my student life here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the variety of spaces and buildings that are used to host events. Not just it's main venues, galleries, bars, clubs and coffee houses but everywhere from the walls of Benjamin Barker's barber shop to the deck of the Unicorn. It is a city full of innovation and creativity and would make a truly amazing UK city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back I find a new discovery - hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, castle ruins - within a stone's throw of the city centre.
<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 Universities and the Colleges with their unrelenting academic vibrancy amazes me and just blows my mind.  We are a city of Discovery and we discover something new every single day.  How fantastically magical is that?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful river views from the top of the Law, dolphin spotting down the Ferry and long woodland walks through Camperdown Park. Amazing place to bring up children!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic, thriving life sciences research at the University
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From Broughty Ferry to Discovery and the Law above - a blend of experiences with the River Tay shining through
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived away from Dundee for 5 years and every time i go home i see changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was proud to be leader of the council during the reopening of the McManus Galleries and also to see the beginnings of the waterfront development, both of which add significantly to Dundee's cultural landscape.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i'm amazed by the number of things to see. i didn't realise there was so much going on. the people have been really friendly to me.
<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> Dundee is a very clean city with no rubbish lying around. You can be sure that wherever in Dundee you choose to go for a walk whether it be in town or surrounding areas they are always clean and well cared for
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee for me will always be the place where I found love as my future husband hails from is glorious shores!

As an American who moved to Scotland 6 years ago, choosing to live in Dundee will always be one of my greatest decisions! Loved the university experience I got while there and the city will always have a place in my heart. It is a place that has seen so many changes over the years and is constantly working to improve and rejuvenate itself.

Little city with a big personality!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Museums - Discovery, McManus Gallery, and Verdant Works are all fantastic visitor attractions.
<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> For me this is about saying 'thank you' to a city that made me feel so welcome and has become home! And, for me, it's the hidden surprises that make Dundee so special; the enigmatic jute mills awaiting rescue, the seals on the sandbanks under the rail bridge, daffodils in The Howff in the spring; the lovingly tended parks and forestry.... All this and we still have so much to look forward to! The V&amp;A and the whole waterfront redevelopment - I can't wait!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that it is geographically ideal. Within 90 minutes of the other three major cities, 20 minutes to the Angus Glens and 20 minutes to St. Andrews. Experience the city, experience the countryside, experience the coast, experience the golf, experience Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Culture is more than just art, theatre and buildings it is also about history and social morals and I believe Dundee is second to none on these areas.
1777 Dundee Joseph Knight a “Negro” slave won his freedom from his master Wedderburn when he successfully argued that “slavery was not recognised by Scots Law and runaway slaves (or 'perpetual servants') could be protected by the courts, if they wished to leave domestic services or were resisting attempts to return them to slavery in the colonies”. This was in effect abolishing slavery 100 years before the UK Parliament.
Dundee also has Mary Slessor who moved from Aberdeen to Dundee at the age of 11, Lily walker and many many more who stood up against tyranny and injustice to change the political and moral culture of our city and our country to make it more caring and equal for all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Wighton Collection at Central Library is a wonderfully, rich and musically diverse hidden treasure which belongs to the city. This fantastic collection of books is priceless and provides the city with a magnificent musical resource.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Adhesive stamp &amp; Gardyne's Land. Merely 2 examples of our past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an American who spent several weeks in Dundee, I was especially surprised by the city's excellent institutions of higher education, the Dundee Rep, and the McManus. But the real hidden gem is the Dundee Contemporary Arts, where world-class art exhibits and independent films rival any one would find in a much larger city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The outdoor swimming club based at Broughty Ferry Pier "Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association" at 128 years old is, so I believe, the last remaining outdoors swimming club in the country. I love the history , the idea of it still going strong and I wish I was brave enough to join in. One day I will.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view walking or driving along Riverside, the water and rail bridge against different skies never fails to impress and I feel lucky to live here. Wee independent cafes on the Perth Road and city centre are my favourite hidden gems :) So excited to see how the city continues to develop in the years to come.
<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> The people, the city, its only 1hour away form the mountains, glens etc
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is ideally situated it is city but feels like a small knit community. It is situated on the river Tay but is surrounded by countryside making it a beautiful place all year round. Dundee is growing and full of surprises with a buzzing, arts, music, academic and sports scene that is going from strength to strength.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic little city, great energy and richness especially in young artistic community, tremendous sense of history diversity and investment in the future
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I leave Dundee, I think I'm done with it. I return grudgingly, only to realise that Dundee is not done with me. I rediscover lost pockets of memories. I discover hidden gems. I reconnect with old friends. I engage with new communities. Music, film, photography, games, animation, journalism, fine art... A city full of potential the world has yet to appreciate. It's time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The changes in the last 15 years... The skate factory becoming DCA, Generatorprojects from its inception to its Mid Wynd gallery, WASPS studios, McManus... The change from scary Perth Rd pubs like the Royal Piper and the Global Beer Company (under the Angus Hotel) to pleasant bars and cafes like the Parlour and the Art Bar.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just love my home town. No matter where I go, it doesn't live up to Dundee!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry beach, rock gardens, high street, castle are places worth visiting
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA Cinema has one of the richest programmes, you could imagine. From international to documentary, it's all good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee would be great as the city of culture 2017. The city is just packed with loads to do from its Rep Theatre, DCA, Macmanus Galleries or the fantastic shops and fine dining. Dundee has everything that the big cities have - all in one convenient, compact, clean, safe and extremely friendly (oh, and sunny) city.
Good luck!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that the city has the feeling of a town, but still has such great amenities. We have museums, universities, shops, restaurants, parks, etc all so close together; for visitors it's an ideal 'no hassle' place to come and explore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its friendliness and fun
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Loadsoweemensingin at the Rep Theatre!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic universities attracting great staff and producing top talent in a variety of fields.

Stunning setting -The views /sunsets along the Tay are beautiful and unique to this city.

The Mills observatory is the UK's only public observatory allowing people to learn and enjoy the night sky.

Dundee has great potential and is evolving for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has undergone so many changes over the years and is now finally heading in the right direction,the people are very proud of they,re city,and rightly so,
Dundee has many firsts,the first radio broadcast,the first place in the world to abolish slavery 55 years before any other city or town,many firsts in medicine,i could go on,take a bow Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved from a tiny town to dundee. A city my friends referred to as "scumdee" but to me it's now home. Every morning I look out my window and I can see the Tay, trees blooming in spring &amp; rarely but beautifully the sun shining. I love dundee and I love how it surprised me by comparing to my home town of Thurso.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the way they are re-developing the City's waterfront - traffic a serious pain however it will all be worth it in the end. Majority of Dundee citizens are kind and considerate people and are very generous with local charities as well as national ones, particularly Charlie Kean. The culture within the city is growing all the time which makes me proud to be a Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so easy to get around Dundee. It's big enough to be bold but small enough to be friendly. Dundee is Scotland's big village!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The parks and the people:

Inspiring.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> we have been working on an environmental and cultural project linked to the amazing Dighty Burn...oh...so many people interested in so many aspects of this area...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dawson Park ~ where everyone can go thru out the day and do their thang ~ dog walkers, ,joggers, runners, schoolchildren doing sports with their school, dog walkers, keen gardeners, after school hanging out, dog walkers, sports clubs ~ a great green place with good facilitles for everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee 14 years ago. I love the vibrancy, the events scene, the bars, the people, the overall creativity of this fantastic city. It has brought me life, family, friends and love.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the people :) the views :) the architecture :) the parks :) the air :) good hospitals :) beautiful Maggies Centre :) friendly and warm :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friends and relatives who have visited us and who have never seen Dundee before have been quite surprised at what Dundee has to offer when we have taken them around the City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For quite a small, old industrial city Dundee has so much to offer. From the indepedantly run gallery and cinema the DCA to the recently renovated McManus Gallery. There is also a whole host of events going on week to week in smaller venues such as the Generator projects and Tinroof... This place is alive with art and culture which I believe will continue to grow and grow
<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 the "green circular" cycling route is just 27 miles around the city, but in that relatively short boundary you can cycle along the banks of the beautiful river Tay, find yourself at Broughty Ferry Beach, cycle through two large parks (Caird Park &amp; Camperdown) and a number of smaller parks, pass a few local nature reserves, explore Templeton Woods and ride around the base of the Sidlaw Hills. It's great to live in a city that offers such diversity of green spaces on its doorstop and is easily accessible by bike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is so much more than its reputation would have you believe. It's a city with a beautiful setting on the banks of Scotland's longest river, with its multitude of vast green spaces and surrounding hills you almost feel like you're in the middle of the countryside in what is actually the most densely populated part of Scotland after central Glasgow. That sense permeates the city's friendly, accessible culture and first attracted this country boy to study here. That and the incredible strength of the University of Dundee. And the stunning sunsets over the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2 universities each prominent in its expertise draw in students and researchers from all over the world. These visitors bring the rich diversity of so many different cultures to the city and many become long term residents . Living in the West End I am constantly reminded of the cosmopolitan nature of Dundee in 2013 which was largely absent as I was growing up here.
<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> Spent three years in the city as a student in the 60s and loved it. Now come for cultural events eg at the Dundee rep thatre which we love. Always excited by the changes taking place while preserving some of the old haunts c.f .Hawkhead.
Nostalgia mixed with anticipation would describe my response to Dundee in 2013....well deserves City of Culture 2017. Incidentally 50 years since my graduation in Medicine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of Dundee's size there is a massive amout going on culturally and otherwise. The city is renowned for its medical teaching and innovative scientific research and also for the D of J college which produces some of the worlds finest artists. This, mixed with the ever evolving music scene makes Dundee a fantastic place to live and visit
<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 absolute electricity that flows through Dundee's music scene is one that will never be matched for authenticity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee sunsets are its secret, reflecting off the the river, within the sky and within the summer air enjoyed over a glass of wine enjoying friends company after a busy week in the beer garden at DCA or Dukes Corner or in your own garden. Dundee's a beautiful city with so much to offer but so often overlooked. Time to celebrate this wonderful place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its student friendliness and sunshine. I enjoy how many simple activities there are as well including walks and sites to see. The university is filled with nationalities and is a centre for culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the people and the continuing willingness to embrace what we have and promote it to the World!
<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> You find that the people who put Dundee down have never even been there! I love Dundee and the people of Dundee - they're absolutely straightforward and real. Couthie is the word for it. It's the 'biggest village' in Scotland - you can't walk through Dundee city centre without bumping into somebody you know, or at least seeing a few familiar faces and giving them a wee nod of recognition. Dundee's position on the Tay estuary is also one of the most beautiful settings of any city in Europe - come and see for yourself! (Carol Greig)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's interesting that many people who come here to study end up making a real effort to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from The Law, the hub of the City. Each view is like the spokes on a bike with different cultural experiences awaiting in every direction. The South to the city centre the bridges and beyond the Tay to Fife. The South East to the grassy beach and the delights of the Ferry, and the bombs and biodiversity of Buddon ness. The East to Arbroath the birthplace of Scotland and the great beaches and cliffs of the east coast. The North East to the invention of the Bridie ,the Angus Glens and wild adventures, the North to Golden Eagles and the heart of the Highlands, and the North West to Birnham and Macbeth country. Finally the fantastic view to the West of the Tay Estuary of the Tay winding its way to the heart of Scotland.
<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> The College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee has a worldwide reputation for excellence. It draws scientists from all over the word to enjoy the city of Dundee
<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> the people are rapidly believing in both themselves and the City. The future is very promising as we create the 'New Dundee' for our children and their children. Old meets Modern meets Old ans we rebuild Dundee. Also sunniest and driest place in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city looking to the future combining a new dynamism while also maintaining strong links with its cultural heritage. The city offers an excellent quality of life and provides an environment which fosters creative opportunities for both individual and business enterprise.

For a small city it hits well above its weight and more than deserves the title of City of Culture 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great centre for some scenic bike rides. Whether it be heading from downtown to Broughty Ferry or up to Camperdown Park and beyond. One of my personal favourites is heading over the Tay Road Bridge and looking back on the city. Coming back over the bridge, it has to be one of the best entrances and views entering a city anywhere in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love The Kingsway! It gets you from one end of the city to the other in about 10 minutes. And rather than bypass Dundee, it goes right through it! When I was taking driving lessons many years ago my instructor had me drive from Kingsway East to The Swallow and back and after I was an expert in roundabouts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is special !!! Because it the only place in the UK that houses a great and creative acting and dance company in one building . Dundee Rep Enssemble and Scottish Dance Theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre is a place to be proud of .!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has been more prominent in the history of Scotland than many people realise.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is part of national life-only think of Dundee cake and Dundee marmalade.
But would you have guessed that when it kicked Winston Churchill out after serving as its MP for 14 years,it would elect a temperance candidate?
And who exactly was Bonnie Dundee of the song
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was first dragged kicking and screaming from London to here by a Dundee girl 18 years ago but I have never regretted the move. I have watched the City transform itself over the years and I am really looking forward to seeing the completed waterfront and what will be the iconic V&amp;A
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Well Dundee is my home city and I just love it! The people are fun and friendly. Eh just love the way we speak! Pure teckle!
There are loads of amazing parks to take the bairns - the swannie ponds is fab in Summer and Winter - I grew up with stories of ice skating on the ponds.
Tannadice is hallowed ground - I grew up there with my uncle and cousins, and now my wee boy is United daft too. And what about the brilliant Michael Marra's song about Hamish McAlpine and Grace Kelly!
The Lochee baths - aye freezing, Victorian splendour and full of characters.
St. Mary's Lochee Catholic Church - absolutely beautiful - and funded by Irish immigrants that helped build the population of Dundee from the 1840s.
Juteopolis - a brilliant book about Dundee and its people.
The Cleppie Road - and the imaginary 'secret tunnel' that goes from Aunty Isabel's bin store on the Cleppie, underground to Tannadice. (Ok - so its not real but its in my imagination).
Lawside Academy - my young days of joy roaming the streets of Downfield and Ardler with my pals - days out up the "Seedlees" (Sidlaws) with picnics, swinging over the Dighty Burn on a rope swing.
<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> I'm not a Dundonian - but love staying here. I do wish the locals knew what they had and could appreciate it though. Dundee is a braw place!

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