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> The ship Discovery is a great icon in my city let hope more people discover Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view you get when travelling over the Tay Road Bridge towards Dundee at night and seeing the lights and the warm feeling of nearly being home. This City just keeps getting better!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always had unique character, attitude and humour. The setting is undeniably beautiful and the creative, academic and scientific talent unquestionable. However, it's the singular spirit, which has carried the people through some dark times, that will make the next phase in the city's life so amazingly, beautifully, quintessentially Dundonian. What does that mean? It means that it will be carried out with real conviction and no bull****. We have been viewed as underdogs for so long that once we are given the platform to shine, we won't take it for granted. And we have the best accent ever.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> culture in the city is for ordinary people, not just the elite
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's first woman plumber: Maggie Ellis. The best pies and bridies. The friendliest folk. The best Scottish university.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm new to the city. I've been impressed with how friendly the city is. I will never tire of getting the train, going over the bridge into the city. I'm transfixed every day by the view. The colours reflecting off the water seem to change every day. Beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has deserved City of Culture status for a long time now. In our city we have so much in the way of arts and culture that celebrate our own local history as well as what Dundee has done for Scotland, the UK and the world. A lot of people have worked incredibly hard to get our city to where it is now and the recognition is rightfully deserved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful restaurants and great people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is that moment when you are on a train coming North when you come round the corner of the track just before the bridge and see the city panorama. Gets me every single time I do it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has long been the central hub of video games development in Scotland. The days of 300 employee developers are gone, but in their place a thriving, vibrant community of smaller developers has emerged. More agile, more creative and more suited to the constantly changing world of video games. It's an exciting time for Dundee. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's old New Year tradition of dressed herrings - which will be celebrated by Duncan of Jordanston graduates Derek and Deirdre Robertson as part of the Cupar arts festival this October
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> listen to the singing metal post above the sandy Broughty Ferry beach near the castle when the wind blows and gaze out to the estuary to spot the dolphins.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's such a big small place. A magicalwarm place that is such a wonderfully well kept secret. Dundee knows its roots, it isn't afraid to be proud of them, but it won't pretend to be something that it isn't. It is quintessentially Scottish.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everytime I return to Dundee it changes, it grows, it develops, it feels brighter, fresher and warmer. Standing in the middle of Reform Street between the Caird Hall and the gates of the High School is a microcosm of architectural bliss in one single sweeping panorama, that many larger cities are envious of. Steeped in history from educating monks to cow pie the city is a beacon of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camperdown park is a great area for the kids and for a lovely walk just as a couple. my favourite place to walk in dundee is right along riverside drive and along to city quay it is a beautiful walk seeing both the tay road bridge and the tay rail bridge in the evening all lit up. the caird hall is fantastic the square outside is a lovely setting for a cuppy at the cafe and just to relax in the square.
<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> The big sky over Fairmuir Park on a summer's evening, walking back home from The Plough.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Blues Bonanza and the huge amount of live music available every weekend in the city's pubs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much going on just now - the city is on the up. New buildings, future landmarks and an energetic creative community will ensure the city is an exciting place for residents and visitors now and in the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city of culture set in beautiful scenery, all the people are incredibly friendly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In 1979 work on the new Dundee Rep stopped as the project ran out of funds. The theatre turned to the people of Dundee who contributed over £60,000 in a few weeks and ultimately raised over £200,000 to complete the building and establish one of Scotland's finest cultural resources.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything is walkable within an hour. Up the law, Balgay park, great views. Serenity of the Houff cemetery city center. Along Perth road to Invergowrie/ Kingoodie for the botanic gardens or carry on to the quarry. From the docks along the waterfront to Broughty Ferry, much more but only 100 words.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A City of poverty and richness beyond your wildest dreams. Now a City thats modest and Cool like no other
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I still find it amazing how many creative people live and work in Dundee. I am always hearing about someone new working in the creative industries e.g. at the Pecha Kucha nights in Dundee. These are great nights to find out more about what talented people are working here.
<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 never seem to see Dundee as a city but rather one big cultural community where everyone is linked through the many events that take place. The art school, theatres and the DCA create a friendly and creative atmosphere in Dundee that has welcomed me so much that I don't mind being away from my big hometown, Glasgow (in fact I prefer staying here during my uni time)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the people are so friendly and happy to help! It really makes someone's day when someone smiles at you, it puts a spring in your step and that is what Dundee has done for me - given me the spring in my step and through the support of the many great people around me that I have gone on to persue my dreams, because they helped me feel like I CAN!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Women's trail. Find out about all the Dundee Women who have plaques in and around the city centre, such as No 24. JANET KEILLOR 1737-1813.Plaque above the bakers shop at the top of Castle Street. or No 14.VICTORIA DRUMMOND 1894 -1978. Plaque located at ABERTAY UNIVERSITY Bell Street Dundee. or No 19 MARY SLESSOR 1848 - 1915. Plaque located just up from the Wishart Arch. There are many plaques to discover and see how these ladies were pioneers in their field.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My family! Dundee is where my mother and father grew up and where many of my family still are today! I remember the first time I visited in 1989 and coming from Connecticut in the US I thought it was so beautiful! I remember the green hills and cobble stone and instantly fell in love. I remember the look on my father's face when it was time to leave and I cried and told him I wanted to stay in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in the city until the early 1990s and still enjoy visiting regularly. Now there's a much more diverse cultural life, great restaurants, good retention of the city's heritage alongside all the amenities required for modern urban living.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a brilliant place to live. Not only does it have a vibrant student population (of which I am part of), it is populated by fun, friendly and extremely proud natives. The Dundee dialect can be particularly amusing and the city's history is magnificent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i like the view of coming in on the bridge or looking down from the law, the hidden history........all the hidden nooks for street artistry!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The V&amp;A and the waterfront development combined with the DCA and the Rep are in themselves brilliant cultural hot spots within our great City as they buzz with conversations of the arts. However, it's the community culture of Lochee or Fintry that I think plays a key role in Dundee being nominated. With several such unique areas within one city it makes for a truly special place something worth UK recognition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a pupil who is and has been part of many Dundee Schools activities, such as Dundee Schools' Music Theatre, the Youth Music Initiative and Dundee Schools Orchestras, I have been able to perform on stage at the Caird Hall and the Whitehall Theatre, I have made many new friends and I have learned many different skills.
<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 first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish. Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No place can beat Dundee for green space and places to walk. Just begin to list the parks. Walking through cemetery and up to the observatory gives stunning views across Invergowrie bay and then to the North. Having lived in Glasgow for six years, I am continually reminded of what a great job the City does maintaining the parks and keeping the streets and open areas clean. Everyone I encourage to visit, loves it and can't believe they have never thought of coming to Dundee before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Huge variety of surprises we can find
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Born in Dundee nearly 80 years ago. Educated and qualified in Medicine there. Proud of the way Dundee has moved forward over these, quite difficult, years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are wonderful, there is always something to do at the weekend and something to go see. A wonderful place to live and study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery, McManus Galleries, Caird Hall, Law Hill, The Waterfront and so many more things is what makes Dundee such a wonderful place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of people and culture Dundee city has is amazing. very inspirational for me and my family.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love RARA and the pretty vacant showrooms and the creativity it encourages through selling vintage and pieces from local designers. It's like a little treasure chest.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a small city - can feel like a village, in social terms, but with everything a city should have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, beaches, the Tay, its location, gateway to the countryside, Perth rd pubs, cafes, students and multi-culturalism.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am always surprised by how beautiful and vibrant this city is and i have lived here all my life so far. I also studied in Duncan of Jordanstone a really breeding ground for creative thinking. I now teach in a local High school, and have observed over the last few years how the pupils attitudes to their city have changed for the better. The whole atmosphere is becoming more confident and ambitious and hopefully greater things are still to come! Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has a wonderful welcoming warmth - built on its people, traditions and heritage and its developing future. There is something for everybody to be both pleased with and proud of. You are never bored with vibrant Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The council music and musical theatre provision. Fantastic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the great hidden secrets of Dundee is tin roof. Its an new art studio which has hosted a few great gigs which, I was lucky enough to attend. Just the once. I really hope to pop along again soon. The atmosphere was brilliant. Everyone enjoying the music with a nice cold beer (there was no fridge it was just freezing!). Not to worry though, there was a nice fire out the back and when the music got a bit intense you could take a break and stroll through their gallery. It was some pretty funny cartoon sketches when i was there. The music was everything from metal to folk. Whatever your into you'll enjoy tin roofs' events. Unless you don't like art or music of course. In that case get off the bid for city of culture. Swine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not sure about a hidden secret, the secret seems to be the combination of contrasts that enrich each (besides the emerging strengths of "real" culture): The Tay, different from all heights and angles (foregrounds of beautiful parks (Balgay Hill, Magdalen Green) or industrial heritage or multis or Meggie's Centre); Buildings old and new of different uses (the Mecca Bingo beside the church, the mosque among the old jute mills, the new university buildings beside old houses, the medieval arches under the pub back exit); And then the "real" culture as it spreads throughout the city: Scottish Dance Theatre and Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Community Theatre in the Rep, small scale viewings in the DCA and Hannah Mclure Centre, school competitions (art and music). Not sure this helps (sorry)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of green spaces available. All on bus routes. For a city this size there are a lot of cultural things on offer as well as varied cost of housing to suit most budgets. Edinburgh and Glasgow are expensive but not tooo far away
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> history of the jute mills , history of the discovery. dundee REP theatre, and the scottish dance theatre the inspiration the ambition and the talent from all people involved so much happening in this small city !!! not to mention the DCA and McManus galleries just a few reasons of why i am backing DUNDEE :) Dundee might be a small city but it has BIG things happening... past , present and future!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green Park. It is a spectacular park overlooking the river Tay. It's Dundee's oldest city park with an old victorian bandstand right in the middle. The experience to watch and listen the city band in a summer sunday is the most incredible thing I lived here.
<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 am from Dundee myself but live in Norway. The thing I love about being Dundonian is that we are proud of where we come from despite often being the butt of jokes by people from other cities. When I got married in Dundee the Norwegians loved Dundee and Dundonians. There are many famous Dundonians that have contributed a lot to national and international culture. From astronomers to actors. One of my favourite places is the Mills Observatory. Hidden in the trees of Balgay, the observatory is a local gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its an all round great place lots to do and lots to learn.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the DC Thomson comic characters especially Dennis the Menace. I named my dog, Dennis after him even though he is more a gnasher lookalike.
<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 Buzz around the city and the combined excitment about the waterfront no matter who people are.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My musical home. I was 15 when I played my first ever gig at The Shore in Dundee. A city with a thriving and diverse music scene like no other. Su, Panda Su
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be the butt of jokes, but no more!! People from all over the world come to study here and decide not to leave because they can see the potential of the city. There is a great sense of humour here too - I love how if someone gets a bit above their station there is usually some wit armed with a razorsharp comeback to put them firmly back in their place :D
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that Dundee is built on a human scale. I can jump on my bike in the north of the town and within 10 minutes I can be sitting drinking a coffee in a coffee shop, wandering round an art exhibition, doing my grocery shopping, walking along a sandy beach or a forest trail, watching a film, dancing the night away or just getting out into the countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come back to Dundee it's changed - something new and something different, each &amp; every time. This ability to change, move and adapt is a key link to why Dundee has been responsible for so many discoveries and inventions over the years - we are not stuck in the past and we are not scared of change therefore we can move forward. The future is a very exciting place for Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> They still think pasta is a foreign food!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Much more to see and do in Dundee than people realise. I love to watch the seals on the sandbanks near the bridges when the tide is out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city that continually re-invents itself - I've worked my 30 years career in the city's manufacturing community. We and I have experienced many major kicks in the teeth over the years however we always bounce back. We have so much innovation and creativity for a small city, it is truly staggering and it is actually world class. I know because I've seen it first hand and we need to tell the world how good we are. Technology and Engineering can be a beautiful thing and compliments a city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is Scotlands best kept secret . With stunning backdrop, vantage points &amp; fantastic history. We should have a looking up day with that much architecture to feed the soul. Its no wonder Dundee isone of the top student choices. With top clubs and Djs and pubs with character and a thriving Celtic Culture in abundance. if you want to visit a real Scottish city come to Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a great history of cultural strengths. There is terrific access to the arts to all segments of society, not just the affluent. This has always been a priority in Dundee and long may it continue!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The public art. The monkeys, the squirrel, car, penguins, dragon, dan and minnie, and now the lemmings, its all great. Design the dundee public street art trail. Perth rd to nethergate, to grassmarket to high st to murraygate . . .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative talent found at Art Angel. This is a centre for people with mental health difficulties to develop and expand their gifts in writing, painting and photography. It gives me an outlet and a lifestyle I could never have anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of broughty ferry, my home. I had wedding photos taken on the waterfront looking out to Dundee on one of the most beautiful days this summer. A fantastic memory in photos
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love that Dundee is a huge village pretending to be a city. Forget about 6 degrees of separation, in Dundee its always 2 degrees. People are friendly, and make everyone welcome due to its matriarchal society, forget about women's movement, Dundee women have always been the centre of the workforce.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the 'top of the Tower" - Dundee University's Tower Building has to be seen to be appreciated. There is a cafe on the Tenth Floor of the building, offering spectacular views across the Tay. On a nice day the stillness of the waters really does bring a feeling of inner calm.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Steeped in heritage but with a modern vibe, Dundee is a friendly and cosmoploitan city which somehow manages to maintain a respect for its roots in industry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This City has really grown and developed over the past few years , Discovery Quay , Verdant Works and soon the V &amp; A.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful staff at the DCA who brighten up the day no matter what time it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It appears to be a small city. That it is but it is filled with friendly people and has scenic treasures everywhere. Not many cities have the beauty of Dundee, the buzz of the university and kind people on every corner. Definite selling point is the sunset over the Tay; beautiful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Surprises: Delicious food served in excellent restaurants Uninterupted views from the top of the Law Hill Never a dull moment with Theatres, Cinemas and skating Discovering the beauty and history of The Discovery Entertainment to suit all tastes in Nightclubs and Pubs Enviable position on the banks of the stunning Silvery Tay From a Glaswegian living happily in Dundee for over 30 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> walking along the Grassy Beach in Broughty Ferry on a blustery, sunny day heading towards Dundee enjoying the view of the Law and the Bridge, then turning back to walk home, and seeing Broughty Castle standing proudly - guarding the mouth of the river Tay - undoubtedly out best asset
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A stunning location and a city with a wonderful heart. It could be one of the greats.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Cemetry is my most favourite, beautiful, quiet place. A place for reflection and peace with the most stunning views from up high right down to the Silvery Tay. Just don't tell everyone....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in Scotland which has a dedicated internet TV channel which anyone can join in and Dundee is just like that it's a place willing to accept new ideas and try out new concepts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by the river; the way it moves, the way it changes. I am happily surprised by the dedication of the community, especially in the arts and culture field, to bringing Dundee to life; to building social houses to eat and laugh; to making any environment one of creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite a lack of national exposure, Dundee's creative community continues to flourish and produce young, genuinely innovative art across many media. There is always something exciting happening in Dundee's bars and galleries. With the help of the DCA, DoJ and other well-meaning parties such as local music promoters; musicians, film-makers, artists and designers will always find a home for their terrific talent somewhere in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spirit of inquiry and learning
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had never visited Dundee before moving here for Art School in 2004. Since then I have made it my home. The best bit about Dundee is that it feels like a big village, you're always bumping into someone you know. Yet, as a city it has lots to do. The thriving cultural scene is rivalling Glasgow and Edinburgh and with all the new developments it will only get better. Once you get used to the Dundonian accent the people are great, so friendly and fun :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Diversity, humour, twa teams, a Rep to be proud of, migrants adding to the mix of the city now and over 100 years ago, ground breaking research, AMWWF, and my adopted city...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Barnhill Rock Garden is my family's favourite place: tadpoles, dens, beasties, birds and beautiful scenery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA Print studio is a great place to work, they are supportive of all Artists at every stage of their career.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are always new people to meet and connect with, there seems to be a continual flow of people coming into Dundee, some stay a month, a year or maybe 4 or more, and the city takes them all in. Though not born and bred in Dundee, I have done a lot of growing here; I moved to Dundee at 18, and 8 years later I am still exploring and discovering new streets, communities and people. As a student and then lecturer, most of my time has been centered at DJCAD, University of Dundee. The university often provides a reason for people to come to Dundee but the communities pre-existing (and yet to form) are the reason people care, contribute and continue talking about Dundee. For me, Dundee's hidden secret is its adaptability in itself and the people it hosts. It is not a perfect city, nor does it pretend to be, therefor people take on the challenge of shaping it, in turn shaping themselves. In this continual movement Dundee has witnessed many a success, and failure, but it (and the people it hosts) keeps on trying because that is the nature of the space and place it inhabits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great poets both famous and as yet undiscovered. From the Wedderburns in the Reformation to renowned contemporary writers like Don Paterson, John Glenday and Tracy Herd. I would very much include McGonagall in that list! It's also a place where the Scots language has been celebrated, in the work of Ellie McDonald, Matthew Fitt, and the late Harvey Holton.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Fifer now living in Perth I have watched Dundee grow into a vibrant city.It has so much to offer not just shopping but good restaurants and many interesting places to visit but my favourite place is the McManus Gallery and Museum.It's a stunning building with many interesting exhibits.I would also like to mention the DJCAD Degree show which is held in May, it's a fantastic opportunity to see all the talented students,their amazing work and to get a chance to wander around the University
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the ability to change, to look at itself and learn from the past, to grow, to thrive and to change.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each scheme has their own sense of community, of closeness and of belonging. Schools in less privileged areas are improving, moving forward and an increasing number of youngsters from these areas are showcasing their talents through various mediums such as acedemia, dance, drama, art or music etc Im a proud Dundonian , raised in Whitfield and have taken the strength and determination instilled in me whilst growing up and have used this to my advantage to strive to be successful in my adult career. It is no longer the case that 'scheme' kids are being left behind.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the site of a Spring full moon at it rises over Fife. The one on the 25th April was spectacular and reflected majestically in the Tay. Ima gonna get that moon.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Grassy Beach is my favourite Dundee secret. I'm sure it has it's own microclimate as when the weather is dire elsewhere, it usually feels much milder there. I also love beachcombing and once picked up a large wooden crucifix wih a silver Christ on it. I decided that there must be more treasure on the beach so continued searching and found a brooch which I pocketed whithout much attention. The crucifix disappeared but when I took the brooch home, I discovered that it was gold with garnets in it - so I did find treasure that day on my magical beach. Twenty years on I'm still searching for the crucifix !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community full of caring, artful, sharing people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a really freindly city, with amazing natural natural beauty and a thriving cultural quarter.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich historic city with vibrant cultural and buisness sectors, has one of the best waterfronts in europe and comes alive at night with great friendly people - back the bid!! :-))
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about this city, having worked all over the uk the best road in this country is the one from Fife! You see the splendour of its setting and as a colleague from London once said at the top of the Law "what the hell you doing living in London?" Dundee has something which maybe only Glasgow has " its got soul" FIFA paid tribute to our city when Dundee United lost the Eufa cup final they found our friendship so great they brought out the fair play award. This epitomises Dundonians , We have SOUL !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of history and yet is a modern city with a great future and vibrancy. I love the simpicity of going down town and just having an urban adventure and seeing where we end up! The City Centre has wonderful streets, buildings (look up!) and the McManus is great to pop in or linger . The top of Dundee Law is different every visit and I love all the public art that makes Dundee a bit special don't forget the Victorian Parks where we can have fun, nothing beats Baxters Park on Fireworks Night!. We are very lucky to live and work here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Ireland and fell in love with the city. The Art Bar on the perth road is a hidden gem of culture and people, the waterfront park hosts a variety of people-watching activities, the dragon statue on high street with some of the most amazing buskers surrounding it that Iv ever seen, the nilupal buddhist centre for a calming meditation session and cup of herbal tea, and so much more. DUNDEE I LOVE YOU!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof arts collective - a group of artists doing amazing things.
<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> Dundee has the only women's trail of its kind in the whole of the UK. You can get the free leaflet and talk a walk from plaque to plaque round the city centre, marvelling at the interesting lives and achievements of 25 notable women, and then go home and read of many more on the website dundeewomenstrail.org.uk. This is a city which has been known for its strong women. Doctors, witches, artists, mill workers, Suffragettes and business women - they're all here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The off the beaten track arts in the city . Weather its the colour of westfest or the viberance of the artists its all good .Very very good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't deny its flaws, instead uses the wide range of skills that its diverse population has to offer to tackle problems. The range of voluntary and statuary services in Dundee amazed me when I started working in the voluntary sector, and I'm proud to say I've been part of it. The city has a bad reputation that it doesn't deserve, I've lived here for 4 years since coming for university and I'm reminded on a daily basis why I decided to stay!

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