:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Dundee is an industrious city both historically and today, creatively. I am in awe of the solidarity between creatives in the city; collaborations, skill swaps and interdisciplinary learning. We are forever on the cusp of something wonderful!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee just does things. No messing around. If they want something to happen they just make it so.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved up from London to Dundee 11 years ago. The same year a watched a few guys emerging from the Tay at Broughty Ferry having swam from Wormit. At the time I thought they must be crazy and now I am one of the 70 or so who once a year in August jump over the wall at the railway bridge to swim the Bridge-to-Bridge. A great event typical of this quirky, friendly and interesting city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much going on and it is all within easy reach! Having two Universities, the fabulous DCA (Dundee Contempory Arts) and the McManus Art Gallery to name only a few brilliant cultural resources there is always public lectures, exhibitions, activities and places to meet family and friends to eat and drink. Broughty Ferry has beautiful beaches which are great for walks, sunbathing, water sports and the castle ~ not forgetting New Years Dook!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Home of the UK's largest generalist Investment Trust, Alliance Trust PLC.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not a 'hidden secret' but Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland and with the Law and a walk along the riverside on a nice day it is beautiful!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The historical nuggets that are under our noses every day are amazing we just dont recognise them.. Dundee is steeped in history which is not only important to the local area but Scotland, Uk and internationally. It is about time the City was recognised for its cultural diversity and its potential as an international focus for artistic and industrial development.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved to Dundee, the first thing that struck me was the friendliness of the people and the 'village' atmosphere even though it is a city. I enjoy the interesting architecture and street art depicting the history of the city ... or just for fun. There are so many events hosted to share knowledge in the sciences and arts - science cafe, saturday evening lectures, comedy clubs, many of which are free to the public. The Discovery point, McManus gallery, Science museum and other museums also add to the interesting things to do. Not least also the view across the Tay to North Fife is spectacular. I moved to Dundee from Switzerland and find that my life is actually richer and more varied here.

<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> I remember coming out of the Caird Hall in June some years ago, to find I was in Moscow in December! With snow and pictures of Stalin. The BBC had transromed the city square into a set for it's play 'An Englishman Abroad' set in comunist Russia in the cold war - it was amazing and yet another example of Dundee's rich yet unsung cultural patchwork.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having never stepped foot in the city until my first day at University I had no idea what to expect, but the friendliness and welcoming attitude got me straight away, 11 years later I feel like Dundee is home, and I am very excited about what my future holds living in this ever developing city. The open spaces in Dundee are great, you never feel enclosed. With such easy access to beautiful countryside, beaches, hills and forests, why would you need to live anywhere else?

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What we like best about Dundee:

Me, my wife and two boys simply love the Grassy Beach Walk from Stannergate to Broughty Ferry. The walk coupled with the views of the sun glistening off the River Tay are simply breathtaking.

Ample reward is to be had at the end of the long pleasant walk with a cold drink or two (alfresco I might add) at the all too inviting Ship Inn by the side of the river.

Where else in the UK can you spot dolphins bobbing in and out of the Silvery Tay and also catch a glimpse of Bob Servant's extension!

Now thats what I call a family walk on a Sunday!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is much more beautiful than a lot of people realise. There are some stunning buildings and because so much of it is on a hill there are some beautiful views of the river. I like going to the graveyard next to the Westpark Conference Centre and looking across the river.

Other things I like about Dundee - the DCA, the amazing Dundee Roller Girls roller derby team, the Creative Dundee movement that seems to be developing, the little independent shops and cafes that are hidden away and some of the lovely green spaces we have.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I enjoy the fact that the supporters of both big teams in the city get along so well before and after the Derby's in the local pubs. Both sets of fans want their team to win with a passion, but after the game they enjoy a pint and a chat together win,lose or draw.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is beautiful with a rich history. Amongst the lovely sights to see are the ship "Discovery" and the Jute museum. The River Tay is a beautiful sight to see from the Tay bridge especially at night. The people are warm and always offer you the nice scottish hospitality and you often get to see many of the men in traditional Scottish kilt. The University Of Dundee offers a diverse mix of cultures from across the globe which blend with the eclectic mix of the old and the new that is The City Of Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE

When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town,
They spruced it up with a lick of paint
And then they showed him round,
Two bands played in fierce competition
As the rain came down,
And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town."

A man called Walsh hung from a window
With the Starts and Stripes,
And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette"
It was sweetness and light,
But as they sang the fire bell rang
And they ran for their lives,
"What well trained little orphans and a precious little song."
Said the General's wife.

A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green,
Before the darkness fell,
With a short stop over for the ladies convenience,
At the Royal Hotel,
And the General frowned through the last of the speeches
Though he took it well,
"What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple,
What charming little houses and such cheerful little people,
But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town."

- Michael Marra.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A growing city cente offering the high life - yes within minutes you can be surrounded by greenery, mountains, water - whatever you want. A genuine city with a bit of everything

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Park Cemetery

<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> City of youth and ambition

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a distinctive culture and tradition and is big enough to have at least one of everything, that makes a city worth living in and visiting - and of course there is more to come. It also a view from the top of the Law that takes your breath away - while also looking like a child's picture book of a city. Where else can you watch - all at the same time - a train crossing a bridge, a plane about to land, ships leaving harbour, and a cityscape set in the most beautiful natural surroundings.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History, warmth, calm and nice

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> New development which opens up the City for those who live there and which adds to the quality of life for its citizens.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In Dundee, there's something for everyone. We're not local to Dundee but come here for the shopping, the indoor skatepark, the observatory, the leisure pool and more besides.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The independent development of resources, supported by local people. Support given to theatre, - professional and amateur {music and drama}. Scots music, song and poetry is endemic - popular,widespread and developing. A strong centre for Art and the Arts and prominent in the sciences (medicine, biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, IT skills,computing and traditional sciences. Dundee is a cultural centre for East and Central Scotland, Britain and the World, with many foreign students and visitors.

<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> Seals barking on the sandbanks

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history behind Dundee is what surprised me most for example during the industrial revolution, the jute, the jam, and the printing industries. It has surprised me as to how much it has shaped the city to this day.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student from Edinburgh. The place will ever have a place in my heart, and I will be sad when I leave. Sunniest city in Scotland!

<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> Fantastic town, with great people. Lots to see and do

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing waterfront

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The river Tay and all that's built along it! And a wonderful people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the seals hauled out on the sandbanks during low-tide in the Tay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The vast cosmopolitanism for one. The combination of Vibrant university atmosphere and a sprawling city combine to make Dundee a pretty special place. Everything from looking at the Tay whilst on Magdalen Green or the sight of The Discovery ship as you get of the train. Awesome

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Uplifting views over the river, great galleries, good range of music and theatre and the liveliness of an ever-changing student population married to the tradition and continuity of the long-term residents. All backed with good sport and outstanding opportunites to explore historic sites and a range of beautiful countryside.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camperdown park is a delightful park which hosts a variety of different community events throughout the year. There is a play area for children, a wildlife centre, duck pond and golf course/tennis courts which provide a fantastic resource for the whole family right in the centre of the city. Great for long walks and BBQ's in the summer time and sledging in the winter.

Empire State coffee house is a fantastic cafe right in the centre of Dundee. Espress-Oh! is another great new place on the Perth road. Lots of great little independent shops and cafes all along the Perth road which is near to the University and popular with students.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking along the front at Broughty Ferry or coming into Dundee by train across the rail bridge the views are stunning. The Tay is Dundee's least well kept secret and it's most important feature.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is an underdog, but if you ever lived there - you would see its potential is sky high.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lovely arty city with friendly people, close to the sea and the hills. There is also a thriving student community supported by Dundee University which is a first class University

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the Top of the Law (hill) - on a clear day you can see just how far Dundee has come in the past 100 years. Look north and you see the chimneys of old jute mills, look south and you see the University and Welcome Trust building at the University fo Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The citizens of Dundee are what make it such a vibrant city. They are open, friendly, and helpful, and seem to adapt easily to change. This approach to life is fully deserving of the City of Culture award.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although hit with many hard times in the past, Dundonians seem to be able to pick themselves up and start over. i.e. Demise of the Timex, the Jute Mills, more recently the decision to take Ford abroad and to the demise of NCR, Dundonians are still showing true spirit and fighting back

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visit my family every year and every time I come back to the city it's buzzing. There's always something new to see, the landscape changes every year for the better. There's some fantastic restaurants and everyone is really friendly.

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