:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Dundee is a city that struggles. Yet the people of this quietly great city have such heart. They always find a way.

<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> Dundee is full of wonderful musicians, people and their own humour. The redevelopment that is going on is so overdue and when finished will place Dundee well and truly on the map of culture where it so rightly belongs.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from Dundee Law - opens up to the entirety of Tayside, the North and the Kingdom of Fife

<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> Dundee's status in the world of higher education is rapidly growing, and the world class research in areas such as Medicine and Life Sciences is something all Dundonians should be proud of. The Riverside redevelopment programme will redefine the city, and the new V&A at Dundee will put the city firmly on the culture map!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think that Dundee has a unique character. I used to live in Peddie Street and the rear lane was Taits Lane - with high walls and the anticipation of beautiful secret gardens behind the tenements. And then the Law with its fabulous views. John Warren.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Bustling atmosphere. Something's always happening.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has the best and most progressive Medical School I have come across.

<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> 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> 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> Going from strength to strenght reinventing itself. Full of hidden gems allready and only increasing.

Dundee is truly a city of many discoveries!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The natural beauty of the City and its surroundings and the major changes that are happening in the City making it a great place to live !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mix of old and new, the energy of the place, the huge student population, there are so many hidden surprises here!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City...... Scotland's last 'Big Toon'. Where else would you want to be?

<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> 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> The more I travel away from Dundee the more I appreciate it. It has everything. It is big enough to be busy and small enough to be easily accessible. You really appreciate the scenery, the mix of hills, the Tay, urban areas with a lot of green parks and trees very nearby. You really appreciate that when you travel to flat, landlocked towns in England for example. Dundee has everything.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness and warmth of Dundonians; the huge number of independent shops, bars and cafes; and of course the sunshine!!

<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> History, warmth, calm and nice

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What it has to offer. Dundee is steeped in history and has a more diverse cultural population split today than it ever has. DUNDEE womens festivalis hugely successful......local people recognise their city as somewhere with a depth of commitment to put dundee on the map ascan internationally recognised tourist destination.........the support for V&A at Dundee....redevelopment of the waterfront....Malmaison coming to dundee...Icould go on!!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love when I travel along in Perth road with a double decker and I can see the beautiful river Tay with the clouds and the sun. My original hometown is a big,busy city so I could hardly experience the nature like this. Also I love the green grass.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I spent many a happy year at University here and loved the University life. Dundee is a great city to study and live, I have very fond memories of my time there.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always surprised by the fantastic range of shops and galleries in the west end/perth road area selling local handcrafted items, many of which have been made or designed by current and former duncan of jordanstone students. Many of these places are very unassuming, however have been there for years- proving how much the local residents value the creations on sale. The lindeen gallery in particular is a highlight.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm from continental Europe and moved to Dundee for its world class life sciences sector (and the nearby Highlands!), however I now find that Dundee has so many things going for it. One favourite is lunch at the wornderfully eclectic Tea an Cake in the city centre - original, fun and friendly!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people, the amazing views over the Tay, the Rep, the parks.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I spent 4 years in Dundee at university and discovered what a beautiful city it is. Everyone is welcoming.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing situation by the Tay

<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> 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> Student life - having spent 4 years there is a culture seldom seen at larger universities where all of the students socialise together regardless of course or faculty and this also transfers into fitting into the City. There is a pride in alumni that I have never seen from other university graduates.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> World-class music events like the Jazz Festival where I saw the Esbjorn Svensson Trio, by far one of the best concerts of my life.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much individuality in Dundee's art scene, it always surprises and amazes me. It's always encouraged, supported and celebrated by a fantastic (art hungry) community.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sits on the banks of a beautiful river. It has an historic ship the discovery that was used to navigate the seas. It will host the V&A museum and has the vibrancy and artistic temperament to make this a world leading area for arts and culture not just for a year, but for a lifetime.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden work being done to support young people with no hidden agenda except to see the young people develop and reach their potential. The work being done at St Andrews church with the young mother, Hot Chocolate Trust are to name two. Working with these young people are people who believe in the young people of Dundee. The are attempting to play a part in changing the future of Dundee from 'the inside' believing that any sustainable change must be done now to affect the future, and must be done in people not wholly by policies and procedures.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Getting 300+ people routinely turning up to the University Saturday Evening Lectures. Topics range wide from Leonardo da Vinci to Cecil Beeton, Climbing Everest to Child Abuse. This wouldn't happen in London, nor (dare I say) Edinburgh!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view of Dundee at night from across the water - a magical fairyland. The wildlife, Dundee has red squirrels, foxes and deer, as just a small example - alive with nature. The history within the Howff - Dundee's past in one central area.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> lochee parks Bonfire Display

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great bars springing up in the west end, fantastic cafes. the stunning views of the river and bridges that change daily

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views of the estuary from the city, every time I see them, blow me away. Dundee is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The seals and dolphins don't hurt either (unless you are trying to windsail, in which case they can get in the way).

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.

<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> The City of Dundee has the current 'Scottish Hairdresser of the year' Kay McIntyre who is now in the latest member of and the only Dundonian in the British Hairdressing 'Hall of Fame'
Its also the only hair salon to have won a Regeneration Award and Commendation by the British Civic Trust...Oh and you get a great hair cut too!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is forward thinking in their ideas about what is best for the city. The work on the river front has been a great change for the aesthetics of the city.

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