:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

After more than a decade in Cambridge, I moved to Dundee on Sep 2013. I was reluctant at first, however its quirky charm has fascinated me. It is a welcoming place where people on the street greats you when you pass by, where the sharing of arts and human intellect is in the air. The breathtaking views, the DCA, the McManus, the discovery point, the multitude of independent coffees and restaurants, the vibrant atmosphere, the fresh and buzzing confidence of the waterfront redevelopment. Dundee is a unique place, to me culture is all around.

<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> The Barnhill Rock Garden. My children's absolute favourite place to visit whatever the weather. Beautifully kept with lots of hidden paths and ponds. Peaceful, tranquil & magical - nature at its best.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Artist Matt Stoke's award-winning film 'Long After Tonight' was part of DCA's Our Surroundings exhibition (2005). Matt filmed Northen Soul dancers from across the UK in St Salvadors chuch over two evenings. The result was breathtaking. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing changes which have come about over the last decade

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 24*7 open Clarks bakery always attracts me with variuos flavors, tastes of pasteries and pies. I am loving it so much that I started living nearby it & let open my window for the sweet fragnance of cooking.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The big sky and light quality of the estuary. Havana Swing and "The Smiling School for Calvinists". Dry weather and humour.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My first time in Dundee was on late november last year, when Christmas lights turned ON for the first night and there were this fantastic atmosphere in downtown!

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an ever-changing city - re-inventing herself and surprising visitors from both home and abroad.

A totally hidden secret is part of the Castle Walls in the basement of an office in Castle Street, Dundee where I used to work.

McManus Art Gallery and Museum is not only an amazing building but filled with History, Art and Artefacts - a total treasure in the middle of the city centre.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the unique things about Dundee is that, from the middle of this city, you can nearly always enjoy lovely views of the river and open countryside. So you get the benefits of living in a city plus the views you'd get living in a rural environment. To give a couple of my favourite examples, looking north to the Sidlaws from the Brackens Estate, or looking eastwards towards the Ferry and Tentsmuir from Blackness Road.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hub of knowledge, culture and innovation. People come from all over to participate in shaping the future of our city, country and general humanity.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Backpackers' Hostel, Gardyne's Land, is a medieval building situated in the heart of the city centre, and operates as a youth hostel to date. Dundee is often underrated for its architecture and it is not just a Victorian city: the subtle incorporation of the city's past is there for all to see.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have an amazing memory of my grandparents house, Pitkerro House. It was the most amazing place when I was little. Every corner of the property was like being in wonderland and my grandparents where both amazing fun to be around. I only found out that my Grandad had bought and renovated the property after he passed away, but it amazed me how much love he had for the place and how it always buzzed when the whole family spent time together there. I miss those days.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Dundee Blues Bonanza! Europe's largest blues festival, now expanded and showcases many different genres, the city center is buzzing for two days. One of my favorite things in Dundee of many - Degree show, west fest, the ferry, many parks, views from the law, water front, DCA, Mcmanus, reading rooms, Dundee oldest pub pillars, the SALTY DOG for one of the most unusual pub experiences unlikely to be found anywhere else in the UK. And best of all the people!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Up The Law singin, "Pehs, Puggie Buns and Pew Ends at weddings.....Mince rolls at midnight doon the Hawkhill, these are a few of my favourite things..."

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That after completing my dance degree in Dundee I have managed to get a full time job with Smallpetitklein Dance Company which is an exciting and dynamic company based in Dundee. Under the artistic direction of Thomas Small the company has a successful international performance company as well as a diverse community strand. Everyday is new and exciting!

<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> The site where Mary Shelley stayed, our public observatory (only two in the UK), our incredible views over the Tay from the Law Hill, our parks, our beach, our football teams.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly People
new independant shops opening

Events - Free Dundee Uni lectures on a Saturday

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student I was struck by the friendliness of the people of Dundee and that while it has had its deprived past, the city is definitely changing for the better and is on its way up

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking towards Dundee and over to Fife from waterfront at Broughty Ferry, really pretty.

<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> It is gorgeous!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter of the DMCA, the rep and all the events happening!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved to Dundee as a child, instantly fell in love with the city. The Old Overgate, Wellgate, Royal Arch, the city arcade, spent many a happy penny there. Was saddened when the heart was ripped out of the city but now delighted with the new vibrant Dundee that has so much to offer students and tourists alike, with so much more to come. Dundee will forever be my home.

<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 views across the city and across the Tay are ever-changing and always inspiring. I'm sure few outsiders would think of Dundee as a beautiful city, but everyone who's been here knows.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's micro climate. All around it can be snowing heavily and you get to Dundee and the streets are clear. We also have more sunshine than other Scottish cities--which must help us be a more cheerful city !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The well in the Botanic Garden that never runs dry!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the first time I visited Dundee (2010) it felt it had something magical about it. I have lived there since 2010 and it still does have that magic. It still manages to surprise me every time I go for a walk along the riverside. I am a Fine Art student at DJCAD and i can proudly say that student life is great and I love the university of Dundee. I have taken a couple of images that have managed to portray its beauty and at the same time some of its history.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee boasts an incredibly self-reliant artistic community who blur and subvert the lines between highbrow and lowbrow, institutional and street-level art, academic and self-taught

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural diversity of the city, particularly in the West End is an unexpected delight and the refurbished McManus Gallery is full of treasure.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people and all the talks at the science museum there seems to something going on every day!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a charity worker in Dundee I am constantly amazed at the number of people who approach me to join as a volunteer to support the people with disabilities our project works with. They are always willing to go that extra mile!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Rep and the Law Hill

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A great place to study and reflect on beautiful Scotland. People are lovely and full of their history too. I back the bid.

<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> The green spaces, the parks and grassy fields inside the city. The ease of access to open countryside and stunning views. Fife looks great from Dundee!

The great variety of shops and cafés in the city. I appreciate the large number of independent coffee-houses as well as the bigger brands.

The history of innovation and scientific discovery, coupled with the more well-known comic book element make Dundee unique. The centres of learning do a great job of sending out folks well-prepared for professional life.

It's a lovely city with great potential!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative atmosphere in the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is simply a stunning place to live, with incredible views and access to nature and wilderness on your doorstep, but all the history and vibrancy of an ancient and thriving city. The people are warm and canny with an eye always open for progress they can believe in.

<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> The pride of being home to 'the world's worst poet' William McGonagall. Taking a walk by the riverside you get to see the immortal words of the sage like McGonagall carved in stone next to his beloved 'silvery Tay.'
A city with a sense of humour.

I'm just checking in, come back soon!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have rich history which many people outside of Dundee would not be aware of.

<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> So much green space

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful memories of student life in Dundee in the early 1980s - the intimacy of a small city, the wry humour and endearing local dialect, the rich history (jam, jute and journalism), the creativity and individuality.... Small city with BIG personality!

<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!

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