:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

There are two paintings in The Pillars Bar depicting the sacking of Dundee during the17th century by General Monk’s troops. Seeing these as a young man gave me a lifelong love of the history of the area and that is why I became a fine-art curator.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I walk by the McManus gallery staircase, I become 5 years old again - they are beautiful enough to belong in a fairy tale.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> To me, the history of Dundee and surrounding area, going back centuries is just so rich and interesting and needs to be kept alive, although I do believe in more recent years the will and effort is there to do this. You only have to visit some of the local photo sites to read about the resiience and strength carried forward through very difficult times, from generation to generation. Of course, as in other cities there are problems, but again, the strength of the majority will make things better for the future. Nobody can deny the utter beauty of the surrounding landscape, just a stones through away....I think for the most part, anyone born and brought up in Dundee is blessd with an inner strength, passed down from those before, and also holds pride of the place we will always call "home".

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That more people don't know and appreciate it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of science research and output from dundee

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like it that the city is always clean and the flower beds are tidy in the winter and blooming in the summer months.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of great private and public golf courses, that are very well designed and challenging, including the links course at Carnoustie and the beautiful landscaping of Downfield Golf Club. International visits could purchase special passes during the year of culture to Dundee private and public clubs in order to play golf on them all - a passport - could be offered.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a beautiful city with great attitudes amongst the people

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a jewel in Scotlands crown. From the days of Jute, Jam & Journalism it has been reborn with the continuing development of the Waterfront. Looking forward with great excitment as the face of Dundee changes.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I have met so many wonderful people from.Dundee,a welcoming community without judgement. There is so much talent in the city,musicians,artists and just general friendliness!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beaches are stunning and a city with such genuine and friendly people.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> - Braithwaite's tea and coffee shop in Castle St
- Summer Sunday free brass band concert at Magdalen Green followed by drinks and food from one or more of the many bars and restaurants on Perth Rd
- The brilliant Dundee Blues Bonanza .... It introduced Home Bargains and the TJ Morris Company to the city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Only in my second year in Dundee, after going to the Fireworks display in Baxter Park, did me and my flatmate go for a wonder and found ourselves at the city quay. We had never known about it and were amazed, it was night time and looked amazing by moonlight. So we walked about and explored the ship near by....it's a lovely part of the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I cycle into Dundee from Fife I get this feeling... THE BUZZ... When I first visited Dundee in 2007, I couldn't feel the buzz. I now go for regular day trips to return home feeling inspired and creative from the real & lively encounters of the day. Nothing fake about Dundee!

<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> 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> 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> Chicken pilic at The Agacan

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> moved to Dundee 2 years ago and love the difference here compared to other cities. Within a 5-10 minute drive you can be shopping in the centre or walking on the beach or one of the many beautiful greenspaces around the city. Camperdown Park and Clatto Reservoir are especially beautiful locations.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the view of the stunning sunrises over the Tay, to sunset sitting on Magdalen Green with friends, to drinking tea in one of the many cute coffee shops on the Perth Road, to the vibrant university student life, to the welcoming nature of the city. Dundee is home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are its best asset - witty, genuine and friendly.

<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> The history of Dundee is amazing. Gardynes land in the high street was always for me Dundees best kept secret,however when doors open day in Dundee comes about I'm always amazed at the other hidden treasures Dundee has to offer. As a several generation Dundonian born and bred, I am extremely proud of my culture and heritage. Whether it be the law or the auld steeple Dundee stands proud, as do I.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best friendships I've had have been those which constantly redefine themselves over a long period of time. That's the way I feel about Dundee. As someone who was born here, Dundee is a place that has meant a variety of different things for me as I have grown older particularly within the arts. The Dundee Schools music programme is a great way to get people involved in music from a young age, giving you the confidence to develop into a talented young adult. The music scene has always been fantastic, with places such as beat generator, putting on local talent and the recent programming of WestFest during the summer months this is something that continues to grow. Music is just one example of how Dundee thrives within the arts, we have the literary Festival, the science festival and a festival of shorts for designed purely for children. This is unique as far as I am aware. The talent is not just imported here from all over the globe, it also nurtured here, in the young which is extremely important.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way it has constantly evolved as the traditional industries have changed with the times.
Lots of hidden secrets,some well known assets.
The rich musical heritage furthered by talented singers,songwriters and performers who just want to share their particular talent with people,not for riches.
The Finlathen aquaduct a hidden listed building taken for granted but an important reminder of a rich industrial past.Also a well known local battleground for the various"tribes".

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazingly beautiful and varied doors on the old buildings!! I keep finding another and another. This city is full of beautiful and quirky architecture. I also love the 'drawbridges' on many of the houses on the south side of Perth Road.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gems that are not often publicised. Duncan Of Jordanstone produces so much artistic talent not often known about. Landscape is beautiful and there are many open spaces.
Shopping Culture and Entertainment is vibrant in this city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden community arts work that Dundee Rep do is extraordinary - speak to their Community Drama Officer

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I support popular culture in the form of William McGonagall.

How can he be the world's worst poet when his writing is still printed and repeated a century and a half after he wrote it?

I keep finding nineteenth century 'poetry' that does not appear to scan so it is not the overwhelming criticism that is widely made by those who patronize him.

His poetry should be celebrated without embarrassment.

McGonagall, Beano and Dandy would make a good counterweight to more highbrow contributions.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have a contemporary arts centre, a reportary theatre company, Scottish dance Theatre, The Scottish School fo Contemporary Dance, Duncan of Jordanstone Art's School, a Concert Hall, and a centre of world class journalism and medical research......How much more cultured can you get!?!

<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 indeed a wonderful place to be. The cutural diversity seen in Dundee made me feel I was reaching the entire world in minutes. The two universities (Dundee and Abertay) champions the unity in diversity seen there.
The site of the collapsed tay bridge and the relatively new tay road bridge (longest in the world at that time) are worth mentioning.
Another stunning suprise was to discover the area where the pretigious missionary Mary Slessor and her family lived when they moved to Dundee. Her role in stopping the killing of twin babies in Calabar, Nigeria is remembered till this day. With these and many more, I hereby recommend Dundee to host the UK's city of Culture 2017. Thank you

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the rooftops

From the ground, the city centre is a modern thriving metropolis, but look over the rooftops and you're transported to yesteryear. Intricately carved stone memorials to a time where people, not technology were the workhorses of the city. The courthouse, Tay works, the spires of the many churches, I sit in my fifth floor office, gaze across the unseen cityscape and consider what life must have been like, what's been lost and, more importantly, what's been gained. Dundee a city of history, that's trailblazing into the future.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee buzzes with creative energy. For a city of its size, it has a large and very active scene. Best of all, it has imaginative, creative, dynamic people who make it special!

<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> In Dundee you can just be who you are.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art in such a small city, particularly visual art and theatre is of an amazingly high standard. There is a huge appetite for more and the City of Culture designation could really help this. It would tie in nicely with revamping the city centre which will make the city visually pleasing itself.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have studied twice in Dundee and lived there for three years. It's a friendly welcoming place, full of real people. I knew very little about the place when I went there but would recommend it to anyone. It is an unassuming place with lots to offer. The fun is in discovering all the things that make Dundee unique whether it is historical, cultural, the scenery or the weather!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city seems to surprise other Scots who visit our city , who did not realise what a beautiful city we have. The location next to the river tay is very special.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Hill - a lovely walk, with nice views across the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that Dundee is striving to improve and has so much to offer from Football at Junior & Senior level,the Science Centre, Art at McManus & DCA and a brilliant rep theatre. We're on the river, near beautiful beaches and countryside and a thriving city! Beautiful buildings in The Caird Hall, Morgan Academy, McManus Gallery & Custom House

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has changed itself so much in the last 20 years - from a city where you had difficulty finding a decent restaurant to an city full of fascinating museums , a pedestrianised centre with quirky statues and restaurants that serve good food. A wonderful site overlooking the wonderful river Tay!

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

<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> In my opinion Dundee is the ideal candidate for City of Culture. It has a 'ripe', 'up for it' feel that reeks readiness for the challenge and the honours that come with this accolade. The goodness in the people of Dundee will fulfil this role and will ensure a rich harvest of culture with the greatest of pride.

<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> It is ever changing and the positive future and development of Dundee is being heard about throughout the world. The former 3 J's have definitely started to disappear and Dundee is being put out there as a cultural and business centre.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is bloody windy!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian, but moved here some 28 years ago from the "West Coast" - and would never contemplate moving back.
This city has everything, and the ability to evolve with the times. It constantly improves - just as you think it couldn't get much better. There might be bigger cities in Scotland - but none has anything Dundee can't match or indeed - better.
Sometimes thought of as the biggest village in the world - it has everything whilst retaining the special feeling of a small and friendly town. That is the magic of this city.

<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> I have lived in Dundee for over 40 years. I recently had a guided tour around the frigate Unicorn at Discovery Quay. A truly hidden gem in Dundee. Steeped in history on 4 decks I could imagine life as a crew member almost 200 years ago.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city. It is an amazing place to live. I think it is just the right size. If you look upwards in Dundee, you can see amazing architecture on buildings.

<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> That there is such a vibrant amateur classical music scene.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never let's go of your heart.the people ,young and old welcome you .the architectur,history ,people are unique.the,law hill,road bridge ,old and new.rail bridge.the rail disaster,teaching hospital,dental hospital ,university.Jute ,jam ,journalism .Broughty ferry.berry fields.river Tay.Salmon,pearls.The Discovery,Card Hall.DC Thomson.
No hidden secret.Dundee shares whatever they have with whoever wants to look. Find. Explore and experience.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art and music in Dundee is imbued with a strong DIY ethic. The best thing that encapsulates this is the local art collective Tin Roof - newly established and expanding further across cultural territories; Tin Roof provides Dundee with a platform for artists, and musicians alike. Audiences and general appreciators of culture can expect the intimacy and refreshing rawness of grass-roots level art and music.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved here as an intern in the University of Dundee Museum Services. I am delighted to be part of a city with so much culture, and I was surprised at the amount of history and culture Dundee has. Knowing hardly anything about the city, I look forward to learning all there is to know (if that's even possible!)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, unofficially known as Fundee, due to the happy memories and good times had during my university days. Great people, culture and attitude makes each return visit something to look forward to.

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