We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

I’m often astonished by extraordinary architecture in our city centre streets, especially if you look upwards at the rooflines. Dundee has some magnificent buildings evoking earlier periods in our city’s long and famous history.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's got to be the view of the city from Newport. Over the impressive tay bridge, looking back on the city as is rests upon the River Tay. The skyline undulates from west to east, gently extending its reach to the hidden beaches beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university is fantastic, I honestly believe it offers one of the best student experiences in the UK. There is no night out quite like a Union night out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee area is like an Aladdins cave of experience, its one of those places where you pick your kids up from school, and could be standing next to a cleaner, a plastic surgeon and an artist. It never ceases to amaze me the variety of people that live here, hiding their lights under very unassuming bushes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of good musicians in the city, the amazing venues to go and listen to well established and fabulous up and coming musicians.....Dundee is very rich with talent
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views of the River Tay and beyond which appear often unexpectedly from across the city. The amount of green spaces and the fantastic impact of the daffodils along the Kingsway which lift your heart and you know its Spring!! .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best university volleyball club. Almost 30 different nationalities at the University of Dundee Volleyball club.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Space, at Dundee College where acting and performance and dance students and soon to be technical theatre students get trained and supported by very committed, enthusiastic staff to develop their skills and realise their full potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the commitment of Dundee's volunteers.....most hours of the day and night there are a band of volunteers helping out those who need support. I am involved with the Dundee branch of Samaritans which has been on the go for over 50 years. There are many of us out there doing all sorts of things in our own time to lend a hand or an ear to another human being....so don't forget about them!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The continuous evolution of the city as the various individual developments and changes come together.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city centre on a busy Saturday afternoon.... everyone going about there business. Love the hustle and bustle of this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a surprise around every Dundee corner. I came here to study 35 years ago and forgot to go home! This is a city that is comfortable with its own skin. Rich in history and resilience, the city gets knocked down but bounces back again. Dundee has yet to reach its full potential, it's getting there though... Love it!
<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 innovative, DIY attitude!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My 7 year old took a 'fossil' find from the beach to the McManus Galleries in Dundee. The response of the staff was incredible: thoughtful to my 7 year old and very informative from their investigation, in fact an oyster shell from Mediaeval times. We've lived in Dundee for 7 years and there are lots of places to visit, it's a great place for my young children and for us as parents. We enjoy cycling on the Promenade at Broughty Ferry too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moved from Dundee 15 years ago. However, i will always be a West end Lad. Magdalen Green, the Band Stand, the views across the Tay and McIntosh Patrick.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I used to travel through Dundee on my way to and from Uni in Aberdeen. I always thought it was a grey gloomy city of roundabouts. Now that I live here, I couldn't have been more wrong! My favourite places have to be the Botanic Gardens and Camperdown Park, and my absolute favourite thing is the ever-changing view of the River Tay - stunning In all weathers!
<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> The Waterfront developing into such a beautiful and state of the art area from what was such an industrial start. It proves with investment and creative thinking a 'sow's ear can be made from a silk purse'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the secrets that Dundee hides between the houses all over the city. There are so many little pathways that may lead to the law hill, to the Tay, to a University ground, a mall with young or old or just an old fish restaurant. Its really an amazing place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Outsiders may be surprised to know that William Wallace was educated at the Grammar School of Dundee, and was outlawed for killing the son of the English Governor of Dundee, setting him on the path that would see him become the central figure in the Wars of Independence.
KT Tunstall and Andrew Marr attended the same school, now known as the High School of Dundee, more recently. There is no suggestion either committed any heinous crimes that brought the wrath of the English authorities upon them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blackness Industrial area, rich in history with many old jute mills, today they hold some the cities gems. There are art spaces and studios such as tin roof, the verdant works museum and furniture recycling center.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a deeply dedicated and fully engaged culture of arts, science, research and innovation. With two universities, museums, galleries and a fab science centre it provide myriad opportunities for people to play, learn and discover.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The supportiveness, openness and creativity locally leaves me constantly surprised. A week never goes by without me talking to someone who is planning an event or initiative to strengthen Dundee's community through culture, design and art. Would love to see this bid as a way to highlight how much great work is going on in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's maritime heritage often overshadowed by Glasgow but non the less ust as important. The Discovery,Unicorn and North Carr.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love all our green spaces. They are so well kept and a wonderful way to clear your mind. Id also like to add that the litter collection folk do an amazing job. Our city is not a dirty one!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a non Dundonian I find the people very friendly to newcomers
<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> Small city, big influence
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing cultural diversity of the local population, the student population, and the provision of music, drama, theatre, learning and leisure opportunities
<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> Dundee has lots of hidden gems as well as a great and growing music scene.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Broughty Ferry, having a beach so close is great on a sunny day. I love all the little shops there too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The People.... constantly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from The city of Dundee being beautiful and Fresh, with tress, gardens ,and cool breeze. The People are very kind and generous, on my first day in Dundee city I was shown around by a stranger I could hardly recall. Once unaware that I needed to have coins to pay for my bus ride before boarding in 2006 a bus driver paid a ticket for me. I remember the University of Dundee Faculty with lots of joy, and am always glad that I was their student.
<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> 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> The beauty of the Shed at Tannadice is really something to behold.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazingly close network of young up and coming designers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the best city in Britain for seeing red squirrels.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There really is something for everyone, music with the likes of the blues festival and loads of gigs, fantastic theatre both amature and professional, a variety of fine art or easy access to both urban and rural environments
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On my first visit to Dundee, back in 2005, i felt like anything was possible. I still find Dundee creatively inspiring, welcoming and open to new ideas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of music talent from all age groups especially the younger bands, if you head to the 20rocks or non-zeros at the weekend you will see plenty of talented young potential stars. Clarks is a recently refurbished venue which is always jam packed not only with people but with the sound of music so i'd recommend visiting any of these three venues and be amazed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone! Its a collective of things that makes the city great. There are plenty parks, ponds and the beautiful 'Silvery Tay'. Its a convenient and enjoyable place for families, couples, students and anyone who gives it a try! Easy to commute to and from. Ninewells is a fantastic teaching Hospital that is often in the news with the latest in science and technology.
<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> the DCA is a brilliant space with great shows passing through it. collectives such as Yuck n Yum do great zines and events within the city. it's been incredible to watch just how much dundee has grown as a city since DCA was built and people seem more positive than ever about creating a great arts scene there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has become my 'home from home' over the past 13 years. I moved here at 17 to study and have never left! I love the fact that Dundee is a city, yet it is right next to the countryside.I love running along the river front and strolling along Broughty Ferry beach with an ice cream from Vissochis. I enjoy admiring the views of Dundee from the other side of the Tay Bridge. I enjoy the buzz from the West End and the Cultural Quarter and the diversity of the people you meet here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's not a lack of things to say that's kept me from posting here, but the opposite. For such a small place there's so much cultural cache, from a vibrant and multifarious music scene to a fantastic art college, brilliant artist-run spaces and obviously the excellent resource that is Dundee Contemporary Arts. Above all though, within &amp; without the cultural hubs of Dundee it is the genuine sense of community that makes the place so special.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the way the sun sets over the bridges, particularly during winter evenings - makes me feel like I am home every time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Budding artists used to come to Dundee to study at Duncan of Jordanstone college of Art because its an amazing college but would leave after graduating to live in bigger, more "happening" cities....now they come to DJCAD because it's an amazing college and they stay!
Dundee is now one of the happening cities, overflowing with creative talent with a great vibe.
It IS a city of culture..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Community involvement which takes a pride in it's heritage and culture such as Whitfield Community Centre , in the middle of a peripheral housing scheme, which was recently involved in an arts production in collaboration with Dundee Rep. This included drama, dance and a choral performance. Each performance was sold out and supported well by the Dundee public.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The closeness of everything, the view of dundee from the bridge, the beautiful mansions along the perth road &amp; the large renovated former jute mills
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has the most stunning waterfront location and is surrounded by fabulous countryside. 10 minutes drive in any direction and you are somewhere gorgeous, and yet you're only an hour away from Edinburgh.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me this is about saying 'thank you' to a city that made me feel so welcome and has become home! And, for me, it's the hidden surprises that make Dundee so special; the enigmatic jute mills awaiting rescue, the seals on the sandbanks under the rail bridge, daffodils in The Howff in the spring; the lovingly tended parks and forestry.... All this and we still have so much to look forward to! The V&amp;A and the whole waterfront redevelopment - I can't wait!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2 universities each prominent in its expertise draw in students and researchers from all over the world. These visitors bring the rich diversity of so many different cultures to the city and many become long term residents . Living in the West End I am constantly reminded of the cosmopolitan nature of Dundee in 2013 which was largely absent as I was growing up here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is its distinct character, as though it were an admired, trusty and respected friend to it's inhabitants and visitors alike. The city's bairns form the roots of this collective character that comes through in strength; it welcomes me home and puts me at ease. I smile and long to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most stunning waterfront in Europe. Looking towards the west at any time, absolutely incomparable experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sometimes you have to look a little closer or a look at a city from a different angle to discover the hidden gems of arcitecture or urban archeology that may be there but never seen. Dundee is a facinating plave for this. The grand gateway to the Howfe that has never been opened for decades, The 1/4 mile long aquaduct over the Dichty burn at Fintry ....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! Our communities are our best asset.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> SCUMDEE they said, don't go there. But I did.
This is a city with ambition and guts, somewhere to watch. So much has changed in the last 10 years, I can't wait to watch in awe as the city expands into it's beautiful setting, stretching it's legs and showing the world what it is all about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is beautiful and glamorous. The city is small but sentimental, with old and new. There is no place like it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is going through a massive cultural shift and it is amazing how much fellow Dundonians are behind this. The people of the City want Dundee to be the best it possibly can be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Generator Projects! With out a doubt my favorite thing about Dundee, a really strong curatorial team who curate some of the best exhibitions of emerging artists anywhere in the UK. Then there are the Yuck'n'Yum guys with there AGK (Annual General Karaoke)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visiting distance learning student, I thought the Dundee Backpackers Hostel was a hidden gem of the city's heritage. It is an unusual converted 16th-19th century building with layers of character and some interesting preserved objects on display. The city's rich culture is also represented by a vibrant and diverse art scene which adds to the enjoyment of being there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many great things this small city has produced that have changed life for the btter not only in scotland but the world over
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine! Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city. Plus, there's a real buzz about the city city these days. It's a place I choose to live in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed by the vibrancy of the arts community in and around Dundee. and feel proud to have many of these artists as my friends. I came to the area to restore a ruined Baronial castle to the north of the city, in an attempt to bring back built heritage from the brink. However. so impressed have I been with the artists in the area, I would love to make the castle a cultural centre as well ... perhaps for 2017?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the sport in Dundee is good, there's lots of activities you can do for everyone :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the river surprises me every single time I see it. Especially when it goes completely still, as the tide changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city that is thriving with the ongoing development work at the Central Waterfront and other associated building works. The railway station is receiving a major overhaul and new hotels are sprouting up across the city. with the V&amp;A museum soon to be built alongside our flagship The Discovery people will be flocking in their thousands to see our city and whats on offer. The time is right for the Dundee to be the City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is lovely city, I was impressed by the cleanliness in the city and the commitment that people have in their jobs. I attended the epidemiology classes and it was amazing. the reception on arrival was fantastic, the organization was lovely. we had wonderful lecturers who were knowledgeable. The rooms where we were putting up were lovely and we also had a wonderful kitchen where we prepared our meals. I also admired your public relations. keep up the lovely culture. bravo and have a lovely time during your Bid. I would love to visit Dundee again and enjoy their hospitality
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The arts scene in Dundee is not simply a matter of excellent facilities, strong grass-root commitment, and the way the size and mix of the city encourages participation: it regularly features artists and performers of international importance: see the history of performances for Dundee Chamber Music and shows at DCA. We have seen the same work featured in DCA and in the Venice Biennale; we have heard the same performers in the Caird Hall and in Alice Tully Hall, NYC. Also, Caird Hall is a major recording venue for classical record companies, such as Philips and Chandos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee went into an industrial nosedive in the 1970s, which I remember well. After many painful years it has emerged as a vibrant university town humming with energy, youth and ideas. It is wonderful to see old jute mills converted to artists' studios, to visit a refurbished McManus, to eat at the DCA and the Rep. The waterfront project is well under way, as is a physic garden being constructed by volunteers at Ninewells. Energy is the word !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Art bar, Reading Rooms and DCA!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the whale oil an' the stoor

it's in the blood - way down
in the depth and the darkness of our river
you can feel it coming in
like a distant whispering in the wind
blowing in wi' the haar from the north east

it's in the sweep of the girders that cross the Tay
over the wide expanse of water

it's in the re built bridge that took us forward
to the re discovery

it's deep down
with the feeling of pride
in the building of ships
for the whalers
in the hard grey dockyards along the water's edge

the ships that connected us
with the world beyond
and reached out
to the furthest away places on earth
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That we have the best variety and good quality eateries of any city in Europe . Lots of places to go on a night out whatever your income and the Caird hall
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A walk along the riverside early on a summers morning is always a great experience and you are often watched carefully by the seals basking in the sun
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the depth of feeling and loyalty that Dundonians have for their city. Despite being one of Scotland's larger cities, the people make it feel like a village because they all know each other .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the Dundee Laws - Amazing, the people are friendly and welcoming and a great place to live.

Both Universities have been wining awards for all stuffs and now it is time for Dundee to be UK City of Culture for 2017!
<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> As a child my granny, who is 93, still healthy and living in Dundee, took me to all of the local "great spots." My favourites were always The Unicorn and The Discovery, so much so that when civil wedding ceremonies became available on The Discovery, my husband and I were married on the decks of the boat. I think The Discovery has been well preserved and would wish the same for The Unicorn - its another amazing ship with a rich history; it should be less of a secret and used as an attraction to bring more tourists to Dundee. One city, two ships.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fabulously diverse city, with a vibrant arts scene, from great productions at the Rep to outstanding exhibits at DCA, and the newly refurbished McManus galleries. There's always something to entertain, challenge and excite.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Old Mill Snooker club in the city is a hidden gem where the full spectrum of Dundee citizens can be found in a friendly environment.
<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> I loved it when I was a new student in 1986 when I came to Dundee via the Tay Bridge. In those days it had the toll booth and on my nervous arrival in Dundee with mum and dad to begin my Art School journey there seemed to be a huge , beautiful lemon tree at the bridge. On closer inspection this turned out to be hundreds of empty jiff lemon squeezy bottles tied on to the tree by the men working in the booths. It made us all smile with delight and I have remembered it ever since.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Get the hidden closes opened up. They are a fantastic asset to Dundee and not many people know about them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old higgledy piggledy buildings against a backdrop of the swathe of the River Tay, and the unexpected gastronomic delights in a hidden restaurant here and a quirky bistro there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the city structure, combining a hill with an amazing view, which is then 'diving' into the sea. Walking through the city you can see that there is a story hidden behind each street, each neighbourhood that seems independent from he rest, but at the same time all seem proud to leave in Dundee.
The is sun that brights up quite often, give a different exotic feeling to the place. I was impressed by the locals, how kind they are. I have a person especially in mind, born and raised in Dundee, and when he speaks about it, is talking with so much passion about the history, language and people of the place. He even thank me for choosing Dundee as my place for studying. Personally, that is a wonderful feeling which made me fall in love with he city of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My son Don Nicolson and daughter Cindy Nicolson were both born in the city. Don is a singer songwriter who won Dougie McCleans songwriter of the year award a few years back, and plays solo gigs all over the place. Cindy is also a singer songwriter who sings solo and is a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter with the group Mamasbaby which plays all over Perth and dundee, the highlands and toured europe as did Don. They are very talented people and come from a long line of musicians. My father who died at the age of 37 from cancer was a singer song writer too and he was the trainer for the under 21s Osborne team in Dundee back in the 40`s.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Coldside Community Fun day is an annual festival with Dundee poets, singers, bands, dancers, pipe bands and arts and crafts activities for young people. All organised by community volunteers , it attracts around 500 people each year. Its a great display of community spirit and local talent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I come from Christchurch, New Zealand though I have lived in Dundee for nearly 15 years now. On its journey to Antarctica the RRS Discovery stopped at Lyttleton, New Zealand which is just over the hill from Christchurch. I think there are few places in the world that I could choose to live in that would take me so far away from home however even here there are strong ties. Dundee has such rich cultural diversity which is not what most people expect - my daughter’s nursery school has children from over 26 nationalities!! One Dundee, Many Cultures.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it evolves; how it's not afraid to take brave steps into the unknown. Dundee people are not afraid of change - they embrace it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a unique city. We have everything on our doorstep - the benefits of a city and the beauty of the countryside, and amazing culture and heritage that we should be very proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My husband is from Dundee. His pride in the city is so obvious whenever he talks of it. His passion when he talks about the music and history of the place (from Billy Mackenzie to to Cromwell's troops sacking the town in 1651!) makes me smile. A working class town that has always housed artists and dreamers and punched so far above it's weight when it comes to creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is often described as the world's biggest village and it's true. Everyone knows nearly everyone and if you don't, the old adage rings true that strangers are friends we've yet to make! I no longer live in Dundee but I miss the place heaps - unlike most people I know who have left their home towns &amp; don't look back. Dundee's community education is revered throughout Scotland and outside of Dundee acknowledge them as leaders at the forefront of this sector. And it's not just education Dundee are leading the way in but science, medicine &amp; also the gaming industry, with even the infamous Banksy paying homage to Lemmings, an icon of an era, invented in Dundee... The city really is one of many discoveries :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible richness in the arts and science, and a thriving live music scene. Many fantastic musicians reside in Dundee and perform regularly. Dundee hails one of the best all female bands in Scotland and the UK over the past 2 decades - the very talented "adam812", who were asked by Henny King to represent Dundee City and perform at the Octcentenery Awards in the city square and in London at the St James Palace Hotel. Adam812 - one of Dundee's hidden secrets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the reputation it has undeservingly collected from previous lives. People within Scotland have the impression that Dundee is still an old whaling town filled with desolate jute mills and nowhere to go. The reality is far from the truth: Dundee is a place bursting with architecture both modern and the type of old to be admired, music events, art galleries, science and education. There are groundbreaking opportunities everywhere with a college and two universities offering unique computing and medical facilities. There are so many amazing places within Dundee whether it be the beautiful beach at Broughty Ferry, the top of the Law or beneath the shadow of the RRS Discovery. I've lived in Dundee all my life and yet, as a young person, I am still surprised by the constantly growing and evolving platform of culture which exists within the city. Some people grow up somewhere and want to get out and away but you know what, I can honestly think of few better places to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city waiting to be discovered, situated between the dolphins in the river Tay and the magnificent mountain 'The Law' behind, it holds a rich history of Jam, Journalism and Jute and an exciting future of biomedical discoveries, computer game inventions and the 'city makeover' with a new V&amp;A museum and a new train station.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> all the little details - benches in the street which are wiggly rather than standard straight ones, arty bollards, dragon wrapped around a street sign etc etc etc, so many
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of domes, cupolas and extraordinary roof architecture if you raise your eyes and look at the tops of the buildings in the city centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was Scotland's second city for over 200 years and by area had Scotland's largest medieval city centre.
<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> multicultural smooth academic environment, strong links between universities and enterprises, beautiful green surroundings!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Is a great city with many things to do and see and it also is the gateway to the Angus Glens and north Fife. But Most of all its the place I grew up in, went to school in, went plundering, went berry-picking in and is Home to the greatest team ever Dundee FC and when I finish my days working down in Leeds I will come Hame to the Big 'D' to see old friends and reconnect with this Constantly evolving city that never forgets its past. Forward Thinking Dundee...as always :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus galleries offer a wonderful insight into the rich history of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Proud to be from Dundee. A city with not only a rich past for creativity and culture but a vibrant future through 2017 and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dudhope Park is a sometimes forgotten gem in the centre of Dundee! Dudhope Park has been improved with lighting in the skatepark and nearby paths, improvements to the tennis courts and - very soon - a brand new play park! Being the main green space in the centre of Dundee it's a great place to enjoy the sunshine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene in Dundee is very diverse, for a small city we have some great venues and bands. Not to mention our great blues festival! It really helps put Dundee on the map.

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