We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The ever changing look of sea, river, clouds, hills and wildlife make everyday a surprise.
The richness of women’s history in Dundee.
The thriving arts community in Dundee and surrounding countryside.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I moved here from Aberdeen 10 years ago and have always found the people here so friendly and down to earth. they are honest (sometimes too honest) but i like that! Dundee is my home now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its a very lively city, with plenty to do and look at. you're never bored in Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is and was a fantastic place to go to university. All four siblings in my family went there with no prior connection to the city. Our son is now there too and loves it. Dundee is still very much a hidden treasure and has some amazing new projects planned in the next few years. For those of us who came from small towns it is a lovely "smaller" city with a lot to offer, especially for students. The riverfront is beautiful and becoming more so as those projects come to fruition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that Dundee is changing so fast, that no place is safe from the scrutinizing look of whether it deserves to stay or make place for the new. Unloveable buildings are demolished and open spaces are created. Dundee is not in any way decadent or settled, nor is it burdened with too much that needs to be preserved or archived or mummified. It is in this way a place that is on the move, and that makes it an exciting and vibrant place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has amazing cultural and geographic attributes but its chief strength is its people with their unique sense of humour and caring attitude to each other that I have not encountered anywhere else in my travels all over the world.
<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> It's history and how it has constantly been trying to build itself up to be a more positive place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyone is connected in some way, it's a small place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ability and courage to reinvent itself and determination to change the look and feel of the city, eg building new houses to replace the high rise flats and regenerating an old building for the council to pull down an eyesore that is the first thing you see on entering the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Voices in Harmony is a choir operating out of Whitfield Community Centre. Membership is around thirty plus and growing. The choir sings acappella and is led by Sarah Harrop who is very enthusiastic and inspirational.
Gigs are performed across the city including Marryatt Hall. Recently the choir worked in collaboration with Dundee Rep to perform "This Town" in Verdant Works.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For those looking for something different, Dundee has many local independent retail businesses run by passionate people offering both outstanding service and first class (often locally produced) products.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that there's a real feeling of pride growing amongst us Dundonians. Maybe it's because we are seeing so much investment in the in the City. The waterfront is really creating a buzz and it's gaining momentum. The new swimming as well as some new hotels and restaurants opening are really making it somewhere exciting to live!
<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> How much nicer it is than it nationally is thought to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee, many people wondered (including me at times) why I would want to leave such a beautiful, exciting and amazing city for a smaller, lesser (in some respects) city in Scotland. No regrets! Dundee may be smaller but has a bigger heart, fantastic people and has won me over! I will always love our capital but Dundee is the best city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee folk have the driest wit on the planet. Their quick humour requires a very thick skin. However this goes hand in hand with true kindness and community spirit. I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Progressing to a Major Cultural City
<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> The Overgate and Wellgate. Got nice shops.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently started living here (moved from London) I have been struck by the warmth and very welcoming attitude from all those I have met - at work, the bus drivers, shop assistants, various tradesmen to name a few. The compact city has a great history with hidden gems around many corners. The old city walls to the west, a medieval house in the city centre now the Backpackers hostel, the incomparable moodiness of the Tay, RSS Discovery and of course the Unicorn. So understated, so much to shout about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved going to school in Dundee with the children's international film festival at the DCA. A pile of tickets for a bundle price and I was able to go in on the bus every day after school.... I was just sad that not more people knew about it at the time. It is great to see the more recent film festivals better attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My allotment up the law is a little haven of tranquility in a busy city. It has excellent views over the city and I can see the bridges and Discovery. I watch the weather changing. It is fab! I love Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our little city on the beautiful Firth of Tay is full of vibrant, funny, clever, talented people engaged in a myriad activies. You guys never cease to amaze me!
<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 fantastic riverside walk between the boatyard along grassy beach to Broughty Ferry Castle
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green - an inspiring open space that overlooks the ever changing river. A great place for meeting folk, exercise and relaxation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden secret is Dundee itself. Before moving to Dundee for work, one of my former colleagues expressed candid surprise at my decision to move from Southeast England. She said she had been to Dundee, and that it was not a very nice place. After having spent almost a year here, I can say she was utterly wrong. The city is one of emergent wealth, thriving because of several factors -- lively students, vibrant arts, beautiful outdoors, surprisingly sunny weather . . . The city is well connected by bus, rail and air.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City with community/village feel. Very friendly people.
Many lovely parks and open spaces for everyone. Integrated multi national community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee my whole life and I love it! The vibrant arts and music scene has always provided the people of the city with entertainment and education, as good as you'll find anywhere.
As a musician I have enjoyed a very fruitful working and social life due to this soulful side of the city. Lets spread the word!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Returning to Dundee after a trip down south - crossing the Tay Bridge in the train and marveling at the beauty of the firth on either side of me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Can't wait for my son and I to use the New Olympia Swimming facility this summer and very much looking forward to seeing how the new waterfront developments will progress and enrich our city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Finding a little piece of history right under your nose from the Howff, the walks about the Women of Dundee, and the plaques that are displayed throughout the City which tell you about its history. My kids love the Dare ProPlay event which takes place each year, .You cant beat the feeling of pride when you return from your travels and see the City of Dundee laid out before you - you know your home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Climbing the monkey puzzle tree in Camperdown, 40 years ago and now watching my children do the same
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You turn corner's here and find surprise's. Each street contains a hero, an ambassador. An individual who goes that extra mile every day, helping neighbours and strangers alike, making the city a little brighter each day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The understated talent, ingenuity and resourcefulness of its people, in all aspects of our lives; over hundreds of years to the present day life-sciences and computer technologies. The cultural scene has amazed me too, over the past few years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The high level of cultural events, and places to visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most spectacular view of any city in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> there is a great vibe from up and coming designer makers in the city which is wonderful to see. i love the little independent shops that have managed to survive the recession and the new ones opening up recently - keep up the good work of reclaiming the high street !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of light around our city is amazing. The combination of a huge estuary and big sky means Scotland's sunniest city has a unique quality of light. Not exactly hidden; but perhaps not always noticed and appreciated. It took a spell of 5 years working in Oban Monday to Friday to make me fully appreciate this natural feature of our beautiful city. It lifted my spirit when I drove back into the city every Friday night...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great University.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich diversity of the city's historical legacy, which is reflected in its social history, as well as the many unseen surprises on the buildings and little pockets of interesting nooks and crannies tucked away, waiting to be explored.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No place can beat Dundee for green space and places to walk. Just begin to list the parks. Walking through cemetery and up to the observatory gives stunning views across Invergowrie bay and then to the North. Having lived in Glasgow for six years, I am continually reminded of what a great job the City does maintaining the parks and keeping the streets and open areas clean. Everyone I encourage to visit, loves it and can't believe they have never thought of coming to Dundee before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Christmas markets - great atmosphere. Waterfront redevelopment - so keen for Dundee to have the face it deserves. Dundee has a great civic feel. By working in Dundee, I feel part of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city. My favourite place, that I believe is one of the city's hidden secrets is the gorgeous railway nature trail in Lochee. I had my wedding photos taken there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Super Friendly People of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant business community and this can only grow in light of recent developments eg V&amp;A Dundee, Malmaison etc. The people are warm, humorous, friendly... And I LOVE Dundee United FC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think Dundee is in a beautiful location, on the banks of the silvery Tay. I've often felt that the city hasn't used this to their advantage, until recently with the new waterfront development and the V&amp;A. In the past Dundee has been a bit of a rough diamond compared to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen but now I think Dundee has definitely started to sparkle!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The language, the humour, the vibrant music and arts scene, the beloved characters that are a part of the city. From McGonagle to Michael Marra, from Broughty Castle to the Beano. Dundee has a culture, soul, heart all it's own that endures despite being on the fringe and despite being a city which many pass through.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee's attitude; fun and friendly with none of the pretence that you get from other cities. I think the thing I like most about Dundee is walking about, looking up and seeing some architecture that you missed before.
I love the Dundee accent, the building, the galleries, the pubs , the shops, the people, the history and heritage but most of all I love Groucho's second-hand record and CD store. Magic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's place to be for jewellery design! Kate Pickering launched Vanilla Ink last year and gives designers from all over the chance to learn and make in a friendly and supportive environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the local creative scene and businesses.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee accent is one of the finest sounds in Scotland and always puts a smile on my face. The McManus galleries gives a wonderful of the history and culture of the city which means a great deal to me. Dundee is undoubtedly a city with problems, but these are being addressed and many of the steps which are being taken in that direction, such as the introduction of the V&amp;A and the regeneration of the waterfront, make Dundee an ideal candidate.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is alive and in great spirits with song, dance and drama round every corner, music is in the air, the City is bulging with culture be it Traditional, Classical or Ethnic, and listen to the Youth music makers, schools orchestras, brass and pipe bands, folk groups and we are dancing in the street with Funky Feet and Urban Moves.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> IT's people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's west end on a summer evening has the feel of a vibrant area in a larger city. Magdalene green is so sunny and sociable it can be like being in any other european park of a sunny afternoon with people siesta-ing, walking their dogs, socialising, playing sports having barbeques. And theres hardly any traffic. Theres loads of events on related to the university whatever your interests are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it produces music of such diverse style, colour and excellence.

The Annual Dundee Blues Festival, brings acts from all over the world, giving the locals of Dundee a chance to experience the richness and culture of world class Blues music.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strong sense of community identity. All over city local people are working together to celebrate and improve their neighbourhoods through local festivals, drama performances, litter picks, mosaics and gardening projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The underground music scene. A true variety of musicians, bands ans dj's playing at venues across the city such as Beat Generator, Doghouse, Duke's Corner and the Reading Rooms.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Half Marathon - friendly and a great atmosphere
<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> Heart Space Yoga and the Whiteroom's - two vibrant and supportive yoga centres in the lovely city of Dundee. Nourishing folks, impoving health and mental well-being.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always celebrated its past but its brilliant to see it now also celebrating its future!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so vibrant and focussed on the future, not the past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views from so many angles are amazing. Both looking in and looking outwards. The struggles too, of many people such as my Granny who worked in the Jute Mills and the struggles too, of many today who can't find work, but keep striving despite the setbacks. It's not just the views, but the people. Their determinism to help others, even when they have so little, brings out the best. I've seen it often in the most surprising places.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Junior Bike 2012 (&amp;2006) organised and funded by Michelin Tyre. Supporting the young children of the city and encouraging them to be active as well as safe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has gone through an incredible creative regeneration. With the imminent arrival of V&amp;A, the refurbishment of McManus and a flourishing dance community, the city has an abundance of creativity. It's already a City of Discovery. A city ready and well poised to further discover it's creative future. Bring on the City of Culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such an interesting history for a relatively small city. There's plenty evidence to see as you walk about. The two universities bring a large student population and a youthful dynamic. Dundee has some beautiful parks and scenery and the silvery Tay is never too far away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing speed at which it has developed into a cool city i.e. over the last 18 years since i went there to university
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived away from Dundee for 5 years and every time i go home i see changes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just down off the road bridge to the east, right on the front, theres a little spiral-staircased platform on which one can spend any amount of time in tranquility and contemplation looking off into the river or back into Dundee's heart. Beautiful place, have been atop it many times with many people. I guess its somewhere to catch a breath amidst the wild and constant cultural offerings of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the generosity, I help organise the community festival Dundee WestFest and despite having no real budget, the lengths people go to to help us make it a great week of events. Musicians, Performers, Walks and Talks Organisers, Poets, Stall holders, Venue Providers and all the business that help with in kind support and the audience for all the events, all so very generous, a real community effort. Thank you for being Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that Dundee's law hill is actually a dormant volcano! And that it's got a secret tunnel through it! And that you can walk to the top for breathtaking views :-)
<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> The many talented musicians who can be found playing at various bars in and around the city including Clarks on Lindsay Street and Fat Sams Live
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm here today because of the wonderful work being done in the Scottish Bowel Screening Unit which is here in Dundee. Screening was piloted here and is now saving lives of Scots all over the country. The work on cancer research done here in Dundee is exceptional and the skill of our medical staff at Ninewells hospital is second to none.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people - I've never met friendlier people in my entire life. Walks down by the Tay and afternoons spent on Magdalen green on a sunny day are unbeatable!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can cycle from one end to the other along the coast using very little road..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an annual visitor to this great city I can only say what a wonderful warm welcome we always receive both from staff at Caird Hall,an amazing venue, and from local people in eating places and in the street when seeking directions. A great place to be a City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian I'm not surprised, just proud, of what Dundee has to offer in terms of culture in the broadest sense. A prime example was the late lamented Michael Marra, whose genius lay in delivering the people's culture with dry Dundonian humour (listen to If Dundee Was Africa, Muggie Shaw, Hamish) as well as universal observations (try Happed In Mist, Hermless). See also how he inspired other local artists such as Vincent Rattray and the many groups he collaborated with at Dundee Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Nairobi via China and Laos, 5 and a bit years ago. What surprised me about Dundee was how it manages to be a big city with numerous hidden surprises and at the same time a small city with a real sense of community and pride. My favorite surprise in Dundee was when I stumbled across a pop up gallery called the guerrilla gallery at the back of the recycling center. This gave me a glimpse into the world of Artists in Dundee and I was amazed!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunday morning sport for the city's kids - rugby, football, hockey et al. Parents really putting in the early morning effort to help kids realise their potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's where the heart is!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The art school is wonderful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are always new people to meet and connect with, there seems to be a continual flow of people coming into Dundee, some stay a month, a year or maybe 4 or more, and the city takes them all in.

Though not born and bred in Dundee, I have done a lot of growing here; I moved to Dundee at 18, and 8 years later I am still exploring and discovering new streets, communities and people. As a student and then lecturer, most of my time has been centered at DJCAD, University of Dundee. The university often provides a reason for people to come to Dundee but the communities pre-existing (and yet to form) are the reason people care, contribute and continue talking about Dundee.

For me, Dundee's hidden secret is its adaptability in itself and the people it hosts. It is not a perfect city, nor does it pretend to be, therefor people take on the challenge of shaping it, in turn shaping themselves. In this continual movement Dundee has witnessed many a success, and failure, but it (and the people it hosts) keeps on trying because that is the nature of the space and place it inhabits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the impact artists past and present have had on the city.

Currently Im looking forward to exploring more of Vince Rattray's work, as he is talked about with so much warmth by Dundonians. And I was fascinated to discover Pat Douthwaite's amazing paintings.

She was born in Glasgow but chose Dundee has her home because she liked it so much and took up a permanent residency at The Queens Hotel.
<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> The fantastic views over the Tay from the Law and Balgay park.

The friendliness of the locals, the fact that the two football stadiums are on the same street!

The volume of Whiskey/ Whisky in Speedies!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My daughter first came to Dundee 5 years ago to study medicine, it was very daunting for us as parents to send our first born to little known to us city in a foreign country. We needn't have worried she fitted in like a duck to water from the very minute she moved there and now it seems she has met the love of her life a local Dundee lad.. She has never felt unsafe in Dundee and on our many visits we have always enjoyed ourselves immensely, one of Dundee's greatest assets is it's close proximity to the sea, there's nothing we like more than taking the bus to Broughty Ferry. It's wonderful to see the amount of work in progress in Dundee and when it's all complete soon it will have undergone an amazing transformation. People of Dundee should be proud of their wonderful city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a creative spirit, and a many promising, developing creative industry. But I think that the most important 'hidden secret'of this city is the V&amp;A museum and the configuration of the waterftont
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a very historic place with many nooks and crannies to be sought out.
Great walks - I particularly like the walks around the old streets down to Magdalen Green and back into the City centre on a good day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many different things for a variety of ages etc.
<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> A small city maybe but it has everything you need - culture (museums and theatre), shops, universities - and all on your doorstep. Plus it has Dundonians - some of the friendliest people one could ever hope to meet. I love it here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grandad Mo is a hidden gem: only someone who is 83 could sing The Road and the Miles to Dundee with such understanding and tenderness. When he was a wee boy he used to nip across to Newport on the Fifie and walk to Wormit beach with his dog. He would look out over the Tay, through the railway bridge, to the jute factory chimneys and church steeples of Dundee. He joined the Post Office as a telegram boy when he was 14 and worked there for more than 40 years. Dundee is his home, come and see why!
<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> Excellent shopping centres
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A place - Dundee Rep
An event - Rotary Young Musician of the Year
Person- David Robertson SOLAS and St Peter's Free Church
They all share Dundee's attitude -Hidden Quality, intellect. humour, aspiration and never above oneself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee in 1990 from England. Immediately I was immersed in the culture, the language, the people - wonderful. One of my colleagues gave me a sheet full of Dundee-isms and a whole new language opened up to me. My all time favourite was seeing a warning sign in the old Overgate: wet pent. It's a unique place, full of history, strong women and working class-ness.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's so much to offer at every time of the year and for every age, having only been in Dundee since 2005 I can't ever imagine leaving.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History remains to be seen in the everyday life of Dundee. In the town we have old gas lamps (converted to electricity) standing in the middle of the street and tram lines and cobbles to follow through town. I recently found one of my ancestors was on the voyage to save Captain Scott in the Antarctic and so even I, who have lived here all my life, am still learning about the importance of Dundee on a Global scale (being one of the first parts of Britain to trade with India for the Jute trade) and on a personal level.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Both born and bred dundonians, and the people who have chosen to live here all have a great outlook and sense of community spirit which is great to be a part of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The V&amp;A and the waterfront development combined with the DCA and the Rep are in themselves brilliant cultural hot spots within our great City as they buzz with conversations of the arts. However, it's the community culture of Lochee or Fintry that I think plays a key role in Dundee being nominated. With several such unique areas within one city it makes for a truly special place something worth UK recognition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a distance-educated student of Dundee I was given tremendous support and warmth during my process to attain my Bachelors degree. The professors and entire staff that I dealt with both on-line and over the phone were patient, warm, understanding considerate. Always available for help and very bright people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking across from Fife as the winter sun sets, the silhouette is unmistakable and the bridges dark against the pastel flow of the river. There not many other cities in Britain that create such an instantly recognisable horizon. Then the sun sets and Dundee sparkles into life as the myriad of lights paint the river with trails that stretch gently towards the fife coastline. Beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the wide variety of culture from ancient history like the Discovery to the new V and A coming to the city.....the Hutton Institute does some wonderful work across the world. The McManus Gallery has Picasso coming to it shortly...where else could you find such diversity.

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