:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

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> Diversity

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Literally the city of 'Discovery' a fantastic iconic ship steeped in history which should make each one of us that live in and around Dundee very proud. I see that ship everyday on my way in to work and it never fails to make me wonder about the incredible journey it has been on and the brave folks it had on board - true explorers!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An English friend of mine lived in London and said he drank in his local for four years before the regulars spoke to him. He visited Dundee once, ended up in the Jimmy Shand of all places, and said he was sat at the bar ten minutes before being adopted as a native son. He loves Dundee and thinks the people are as friendly and welcoming as he's come across anywhere.

<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> I'm looking forward to visiting later this week, up from Yorkshire. Can't wait to visit the most fantastic cafe, Jessie's Kitchen, a real hidden gem. Wonderful cakes and drinks with a wonderful view over the Tay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visitor to the city over the last two years I have been delighted by how friendly and helpful everyone is and how vibrant the city is in it's atmosphere. I love it so much I am trying to move my family near to Dundee from the south coast. You have so much to offer!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden gem of Scotland

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Discovering foody gems like 'The Cheesery' and 'T-Ann Cake' both on Exchange Street just a few hundred yards off the High Street.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Living beside the ever-changing river and the views of the hills and sky - the diverse music, theatre, art, culture, much of it within walking distance - the architecture (check out the McManus Gallery!) - the friendliness - the history of the city as a great port - wonderful environment for children - people talking about interesting and important things - our local Arts Cafe with great food AND art every day - easy to access some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland - outdoor sports.....I've lived in some great places, and Dundee is up there with the best.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of diversity. I was a student there, and there is an ingrained culture and inherent creative spirit of learning which really makes it a place you love.

The DCA is a hub of film and creativity. The local pubs and restaurants build up the atmosphere. The history of comic books and journalism. The old factories and the production of Jute.

It's a city that will stay with you long after you leave.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much it has changed for the better since I was an undergraduate in 1978-1982!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's Jute Museum at Verdant works.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Central Library is quite the best public library I have come across. Wonderful view over the Tay as well.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic little city, great energy and richness especially in young artistic community, tremendous sense of history diversity and investment in the future

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The burgeoning independent film scene (Closure, Location Scouting among others), the home of Yuck'n'Yum,lots of local bands, Ickle Film Fest, the Dundee Comics Day, the creativity of Dundonians clearly attracts more creativity.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The forward thinking of the City Fathers in developing the waterfront.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It feels like home

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Buzz around the city and the combined excitment about the waterfront no matter who people are.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland is probably the greatest place and family in the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The changes are suprising

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry on a sunny day, the views of the Tay are spectacular and it's always nice having a castle!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views of the River Tay from Riverside Drive out towards the airport - especially at sunset!

The excitement in the city at the arrival of V&A and the changes at the waterfront - it's going to be amazing!! Can't wait till the Tayside House building is totally flattened.

<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 think that Dundee has a unique character. I used to live in Peddie Street and the rear lane was Taits Lane - with high walls and the anticipation of beautiful secret gardens behind the tenements. And then the Law with its fabulous views. John Warren.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That there is so much in such a condensed place, and that so many people don't even notice it

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city to be part of. It blends together the traditions and culture of the past, with its modern approaches to education, arts, commerce and industry of today, and with our aspirations for the future. Where is there a city in the UK which has gone through so many transformations yet is still striving to reinvent itself again through the Dundee Waterfront Project? I can't wait to see it finished! Dundee has taken a leap of faith to secure its future as one of the UK's most exciting cities to live in.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spectacular view from the top of Ninewells Avenue ... it is never twice the same, beautiful in all its moods, and when the tide is low and the river is full of sandbanks, you feel you could walk your way across to Fife.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry Beach - minutes from the City Centre

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grants the butcher does the best mince.

<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> That we sit on a rift valley, with Dundee on one side of the rift, and Fife the other: there really is an age between one side of the tay estuary and the other!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even the small communities such as Lochee are getting extensive work done on them to improve the place overall.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived out of this great City for 25 years, visit as often as I can, and now I'm heading home.

It's Dundee's time and I for one don't want to miss it. If any City deserves it's place in the world and recognition for it's contribution, for all manner of wonderful reasons, then here's my vote.

'Dundee is like a light across my heart' - Michael Marra.

This covers it for me.

Good luck Dundee. You deserve it.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by the changes within the city. It continues to grow and diversify in this current climate of recession.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great place.....great past, present and future

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of great opportunity. It is easy to get in touch with folk about an idea you have and to see it brought to life without too much red-tape. The support from The McManus, in launching Nomas* Projects has been invaluable and helped build a new platform for contemporary art, here in the heart of the city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> THE LAW, Magdalene Green, McManus Gallery, and the comics industry!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It always has something new to offer.

<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> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee used to be "jam, jute and journalism". Now it is vibrant, with mainstream and arthouse cinemas, live concerts, good theatres, a wide range of restaurants, including those specialising in local cuisine as well as a variety of different ethnic cuisines, and both old and new places to relax and socialise. The fact that the museums and heritage sites are here is just the tip of the iceberg. Dundee offers something for everyone.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact it doesn't take too long to get anywhere by car or public transport (£3.40 for unlimited bus travel). From ' the Ferry' to the West end gorgeous beach, excellent play park and if your a 'bit wabbit' Jessie's Kitchen tea shop, more independent shops than 'yi can shake a stick at', if your out on the rip or having a chilled out family day Dundee has plenty options. I have moved back here with my family after 13 years away. Its the best move we could have made!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camperdown parkrun started 15 months ago, and since then has built a community from accross the city, of people who show up every week to run or volunteer, and enjoy being in the great outdoors of Camperdown park. The generosity and welcoming atmosphere created every week is the highlight of my week in Dundee.

<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> 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> I came. up from The Scottish Borders in the seventies and have never left ! This is because I think Dundee is a great city. There is a special bond and pride in Dundee shared by Dundoians of all walks of life. For me I have always found the music and musicians of Dundee to be secondvto none. My favourite being Michaek Marra. Art theatre , despite it's size ..Dundee has it all.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I always want to go back. Having had the intention of going to Dundee and getting out as soon as possible, but the combination of arts, design and regeneration leaves me seeking a return every time I leave.

<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> the absolute electricity that flows through Dundee's music scene is one that will never be matched for authenticity.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendliness, great music scene, lots of creative people

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Beano Comics! Knowing they are published by D. C. Thomson, a Dundee publishing company makes each and every annual/comic given to me by my grandparents that little bit more special!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have travelled to many parts of the world and been lucky enough to have seen some amazing places. However, each time I return home, there is nothing quite like walking with my family and dogs along the 'Grassy Beach' and I think how lucky I am to live where I do.

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