We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

When I first came to Dundee about 20 years ago, the city certainly did not look like much. But I’ve met some of the warmest people of my life there and fell in love with the place. Since then, the great people are still here, and the city has upgraded itself visually as well as culturally with a lot of cultural events and activities going on from high culture down to grass roots level. I keep coming back.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee because we are the underdog city and the music scene here is a little gem that deserves more credit with a really cool D.I.Y ethic going on bringing touring bands from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a mélange of cultures, young students from all over the world who feel comfortable and welcome in this city. Dundee has a strong history, and you'll find the roots in every little corner of the town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in Scotland which has a dedicated internet TV channel which anyone can join in and Dundee is just like that it's a place willing to accept new ideas and try out new concepts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm not a Dundonian - but love staying here. I do wish the locals knew what they had and could appreciate it though. Dundee is a braw place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Apart from the friendliness of our people and the sudden impact of some of our treasures - Frigate Unicorn, Morgan Academy, some of the surviving old tenements - I marvel at the strong thread of traditional Scottish dancing here. Dundee's branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society started in 1925 (3rd oldest in the world!); there's dancing all over, if you know where to look! It's going on in school halls and church halls most evenings, but lots of visitors don't know enough about it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of cultures and people in the city. For a small city there are lots of different peoples here. This is reflected in the shops and the langauges you hear on the street, shows that Dundee people embrace equality and diversity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much going on and it is all within easy reach! Having two Universities, the fabulous DCA (Dundee Contempory Arts) and the McManus Art Gallery to name only a few brilliant cultural resources there is always public lectures, exhibitions, activities and places to meet family and friends to eat and drink. Broughty Ferry has beautiful beaches which are great for walks, sunbathing, water sports and the castle ~ not forgetting New Years Dook!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is truly cosmopolitan. People come from all over the world, fall in love with it, and are always sorry to leave. It has everything you need and there is always something going on or something new to see. My favourite things are the McManus, the DCA, Balgay Hill, the Blues Bonanza, the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show and the view from my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Mills observatory
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our young people Diversity in action
<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> Dundee is very much in touch with its people, whether the civic development of the city likes it or not. The uprising at the water front area and other less recent developments in the city belie the reality of its people and its heritage. For me, Dundee is about its people, their characters and steely caring nature. Just now most people talking about Dundee and the validity of its cultural heritage don't seem to know the Dundee that Dundonioans know, which is sad. If the rest of the world took some time to challenge their ability to understand people, they would see that Dundee's people, amongst its history and civic setting, are what makes the place so special. Something like Marmite.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of humour in Dundee is fantastic! We don't take ourselves too seriously but we do appreciate our rich cultural heritage. Strong women play a big part - past and present!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry! The beach, the views over the tay, the castle, the sunsets, the swans, the dolphins, the fresh air and my girlfriend all make it a beautiful place. Along with all the lovely restraunts/cafes/shops and friendly people to share it with. Dundee is a small city and everywhere you go, you are bound to bump into a friendly familiar face. It has a good music scene and a great talent has come from this little city. The Associates, enough said.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mad amount of creative ideas that come out of a wee city in the North East of Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That the city is constantly changing and developing. That is a city but feels like a small town. That it is underrated and undiscovered by many.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, one of the oldest cities in scotland has such rich heritage, and a fascinating history from back when it was just a small settlement between two hills. So many museums, fantastic art college, theatres, parks, the list is endless. Dundee deserves a bit of respect for the way it has been revitalised over the past 20 years amid the shutdown of industries and the emergence of new industries. People need to be encouraged to look again at Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The accent - no one sounds like us - bales of jute in every sentence!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I leave Dundee, I think I'm done with it. I return grudgingly, only to realise that Dundee is not done with me. I rediscover lost pockets of memories. I discover hidden gems. I reconnect with old friends. I engage with new communities. Music, film, photography, games, animation, journalism, fine art... A city full of potential the world has yet to appreciate. It's time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> T Ann Cake! The best coffee and cake in Dundee, brilliant decor and you're always greeted with a cheery smile. Doesn't get better than this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The old tunnel under The Law would be worth opening up for public access and use in some social venture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dogs in the Campbeltown Bar, secret gigs at the Tin Roof Art studio or the recycling center, the stenciled graffiti that pops up every now and again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Baldovie toll is at the start of the Kellas Road NE of Whitfield. Here you can find the old toll bridge which is the best place in Dundee to play Pooh Sticks! Robbie is watching his stick floating downstream.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> listen to the singing metal post above the sandy Broughty Ferry beach near the castle when the wind blows and gaze out to the estuary to spot the dolphins.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee as a student many years ago and found it to be a real warm, homely, friendly city. One key memory was the 555 celebration in 1991. My son, Roy, was one of the first babies born in Dundee that year and he and I went to the great party for babies at the Caird Hall.
<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> The rich cultural history of dundee and its people.This year we celebrate the centenary of the death of Lily walker and acknowledge her contribution to social reform. There is a strong community spirit with many local events and festivals held across Dundee, which showcase the diversity of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Loadsoweemensingin at the Rep Theatre!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History, warmth, calm and nice
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view of the city from Fife - I always have that feeling of returning home. I could never imaging living anywhere else, I love the city &amp; its people. Dundee has reinvented itself in the past &amp; will do so again in the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Twenty odd years ago I was first acquainted with Dundee as a part of the design team for the Discovery project and I now have a home just outside of the city. My main responsibility was the design of things on-board the ship itself which included the flock of sheep (not as big as it could have been) on the shore, etc. It was a period of great energy and creativity, but was grounded in solid research. At that time there was a lot of talk about how good things in the city could be, and most of it has happened plus a lot more. The later things such as the V&amp;A are an extension of that vision for culture whilst not loosing sight of the past. This is the core of Dundee. The whole place has a 'life' to it and all of its attractions are not only for visitors, but are of relevance to all who live there. I am thinking in particular of the McManus, the DCA &amp; the Rep'. It has a dynamic student population and a world class Art &amp; Design School in The Duncan of Jordanstone. The proposed long term plan for the waterfront looks as though it should work well, and take advantage of the truly wonderful river aspect. But whilst I am glad to see the back of the Council Tower, various blocks of flats &amp; the Olympia pool, the Railway station &amp; the ex Stakis/Hilton might be a loss in terms of architectural progression - not all '70ies was bad. The Unicorn needs to be integrated much more into the scheme of things, it is a gem, and perhaps a museum of transport and the docks, should be considered, in particular as unlike at a lot of other places, the docks still work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am originally from Switzerland and made Dundee my home 9 years ago. Many friends who have come to visit agree that Dundee is like an insider tip for travellers. Often ignored by the usual tourist trail its hidden treasures stay unseen. We need to put Dundee back on the map! It deserves to be known again, for its sights, its great location and most of all its unique and creative people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Old buildings
<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 a city that struggles. Yet the people of this quietly great city have such heart. They always find a way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdelene Green with its Bandstand and terrific views over the Tay is one of the many delights of Dundee City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What has surprised me recently about Dundee and makes me proud to be a Dundee boy, is our ability to realize and act upon our ever growing potential as one of Britain's main culture hub's. With things like the West Fest charitable community culture festival that kicks off on the 18th of May aboard HM Frigate Unicorn. The festival harnesses and celebrates our many unique talents and attributes as a tight nit society! It is things like this that makes me and many others love my home city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love when I travel along in Perth road with a double decker and I can see the beautiful river Tay with the clouds and the sun. My original hometown is a big,busy city so I could hardly experience the nature like this. Also I love the green grass.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in the city until the early 1990s and still enjoy visiting regularly. Now there's a much more diverse cultural life, great restaurants, good retention of the city's heritage alongside all the amenities required for modern urban living.
<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> Community full of caring, artful, sharing people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have dolphins that swim wild in the city! Walk along the shore as the tide comes in and you can sea seals and dolphins just off the shore while at your back is an amazing busy city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city, it has an amazing warmth of people. The mixture of students, locals and immigrants creates a melting pot of talent and creativity that you don't find anywhere else. And the accent is unlike anything you'll ever hear!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much I miss about Dundee - I live near Aberdeen now and there is no comparison. The Rep, Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, vibrant degree shows at Vision, walking thorough the City and feeling the energy and of course the music
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing positive 'surprises' me about Dundee, but one of my favourite aspects of the city is its welcoming community. No matter what your background, nationality, class or accent, the city accepts new comers like family. It is so easy to make Dundee home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a Dundonian, it surprises me how people continually tell me that Dundee is so much better than they thought it would be, by what others were saying. Dundee is a city that won't give up on improving itself. Despite the economic situation we are all in, Dundee is adapting and growing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is Scotlands best kept secret . With stunning backdrop, vantage points &amp; fantastic history. We should have a looking up day with that much architecture to feed the soul. Its no wonder Dundee isone of the top student choices. With top clubs and Djs and pubs with character and a thriving Celtic Culture in abundance. if you want to visit a real Scottish city come to Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I worked in a city centre office in the shadows of the McManus, a highlight was my lunchtime walk up the Law - my Nearest Faraway Place. After walking straight up the "Conshie", past the university and the old DRI building, pausing briefly at the top of the Law to admire the spectacular panorama, it was back down past tranquil allotments, down Inverlaw Place and through Dudhope Park, complete with castle, back refreshed for the afternoon work ahead. Quality time!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the Disco capital of the UK!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The community spirit. The stories people tell. The willingness to get involved in creative projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing can beat looking at the Tay rail bridge on a clear day. What a beautiful city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the tay
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> History, maritime links, home to Scotland's oldest magic society - www.colinsmagic.com - wide, rich history of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised when the 48hour film competition came along how many extremely talented writers, film makers, photographers, actors, singers, songwriters and musicians were present in Dundee.
<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> There are so many interesting hidden gems in Dundee. Through hosting a monthly meetup for people in the technology industry we have met people who have worked with NASA on Space Station technology, people from 5 man teams powering software used all over the world, people carrying out pioneering research and student developers creating the next big games. Everyone is so friendly and comes together to share knowledge and experience to continue helping other with problems. It is such a great environment to live and work in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is very diverse but has so much to offer visitors from great architecture to sporting centres of excellence. There are fantastic places to eat and so much to do from ice-skating, theatres and cinemas. Dundee really is the place for everyone
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Jute, jam and journalism - what I had been taught prior to becoming a student in the late 1960s - were replaced by the SNO, Scottish Country Dancing and Scotch when I left, graduating in 1973. Dundee was the first place in Scotland I ever visited and I still remember the vivid impression it made on me over 40 years later!
<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> Dundee is an amazing city for dance. We have Smallpetitklein, the School of Contemporary Dance, Scottish Dance Theatre, not to mention thriving Modern Jive, Nothern Soul and Salsa scenes throughout the city. People of all ages (literally), backgrounds and musical tastes can find a place to dance and express their inner selves here, in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the city's beautiful location on the Tay, some fascinating history and an exciting future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a distinctive culture and tradition and is big enough to have at least one of everything, that makes a city worth living in and visiting - and of course there is more to come. It also a view from the top of the Law that takes your breath away - while also looking like a child's picture book of a city. Where else can you watch - all at the same time - a train crossing a bridge, a plane about to land, ships leaving harbour, and a cityscape set in the most beautiful natural surroundings.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people - having spent over half my life in Scotland and been in Dundee since 2000 I have to say that the folk of Dundee are a constant source of surprise and cheeriness. They are the most down to earth and genuine folk you could meet. Everyone smiles at one another and Dundee is the most welcoming of places. Folk are engaged and love where they live and where they are from. Dundonians are a truly passionate bunch and make the city what it is.....one of the most dynamic and extraordinary cities I have ever been.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its an ah-mazing place to grow up in, even better to move away from but best and easier of all, to return to - little hard to break into but simple to recognise the warm rewarding wit, musical, artistic, academic attitude and talent of people, haphazardly grouped together, all working hard for themselves, each other, ourselves, creating our talented overlooked ambitious little city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing move from industry like jute to the sciences and arts. Also the jumping drags at invergowrie house and the red squirrels that can be seen around camperdown. The amazing river Tay sets the city as beautiful as any other.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an American who spent several weeks in Dundee, I was especially surprised by the city's excellent institutions of higher education, the Dundee Rep, and the McManus. But the real hidden gem is the Dundee Contemporary Arts, where world-class art exhibits and independent films rival any one would find in a much larger city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its riddled with irish invaders (myself included) and its just like being at home... minus the relentless bombing of each other. Clarkes 24 hour bakery is an absolute delight and the biggest asset dundee has to offer. Serving the burst student community and lining their stomachs for the lecture filled day just a few hours away. KEN THAT!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the city's proud attitude thats why we always surprise people with the welcome we give them!
<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> Walking down from Tin Roof, Generator, and the art school to have a pint and lively discussion at the Art Bar... perhaps stopping by DCA or the Rep later. Most of the cultural spots in Dundee are within easy walking distance of each other, creating a fantastic friendly atmosphere where you will probably bump into someone you know along the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly place with great theatre, art and architecture with the Tay.
<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> Dundee is a place of wonderful collaborations. It's a rare City where events are discussed and shared between venues. The McManus, The Rep, Sensation, the University, The DCA... and soon the V&amp;A might spearhead events in the city but there are so many other venues that are engaging locals and visitors. There is always something going on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - a city reborn, a fantastic waterfront, full of welcoming, energetic, creative and vibrant people with hidden gems like Strawberrybank, Balgay Hill, DCA, McManus Galleries, the Ferry and JAZZ &amp; BLUES on the Unicorn.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is special !!! Because it the only place in the UK that houses a great and creative acting and dance company in one building . Dundee Rep Enssemble and Scottish Dance Theatre Dundee Rep Theatre is a place to be proud of .!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although living half way round the world in New Zealand every time I come back to catch up with family and friends I find that there is improvement from the devastation that prior city governance carried out in in 60s and 70s in the sake of modernisation. I applaud the improvements that are currently being carried out on the river front.
<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> Has anyone mentioned DC Thompson's yet?! The Beano, The Dandy, The Broons... and my fave, Twinkle :) ... spawning the talents of Jacqueline Wilson, Alexander McGregor and Andrew Nicoll.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having moved from Dundee over 20 years ago, I still go back and visit and every time i am heartened by how much the town is changing and transforming itself to be a modern and vibrant city. As a city this has so much to offer visitors about our history and how much we as a city have moved on but at the same time been able to retain our past and enrich outsiders to our wealth of past history whilst still striding forward to a bright future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic universities attracting great staff and producing top talent in a variety of fields. Stunning setting -The views /sunsets along the Tay are beautiful and unique to this city. The Mills observatory is the UK's only public observatory allowing people to learn and enjoy the night sky. Dundee has great potential and is evolving for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Waterfront and beach great places!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its approachability; -the folks that inhabit it have warm, open &amp; unaffected persona's -its the perfect size...big enough to have everything, small enough to be touchable -its architecture spans the great &amp; noble, the honest &amp; solid, the shiny &amp; new, all softened by an accessible layer of lush green -accessible yet edgy design &amp; art scene -beauty and serene calm of its water is enjoyed by us all; its not exclusive nor for the priveledged...it reflects the persona of our city. I am proud to witness Dundee begin to realise its full potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the combination of rootedness in its past with a progressive forward thinking attitude towards the future. Dundee is enjoying a renaissance &amp; there are lots of exciting things happening in the city. From the amazing waterfront transformation to the exciting world class science &amp; medicine in the city linked to Dundee University. This learning city has 2 universities and Abertay is a trailblazer in computer games among other areas. The 'cultural quarter', the creative energy, and the depth of all kinds of artistic expression in the city attracted the V&amp;A to choose Dundee above all other cities in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Agacan Perth Road been there for years or Zekis as it is know after the colourful artist owner , full of wonderful art , wonderful smells and wonderful food.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so many gorgeous friendly people who are so welcoming. I love the places to visit, so many hidden treasures. The scenery around the city is so beautiful to visit. Dining out is an amazing experience, so many culinary delights. Its simple a great place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the most beautiful light, huge skies and sunsets - a luminosity that is inspiring and uplifting. I've always felt that Dundee could be the Brighton of the North. It's got that sea side feel with it's maze of little streets and Victorian shop fronts that are just waiting to be filled with independent retailers and art projects. I was in London and Brighton just last weekend and kept thinking of Dundee and what the light would be like at that time of day. Dundee is just waiting. Appreciate it now, avoid the rush!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am not from Dundee and have travelled all my life living all over the UK and abroad. Dundee is rich because of its people and how they are loyal to their history, everyone in Dundee and anything past and present that is produced in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The buzz around all of the cultural events; from fantastic productions at Dundee Rep Theatre to packed lectures on a Saturday night.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee was the first Scottish city to have suffragettes bringing to light the inequities if the time. When you scratch the surface of our understated city you will find such depth, humour and humanity that this example shoes. Also a rich dialect that will educate visitors-do you know what a circle is? :) Dundee is a truly lovely place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer amount of interesting artists and projects that come out of the Art School.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When Dundee chose to bid for Uk City of Culture 2017 nobody held it up for ridicule! We have believed in our city's qualities for a long time and the outside world is beginning to agree.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> right opposite the DUSA students union exist - down the little road to look out over the water. There is a little bench with te most amazing views out over the tay. I found out on my garduation day that as we past my grandad proposed to my gran there - a very special place and one of my Dundee Uni memories!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like that Dundee has culture without pretentiousness; that we have bands who play big festivals but still play in local pubs, and world class classical musicians playing in community centres and day centres for older people; and that I can be entertained on the way home from seeing Scottish Dance Theatre by a homeless guy dancing joyfully in the aisle of the bus while his mate plays a mouth organ.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The transformation! The huge amount of creative talent in the city is amazing &amp; really, still to be fully discovered!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of Dundee's size there is a massive amout going on culturally and otherwise. The city is renowned for its medical teaching and innovative scientific research and also for the D of J college which produces some of the worlds finest artists. This, mixed with the ever evolving music scene makes Dundee a fantastic place to live and visit
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich history of Soul music. Back in the 1970's Dundee's Average White Band were the 1st non black act to play the legendary Apollo Theatre in NYC. This has caused creative ripples through the heart of Dundee's music scene ever since. There's a whole range of acoustic nights, pop up music events in barbers, opticians, artists studios, galleries and other unlikely venues - so keep your ear to the pavey!
<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> Dundee offered the framework and opportunities for me to go from college, to university, to a dream career as a game designer. I've been able to study and work in the city I was born in. It's allowed me to live and work in another country and also return again because of the amazing opportunities available.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprise's me about Dundee? How quickly/easily people become fond of and settle in Dundee (myself included). Many people from around the UK, and the world, come to Dundee and settle here. This is because of the welcoming attitudes of those who live here already, there's a real sense of community and belonging. This alongside the growing vibrancy of its creative industries makes Dundee an exciting place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is an early 16 century brass astrolabe in the McManus galleries. As an object it represents remarkable craftsmanship, it has a story to tell about seamanship, discovery, imagination, and those whose hands it passed through - it is one unique part of the story of this fascinating city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Duncan of Jordanston College of Art and Design is always a fantastic exhibition. I have to go at least 3 times each year because I dont want to miss anything!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Frida Kahlo visited the Tay Bridge Bar (acc M Marra)... AND EVERYONE IS FRIENDLY!
<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> Our ability to preserve our past with respect and at the same time our ability to regenerate and modernise with new developments and projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is great!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think of Dundee primarily as A Town By A River. Its location made it important and now it's the source of its identity. The Tay has never been tainted by industrial pollution in the same way as other rivers that run through cities. A reflective moment by the river takes you a journey of the mind, and the memory of it ultimately drew me back here. Economically, the river made Dundee big enough to be cosmopolitan but its economic history has dictated that the city remains small enough to feel like a home town. Culturally, Dundee has a strong sense of itself and an appreciation of the world beyond. I think the river is Dundee's "open secret" for it is a place for thinking, reflecting and imagining. Few things are more cultured than that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Im always proud to say Im from Dundee and it almost always gets a positive reaction when meeting new people and if it doesnt its really easy to get people to think again about their views when sharing some facts about our history, music, culture, football team (DUFC) etc etc

See All Backers

:)

×