:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

I know where I am here, I’m comfortable, and although it can be annoying, it is quite a beautiful place

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a busker who frequents the Murraygate and High Street, who plays the harmonica better than anyone I've ever heard. He plays blues and the experience is even better when someone, a stranger, joins in to accompany on vocals, which happens quite often.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in the whole of the UK with Red Squirrels within the city boundaries. As an iconic species for Scotland this says a lot for Dundee and shows the depth of commitment from its Ranger Service and Parks Management. Camperdown Wildlife Centre is a very important conservation site for endangered species across Europe and the World, and plays an important role in educating our younger people and serves as a main centre of attraction.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing view of the city as you walk over the bridge

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonian people have a very friendly which has often led to the most interesting conversations on the bus!
It never fails to surprise me how helpful people can be when you need a hand.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Broughty Ferry beach, rock gardens, high street, castle are places worth visiting

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I feel Dundee women have a deserved reputation for being strong independamt women as they have been since the days of the jute mills

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I look back on my youth in Dundee having been brought up and played in the "auld tenements" I only visualize my very early past in grey, black and white. It was a typical city with factories and smoke. Now - what a change - its colourful. The new buildings, the green park areas, the Tay and the City Quay. Cannot wait for the completion of all the work that is being carried out whcih is bring a breath of fresh air to what can be called again Bonnie Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing waterfront

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great bunch of people aiming to make interesting, challenging, creative things happen. Anyone can get involved, join in or make things happen for themselves, which is what makes it such a brilliant environment.

<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> Its constantly changing and for the better.

There is always plenty to do throughout the city and surrounding area's whether its entertainment in the city centre and the Caird hall, or taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside at Camperdown park, templeton woods and the sidlaws. Dundee has an amazing back drop which should flourish and be appreciated over the coming years.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee had a reputation as being hard and unfriendly when i first came to the city in 1984 to study. I soon discovered that the City of Discovery is a safe and pleasant place to come. It has all the facilities of a big city but you don't have to travel too far to get to things. Not too big, not too small, just about right.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A beautiful & peaceful cycle route, with fantastic views across the River Tay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an abundance of amateur musical theatre, music and drama groups offering a multitude of opportunities for young people and adults to perform.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The famous Nine Trades of Dundee --nine groups keeping alive 500 years of tradition and culture through the ancient guilds which made Dundee thrive --from medieval times. A great legacy.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Backpackers' Hostel, Gardyne's Land, is a medieval building situated in the heart of the city centre, and operates as a youth hostel to date. Dundee is often underrated for its architecture and it is not just a Victorian city: the subtle incorporation of the city's past is there for all to see.

<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> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v& a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strong community spirit is a key feature of Dundee. I am constantly amazed at how the city has developed creatively building on the legacy of jute, jam, journalism, whaling, ship building etc. Learning from the past ... Looking to the future

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden work being done to support young people with no hidden agenda except to see the young people develop and reach their potential. The work being done at St Andrews church with the young mother, Hot Chocolate Trust are to name two. Working with these young people are people who believe in the young people of Dundee. The are attempting to play a part in changing the future of Dundee from 'the inside' believing that any sustainable change must be done now to affect the future, and must be done in people not wholly by policies and procedures.

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

<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> Dundee is a sunny city with friendly people, beautiful views, the Law, the River Tay, Broughty Ferry beach, easy access to countryside in any direction an ideal location.
The McManus Gallery & DCA already offer culture and arts and the addition of V&A will add to this.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The dragon, Minnie the Minx and Desperate Dan sculptures. My children love climbing all over them and running away from the dragon. The sculptures are accessible, contemporary and have relevance for every age group.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have always been surprised by the richness, diversity and quality of the Dundee music scene. I was brought up in Arbroath so when I was a young teenager, it was difficult to get to Glasgow and Edinburgh for gigs. However, I was never deprived of music as a result of this. I was always just a short bus ride away from experiencing my favourite bands or hearing incredible new live music, be it in small pubs or larger venues. I eventually went on to study in the city, and although I will graduate and leave Dundee this year, it will always hold a special place in my heart as the city that nurtured my love of music.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city!! My favourite place in Dundee is Camperdown park which I remember going to regularly as a child and there was so much to do, whether it was exploring in the woods, feeding the ducks, playing in the playpark or visiting the zoo.

<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> Its student friendliness and sunshine. I enjoy how many simple activities there are as well including walks and sites to see. The university is filled with nationalities and is a centre for culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible welcoming I received by all sort of organisations and people during the period of my PhD studies and which made my stay in Dundee an unforgettable time.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> The friendliness of the people. The Blues Bonanza
Gardyne's Land
Chalmers' adhesive stamp
P53 - identifying what cancer is about

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How we've grown up to be a city once again capable of inspiring, educating and encouraging our own, and those who become our own; proud of our past and confident about our future.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How Dundee is constantly breaking new ground in medical science.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> there is so much to do within walking distance of the centre. There are the musems, the parks, the shopping, the variety of places to eat, the Discovery and, of course, the Beano characters in the town centre, to say nothing of the amazing old buildings where people lived and worked that show you Dundee's past. myfavourite place is Templeton Woods where you are always surprised by the wildlife and beauty of the woodland and the number of activities there.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everytime I return to Dundee it changes, it grows, it develops, it feels brighter, fresher and warmer. Standing in the middle of Reform Street between the Caird Hall and the gates of the High School is a microcosm of architectural bliss in one single sweeping panorama, that many larger cities are envious of. Steeped in history from educating monks to cow pie the city is a beacon of culture.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of broughty ferry, my home. I had wedding photos taken on the waterfront looking out to Dundee on one of the most beautiful days this summer. A fantastic memory in photos

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the sense of community Dundee has, it's something you don't find in many places. I noticed this when speaking about Dundee to people from other places around Scotland.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Unless you are from Dundee you might not always see it's name as being synonymous with music. You might struggle to hear the music in our accents and language. But when I think of home, I think of music. I grew up with a litany of bands past and present. I spent my weekends in bars and clubs seeing live bands. Dundee reeks of music, it's in the very stones. Songs have got us through hard times and good times. From a pakced out gig Blues Bonanza to a house party with a guitar it's who we are.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you live in Dundee you are within a 10 minute drive to the beach, beautiful parks and the countryside as well as a cultural quarter in the west end. Our community centres also provide a wide variety of learning opportunities with something to suit all tastes

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite things about Dundee are the people and the accent! Friendly folk and a fab dialect! I'll hae fower pehs, twa sassidge rolls, a plen bridie and an ingin ane an a!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is always a buzz about Dundee, even when the university students are not in town. There's always something different to do, from the University saturday eveing lecture series, to local events and bands, sports events. We are fortunate to have Dundee Contemporary Arts with a rich variety on offer and our Repertory theatre. A few minutes in any direction you are in countryside and there is a great cycle path around the city and great cycling and walking to be had nearby too. We have great bars and restuarants too. It's a great place to live and socialise.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fantastic place! You have to visit to believe it.

<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> Despite Dundonians propensity to bemoan and belittle their city , Dundee punches above its weight for many reasons: Two universities that are leaders in their respective fields; University of Dundee, the mature sibling an internationally renowned leader in medicine and cancer research. Abertay, the cocky younger sibling, leading the way in video gaming, forging dynamic international links with major players and its internationally acclaimed ‘Dare to be Digital’ competition. Art with the nationally acclaimed Rep, local amateur companies and the DCA with cutting edge exhibitions and foreign cinema. Accessible history with the McManus Museum, Discovery Point, Verdant Works and the Howff an ‘A’ listed Burial Ground.

<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> The view from the law hill is one of Dundee's hidden gems and allows you to see the evolving story of the changes occurring in Dundee, and still view it's past, it's present and its future.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The pride of being home to 'the world's worst poet' William McGonagall. Taking a walk by the riverside you get to see the immortal words of the sage like McGonagall carved in stone next to his beloved 'silvery Tay.'
A city with a sense of humour.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is truly magical place, blessed with great people speaking in our own Dundonian dialect. The city is so beautifully set that every time I come in from Fife my heart bounces with pride. Architecture...from Frank Henry at Maggies, set against an amazing world class labyrinth created by Arabella Lennox-Boyd and impressive outside art courtesy of Anthony Gormley. All within a stones throw of world class Ninewells Hospital and Medical School! Into town and there's history and thought at every turn. The Caird Hall used for live music and entertainment, and also in a number if movies! Live music - inspired! Snow Patrol with one of the most famous and recognisable songs 'Run'. Anderson McGinty Webster Ward Fisher with they're folksie Volk music.

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

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rusty Hip is a Dundonian music collective that organizes gigs, writes zines and keep people informed about upcoming music and art events in the city. Rusty Hip had their first event last month and over 250 people turned up in the freezing cold to have a good time. The event was held in Tin Roof, an arts collective and studio space also based in Dundee. The existence of these two organisations has added to the growing number of organisations that make Dundee a city full of culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> art bar, speedwells, parlour, djcad, dca, pheonic, frasers, grouchos.. thats dundee city.

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