We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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My 7 year old took a ‘fossil’ find from the beach to the McManus Galleries in Dundee. The response of the staff was incredible: thoughtful to my 7 year old and very informative from their investigation, in fact an oyster shell from Mediaeval times. We’ve lived in Dundee for 7 years and there are lots of places to visit, it’s a great place for my young children and for us as parents. We enjoy cycling on the Promenade at Broughty Ferry too.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking down by the Tay on a sunny day lifts my spirit, even on a blustery day it is a good refreshing and scenic walk. The Agacan is a small gem of a restaurant. The city's football clubs are based in the same street, without any trouble. I also hold general sentimentality about my hometown.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green is just the best place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This City has really grown and developed over the past few years , Discovery Quay , Verdant Works and soon the V &amp; A.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is nowhere else has a view comparable to that at the bandstand at Magdalene Green and that is just one of the outstanding views around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Museum... Beautiful and mystery... A taxi driver told me, that below the McManus museum is a water... he is one of the city council worker before he retired. I like Dundee very much... a nice place to study.. to live.. a good environment.. nice people..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has so much to offer from historic interests right through to creative arts (games design companies) whilst having two internationally recognised universities making the city known far and wide.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fantastic city! I'm proud to be brought up in Dundee. The city has loads of culture, we are getting the V&amp;A which only London has, we are getting a £1 billion project on the mouth of the Tay and we are home to one of the greatest comic book series in the UK

I love Dundee and I think we should earn the 2017 City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is often described as the world's biggest village and it's true. Everyone knows nearly everyone and if you don't, the old adage rings true that strangers are friends we've yet to make! I no longer live in Dundee but I miss the place heaps - unlike most people I know who have left their home towns &amp; don't look back. Dundee's community education is revered throughout Scotland and outside of Dundee acknowledge them as leaders at the forefront of this sector. And it's not just education Dundee are leading the way in but science, medicine &amp; also the gaming industry, with even the infamous Banksy paying homage to Lemmings, an icon of an era, invented in Dundee... The city really is one of many discoveries :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A walk up the law never gets old.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Being a foreigner who has settled down in Dundee, I found Dundee very accommodating to internationalism. It's not surprising. Having the advantage of our harbours and wharfs, Dundee is used to welcoming visitors. The Dundee International Women's Centre has been servicing the international community for over 40 years. I love living in Dundee and the cultural diversities and dynamics here excite me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It always amazing how diverse Dundonians are, in their language, there fashion, their backgrounds, their views and there lifestyles. The rich tapestry of people in Dundee means there is a place for everyone to feel at home and that is something that always surprises me about the place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The whole city never fails to amaze you with its scenic views and great atmosphere, as well as the wonderful University (Dundee)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you open the door into libraries, you will find creative writing sessions for children, adults and young people, manga sessions, video games workshops for young creatives to develop their own games, as well as regular author events.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had lived in Scotland for four years before I came to Dundee for my interview. I had heard the usual negative comments about the city, so it was a great shock and pleasure to come over the rail bridge into the city and be amazed by the sight of the wide Tay that spread wide Fife and Angus. I thought to myself why has no-one ever told me about this amazing sight when talking about Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My memories of Dundee include a vibrant music scene with folksinging, pop, etc.. In addition the stage scene with theatre and variety shows giving an eclectic choice of venues. A compact town centre gives a village feeling to the town which enhances a feeling of togetherness.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The multitude of events hosted throughout the year - jazz; dance; classical music; talks; comedy; recent major art exhibitions at the McManus; and more. Just wish I had more time to go to them all!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The straightforward honesty of Dundee people allied to a razor sharp wit mixed with amazing creativity, particularly displayed by young people, makes this one of the most surprising places to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hotchpotch! An open mic night for writers every month in Braes pub on the Perth road!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have studied twice in Dundee and lived there for three years. It's a friendly welcoming place, full of real people. I knew very little about the place when I went there but would recommend it to anyone. It is an unassuming place with lots to offer. The fun is in discovering all the things that make Dundee unique whether it is historical, cultural, the scenery or the weather!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many wonderful Victorian buildings and 9 times out of 10 the sun is shining
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee my city Dundee my home
it's the city where I belong
from the Ferry to Lochee
it's the place for me
Dundee the city of Discovery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's got to be the view of the city from Newport. Over the impressive tay bridge, looking back on the city as is rests upon the River Tay. The skyline undulates from west to east, gently extending its reach to the hidden beaches beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it has improved since I was a student there in '60s
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of secrets - a walk around the town shows so many hidden things we miss when driving around. The Dundee women's trail, for example and the Time Gun at Dudhope Park. Our parks are glorious!

I also believe we are responsible for the culinary innovation of 'The Mince Roll'. We deserve credit for that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thrill of crossing the Tay never diminishes. Neither does the heart rate when climbing to the top of the Law to look out over a city full of little gems - including the Holy Trinity of a Perfect Night Out: DCA, the Phoenix and the Istanbul.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although hit with many hard times in the past, Dundonians seem to be able to pick themselves up and start over. i.e. Demise of the Timex, the Jute Mills, more recently the decision to take Ford abroad and to the demise of NCR, Dundonians are still showing true spirit and fighting back
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Changing for the Future, Bonnie Dundee is amazing with its Cultural quarter, wonderful Universities, Airport, bridges and lots lots more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City of nature. Lush green, fantastic landscapes, stunning views of Tay from every corner of city. A city for nature lovers.
<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> Improvements in schemes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It actually is a surprisingly sunny city with sunny people and sometimes sunny, but always brilliant, inner-city walks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is the safest city in all scotland and it is very clean and quite...it can be classified the one of first five cities in UK.
<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> The beauty of the Tay.  We have a outstanding feature that most other Scottish cities do not have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is ever changing and the positive future and development of Dundee is being heard about throughout the world. The former 3 J's have definitely started to disappear and Dundee is being put out there as a cultural and business centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is the best city in the world and where I was born and most of my family live. Best schools and football team in DUFC.
<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> Balgay Park in the sunshine. Best place for a picnic and a kick about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's commitment to nurturing the talents of our young musicians, dancers and actors through supporting the Dundee Schools' Music Theatre and Orchestras and Bands. The public performances at the Caird Hall and local theatres are widely appreciated.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> magdalene yard road gardens, on a sunny day, with friends, bubbles and laughter x
<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 Reading Rooms. Best venue in a 5-mile radius bringing great bands, DJs and nights to the city and supporting musicians, artists and everyone else. Catering for the underground in a funky old library that epitomises the redefinition of culture.
<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> The beautiful Broughty Ferry beach.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> we have the closest 2 football teams in the world. and dundee united are the only team in europe to have beaten barcelona everytime that we have played them in europe
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian who has lived in most of Scotland's cities, I've never understood the negativity I've encountered about Dundee. It is an incredibly rich, diverse and vibrant place (set in the most amazing surroundings compared with anywhere in the UK). So, whilst Dundonians are generally modest, we also possess a quiet, knowing pride about our city (and ourselves). Rightfully so.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never fails to amaze me. From the jute, jam and journalism era to present day, its rich culture of down to earth, hard working men and women is a legacy that will live on. Dundee is a city with a small village attitude - well known faces in well known places - that's the magic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That my city of birth keeps on reinventing itself and appreciates it's rich history!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of investment being put into Dundee,is incredible! About time Dundee was given a boost, can't wait to see the finished waterfront. Go Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness of the art scene!
In the late Nineties I enjoyed going to exhibitions and events in London. Now I'm getting the same buzz from openings and exhibitions here in Dundee. Thanks to DCA, DJCAD, Generator and several generations of art students who have stuck around the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is very well placed in Scotland,being near to Edinburgh,Glasgow and Aberdeen as well as near beautiful coastlines and countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's main post office is just like any other - except James Chalmers, the inventor of the stamp, sleeps in the howff cemetry across the road.
Dundee was, and is, seat of innovation in printing, journalism, international adventure (although, as the Discovery shows, one way travel is considered a success!)
Posting or sailing you onwards, Dundee lead the way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is defined by its people. Although many don't have much, they are rich in character, spirit and friendship. For me Dundee is a great place to live and grow up and truly has something for everyone.
Although the streets are ever changing, Dundee has kept its own character due to its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the DCA
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not sure if this is what you're after, but what I love about Dundee is getting out of it!
Nothing beats a cycle up Auchterhouse hill, sitting on top of the world in the Sidlaws overlooking the city that you've just escaped, the Tay, Tentsmuir , the Carse all laid out before you. There's no exclusivity or snobbishness up there - every man and his dog (in jeans or lycra) feel privileged to bear witness to such a beautiful sight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Best thing about Dundee is the people. It's diverse, constantly changing and welcoming population are what made me want to move to Dundee and why it still feels like home every time I make a trip back
<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> A beautiful city in a beautiful location with a great tradition of industry, education and the arts.

My favourite location is Riverside Drive, the walk between the two bridges is always stunning regardless of the weather
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The unrivalled cultural reach in the city. From the Rep to the DCA, and the Art Gallery; the frequent orchestral concerts and the Dundee Choral Union.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that Dundee is striving to improve and has so much to offer from Football at Junior &amp; Senior level,the Science Centre, Art at McManus &amp; DCA and a brilliant rep theatre. We're on the river, near beautiful beaches and countryside and a thriving city! Beautiful buildings in The Caird Hall, Morgan Academy, McManus Gallery &amp; Custom House
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the inscription of McGonagall's poem about the Tay Bridge Disaster, along the pavement on Riverside Drive. It was a joy to literally stumble upon it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, by far the most alluring spot in Dundee is the Law Hill which on a clear day has one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Scotland. It has a timeless feel, being able to survey the remnants of the City's history with its factory chimneys and tenements and its future in the waterfront development. One can gaze in wonder at The Silvery Tay and the two bridges whch span it, taking in the Kingdom of Fife to the South and the Sidlaw Hills to the North.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the belief that Dundee people have in Dundee as a place to live. Our city sometimes gets bad press for some socially undesireable statistics but we defend our city's pride with great belief. Belief that our city can provide us with a place of enjoyment, nurture and development for our families to strive in. Dundee has a fantastic array of culture to be involved in and i am glad to be an active citizen with a young family in this thriving city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalene Green on a sunny day is a complete delight; the whole community gathers and basks in the sun, having BBQ's and playing sport. Is a delight to join or just to watch.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee never stop surprising me. One of our biggest assets are our people. Our people are friendly, kind, caring, funny and adaptable. x
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly amazed by the wealth of talent in the city. From music to art and beyond, I think the people of Dundee should be recognised for their famous cultural past and the amazing work that is happening right now.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing live music scene. There is something to suit all tastes at a number of great venues. The Blues Bonanza is an event Dundonians can be proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spent three years in the city as a student in the 60s and loved it. Now come for cultural events eg at the Dundee rep thatre which we love. Always excited by the changes taking place while preserving some of the old haunts c.f .Hawkhead.
Nostalgia mixed with anticipation would describe my response to Dundee in 2013....well deserves City of Culture 2017. Incidentally 50 years since my graduation in Medicine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Scottish School of Contemporary Dance is based in Dundee and is the only training centre of its kind in Scotland. It is not recognised enough!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place with interesting little pockets of history from the Howff graveyard to the Mcmanus gallery and surprising little art deco details of some forgotten old buildings. I like looking out for all the little bits of public sculpture as well - I think the penguins heading for Discovery are my favourite!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is an amazing place in the city centre where I have taken part in many workshops, used the dark rooms and been to many amazing performances and exibitions. It is also a great place to meet your friends for lunch, hopefully in the Sun and you can even catch a movie.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The independent development of resources, supported by local people. Support given to theatre, - professional and amateur {music and drama}. Scots music, song and poetry is endemic - popular,widespread and developing. A strong centre for Art and the Arts and prominent in the sciences (medicine, biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, IT skills,computing and traditional sciences. Dundee is a cultural centre for East and Central Scotland, Britain and the World, with many foreign students and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee because of the emerging visual art scene. It is fresh and different from anything I have encountered elsewhere - guaranteed humour and good times! Brilliant live art has emerged from this city - including Gammamoth Institute, Pester + Rossi and Ganghut
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attitude: Dundee has an impenetrable positivity - people just get on with things here and look forward to the next gig ;D
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing resilience of Dundee folk, after all the changes the city has seen over the last century - and the way they continue to adjust and adapt, with characteristic good Scots humour in the process!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's setting is utterly stunning, its history is fascinating, its people warm, friendly and honest. From art galleries to community theatre, Dundee's cultural scene is growing and blossoming. What a fantastic choice Dundee would be for City of Culture 2017.
<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> Dundee is a vibrant and multi-cultured city. I love the areas around the west end of Dundee and the University. Beautiful gardens, quaint shops,lovely coffee shops, fantastic restaurants, theaters and exciting bars.

Dundee is an ever changing city, every time I go back to visit there are improvements and something new. There are always fantastic events going on. It is also a city rich in history, displayed at wonderful museums and easy to spot in the streets.

There really is something for everyone in Dundee.
<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 &amp; DCA already offer culture and arts and the addition of V&amp;A will add to this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attend one of Creative Dundee's Pecha Kucha nights to learn more about creatives you knew about and discover ones you didn't. Always inspiring.

Duncan of Jordanstone Art College is a hub of exciting creative activity and brings creative life to the city. I love going to degree shows in summer to see an amazing spectacle of talent and fresh ideas. Look forward to seeing a strawberry farm this year as part of Interior and Environmental Design's showcase. Can't say the students aren't dynamic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was very pleasantly surprised when I moved to Dundee 24 years ago, it is the friendliest city I have ever lived in! I loved the way that people just talk to you at the bus stop or in the queue at the post office. It was a great move for me and confounded the expectations of a lot of friends (especially scottish ones). I love watching the river change before my eyes along Riverside near the rail bridge, I really love Magdalen Green and its battered bandstand and I really really love the view from the Law!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The law,a place you can see all dundee. The Bonney bits and the not so Bonney bits
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of culture to be found in such a small geographic area.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee 3 years ago I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by all the wonderful things on offer, I am now proud to call it my home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I cycle into Dundee from Fife I get this feeling... THE BUZZ... When I first visited Dundee in 2007, I couldn't feel the buzz. I now go for regular day trips to return home feeling inspired and creative from the real &amp; lively encounters of the day. Nothing fake about Dundee!
<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> Overlooking the city is Dundee Law, the plug of a long extinct volcano.

The view from the top is spectacular, reaching at least 20 miles east (to the Bell Rock lighthouse) and south (to Fife's Lomond Hills) as well as up the river westward towards Perth.

It is the perfect place to see just what a perfect position Dundee is in, on the banks of the silvery Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it's always a nice weather, whereas in Glasgow it always rains. Doesn't matter that you're in the middle of a flood and super rain in the West of Scotland, because you come to Dundee and it's sunny.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The river is becoming such a feature of the City - great place to be and it is going to get better!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Mills Observatory.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Echoes of history from the proud jute mills turned homes - colour and style in a modern landscape
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many miles of green space surrounding the city, each park including Camperdown, Lochee, Balgay, Victoria have their own uniqueness and beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Growing up rather poor and with some nasty experiences I came to the point in 6th year of highschool where I was ready to leave my hometown and pursue my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. I had some outstanding achievements- sporting and otherwise- but I feared that my studying had been very much inhibited by my circumstances. The University of Dundee uniquely offered me the opportunity of summer school as a condition, having sent out an email asking of any outstanding circumstances. This holistic view and kindheartedness shone out above the other universities and I excitedly accepted.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Once apon a time, I was that little Dundonian school girl who had a dream to be a famous dancer, every week I popped up to the local tayside ballet to follow my dream, one day I auditioned for the top dancing school In the country and to my surprise I was accepted,Dundee council generously offered to pay my fees to attend, THE DANCE SCHOOL OF SCOTLAND, not knowing that I would also be accepted to one of the leading ballet schools in the world, ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET, once again Dundee was there to support me, now I'm a choreographer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again”
Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In Novemeber, I was involved in, and attended the launch of Hayley Scanlan's first fashion collection. The event was at the McManus Galleries.

To see someone from here moving up and gradually becoming a global name in the world of fashion is great for Dundee. It shows the creative side of our city, which may be (unfairly) overshadowed by other which are more normally associated with the arts and creative industries. I.e. Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland and the usual ones south of the border.
<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> Dundee's esplanade provides some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland - its beauty is such that every time I view it, it leaves me lost for words like the very first time I experienced the 'Silvery Tay'.

One of Dundee's greatest assets is simply being able spending time on the banks of Tay. In the mid to late 1800s tourists travelled for miles to marvel at the spectacle.

'The Dundee Esplanade is unrivalled for cycling purposes, and it is truly the cyclist's delight,' says the full-page advertisement in the Dundee Directory for 1898-99.

'Be sure to visit the Whitmair Cycling Pavilion at the east end of the Esplanade, where cycles can be hired by hour, day, or month,' it continues.
<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> Being a student at DJCAD the city offers so much in the range of influence and inspiration, that's why I love it here, there's so much to offer for students at the uni. Shame the V&amp;A can't come quicker.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic parklands in the city itself meand you can experience the great outdoors but still be within the city itself. The views from the Law have to be seen to be believed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic place to be right now. Great Art, Great Music, Great Design and Great Talent everywhere you look. Something for everyone here and much more. Happy vibes indeed. A warm welcome awaits all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals on the riverbank under the rail bridge, the amazing work and environment at Maggie's Centre, the golden light in the early morning and the fantastic views across the Tay from so many unexpected places, the Beano sculptures in City Square, the awesome organ in the Caird Hall and the talent of the actors and designers at Dundee Rep, the excellent standard of music at Bell Street, the Dundee Symphony Orchestra and the exciting art and design at Duncan of Jordanstone. Dundee is a real mix - from proud and special Graduation ceremonies celebrating student achievement to quiet everyday efforts to improve the lives of people who are really in need, through projects like the Steeple Parish Nursing project and DD1 network.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live, it has some lovely places to visit, like Law Hill (great views of city &amp; over to Fife), Riverside is nice to walk along. Great parks like Baxters &amp; Camperdown. Shops are not bad either :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of live music available is absolutely amazing. There is always some where to go on a Friday or Saturday night. Whether it is classical, pop or blues, you can find somewhere that suits you.
<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> Finding contemporary arts - print studio is just amazing there so much talent there I can hardly pick just one thing to buy

:)

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