:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Ever since my wife and I moved to Dundee, we have been delightfully surprised by so many public lectures on various topics in the forms of Saturday Night Lecture Series, Arts Cafe and Science Cafe. I had my favourite book singed by the author in one of the lectures. In addition, the City is full of exciting galleries, restaurants and cafes, many of which are used for the public lectures. Surrounding the City, there are so many breathtaking natural sceneries, which are very much intellectually stimulating and at the same time emotionally comforting.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's where the heart is!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love all our green spaces. They are so well kept and a wonderful way to clear your mind. Id also like to add that the litter collection folk do an amazing job. Our city is not a dirty one!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With the whole country in what feels like a downward spiral of negativity, Dundee seems to buck that trend just now and there is a real sense of optimism. The physical transformation of the city undoubtedly contributes to a positive mindset, but in this case the mindset seems to be based on more than just bricks and mortar. Open minds, and a belief that things can be better if you are willing to work to make them better are setting the city up nicely for a great future which does justice to its great history.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A Great Place to live, with stuff always on!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Glasgow for university in 2006. Having come from such a big city with a massive town centre, I spent the first wee while here moaning about how small it was and how there was nothing to do. Then I realised I hadn't really left the comfort of student halls. Once I went exploring I found out what a great city Dundee is, despite it's small size.

It has fantastic pubs and bars, good places to eat, great cinema, art and a pretty awesome local music scene.

I've come to love Dundee and 3 years after graduating - I'm still here!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the different live music styles you can and participate in Dundee. Opportunities for all in different styles of music making, with the massive rock and Indie pop scene to the trad music folk sessions in the Fisherman's along side structured groups like Tayside Young Fiddlers and Dundee Srathspey and Reel society, and all the Wighton Workshops. Classical music buffs can take part in Dundee Symphony Orchestra, there's all the University music groups and there's all the amateur chamber music making that goes in the privacy of some of our own homes. It's been going on for years we're full of talent!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's under appreciated (and mostly free) music scene showcases a huge array of local talent and really makes me proud of what the people of this city are capable of achieving.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City with community/village feel. Very friendly people.
Many lovely parks and open spaces for everyone. Integrated multi national community.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing place. As someone who has moved here, I have always been made to feel welcome. The city has a great feeling of space, wide skies, large parks and the Tay. My favourite area is Broughty Ferry, with the Fisherman's Tavern live music, Vissochi's ice cream and the beautiful sandy beach.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a lovely wee city and an obvious choice for the UK City of Culture 2017! The view of the bridges driving along Riverside Drive are breathtaking. There are lots of lovely independant wee cafes and shops making it unique and there is so many exciting new developments taking place it really is the place to be!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The public observatory on Balgay Hill with its wonderful moveable papiere mache dome....what a privilege....open to us all year round and costs next to nothing to visit and use.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great city for students

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of people from outside our city who knock us! I was born and brought up here and yes, we have our problems-what city doesn't, but the strength and inherent decency of the majority of Dundonians makes me proud. Oh yeah, the pubs and restaurants, Discovery Point, Verdant Works, Botanic Gardens, McManus Galleries, the new V&A, I could go on and on. The best thing? The feeling of homecoming when you come over the Rail Bridge - now that's special!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gems of architecture scattered around the city along with the green spaces as your drive into Dundee along the river.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's status in the world of higher education is rapidly growing, and the world class research in areas such as Medicine and Life Sciences is something all Dundonians should be proud of. The Riverside redevelopment programme will redefine the city, and the new V&A at Dundee will put the city firmly on the culture map!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of the most engaging, entertaining and diverse people. Every time I leave my house, someone makes me smile!

<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> The views in Dundee are fantastic. There is lots to do and see! You couldn't visit Dundee for just a day, you would have to take a whole week!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dawson Park ~ where everyone can go thru out the day and do their thang ~ dog walkers, ,joggers, runners, schoolchildren doing sports with their school, dog walkers, keen gardeners, after school hanging out, dog walkers, sports clubs ~ a great green place with good facilitles for everyone

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views of the estuary from the city, every time I see them, blow me away. Dundee is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The seals and dolphins don't hurt either (unless you are trying to windsail, in which case they can get in the way).

<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> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE

When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town,
They spruced it up with a lick of paint
And then they showed him round,
Two bands played in fierce competition
As the rain came down,
And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town."

A man called Walsh hung from a window
With the Starts and Stripes,
And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette"
It was sweetness and light,
But as they sang the fire bell rang
And they ran for their lives,
"What well trained little orphans and a precious little song."
Said the General's wife.

A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green,
Before the darkness fell,
With a short stop over for the ladies convenience,
At the Royal Hotel,
And the General frowned through the last of the speeches
Though he took it well,
"What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple,
What charming little houses and such cheerful little people,
But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town."

- Michael Marra.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is physically transforming itself at the present. As a centre for so much learning (education, science, medicine, IT.....) it has changed it's face!

<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> Its History

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's alive, diverse, has art, history and Scottish dance theatre!! dont let it loose so much from so little and can be huge!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee City...... Scotland's last 'Big Toon'. Where else would you want to be?

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee is real, people from dundee are all real, raw and honest. there is no pretentiousness here. what you see is what you get.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city where everything is happening! Dundee got strong roots, but also keep an eye on the future! Friendly people everywhere, nice wee places to eat! (I really love Lily and Stone caffe!) The waterfront is beautiful!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Museums - Discovery, McManus Gallery, and Verdant Works are all fantastic visitor attractions.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so vibrant and focussed on the future, not the past.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a very clean city with no rubbish lying around. You can be sure that wherever in Dundee you choose to go for a walk whether it be in town or surrounding areas they are always clean and well cared for

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to go sailing on the River Tay. You can launch at Broughty Ferry and go to Perth or Norway!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love RARA and the pretty vacant showrooms and the creativity it encourages through selling vintage and pieces from local designers. It's like a little treasure chest.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always struck by how good it feels to see so much going on all around me. Just last night I was walking up the Queen's steps from the Greenmarket to the Perth Road amongst people just leaving Dundee Science Centre, excitedly discussing the Cafe Science talk they had just seen. They all soon merged with people gathered outside the DCA who were themselves indistinguishable from the theatre goers all heading towards the Rep to begin their evening's entertainment. Great to see.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> University of Dundee, people around me and beautiful views

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After living in another area I now realise how much I miss my home town. Proud to say I am a Dundonian!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I left Dundee when I was 9, and the changes to the place amazes me !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Speedwell bar,dundee university,rep theatre,dundee utd,dawn at the law,sunset over the tay bridge and braw folk everywhere means dundee will always have a place in my heart.And this is from a weegie....

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Speedwell bar - from the outside it looks a little grotty and like the kind of place you'd pass by in favour of a more modern pub, but when you get inside, it's atmosphere (and amazing whisky selection) completely distract you from any misgivings you may have initially had. A really wonderful example of a little old man pub that is totally accesible to anyone who wants to stop in!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee buzzes with creative energy. For a city of its size, it has a large and very active scene. Best of all, it has imaginative, creative, dynamic people who make it special!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming from Edinburgh, I didn't know much about the rich history of industry and the variety in which it came in. But after studying at the university's art college for four years, I have learned a great deal about that history. I imagine a successful bit would help bolster and reignite the city's connection with what once made it a great place.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great size of city, not too big but but not too small, it's friendly with a fab cultural quarter. Spectacular views over the tay!!!. Great for sight seeing, shopping, a day out or a night out.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I relocated to Dundee from Glasgow 10 years ago and I love this city. It has everything, restaurants, shows, casinos and lots more.. Loads of stuff for the little ones too, from the Science Centre to Camperdown Park AMAZING city to live in

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by additional facts about Dundee and Dundonians; from the Neolithic to the space age, Dundee has hidden its light under a bushel, and needs to be recognised for the amazing place it is.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact the even although Dundee is a city, it can feel so small. You will always find someone who knows someone else you know. Lived here all my life, apart from a short stay in Glasgow, but coming home either over the bridge or from any other direction, seeing a landmark and knowing I'm home is the best feeling in 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 spirit. The people are so friendly, the atmosphere incredibly warm and welcoming, and the City as a whole is just such a wonderfully positively-spirited place to work, play and live.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the hidden vaults below the city. I wish more people knew about them

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having studied at the University of Dundee for almost three years now, the way in which the university runs itself in relation to the city is incredible. I have really enjoyed the uni bringing in all aspects of Dundee to uni campus. It makes me feel like I not only belong at uni but I belong in Dundee itself.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful city to visit with its parks and high street. The city is rustic and full of character, yet modern. The Dundee football grounds and high street were among our favourite places to see. The view from the law is breathtaking on a bright summer's day. Nothing would make us happier than seeing Dundee named the UK's city of culture.

D and R from Ottawa Canada.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Rep and the Law Hill

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My birthplace and although I have not lived in the UK for 32 years when I return it is still my home. I have watched it's development over the years and at times have shaken my head at decision made by the planners and council. That being said I believe the new development plans are on the right track. The town has always been extremely supportive of the culture of scotland and of its own heritage.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful memories of student life in Dundee in the early 1980s - the intimacy of a small city, the wry humour and endearing local dialect, the rich history (jam, jute and journalism), the creativity and individuality.... Small city with BIG personality!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is known for its large cultural variance, the achitectural layout ofthe city is one that seems to fascinate. The location of the law hill, providing an enigmatic view of the whole city. The weather is one that is highly intriguing. known to be the sunniest city in the scotland, hail stones in august spices up the flavour of the Dundee life.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much has changed in the past 5 years and how much will change in the future.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There"s a willingness to make things happen; people listen, consider and act and it feels as if the door is open. It's a city which aspires and inspires.

<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> The fantastic architecture in the city centre - it is easy to just walk past without looking up and seeing the beautiful buildings.

<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.

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