We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

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> When I came to Dundee it was quite a sad place, burdened by the disappointments of the past. Today it is a new city with a new and much more confident view of itself and its place in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Street Art and the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A mIghty long bridge
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Quartic Llama has seen things you humans would not believe. Attack ships afloat off the shore off the shoulder of City Quay. I watched sea beams glitter in the dark near the Over-Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like *moo* tears in rain. Time to live.
<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> That the Tay looks different many times each day - and always beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is plenty to keep the kids occupied at little or no cost! From visiting The McManus Galleries to walks in Templeton Woods. Spending time at Camperdown Park with a visit to the Wildlife Centre for a very small charge. They can also expand their knowledge by visiting Dundee Science Centre or The Discovery. And there are plenty of nice cafes that are child friendly too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The imagination and determination of our young people. Take the recent "Dundee Roundhouse" initiative, where a group of young people have transformed a derelict factory site into a hidden organic garden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 24*7 open Clarks bakery always attracts me with variuos flavors, tastes of pasteries and pies. I am loving it so much that I started living nearby it &amp; let open my window for the sweet fragnance of cooking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's so much singing going on! There are loads of choirs in the city, formal and informal, singing so many different kinds of music - sacred choral, chamber music, Renaissance, Baroque, traditional Scottish, contemporary musicals, Gaelic - whatever you want to sing! Loadsaweeminsinging! (And men).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing that surprised me most when i moved here was the number of independent shops and restaurants, there are some hidden gems like Dukes corner for music and food. Just walking down Perth road there is hardly a chain store on show, with numerous independent coffee shops and small art stores. Its not all bad in Dundee at all.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - a great place for a hot mince roll !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Awards - we award this to a senior pupil in Dundee Secondary Schools for the work they have done to contribute to the ongoing citizenship of Dundee - always amazes us - the extent of our young people's talents is immense.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> everything is within walking distance! encourages healthy life style :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I arrived in Dundee in 1966 as a student I was bowled over by the generous spirit of the working class people of the city. There was such an air of optimism then. Going back to Dundee as I do every year I'm shocked at the reversal of fortunes of those same people. The social housing stock being demolished, lack of jobs for young people. Showcase developments like the New Overgate are just a sticking plaster. Good luck with the Waterfront Project but I don't think it will improve the lives of Dundee's working class. The city's hidden secret are the city's poor and downtrodden.
<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> Word on the Pavey - surrealist self deprecating Dundonian humour sung by a big chap called St Andrews produced by the late great Michael Marra
- Dundonians internationally now share snippets like a secret handshake - a rendition of an \"inganingana\" checks you really are the genuine Dundee article !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> culture in the city is for ordinary people, not just the elite
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an extraordinary city. The genuine wealth of culture within the city is defined by the character of its people. This richness of character has offered exceptional music and art over many decades and continues to do so every year. Should Dundee be successful in this bid, the honour would be embraced with a very real and very true passion by it's people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our City has so much going for it, steeped in history- Jute, jam and journalism.. The regeneration of the Waterfront , a wonderful seaside town of Broughty Ferry, the Jewel in Dundee's Crown, with a blue flag beach and historic castle guarding the mouth of the River Tay. Inventions such as the electric light bulb, the postage stamp, first streetlights and hole in the wall cash disepenser! One of Europe's largest teaching hospitals and the University of Dundee which has a leading edge clinical research centre and the University was voted Times Higher Education student experience survey . It's unfortunate there are less desirable parts of Dundee, but that is the same anywhere you go. I love Dundee. X
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Excellent shopping centres
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My wife and I have lived in Dundee since 1968. The transformation of the city since then has been amazing! Dundee has moved on beyond expectation in many areas of its life, including, education, medicine, research, the arts and culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Despite being stuck in between oil rich Aberdeen and tourist attraction Edinburgh the people of Dundee continue to forge ahead in transforming the city from an old industrial one to one of high-tech business, excellent education and an arts, and culture scene that is becoming more tourist and citizen friendly every day, regardless of boom and bust economics.
While proud of our heritage, the people of Dundee continue to focus on their future, making it a better and brighter place for tomorrow.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where else in the world can you buy an Irn Bru cupcake - try them, they are PHENOMENAL
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can just go 1 mile outside of dundee,
then you are suddenly in the countryside,
with veiws which are amazing.
<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> my god-daughter, Jennifer Gavin, was born in Dundee!!!..she's a credit to her birthplace!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its modernisation at last along with the growth in the student community which has started to increase the cafe culture in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Highland cattle beside Riverside Drive! Seals in the Tay! But most of all, to a long transplanted Canadian, the people of Dundee. I'm proud to say I live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A world-wide hub for Life Sciences and creative digital arts. The V&amp;A project will be a potent sign of a city reborn and draw the city to its fantastic waterfront. A city where everyone pulls together to be the best that we can be, and make a difference.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendlinesss of the people, the wonderful location and the amount of green areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the rooftops

From the ground, the city centre is a modern thriving metropolis, but look over the rooftops and you're transported to yesteryear. Intricately carved stone memorials to a time where people, not technology were the workhorses of the city. The courthouse, Tay works, the spires of the many churches, I sit in my fifth floor office, gaze across the unseen cityscape and consider what life must have been like, what's been lost and, more importantly, what's been gained. Dundee a city of history, that's trailblazing into the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> being from Dundee and having travelled and lived out with the city, it is great to see how cultured and cosmopolitan Dundee is!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Caird Park - growing up I loved going to Caird Park, we would go to the Carnival when it was there, play in the grounds of the Castle, the old cemetry, at the ponds... it was always a great adventure! Dundee has amazing parks, people from all area's of Dundee have easy access to large parks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The music scene is amazing-something for everyone !!
<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> Dundee has its very own Neollithic stone circle - in Charleston.

I hope that the focus on the City of Culture can bring more of Dundee's history that is one the ground (and under it!) to the fore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving to Broughty Ferry on a Winter evening and parking the car facing the Tay. One red, and one white pudding supper takeaway and back to the car. Sitting in the warmth watching the lights of Newport and Tayport reflected in the calm black water. Looking at the cars on either side and the same ritual is taking place, A line of parked Dundonians chomping on their suppers looking out across the river ... fine dining and romance Dundee style.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly city with close links between the academic institutions and the city supporting the arts and and exciting scientific activities, especially in biological and medical sciences. Punching way above its weight!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think modesty is a recurring attitude shared amongst Dundonians.
Not used to being the centre of attention, Dundee is full of talent yet so modest in sentiment, both past and present.
The music scene, science, creative arts and the diversity of mixed cultures make Dundee an inspiring place in which to live and bring up children.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has lots of lovely buildings, botanic garden and the best place of all for kids growing up in Dundee and the surrounding area is camperdown park. Dundee is also the sunniest city In Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a unique feel to it, it has a tradition of accessible culture much of which comes from the working people of the city. It has always been enriched by people moving to the city, many of whom came to visit and decided to stay. Dundee is waking up to its potential future, recognising the value of it past and embracing the changes happening to the city which are occurring now!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness and warmth of Dundonians; the huge number of independent shops, bars and cafes; and of course the sunshine!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ancient Howff graveyard given to Dundee by Mary Queen of Scots, is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city, and a place to contemplate mortality.
Beautiful herbaceous borders with rare shrubs like the Yellow Magnolia mingle with crumbly, moss-furred tombs. Bygone names such as Barbary Bathie, German Stewart, and Euphemia Lochmolony really capture the imagination.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tannadice is heaven on earth :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has introduced me to the most passionate, loyal, supportive and wonderful people. Steeped in history and known for its Jute, Jam and Journalism, it is now being recognised for its Jewellers! Excitement is always around the corner, whether it is something new or discovering something that already existed, Dundee will always inspire and surprise me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so easy to get around Dundee. It's big enough to be bold but small enough to be friendly. Dundee is Scotland's big village!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The river Tay and all that's built along it! And a wonderful people.
<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> How since going to university, every time I come home something new has changed; in the last few years Dundee has become confident, and proud of itself! And obviously the all-night bakery is Dundee's biggest hidden secret...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's public art, it pops up and surprises you when you least expect it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunday morning sport for the city's kids - rugby, football, hockey et al. Parents really putting in the early morning effort to help kids realise their potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth and diversity of Dundee's green spaces. Stand on the Law in summer and see how green the city is. Balgay Hill. Botanic Gardens, Baxter Park, Templeton and Middleton Woods, Barnhill Rock Garden to name but a few, and Dundee's hidden gem, the Miley Urban Wildlife Site in Lochee. There are many many more, some of them used for education purposes as well as leisure. On practically every corner there
are Trees, bushes, planters and hanging baskets. On most roundabouts and roadside edges there is some planting even if it is only the bulbs in spring. I love Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I studied Fine Art at DJCA and my experience there, the aspiration and belief it had, and that living in the city provided, all instilled aspiration in me beyond measure. The dynamics of being a student in the city was way beyond the comparative scale of the city, the environment was rich in enquiry and expertise, pride in the city was palpable and the attitude positive and open towards everyone. I miss the obvious 'cultural highlights' but I miss the warmth of the people and old Dens Rd Market.
<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> As an "immigrant" to Dundee I am continually boosted by its determination to develop and improve what it offers to the community. So small a city but with amazing museums, science centre, galleries, parks, forests, beaches ...
<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> DCA and culture generally
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hugely supportive and inclusive student culture. The West End of Dundee is a hub for all sorts of student activity and promotes a truly welcoming vibe. The number of independent traders and retailers along places such as the Perth Road makes Dundee thrive and elude individuality. It is great to see residents supporting local business and hailing from Derry, the current city of culture, I can see how winning this bid could only boost Dundee's already growing culture sector.
<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> Dundee has the sandy beaches at Broughty Ferry, the RSS Discovery in dock, and the Sidlaw Hills as it's backbone. What's not to like? Add to this the uniqueness of The Law which overlooks much of the city with the Mills Observatory in Balgay and you have a very special city indeed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Budding artists used to come to Dundee to study at Duncan of Jordanstone college of Art because its an amazing college but would leave after graduating to live in bigger, more "happening" cities....now they come to DJCAD because it's an amazing college and they stay!
Dundee is now one of the happening cities, overflowing with creative talent with a great vibe.
It IS a city of culture..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Hoolywood website is great - showcasing Dundee's creative talent and history with a lot of humour thrown in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was a wee lassie, living in a Dundee housing scheme, then i got involved in Youth Theatre at Dundee Rep - that was 30yrs ago!! I am still there!! - in my role as a community drama officer, i see daily the impact the arts have on peoples lifes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am impressed by the night view of the Tay river and bridges seen from the Hill of Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A treasure trove of culture and history - Verdant Works, Discovery Point, McManus Galleries, DCA, Mills Observatory etc. Then there is Boughty Ferry with it's castle, sea front, fauna, interesting shops, restaurants and character. Journey on the train across the rail bridge on a visit to Dundee and be amazed at the beautiful view of river and shore.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its an all round great place lots to do and lots to learn.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thing I love most about Dundee is it's creative culture. Over the years I have seen many wonderful artistic and musical talents thrive within the city.
<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> For a city of its size, Dundee punches well above its weight - for good and the bad. While there are many problems to solve, thankfully the great cultural and social movements underway in the city are driving change on a scale that could have real positive impact.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a great city for walking in. A 30 minute stroll can encompass wonderful waterfront views, a gallery or museum and a great independent cafe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The green spaces, the parks and grassy fields inside the city. The ease of access to open countryside and stunning views. Fife looks great from Dundee!

The great variety of shops and cafés in the city. I appreciate the large number of independent coffee-houses as well as the bigger brands.

The history of innovation and scientific discovery, coupled with the more well-known comic book element make Dundee unique. The centres of learning do a great job of sending out folks well-prepared for professional life.

It's a lovely city with great potential!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> can't think of a better place to live and work
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great buildings - Gardyne's Land - original elements 1560, now preserved as a backpackers' hostel. St David's Rooms, - original elements early 1600's. 2 cathedrals - St Paul's and St Andrew's.
<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> The people are very caring and friendly. I was so overwhelmed by the caring of neighbours when my mother developed Vasular Dementia. They were so good at looking out for her before she eventually had to go into care. I nominated one of her neighbours (and she won) a Wave 102 neighbour of the year award a few years back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great views of the Tay, history of the discovery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great musicians, poets and artists working in an exciting environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me is the reaction people have when i say that from italy, I moved to Dundee, and LOVE it here! The city is modeled around students, there is always something to do for everyone and the music venues are fantastic! The 24h Bakery is a real hidden gem, but of course so are all the kind people that make living here a pleasure :-)
<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&amp;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> I grew up here and went to University here. I then left and lived in several cities around the world. As Oor Wullie said though 'East, West, hame's best'. This is my city of choice now and it is so lovely to watch Dundee continually evolving and flourishing whilst still retaining the essence of what is has always been.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the reputation it has undeservingly collected from previous lives. People within Scotland have the impression that Dundee is still an old whaling town filled with desolate jute mills and nowhere to go. The reality is far from the truth: Dundee is a place bursting with architecture both modern and the type of old to be admired, music events, art galleries, science and education. There are groundbreaking opportunities everywhere with a college and two universities offering unique computing and medical facilities. There are so many amazing places within Dundee whether it be the beautiful beach at Broughty Ferry, the top of the Law or beneath the shadow of the RRS Discovery. I've lived in Dundee all my life and yet, as a young person, I am still surprised by the constantly growing and evolving platform of culture which exists within the city. Some people grow up somewhere and want to get out and away but you know what, I can honestly think of few better places to live.
<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> The innovation and culture that are driving forward a more welcoming, diverse and creative Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the commitment of Dundee's volunteers.....most hours of the day and night there are a band of volunteers helping out those who need support. I am involved with the Dundee branch of Samaritans which has been on the go for over 50 years. There are many of us out there doing all sorts of things in our own time to lend a hand or an ear to another human being....so don't forget about them!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lively city minutes from sea, sand, hills and glens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus Galleries - a great treasure trove!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The seals sunbathing in the morning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city to be part of. It blends together the traditions and culture of the past, with its modern approaches to education, arts, commerce and industry of today, and with our aspirations for the future. Where is there a city in the UK which has gone through so many transformations yet is still striving to reinvent itself again through the Dundee Waterfront Project? I can't wait to see it finished! Dundee has taken a leap of faith to secure its future as one of the UK's most exciting cities to live in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing speed at which it has developed into a cool city i.e. over the last 18 years since i went there to university
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My strongest memories from growing up in Dundee are tangled in the city's wildlife, and the spaces that allow it to thrive.

I loved feeding the ducks, and netting for stickle-backs at Stobsmuir Ponds, watching the annual transformation of tadpoles into frogs in Baxter Park, catching crickets in the long grass at the Den O'Mains, seeing lazy seals basking on the sand banks under the rail bridge over the Tay, watching peaceful herons resting in low branches over the Dighty Burn and visiting the stately swans at Broughty Ferry beach.

The many beautiful parks and waterways in the city, and the beaches and walkways along our incredible river, provide spaces for wildlife to thrive and for our communities to come together.

I think all Dundonians share a strong connection to the Tay, the Law, Camperdown and the parklands across the city. These places are woven into our group identity. While they aren't always stumbled upon by outsiders, they are an important part of our cultural heritage and yet another reason why Dundee is a brilliant place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is indeed a wonderful place to be. The cutural diversity seen in Dundee made me feel I was reaching the entire world in minutes. The two universities (Dundee and Abertay) champions the unity in diversity seen there.
The site of the collapsed tay bridge and the relatively new tay road bridge (longest in the world at that time) are worth mentioning.
Another stunning suprise was to discover the area where the pretigious missionary Mary Slessor and her family lived when they moved to Dundee. Her role in stopping the killing of twin babies in Calabar, Nigeria is remembered till this day. With these and many more, I hereby recommend Dundee to host the UK's city of Culture 2017. Thank you
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyone is connected in some way, it's a small place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city feels more vibrant and diverse than ever before. The mind is never bored in a place like Dundee. Hidden secret has to be the various collectives operating in the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most exciting thing for me recently was discovering all about the law tunnel! It would be amazing to be able to see it and walk through a piece of history that had been shut away for so long.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that the city has the feeling of a town, but still has such great amenities. We have museums, universities, shops, restaurants, parks, etc all so close together; for visitors it's an ideal 'no hassle' place to come and explore.
<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> Travel from Dundee to Broughty Ferry on the road that follows the River Tay and see one of the most perfect views I have ever seen. This view has been captured by various local artists with some spectacular results.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The BLUE BLUE sky, the WHITE WHITE cloud, and the KIND KIND people here! I made lots of friends here, and most of them like badminton as I do. Also the UNION is the second best place here, while the ISE is the best for me I think. I got a wonderful riding along the Tay bridge, with the sunny sunshine and the best "family" I have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's biggest secret is... THE PEOPLE!! We have such a varied mix of ethnicities and locals with rich histories going back to the mills, etc.
Our places of education speak for themselves too.
To not acquaint yourself with the riches of local culture, places of beauty and interest in Dundee would be a big miss.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and grew up in Broughty Ferry- a beautiful wee town in the most idyllic of situations- a suburb of dundee. However I spent my teens exploring and adventuring around the streets and meandering cobbles of Dundee's city centre- I had a relatively sheltered childhood but Dundee's surprisingly vibrant fashion and music scene opened my eyes to a world of culture and diversity. I loved sitting outside st Mary's in the sunshine soaking up the rays, atmosphere and architecture and taking in art and cocktails at the DCA in the evening (the terrace is a godsend) and catching an abstract array of DJ's at the Reading Rooms until the wee hours...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! Our communities are our best asset.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved up from London to Dundee 11 years ago. The same year a watched a few guys emerging from the Tay at Broughty Ferry having swam from Wormit. At the time I thought they must be crazy and now I am one of the 70 or so who once a year in August jump over the wall at the railway bridge to swim the Bridge-to-Bridge. A great event typical of this quirky, friendly and interesting city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Take a walk through Balgay Park on a frosty winter night. Wind your way up through the trees till the heavens open up above you. The observatory is there but you won't need it; the stars are close enough to touch.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee, many people wondered (including me at times) why I would want to leave such a beautiful, exciting and amazing city for a smaller, lesser (in some respects) city in Scotland. No regrets! Dundee may be smaller but has a bigger heart, fantastic people and has won me over! I will always love our capital but Dundee is the best city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an undiscovered gem for many people in the UK. Full of creativity, culture, humour and sunshine - it is a vibrant exciting place to be. Straight-talking Dundonians are without a doubt the city's its best asset. I couldn't be prouder to tell anyone in the world that this great place is where I live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As someone who has lived in and visited many great cities, I have to say that for such a small city Dundee has such a vibrant cultural community driven in large part by the universities and the multicultural students it attracts. The Reading Rooms can rival any club/music venue I've ever visited and I have tried desperately to find somewhere which satisfies in the way it does. The music is varied and never rests on its laurels. The arts, design and fashion communities are so innovative and willing to take chances. The city is steeped in history but refuses to let it define its future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is not the same as its reputation dictates! In spite of being a sizable city it has a welcoming, homely and village-ish feel. You don't feel crowded or far from greenery at any point yet all the amenities that city life provides are right at your fingertips!

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