:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

The thing I like about my city is walking through a wonderful diversity of shops in the centre of town, then five minutes on any bus takes me to the outskirts of of the town to a marvelous countryside that surrounds us with the River Tay flowing past on the other side

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The observatory on Balgay Hill- its a gem and free to visit!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Anyone lucky enough to see Gardyne's Land before it was turned into a Youth Hostel will know that Dundee was, once upon a time, a very influential city, not only in Scotland but Britain.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of raw talent this city possesses. Eh Write! writing group at Fintry Community Centre, Voices in Harmony singing group at Whitfield Activity Centre, Art Class at Panmurefield village Church. Ordinary citizens with extraordinary skills and abilities being/needing encouraged. Becoming UK city of Culture 2017 will hopefully draw out and highlight these hidden gems. They are there - they only need to be uncovered !!!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view eastwards down the ancient Nethergate, with the spire of St Paul's Cathedral in the distance, is one of the country's most dramatic and under-rated street vistas.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One thing that few visitors expect in Dundee is the quality of the food but we boast a great cheese shop, some first class butchers, amazing cake shops, proper greengrocers and, of course, Braithwaite's - timeless tea and coffee merchants. (And we still have some of the best raspberries you can find.)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great poets both famous and as yet undiscovered. From the Wedderburns in the Reformation to renowned contemporary writers like Don Paterson, John Glenday and Tracy Herd. I would very much include McGonagall in that list! It's also a place where the Scots language has been celebrated, in the work of Ellie McDonald, Matthew Fitt, and the late Harvey Holton.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here for University in the summer, the friendliness of the locals and the incredible architecture has surprised me the most. Dundee boasts the most incredible scenery of any city in the UK.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visitor to the city over the last two years I have been delighted by how friendly and helpful everyone is and how vibrant the city is in it's atmosphere. I love it so much I am trying to move my family near to Dundee from the south coast. You have so much to offer!

<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> The University Gardens

<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> 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> How many interesting and creative people come from Dundee... Not least of all my husband and actor Forbes KB !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are beautiful views across the silvery tay with twinkling lights on the bridges at night even more beautiful from the Law Hill monument where you can see across the magnificent sights of the picturesque Bonnie Dundee. We also have buildings which have the wow factors such as morgan academy and mcmanus gallery and other beautiful features such as Discovery .

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's only Frank Gehry building is in Dundee (Maggie's Centre at Ninewells). Dundee should be looking to commission more as they are attractions in themselves !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are a number of extremely talented amateur dramatic and musical groups and societies in the city. Dundee Rep boasts an excellent professional repertory company which, I believe, is unique in Scotland and rare in the UK as a whole.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing work our volunteer organisations do with the youth of today – be it Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade, Brownies, Guides or Scouts and not forgetting the many sports teams, community centres, dance or music classes that Dundee volunteers support. The many volunteers who help the sick, elderly, vulnerable, meals on wheels, support charity shops, fundraising events, support at courts and hospitals and many other tasks not listed.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am always surprised by how beautiful and vibrant this city is and i have lived here all my life so far. I also studied in Duncan of Jordanstone a really breeding ground for creative thinking. I now teach in a local High school, and have observed over the last few years how the pupils attitudes to their city have changed for the better. The whole atmosphere is becoming more confident and ambitious and hopefully greater things are still to come! Go Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Astonishing views, warm people, fantastic University!
I love Dundee, its my second home town.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Community spirit is really coming back. Great groups/sessions in Finmill Community Centre and Whitfield Community Centre. Also Skillshare.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Adhesive stamp & Gardyne's Land. Merely 2 examples of our past.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Edinburgh, went to uni in Stirling and worked in other Scottish cities before coming to Dundee in 1989. What has kept me here is how real Dundee is ( oh and my husband whom i met in 1990!) I love the size of the city and the critical energy that seems to gather to support good things like the DCA and the enthusiasm to support campaigns like this. I work in Dundee and every day i drive in from Broughty Ferry i feel so excited to see the city taking shape day by day! Dundee has a uniqueness and a confidence that will continue to grow, it feels like the essence if Scotland because its comfortable in its own skin ( as well as the one that's being created !!!)

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Family! Dundee is where my family and I were born, where we grew up and where I go home now to catch up and visit them all-that's why I love Dundee!

<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> The location and the beautiful views from balgay park and the law

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's interesting that many people who come here to study end up making a real effort to stay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From my time studying here, I have found that their are lots of friendly people. Chilling at the law hill with the amazing views. Wondering round an exhibition at DCA/McManus.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is transforming itself in to a modern bright city for future generations to enjoy.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Personally, I feel that Dundee is an amazing city that has a lot to offer. Walking up Law Hill to the top to see the most beautiful sights. You can walk along the beach in broughty ferry which is a personal favourite of mine during the summer. There's a lot of parks to sit and relax in the summer. The people are always kind and helpful when in need. I have lived here for the past 3 years whilst at the university and it has to be one of the best experiences I have had so far!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Roseangle gallery, art exhibitions at the Botanic gardens,the paintings in the new gallery on South Tay street, the beautiful jewellery at the DCA shop...the list goes on.So much talent and so much creativity in his town.As an outsider who emigrated toDundee from India in 2001,I have watched the city reinvent itself culturally.I love Dundee and I hope to never leave.

<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> How much I miss it - I never expected to feel that when I moved away, but there's a unique sense of warmth and welcoming about the Dundee

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My daughter was born in Dundee. She was taught sign language at Oranges & Lemons nursery when she was aged 3-4. She and her class mates performed 2 songs with signing when she moved on to school. The fact that she learnt sign language at nursery shows a great attitude to learning, and an outward looking but also inclusive culture. We love Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> T Ann cake

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are all braw! They have made me feel very welcome and I am proud to call it home.
The waterfront never fails to take my breath away and the sight of the seals on the sands means it is going to be a good day!

<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> 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> Dundee has the most beautiful setting of any city I know. It is built on hills which allow amazing views of the Tay, sometimes from places you don't expect. The view driving down West Park Road never ceases to take my breath away. This, coupled with amazing green spaces and parks, makes it the perfect place to live...and walk, and run.

<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> The mix of old and new, the energy of the place, the huge student population, there are so many hidden surprises here!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design continues to 'fleh heh' as one of Britain's Top 5 art schools, but paradoxically remains a hidden gem, both locally and nationally.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community in Dundee is 2nd to none and continues to grow!
Coming from Glasgow I love Dundee as it feels more like a big town than a city. The people are extremely friendly and it has some beautiful scenery. Anytime you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town the countryside is just moments away.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking down from Tin Roof, Generator, and the art school to have a pint and lively discussion at the Art Bar... perhaps stopping by DCA or the Rep later. Most of the cultural spots in Dundee are within easy walking distance of each other, creating a fantastic friendly atmosphere where you will probably bump into someone you know along the way.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's sunny disposition is actually reflected by the people. Just look closely.

<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's micro climate. All around it can be snowing heavily and you get to Dundee and the streets are clear. We also have more sunshine than other Scottish cities--which must help us be a more cheerful city !

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone. For those quiet reflective moments when you can sit & listen to the waves lapping and look at the beautiful view of the Tay, the view changing depending on the weather. There are lots of places to visit like the McManus & DCA, there's retail therapy to be had, a quiet pint in the pub or a night out at a gig. I was brought up in Dundee but haven't lived there for many years. I visit family there regularly and am always struck by the friendliness of the people, and also how the city is always evolving and changing.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Camperdown parkrun started 15 months ago, and since then has built a community from accross the city, of people who show up every week to run or volunteer, and enjoy being in the great outdoors of Camperdown park. The generosity and welcoming atmosphere created every week is the highlight of my week in Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It appears to be a small city. That it is but it is filled with friendly people and has scenic treasures everywhere. Not many cities have the beauty of Dundee, the buzz of the university and kind people on every corner. Definite selling point is the sunset over the Tay; beautiful!

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