We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

I’m always inspired by the people in the City running their own businesses and getting involved in promoting the area – we live in a fantastic, innovative and creative place – its a stunning spot…I particularly love the architecture of our buildings!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No matter where you peer into Dundee's history, a vibrant and industrious culture exists.
Spear heading developments in the production of textiles, news media, music, technology and software; not only locally but worldwide.

Dundee truly is a city in which one can be proud!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having recently retired to Dundee from London I have been amazed at the diversity of cultural activities on offer here. The wealth of films shown at the DCA for every type of audience; the excellent repertory company and the brilliant Scottish Dance Company based in Dundee and now gaining an international reputation; the Discovery Centre, the Verdant Works Museum, and the Caird Hall hosting visits from international ballet companies and orchestras,and the V&amp;A coming soon. Dundee is already a city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee in 1990 from England. Immediately I was immersed in the culture, the language, the people - wonderful. One of my colleagues gave me a sheet full of Dundee-isms and a whole new language opened up to me. My all time favourite was seeing a warning sign in the old Overgate: wet pent. It's a unique place, full of history, strong women and working class-ness.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin roof and all the artists associated, the cinema at DCA with its great program... And the PEOPLE! The city is bubbling with ideas!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland’s Jute Museum @ Verdant Works

A fantastic look back in time to the height of the Industrial Revolution and the social and economic impact that the Jute industry had on Dundee (Jutopolis).

A historical commentary on the social issues that affected Dundee at the time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Hill and the observatory.
The Law hill.
The riverside.
The public parks and good network of path/cycle routes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently moved to Dundee, the first thing that struck me was the friendliness of the people and the 'village' atmosphere even though it is a city. I enjoy the interesting architecture and street art depicting the history of the city ... or just for fun. There are so many events hosted to share knowledge in the sciences and arts - science cafe, saturday evening lectures, comedy clubs, many of which are free to the public. The Discovery point, McManus gallery, Science museum and other museums also add to the interesting things to do. Not least also the view across the Tay to North Fife is spectacular. I moved to Dundee from Switzerland and find that my life is actually richer and more varied here.
<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> I think the courses at the college are one of the most surprising 'hidden secrets' having attended pottery classes with amazing teachers and a great atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the DC Thomson comic characters especially Dennis the Menace. I named my dog, Dennis after him even though he is more a gnasher lookalike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I've come back to Art College (DJCAD) as a pensioner to do a Masters in Fine Art and discovering a wonderful city, rich in history and a vibrant art scene. Warm and wonderful folk
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The outdoor swimming club based at Broughty Ferry Pier "Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association" at 128 years old is, so I believe, the last remaining outdoors swimming club in the country. I love the history , the idea of it still going strong and I wish I was brave enough to join in. One day I will.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the top of Dundee Law must be one of the best city panoramas in Britain.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant business community and this can only grow in light of recent developments eg V&amp;A Dundee, Malmaison etc. The people are warm, humorous, friendly... And I LOVE Dundee United FC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of the unique things about Dundee is that, from the middle of this city, you can nearly always enjoy lovely views of the river and open countryside. So you get the benefits of living in a city plus the views you'd get living in a rural environment. To give a couple of my favourite examples, looking north to the Sidlaws from the Brackens Estate, or looking eastwards towards the Ferry and Tentsmuir from Blackness Road.
<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> My favourite place is the The West End, a vibrant neighbourhood with small craft shops, local food shops and cafes frequented by students and other residents. There are lovely views down Windsor strret across Magdalene Yard Green to the rail bridge across the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The glorious setting, the spectacular river Tay, the rolling hills of Fife, the blend of old-new build in the city, and the relentless cheerfulness of its citizens
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most amazing thing about Dundee is the scenery. It is absolutely spectacular. Especially on a beautiful summers day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is some truly amazing and interesting architecture in the Nethergate and South Tay Street - one of my favourite places in Dundee. The glimpses of the Tay estuary through the buildings add an amazing dimension unlike any other in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to an international world-class scientific community including universities, research institutes and companies. Scientists from over 60 countries participate in cutting edge research and also take part in workshops in local schools, festivals in the Dundee Science Centre, and public lectures in local coffee shops.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing location of the city.
<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> Dundee is one of the greenest cities in the UK.Everywhere you go in Dundee there are parks, green spaces and trees.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a friendly city and also so much great music groups about. Choirs, Orchestras, bands etc.
<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> 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> The people, history both football clubs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having moved here from SE England almost 30 years ago, where there was no shortage of things to do, I am surprised and delighted with the changes in Dundee over that time. Next week, to celebrate my birthday, Dundee is hosting the fabulous Blues Festival, with International bands playing all over Dundee. All we need now is a John Lewis!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grey lady of Balgay Hill always created a lot of hysteria when we were at Primary School.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city I grew up in and it is a fantastic place, and I miss it now I live and work in Glasgow. The language in Dundee is just brilliant; from aninineenanaw to the only sentence in the English language with no consenants, I e' I' a' (I ate it all!).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything is on our doorstep here - great countryside, lovely parks, theatres and museums. But the best thing is the people, who are genuinely interested in me, and why I'm here, and what I do. Perhaps this most sunny of the Scottish cities has given its residents a naturally sunny disposition.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like the penguins in the centre of town and by the Discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a unique city. We have everything on our doorstep - the benefits of a city and the beauty of the countryside, and amazing culture and heritage that we should be very proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Development.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing is "normal" about Dundee. Having lived there for 4 years at university, the thing that most surprises me is the notion so many Scottish people have of the place: "Dundee? That's a dump" being the consensus of nearly 100% of those who've never been. The lovely secret held by those who have is that it is one of the most wonderfully inviting, absorbing, positive, encouraging, resourceful and accepting small cities in the world. Do we really want to share that secret? Oh, go on then!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a fabulously diverse city, with a vibrant arts scene, from great productions at the Rep to outstanding exhibits at DCA, and the newly refurbished McManus galleries. There's always something to entertain, challenge and excite.
<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> The music scene is amazing-something for everyone !!
<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> lochee parks Bonfire Display
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Backpackers' Hostel, Gardyne's Land, is a medieval building situated in the heart of the city centre, and operates as a youth hostel to date. Dundee is often underrated for its architecture and it is not just a Victorian city: the subtle incorporation of the city's past is there for all to see.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing location - the beach, the Tay, the hills around. I love the vision for the waterfront, the McManus, the DCA, Camperdown.... there's so much to do. People are so friendly, with a great sense of humour, and real passion about their community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of true innovation, reinventing itself time and time again. Drawing it's strength from it's communities, their tenacity to deal with life, look to the future and strive to make a difference. From the sciences, technology and arts it is a truly inspiring place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city with a vibrant student community and friendly, community conscious locals.
Each year the local Jazz Festival bring people from all over the UK and further afield. The city comes to life and the atmosphere is fantastic .
The parks and surrounding beaches are great for children and families - and its free!
Dundee is truly a city where People are the cultural centre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly people, diversity and surrounding beauty.
<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> Every year, when spring eventually arrives, the city is taken over by vast expances of daffodils. Driving down the Kingsway, the scenery becomes a yellow blur! I wouldn't be surprised if Dundee has more Daffodils per head of population than any other city in the UK!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdelene Green with its Bandstand and terrific views over the Tay is one of the many delights of Dundee City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Blue Sky Photo Club is run by an exceptional and inspirational young photographer, Ross Fraser McLean and operates out of DCA. Around 25 digital camera enthusiasts from semi professional to absolute beginners explore the artistic and technical challenges of the medium on a weekly basis. There are regular exhibitions in Roseangle Cafe Arts ( another hidden gem) in which members share and display their best work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dudhope Park is a sometimes forgotten gem in the centre of Dundee! Dudhope Park has been improved with lighting in the skatepark and nearby paths, improvements to the tennis courts and - very soon - a brand new play park! Being the main green space in the centre of Dundee it's a great place to enjoy the sunshine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Loadsoweemensingin at the Rep Theatre!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has its own Gaelic Choir! Under the baton of Wilma Kennedy it meets every Monday night and represents the city at The Royal National Mod each year.
<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> The Head of Cinema at DCA was on the jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> EAST COAST IS THEE BEAST COAST! FLUME BASHING @ LOLYMPIA, ERT @ TINNERS + G-BEAST, TUNES &gt; RHC, PALZ @ DUNDOOM/DUNDIZZLE/D-TOWN.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a strong musical heritage, encompassing a variety of styles and tastes. From musical societies and choirs, to singer song-writers and bands; from theatre concerts to open mic nights, there is rarely an evening in Dundee when lovers of good music will fail to be entertained. There is a vibrant live acoustic scene, showcasing Dundee's talent and banishing the karaoke culture of many other towns and cities. We have much to celebrate; not least Dundee's very own multi-instrumental 'Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' who last month were named 'Best New Scottish Band' at the Scottish Variety Awards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love all the talks and events that go on around the city, some supplied by the University and others just from people wanting to inform and educate about Science, the Arts, or just about anything you can think of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a small city Dundee really punches above its weight in terms of its breadth of cultural activity and ambition and enthusiasm of its creative people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is how much there is going on beyond the city centre - art exhibitions at Generator Projects and Tin Roof, gigs at Beat Generator and the Art Bar amongst other places and many other things. Dundee has a really vibrant up-and-coming art scene beyond the DCA. There is always something going on, and then you can walk to somewhere like Magdalen Green or the Law for some calm and to relaz with your friends. Dundee is just a special city of its own.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a small city - can feel like a village, in social terms, but with everything a city should have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its a great location. Its not a hidden secret. The River Tay is a most beautiful waterfront to cycle along. I came to work in Dundee 30+ years ago as NHS Tayside was providing innovative Clinical Psychology services. Dundee continues to develop better ways to reduce the impact of historical poverty. I have enjoyed living and working amongst friendly people who know their history is often a mix of wealth and hardship but are keen live in a thriving place and make this better for all. Concerts, theatre, parks and nightlife all contribute to this. Braithwaites tea &amp; coffee shop is just one small corner of this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every day I'm pleasantly surprised and enthralled by the breadth, depth and richness of the cultural activities and endeavours of the people of Dundee. Not just the large, and growing, artistic, musical, theatrical and literary community but the ordinary people as well.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How one can get everything required in the city yet it is so easy to get around, park, eat and get away again. The sea scape is also such a pleasure, too, and a surprise when one is in the midst of a bustling University city.
<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> Apart from The city of Dundee being beautiful and Fresh, with tress, gardens ,and cool breeze. The People are very kind and generous, on my first day in Dundee city I was shown around by a stranger I could hardly recall. Once unaware that I needed to have coins to pay for my bus ride before boarding in 2006 a bus driver paid a ticket for me. I remember the University of Dundee Faculty with lots of joy, and am always glad that I was their student.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visit my family every year and every time I come back to the city it's buzzing. There's always something new to see, the landscape changes every year for the better. There's some fantastic restaurants and everyone is really friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As Tony Blair said "Education, education, education." what a wonderful place to study. Why is the ISIN project not being backed by a city full of engineering and education?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing, I'm from Dundee and have been all over the world with the Royal Navy but nothing competes with Bonnie Dundee !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view you get when travelling over the Tay Road Bridge towards Dundee at night and seeing the lights and the warm feeling of nearly being home. This City just keeps getting better!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The brilliant Macmanus Galleries to the Blues Festival. Always plenty to do. Really looking forward to the V and A. its all going on in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's rich heritage ... a century ago one of the most prosperous small cities in Europe ... the richness fading during my lifetime as two of our famous three J's - Jam, and Jute - disappeared ... five decades of recovering and building from such unanticipated adversity ... we have grown though all this ... and now ... about to reach for the stars ... 'If a man's reach can not exceed his grasp, then what's a heaven for' ... my city is ready ... to fully recover it's self esteem ... it will be a great day for Dundonians if City of Culture day dawns on the Tay ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a charity worker in Dundee I am constantly amazed at the number of people who approach me to join as a volunteer to support the people with disabilities our project works with. They are always willing to go that extra mile!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a hub of Indian culture at Heart Space Dundee offering Yoga. There are AMAZING practitioners capable of the impossible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is so much more than its reputation would have you believe. It's a city with a beautiful setting on the banks of Scotland's longest river, with its multitude of vast green spaces and surrounding hills you almost feel like you're in the middle of the countryside in what is actually the most densely populated part of Scotland after central Glasgow. That sense permeates the city's friendly, accessible culture and first attracted this country boy to study here. That and the incredible strength of the University of Dundee. And the stunning sunsets over the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Dental Hospital, is an amazing but hidden and un thought of asset to the city of Dundee, it is hive of activity with staff, students and patients it bridges the gap between the students and the residents of Dundee by being an outstanding teaching institution that provides quality care for the general public!
<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 View (from the Tay Bridge when the sun is setting towards Perth). Dundee United (in sport for all the community). Brian Cox (Stack, a nod to our industrial heritage). The Discovery (of a place where all are welcome). The Road and the Miles to Dundee (and also the road to Broughty Ferry for an ice cream at Visocchi's). Magdalen Green (future for the Waterfront). The Beano (we will all have in 2017).
<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> It's a beautiful city with warm quirky people, with amazing views across the Tay, which changes every day with the light. The city is vibrant, youthful and ever changing. Small enough to buzz and big enough to rock!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming here in 1993 I have never been let down by the city's enthusiasm for development and growth. "Big enough to be a city, yet small enough to be friendly" has always been an unofficial motto banded about on its' streets and one that it lives up to. I have been proud to be part of the city through the Univeristy of Dundee and it's motto to "Transform LIves" and see how these changes still happen on a daily basis in the hearts, minds and souls of the Dundee population who continue to strive for change for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a hidden jewel....it has a special energy and is full of kind and blessed people who radiate love.
Dundee is on the edge of great things........it's only a matter of time!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Returning to Dundee after a trip down south - crossing the Tay Bridge in the train and marveling at the beauty of the firth on either side of me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A lovely city located over the bank of a l river, rich in history and Mecca of learning.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Mountain Festival! Always a great joy to go to. We are very lucky to hear and be inspired by epic adventurers each year, with the beauty of the great outdoors on our doorstep to enjoy afterwards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee I know and love is supercharged with passion, resilience, energy and enthusiasm. Whatever the endeavour - good, talented people come together from all sectors to get results and make a difference. Working together successfully is in our DNA and unleashes creativity and possibilities by the bucketload. Being UK City of Culture 2017 would be another great focus for the city's ambitious regeneration. Dundee is a city of many wonderful discoveries. - prepare to be surprised, enraptured, inspired and fascinated!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful folks who live in Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently worked with elderly pensioners in the city on a food project entitled 'Food as a Trigger for Memory'. The narratives of Dundee described by the people of Dundee was a very humbling experience. What was most striking for me was the sense of community that existed in Dundee. One woman explained that in her family on a Saturday if you worked you were given a Wallace's Bridie and if you didn't you were given a pie. Another pensioner could tell the time of day by the smells coming from Nicol's Bakery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Ireland and fell in love with the city. The Art Bar on the perth road is a hidden gem of culture and people, the waterfront park hosts a variety of people-watching activities, the dragon statue on high street with some of the most amazing buskers surrounding it that Iv ever seen, the nilupal buddhist centre for a calming meditation session and cup of herbal tea, and so much more. DUNDEE I LOVE YOU!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been working in Dundee for nearly a year, and living here for less time than that, but in these past few months the thing that has struck me the most is that Dundee has a real, vibrant, rich sense of community and a great spirit. People from all walks of life support each other, working together to make their communities, and the city as a whole, stronger. Dundee's cultural organisations provide a focal point for people, offering platforms and opportunities for creative communities to flourish. Dundee would be a fantastic choice for UK City of Culture 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most surprising thing about Dundee is that so many people are unaware of how good it is to live and work here. It's as if Dundee itself is a hidden secret. Dundee has all the facilities of a city and all the benefits of a big village. Not too big, not too small - just right! Everything is close at hand. Beautiful countryside and beaches on our doorstep with all the culture, sport and shops you could want. People are friendly and the city continues to get better. Having moved here over thirty years ago, I've seen United win the cup twice and have no wish to live anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of sporting alert in Dundee is amazing, hockey is my sport and to see it grow so rapidly since renovation of facilities is wonderful
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm from continental Europe and moved to Dundee for its world class life sciences sector (and the nearby Highlands!), however I now find that Dundee has so many things going for it. One favourite is lunch at the wornderfully eclectic Tea an Cake in the city centre - original, fun and friendly!
<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> How much is going on, from band gigs to comedy shows with everything, including drama and ballet, in between. Since I came to Dundee nearly 30 years ago, I've watched it transform from an ugly duckling into a swan, from something of a "cultural backwater" to a great, exciting and entertaining place to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is large enough to be a vibrant city, but small enough to still have a small-town friendliness. I work in tourism, and visitors are continually surprised by the overall attitude of Dundonians - it's what keeps bringing people back to the city, and why I'd rather be here than anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I used to visit an auction centre nearby the University of Dundee, when I was a student there, back in 1996-1997. They auction all sort of things like jewellery, antique cameras, etc. I brought a couple of things there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the independant shops along the Perth Road are well worth a look, with great cafes, restaruants, art shops, pubs, flower shops and gift shops, you can find everything you need to while away the day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Botanic Gardens is a hidden treasure of Dundee. Lots to see, do and eat for all the family at any time of year! Dundee people are always positive, happy, friendly people and this is one of the best things about the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing mental health service full of people who really care and really make a difference. They have supported me through think and thin and really made a massive difference to my life
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If culture was designed so that it touched everyone in some way then Dundee would the exemplar project. Whether that's the Blues festival, shows at the Rep, exhibitions at the McManus or taking the kids to the Science Centre. Music, media and the arts seem to come as second nature to the City. Music and those who perform it, in particular, reflects the cultural heritage of Dundee well. Oor Willie might say - 'jings, help ma boab, that's just braw'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Cofaidh 's Ceilidh (Coffee and a blether)
This is a group of gaelic speaking people, both learners and fluent, who meet fortnightly in the Dundee Repertory Theatre on a Saturday afternoon. It is an opportunity for fluent/native speakers to keep their language alive and to help learners use the language which they feel is part of their heritage. It also attracts those in the surrounding area who have an interest in the gaelic language.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My partner and myself, have just returned from a wonderful week on holiday in Dundee.
We were delighted to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and the vibrancy, and the optimism of the Dundee people.
The Macmanus galleries were an absolute pleasure.
There was an exhibition of photography showing the work
of a Scottish photographer, capturing the pop music heritage of Scotland.
Our 'Hidden Treasure' was finding the oldest floating warship HMS Unicorn!
Set in the some of the worlds most magnificent scenery, Dundee, and its people have won our hearts.
We both cannot wait to visit Dundee again.. and soon.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I support popular culture in the form of William McGonagall.

How can he be the world's worst poet when his writing is still printed and repeated a century and a half after he wrote it?

I keep finding nineteenth century 'poetry' that does not appear to scan so it is not the overwhelming criticism that is widely made by those who patronize him.

His poetry should be celebrated without embarrassment.

McGonagall, Beano and Dandy would make a good counterweight to more highbrow contributions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My image says it all, that's what delights me! Being able to walk along the beach every day with the sun beating down on the city gives Dundee its pulse and people the incredible energy they all seem to have! We get more hours of sunshine than most other UK cities (that's official!) and it shines through.. sorry for bad pun!
<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!

:)

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