We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

There is a growing number of cyclists around Dundee over the past few years. This past winter has seen cyclists out whatever the weather. I still can’t believe I saw someone cycling/sliding down an icy cycle path on his way to work. Once the sunny weather comes, there will be lots more cyclists out and about around Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great tourist attractions, museums, parks. Ideal for river walks and views. Interesting places to dine and ideal place to live plus it is easy to get to other Scottish cities from here. Great for shopping and lovely Botanic garden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've recently moved back to Dundee from London, my favourite part of the train journey was the view from the bridge coming home. There is a rich mix of local events which include design jamming, music festivals, gaming expos etc... the most special factor of dundee is the people - who always get involved
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> very friendly, diverse city, huge opportunities for amateur musicians.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are hidden riches within the University of Dundee - for example the William McTaggart painting in the waiting room at the Dental Hospital. It was gifted by William Boyd, first chairman, a noted art collector who actually sold a Van Gogh to endow our first chair of dental surgery (though at the time he would have got more money if he'd sold the McTaggart!)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where we start? Frigate Unicorn, five or is it six castles, the Rep, the Botanic gardens, Tannadice park, DCA, Discovery, the Tay bridge, Camperdown House and park, two Universities, Geddes quad, the Space, McManus galleries, St Mary's tower, Balgay park, Observatory, Maggies centre, Ninewells, this list goes on.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprises me how cosmopolitan the city is considering the lack of transport links
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The West Port with some fantastic eating places particularly the Playwright and also the Parlour Cafe. The Dundee rep also located here which is a fantastic theatre bringing a range of diverse productions both local & national
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My husband is from Dundee. His pride in the city is so obvious whenever he talks of it. His passion when he talks about the music and history of the place (from Billy Mackenzie to to Cromwell's troops sacking the town in 1651!) makes me smile. A working class town that has always housed artists and dreamers and punched so far above it's weight when it comes to creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from The Law, the hub of the City. Each view is like the spokes on a bike with different cultural experiences awaiting in every direction. The South to the city centre the bridges and beyond the Tay to Fife. The South East to the grassy beach and the delights of the Ferry, and the bombs and biodiversity of Buddon ness. The East to Arbroath the birthplace of Scotland and the great beaches and cliffs of the east coast. The North East to the invention of the Bridie ,the Angus Glens and wild adventures, the North to Golden Eagles and the heart of the Highlands, and the North West to Birnham and Macbeth country. Finally the fantastic view to the West of the Tay Estuary of the Tay winding its way to the heart of Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> great cycle paths means getting around on 2 wheels is easy - cycling alongside the river or across the bridge - fantastic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Monument of martyr of protestantism, George Wishart.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spent four amazing years at the duncan of jordanstone. Met some amazing people. Dundee is an inspiring and creative city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The little independent shops. Coffee, clothes or technology, there is one for everything. Big chains are great but these places are what makes the town
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's been surprising, but delightful, to notice how the city is regenerating itself. From the stunning rows of daffodils lining the roads into the city today, to the beautiful views along the river and the varied responses to economic growth, the city is a remarkable example of renewed confidence in itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing views!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's part in the history of cinema through Peter Feathers, a film maker contemporary with George Melies, who screened his short films in Castle street. Google 'Railway Ride over the Tay Bridge (1897)'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I believe that Dundee has so much history and plays an important part in other countries throughout the world with its contribution to science, technology and the arts throughout the years and continues to do so today. With recent community development/regeneration, I am impressed that we are still incorporating our history in to modern design. Well Done Dundee!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I arrive back at the City i am always blown away by the approach and setting of the City on the Tay Estuary. Simply stunning!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendliness and work by the council on encouraging events and businesses to the city (I organise an event in the city, annually, and am struck by the support for it by the council and staff.)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are wonderful, there is always something to do at the weekend and something to go see. A wonderful place to live and study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What's really surprised me since moving to Dundee - after living in Edinburgh and Newcastle - is how easy it is to get a creative project off the ground. Want to find others with the skills to design a game, shoot a film, form a band, or start a creative business? Everyone is here in Dundee - and amazingly willing to help you. A lot has been said about Dundee's 'Goldilocks' size - not too big and not too small. Dundee is just the right size to make amazing creative things happen, whatever your skills, interests and ambitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Enjoying the views from the Top of the Tower Building cafe, (University of Dundee, main campus) and see how changes of the weather are reflected upon the city, the rooftops, the parks, the bridges and the river. And if you are lucky, this is prime location for spotting rainbows in the distance.
<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 weather the sunniest corner of scotland. all the new changes going on its going to look fab. the people and the good clean air makes dundee special for me.
<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> 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> The fantastic riverside walk between the boatyard along grassy beach to Broughty Ferry Castle
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That you're never more than 6 feet away from a game developer. And that there are so many opportunities for them to develop and flourish here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is nowhere to compare with Dundee's situation overlooking the Tay , the walk from the Ferry up to the docks, along the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The team and young people at Hot Chocolate Trust in Dundee city centre - amazing, top quality youthwork going on. It's like a family. Also the wee garden in the middle of Perth Road, opposite the university, with the miniature bandstand. The flowers are always lovely and the view is brilliant.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful restaurants and great people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Gardyne Theatre is a gem of a place to watch and listen to live theatre and music performances.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The citizens of Dundee are what make it such a vibrant city. They are open, friendly, and helpful, and seem to adapt easily to change. This approach to life is fully deserving of the City of Culture award.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I discovered my love of independent cinema at the DCA whilst a student in the city. I had been eating dinner with friends and stumbled upon the small cinema in the building. That night opened my eyes to a wealth of thoughtful, original films - British and international - and I have since studied evening film courses and joined film clubs. All thanks to a fun night at the DCA!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I moved here from Aberdeen 10 years ago and have always found the people here so friendly and down to earth. they are honest (sometimes too honest) but i like that! Dundee is my home now!
<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 people are proud of a city which has seen hard times but is reinventing its self as a modern city which embraces change and new opportunities.
<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> The creative community in Dundee is outstanding. There's so much talent crammed into this wee city. The creative community is close knit and supportive without being cliquey. It welcomes you in with open arms and encourages you to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the audacity and capacity to repeatedly surprise the world. The city and its people continues to innovate and set new standards in a breathtakingly diverse portfolio of science and the arts
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Baxter Park is an asset which is taken for granted. It's a complete Joseph Paxton Park with many paths to promenade on, grass to lie on(just ignore the rumblings of victorians turning in their graves!), play parks for the children to climb on and a stunning stone pavilion to get married in. When did you last visit or encourage anyone else to visit? Friends of Baxter park
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Watching the wonderfully wild sea life from the waterfront area, birds, seals and even dolphins. Breathing the fresh sea air and observing the weather rolling in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It feels like home
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity and diversity. It's wonderful to see different backgrounds all come together to create a positive vibe around the city, not to mention the effect this has on the growing arts scene here. There's a real positive attitude here amongst the people that makes Dundee an attractive city to be in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The helpful people who live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city has grown beyond the small university town it was just a couple of decades ago. The diversity and inclusiveness as well as the industry that has expanded Dundee into a city is just amazing and makes me proud of my Alma Mater.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> something for every age group
<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> 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 remain struck by this rugged diamond of the North, a world class centre of education and research in the finest European traditions, embedded in local communities and business while reaching out to virtually every corner of the globe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an annual visitor to this great city I can only say what a wonderful warm welcome we always receive both from staff at Caird Hall,an amazing venue, and from local people in eating places and in the street when seeking directions. A great place to be a City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What amazes me about Dundee is the friendliness of Dundonians. Just like Glasgow, is it to do with the industrial history of the city? Very sunny, enjoyed every day here as a student!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful Magdalen Green as it pans down on to the banks of the River Tay. A very special place to me as I have had many romantic walks here, a summer BBQ proposal and then my wedding photos in the bandstand. What a peaceful and inspiring space and view!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about the city is the wealth of local talent it houses. There are so many disciplines represented here from skateboarders to singers to artists to bakers and the humble Dundonian seems to want to out their talent in some way. Afraid perhaps to admit it's a damn fine city with great things to offer - they offer their expressive selves. Proud to be Dundonian!!!
<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 am from Dundee myself but live in Norway. The thing I love about being Dundonian is that we are proud of where we come from despite often being the butt of jokes by people from other cities. When I got married in Dundee the Norwegians loved Dundee and Dundonians. There are many famous Dundonians that have contributed a lot to national and international culture. From astronomers to actors. One of my favourite places is the Mills Observatory. Hidden in the trees of Balgay, the observatory is a local gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from Wormit as the sun sets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Traditional Music is kept alive by a small group of musicians, not just from Dundee, but from all over. They perform for free to anyone who listens, keeping traditions arrived. The Fishermans Tavern Session on a Thursday night, is just 1 of Dundee's hidden gems.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden gem of Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the closest two football stadiums in the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Free access to cultural attraction like the McManus
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The evolution and growth of the last 10 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the small grassroots voluntary arts organisations to the organisations, teams and Directors of the city's notable arts venues, to business that invests and sponsors culture in Dundee. Everyone has a voice and space to discuss, join in and start up. Its an inclusive city where art and culture are not out of bounds or highbrow, its open to anyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that struggles. Yet the people of this quietly great city have such heart. They always find a way.
<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> A city where I have lived three exciting years as a PhD student. Cutting-edge science work, multinational friends, delicious christmas puddings, amazing landscape!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's cultural hidden secrets - The Samuel Chorus, a friendly choir, rehearses on Wednesdays in Baptist Church Hall, Bright Street, Lochee, performs quality music twice yearly. Our concerts are on Sat. 27 April 2013 at 7pm in St Hary Magdalene's Episc, Church, Dundee and Sun. 28 April, in St John's Episc.Church, Forfar
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that I can walk through Dundee streets and see it's rich history from converted mills, towering tenements and stunning Victorian buildings. The City gives me a sense of how my ancestors lived and worked, and I feel a great connection to them just by living here myself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What always surprises me about Dundee, is even after living there all my life, whenever I leave I look forward to going back. Maybe it's the community spirit, or just that it's the only place I feel truly at home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two universities, several college campuses and great schools. Dundee really is the City of Discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even the small communities such as Lochee are getting extensive work done on them to improve the place overall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The greatest hidden secret relating to the City at the moment is George McCann's EBook, entitled, The Eight Hale Mary's of Dundee, Scotland The book essentially refers to the inspiration for it, which is a set of statues located on the rooftop of the McManus Art and Museum Galleries, originally the Albert Institute. The book delves into the history of Dundee prior to the Institute being built. The architect George, Gilbert Scott, is a central character. The story follows the progress of Muirfield Contracts, who carried out the latest refurbishment, and collates details of interesting artefacts within and surrounding the building. An 1860s Sanitary inspector is in the tale, as are local conditions and worldwide events taking place at the time. The ancient Howff cemetery and the associated Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee command considerable space. The future of Dundee is left in the hands of those who will oversee it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We moved to Dundee from just north of London and we were surprised by the strength of community. Everyone in our street got on and took the time for small kindnesses like helping out the old folk with shopping when the snow was bad. We have taken the attitude with us since we have moved abroad.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was proud to be leader of the council during the reopening of the McManus Galleries and also to see the beginnings of the waterfront development, both of which add significantly to Dundee's cultural landscape.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee-The place to be! It will astound you the sheer number of the most famous people in the world who have connections with Dundee- some that have been hidden or forgotten about up until recently - you can google them to find out -e.g Ian Fleming(007 Author) and Daley Thompson(Olympic Athlete).... along with the more well-known ones such as Brian Cox,The Average White Band and Winston Churchill.... Not to forget all the other legends from the worlds of Politics, Music,Theatre,Art,Writers and Sport-George Galloway, Brian Cox, MIchael Marra, Ricky Ross, DannyWilson,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Read a book called "The Big Picture - Cinemas of Dundee" recently. What struck me was the amount of cinemas sprang up in the really early days of cinema. Dundee really embraced the new culture of the time - we can spot a worthwhile trend! Glad to see the DCA continues this tradition today - there is always something to learn in that building.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My musical home. I was 15 when I played my first ever gig at The Shore in Dundee. A city with a thriving and diverse music scene like no other. Su, Panda Su
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the people,no matter their circumstances. The diverse types of music available to see and hear at many different venues across the city. The banter between the fans of the two major clubs in the city, always lively never taken to extremes! A city that I am so proud to call home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sounds daft, but often when I'm in the queue at Tesco on Riverside, I'll have a look out the window across the Tay and think just how lucky I am to live in Dundee – with the sun streaming down the Tay, it really is a gorgeous view. The river has been underutilised in the past, but with the V&amp;A opening, and the redevelopment of the centre, hopefully that will be addressed. And while Dundee has a great view across the river, those on the other side have a great view of Dundee’s skyline.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heritage of Dundee and how we have progressed so far in a few years to adopt culture, art, fashion, education to such a high standard. But still keep ties to our history as a hard working industrious city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Waterfront and beach great places!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> there is a great vibe from up and coming designer makers in the city which is wonderful to see. i love the little independent shops that have managed to survive the recession and the new ones opening up recently - keep up the good work of reclaiming the high street !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its riddled with irish invaders (myself included) and its just like being at home... minus the relentless bombing of each other. Clarkes 24 hour bakery is an absolute delight and the biggest asset dundee has to offer. Serving the burst student community and lining their stomachs for the lecture filled day just a few hours away. KEN THAT!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee boasts so much musical talent and activity. Not just professional, but especially amateur - from pub to church to college to bandstand, it's all happening here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the abundance of independent shops and businesses...true entrepreneurial spirit in our city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people and all the talks at the science museum there seems to something going on every day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born &amp; bred in Dundee. I now live in Sydney, Australia but my heart will always be a true dundonian. The people are great, the city keeps growing and Dundee represents the future xx
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't feel the need to try and prove itself - resulting in a very chilled out and welcoming atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff offers a sanctuary in the middle of the city for a quiet conversation, a relaxed sandwich or just a moment of contemplation. Centuries of history offer snapshots of lives and a reminder that what's most important is what you leave behind for others.
<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> I love the West end of Dundee. It still has the little businesses that have been pushed out of other cities by big chains.
<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> What suprises me? -the people! The people of Dundee really do make the city. Because of its size there are familiar faces at most events but a lot of new ones too - the Dundee natives are a friendly bunch and are slowly but surely changing the attitudes of people who think of the city as a poor relation with nothing going on. We have a lot to shout about!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a brilliant place to live. Not only does it have a vibrant student population (of which I am part of), it is populated by fun, friendly and extremely proud natives. The Dundee dialect can be particularly amusing and the city's history is magnificent.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bridge club, housed in its own stunning premises on Perth Road, owned by the club since 1956. I have played in many bridge clubs throughout the UK, but never in such a spacious, comfortable building, with stunning views over the Tay estuary, it's own bar, catering facilities and friendly staff and members.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of the city is fascinating
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's in the air, Dundee is the perfect size and setting for people to get together and do great things. It's the friendly atmosphere that it creates that leads you to meet people from all walks of life. The result is a meeting of minds and creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Edinburgh 38 years ago, and was expecting something of a cultural desert. However, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the Dundee Rep (then located in an old converted church), who have always gone for adventurous and imaginative productions rather than the “safe” ones you might expect. There has also always been an extremely lively music scene, from classical, rock and folk concerts in the Caird Hall, Fat Sam's, the Rep and Gardyne theatres, to the guitar and jazz festivals, and even the wonderful “bring-your-own-instrument” traditional music sessions in the Fisherman's tavern, Broughty Ferry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing heart. The beat can be heard in the music, the talent that grows beside the Tay. The beat can felt in clubs like the Reading Rooms showing casing great local DJs and acts from around the world. The beat is the soul of City, the beat that runs through all us Dundonians with humour, creativity, compassion and joie de vivre. Dundee is a vibrant City with a massive beating cultural heart.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are so many opportunities for everyone in particular children and young people in education, and in the community through clubs and groups. Opportunities to learn to play music in an orchestra, group or band through school and outside school too. Lots of things to see and do from the Rep, DCA, the Dundee Science Centre, the Observatory, to the lovely views from the Law Hill. The history of Dundee told in the Verdant works, Discovery Quay Centre or McManus Galleries. Dundee is the City of Discovery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City itself. It is full of little surprises that you never new about until you accidentally discover them. Old beautiful Buildings you didn't know existed in the middle of the busy high street. Or even some of the people that used to live here. Its strong history gives it a sense of culture I have never seen before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful and vibrant city, alive with character and history. It has so much to offer visitors to the area and is undergoing a period of significant redevelopment and growth, with national and international interest rising.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a pupil who is and has been part of many Dundee Schools activities, such as Dundee Schools' Music Theatre, the Youth Music Initiative and Dundee Schools Orchestras, I have been able to perform on stage at the Caird Hall and the Whitehall Theatre, I have made many new friends and I have learned many different skills.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great cultural richness, but the area in which I feel it excels is that of theatre. Both professionally, with the ensemble at Dundee Rep, and in the amateur field, Dundee presents an amazing variety of theatrical performances. Recent amateur productions include "Cats", "The Sound of Music" and "Whistle Down the Wind" with "Miss Saigon School Edition", "Parade" and "Spamalot" still to come this year. Absolutely fabulous darling! l
<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> Literally the city of 'Discovery' a fantastic iconic ship steeped in history which should make each one of us that live in and around Dundee very proud. I see that ship everyday on my way in to work and it never fails to make me wonder about the incredible journey it has been on and the brave folks it had on board - true explorers!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its friendly people always eager to help and lend a helping hand in times of need - in fact I never felt away from home. Further the city has a fair share of foreign students throughout the year which makes it a good platform for exchange of foreign cultures and heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I attended the College of Art in the 70's and afterwards worked for the City Council for a short while. I was always impressed by the friendliness of the people and the richness of all art forms. After some time I revisited the city lsst year and the growth in arts venues and performance was fantastic. Dundee has worked hard over the last 30 years and deserves recognition for it.

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