We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Dundee’s thriving cultural scene, for far too long, Scotland’s best-kept secret, is now bursting out all over! Dundee is pulsating with creative ideas and regeneration!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great theatre &amp; love McManus Galleries. Looking forward to continuing waterfront development - city is improving!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am amazed at the depth of feeling and loyalty that Dundonians have for their city. Despite being one of Scotland's larger cities, the people make it feel like a village because they all know each other .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The biggest and most inspirational aspect of Dundee is, undisputed, the people. They have so much to give - there is skills, creativity, and innovation. We have so many talented and good looking people in Dundee, with new arrivals all the time to two universities. That resource should be used to its full potential - get the people involved in the city through projects and events; really connect the people and the city to the environment as a hub of creativity. Alot of people come, study and go. They need to be encouraged to stay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, my home city, always has something new to offer, after 30 years here im still finding new things to do and see. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Urban realm architecture to modern design from Frank Gehry, World cuisine dining throughout the city, Entertainment from theatre to dancefloor, Many activities from golf, walks, botanic gardens, parks, wildlife zoo, indoor karting, ice skating, cinemas, bingo, swimming centre and much more. The Caird hall which hosts big concerts and live performances from the world of entertainment. Welcome to Dundee , have fun we do !!!!!!!!!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its rich games development heritage is amazing and I love that its so small that you can quickly bring good people together for creative projects!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Steeped in heritage but with a modern vibe, Dundee is a friendly and cosmoploitan city which somehow manages to maintain a respect for its roots in industry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have this image of a group of people, one of them my wife, swimming across the Tay. They arrive, shivering and tired at Broughty Ferry Harbour and as they emerge a school of bottle-nosed dolphins barrels out to sea leaping and diving as if in salute. It sums up why we came and stayed. A plucky, generous place and people, succeeding against the odds and blessed with an incomparable natural setting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The light. This city is full of greenspace and trees resulting in an amazing light and freshness. I moved here in 2001 and do not see myself living anywhere else as everything is available on our doorstep. You have open spaces, shops, entertainment and above all the people, they are friendly and funny, all with stories of the rich history of the city. Our allotment is an environment in where we feel a real connection with where we are in location and in our lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An amazing riverside stretching west to east, perfect for walks cycling and nature. Especially between Stannergate and The Ferry. Inspirational river views and views of city skyline from Broughty Ferry. A wide variety of sports and music. The positivity and 'can-do' attitude of the city at the moment. THE V&amp;A!!! All these aspects and more make me proud to be a Dundonian and which puts a smile on my face when I see the city again from times being away! Go Dundee! I say!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where would the city of Dundee be without it's truly inspiring son? William Mcgonagall: Often referred to as the worst poet by many. "When the moon is fair and roond Aw the fishes swim fae Ayr tae Troon When the moon is roond and fair Aw the fishes swim from Troon tae Ayr" Truly the worst but also the best poet to have ever lived.
<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> I was in my late teens (over a decade ago) when I discovered Grand Theft Auto had been designed and developed in Dundee.
<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> 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> 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> Best thing about Dundee is the people. It's diverse, constantly changing and welcoming population are what made me want to move to Dundee and why it still feels like home every time I make a trip back
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Improvements in schemes
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although living half way round the world in New Zealand every time I come back to catch up with family and friends I find that there is improvement from the devastation that prior city governance carried out in in 60s and 70s in the sake of modernisation. I applaud the improvements that are currently being carried out on the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Im always proud to say Im from Dundee and it almost always gets a positive reaction when meeting new people and if it doesnt its really easy to get people to think again about their views when sharing some facts about our history, music, culture, football team (DUFC) etc etc
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to one of the hottest new Scottish bands; Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher and they recently recorded a new version of Dougie MacLean's 'Caledonia' after their 'take' on the much loved song was featured on the TV advert for Caledonia Best ale. The band have sold out the Gardyne theatre in Dundee on the three occasions they played there in the past year or so and were recently awarded the Scottish Variety Award in Glasgow for the best new scottish band.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The up and coming foodie scene in the city is a hidden gem - many people head to the big cities but with fresh fruits and produce available locally, there is plenty to get excited about that is dished up on a plate in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I relocated to Dundee from Glasgow 10 years ago and I love this city. It has everything, restaurants, shows, casinos and lots more.. Loads of stuff for the little ones too, from the Science Centre to Camperdown Park AMAZING city to live in
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the Shed at Tannadice is really something to behold.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its dynamic internationalism
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is an incredible thirst for knowledge in Dundee as can be seen in the great variety of public meetings and the huge numbers that attend them. Some of the Saturday evening lectures at the university attract 800 people or more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the seals hauled out on the sandbanks during low-tide in the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How every day I see the city from a different more beautiful angle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The loyalty and pride of Dundonians in their city
<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> Dundee is the perfect city size - big enough to have great shops, restaurants, theatres and other amenities, but small enough to have a cosy, community feel. I love this city!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people of Dundee possess a good mix of enrgy, self-reliance, enthusiatiasm, community spirit and a certain toughness in the face of adversity.
<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> 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> 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 biggest surprise for me in Dundee is how truly beautiful it is! Waking up to the sunshine and seeing the River Tay... it's amazing! I'd trade a day in Manchester any day for a day in the park by the Tay :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Long history of Dundee. Battle &amp; Casstle at mid age.At modern age, industrial revolution- jute jam and journalism,antarctic expedition, research ( life science, gaming, surgical &amp; anaesthetic instruments)-- in a sentence- a city of discovery , a city of innovation. At present Dundee is a member of best 21 itellectual communities in this world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff surprised me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Once a city where working class folk had take what the mills had to offer or go hungry... Now out of the stoor and rubble of the past an amazing new Dundee is evolving... there are equal opportunites for all. The young are excited!.. the not so young are... well, just burstin' wi pride at their 'new toon'.... there is a momentum of cameraderi which builds as the city blossoms.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's national contemporary dance company is based in Dundee at the Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A bright, blue-sky day and the sun shining on the beautiful River Tay and glinting off the railway bridge. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I had lived in Scotland for four years before I came to Dundee for my interview. I had heard the usual negative comments about the city, so it was a great shock and pleasure to come over the rail bridge into the city and be amazed by the sight of the wide Tay that spread wide Fife and Angus. I thought to myself why has no-one ever told me about this amazing sight when talking about Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the view of the stunning sunrises over the Tay, to sunset sitting on Magdalen Green with friends, to drinking tea in one of the many cute coffee shops on the Perth Road, to the vibrant university student life, to the welcoming nature of the city. Dundee is home.
<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> Dundee is a lovely wee city and an obvious choice for the UK City of Culture 2017! The view of the bridges driving along Riverside Drive are breathtaking. There are lots of lovely independant wee cafes and shops making it unique and there is so many exciting new developments taking place it really is the place to be!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a perfect sized city, where you can run into friends that you know often, unlike in bigger cities. Is also big enough that you can meet a vast variety of different people. Also the law hill is one of the most amazing places ever.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My birthplace and although I have not lived in the UK for 32 years when I return it is still my home. I have watched it's development over the years and at times have shaken my head at decision made by the planners and council. That being said I believe the new development plans are on the right track. The town has always been extremely supportive of the culture of scotland and of its own heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Accessibility of classical music in a variety of forms: -The Dundee Chamber Music Society -Live from the Met Operas &amp; Ballets at the DCA -The University of Dundee's Friday Lunchtime Concerts at the Chaplaincy -Opera, Ballet and Classical Concerts (RSNO) at the Caird Hall -Dundee Symphony Orchestra (DSO) -Amateur opera productions at Gardyne Road and elsewhere
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grants the butcher does the best mince.
<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> Dundee is a vibrant and multi-cultured city. I love the areas around the west end of Dundee and the University. Beautiful gardens, quaint shops,lovely coffee shops, fantastic restaurants, theaters and exciting bars. Dundee is an ever changing city, every time I go back to visit there are improvements and something new. There are always fantastic events going on. It is also a city rich in history, displayed at wonderful museums and easy to spot in the streets. There really is something for everyone in Dundee.
<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> When I first came to Dundee about 20 years ago, the city certainly did not look like much. But I've met some of the warmest people of my life there and fell in love with the place. Since then, the great people are still here, and the city has upgraded itself visually as well as culturally with a lot of cultural events and activities going on from high culture down to grass roots level. I keep coming back.
<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> In 1979 work on the new Dundee Rep stopped as the project ran out of funds. The theatre turned to the people of Dundee who contributed over £60,000 in a few weeks and ultimately raised over £200,000 to complete the building and establish one of Scotland's finest cultural resources.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee never let's go of your heart.the people ,young and old welcome you .the architectur,history ,people are unique.the,law hill,road bridge ,old and new.rail bridge.the rail disaster,teaching hospital,dental hospital ,university.Jute ,jam ,journalism .Broughty ferry.berry fields.river Tay.Salmon,pearls.The Discovery,Card Hall.DC Thomson. No hidden secret.Dundee shares whatever they have with whoever wants to look. Find. Explore and experience.
<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> "The Speedwell Bar ( Ma Mennies'), Perth Road, Dundee is one Edwardian public house that has retained its original shopfront and fittings, due to their exceptional craftsmanship. One of the very few pubs in Scotland and the only pub in Dundee having been listed for the quality of its interior" Adam Swan, Chartered Town Planner, Dundee District Council" Built in 1903 on the site of a well for the Lord Provost James Speed the Speedwell is acclaimed in the Daily Telegraph (3/4/09) asone of the Uk's best 70 pubs. Home of Dundee's William McGonagall Appreciation Society
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich historic city with vibrant cultural and buisness sectors, has one of the best waterfronts in europe and comes alive at night with great friendly people - back the bid!! :-))
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everything!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are so many kind people when I walk round the city centre. Who open doors, help me with the pram up stairs, or if I look in difficulty. Photo is of the gorgeous view from my house of an oil rig arriving.
<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> Nothing surprises me...thrilled to find Dundee is finally getting the recognition it deserves. It's always been Glasgow or Edinburgh, then later Aberdeen, to get any accolades going, Am I biased? Of course a little bit, just a little, but if we are/were really familiar with Dundee's history being a city of culture isn't a revelation.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the perfect sized city. Everything is close and you can walk the distances easily or take a bike. The location is also perfect. It's close to the sea and at the same time close to the bigger cities and the Highlands. A walk along the river Tay when the sun sets is always special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Discovering foody gems like 'The Cheesery' and 'T-Ann Cake' both on Exchange Street just a few hundred yards off the High Street.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is the best city in the world and where I was born and most of my family live. Best schools and football team in DUFC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's long history.
<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> A stunning location and a city with a wonderful heart. It could be one of the greats.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first time I went to Stage 2000 I was amazed at how such a vibrant place could be hidden away in such an unpromising building. It definitely needs funding and a spruce up but as it caters for a massive age range from primary school beginners to seasoned old codgers with attitude, it deserves a higher profile and recognition. You can book on-line and the costs are very reasonable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Between 1833 and 1850, Dundee built around 50 steam locomotives, some of the earliest in the world. They ran on all the local lines as well as many others across Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is in an amazing location beside a wonderful river, and has far more sunshine and light than any other British city I know.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The arts scene in Dundee is not simply a matter of excellent facilities, strong grass-root commitment, and the way the size and mix of the city encourages participation: it regularly features artists and performers of international importance: see the history of performances for Dundee Chamber Music and shows at DCA. We have seen the same work featured in DCA and in the Venice Biennale; we have heard the same performers in the Caird Hall and in Alice Tully Hall, NYC. Also, Caird Hall is a major recording venue for classical record companies, such as Philips and Chandos.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scottish Variety Awards 'Best New Scottish Band' 2013 - Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' - all Dundee born and bred. Not a 'hidden secret' for much longer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view from the law of the Tay bridges, you can even see the remains of the 1st rail bridge. Dundee has a changing skyscape and it's changing for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan it is – out on Friday met Spaniards, Italians and Russians – all studying in Dundee!! So, it is already a City of Culture just need the recognition of the rest of the UK!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is loud and vibrant, full of music, art and science. It has a long and intricate history connected to the whole world. But it has places of solitude rarely visited, like the Fisherman's Graveyard in the Ferry, the University Campus has shady hideaways and tiny ancient pends cutting through the town. Dundee has just about everything...and sweeties!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's not just one place or one person. what always amazes me about dundee is it's great variety of people from different cultural and national backgrounds, whether at university or in the local community. and there are so many places my heart grew fond of over the years. for example, the view over the tay from balgay park's cemetary, or having a few pints among the locals in dundee's oldest pub (mennies), or even that there are some coffee places where you can simply sit down with a nice wee cuppa and play chess.
<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> friendly
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The aspiring and positive nature of the city, coupled with the friendliness and incredibly welcoming atmosphere combines to provide a city which nurtures locals, guests and visitors alike, including the many students whom all grow to love their new environment. There is an extremely vibrant social diversity throughout this city and a genuine excitement surrounding the gradual, yet very noticeable continuing improvements; revitalising OUR Dundee. City of Culture 2013, 14, 15, 16 AND 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's forty years since I left Dundee after graduating. I still hold very dear memories of the Deep Sea fish restaurant on the Perth Road. Fifteen years after leaving, on a visit to relatives, my wife and I went to the Deep Sea. It wasn't open so we joined the queue - and got chattinng to the folks in the queue, several of whom knew relatives of mine. And the, the staff remembered us in the restaurant. My wife, who hails from Surrey, still thinks Dundee is the friendliest palce we're been to.
<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> Dundee feels like the obvious centre point in Scotland - it's within an easy 90 minutes distance from other wonderful cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, but in contrast, you can go to the beach, the countryside, up the Glens, into the Highlands and beyond very easily. Sitting in the evenings watching the Silvery Tay with the hills of Fife behind is a view I never take for granted and the sunsets in the winter months are truly spectacular. We are so fortunate to have the quality of life that we have here in Dundee, I've never found the need to leave for very long!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I feel Dundonians are very freindly and humour in the city is outstanding. Dundee has a very large and home grown music sceen. Dundee is becoming the most modern and vibrant city in scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city, the location is like no other. The fact that you can be in the city centre one minute and 'in the country' the next is unique. The people are warm and friendly and there is a great sense of community wherever you are in the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich legacy of Scottish traditional music being played every week by local musicians at The Fisherman's Tavern in Broughty Ferry (on Thursdays) and Mennies (The Speedwell Bar) on the Perth Road(on Tuesdays). This community of local musicians also supports the Tayside Young Fiddlers and leaders like fiddler, Karen Hannah, and piper Kyle Howie, teach and organize traditional music concerts at The Dundee Library in the beautiful Wighton Heritage Centre http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/library/wighton. Scottish traditional music is strong in Dundee and led by young talented pipers, unusual in Scottish session culture which is often led by fiddlers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I left Dundee around 8 years ago and when I returned I barely recognised the place, what a transformation!! It makes me even more proud to be a Dundonian!! Well done and good luck.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have so many talented designers based in Dundee and seeing their work in the Telegraph is great! Local people are really proud of homegrown talent. All the old architecture and Dundee's history is beautiful &amp; fascinating.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Well Dundee is my home city and I just love it! The people are fun and friendly. Eh just love the way we speak! Pure teckle! There are loads of amazing parks to take the bairns - the swannie ponds is fab in Summer and Winter - I grew up with stories of ice skating on the ponds. Tannadice is hallowed ground - I grew up there with my uncle and cousins, and now my wee boy is United daft too. And what about the brilliant Michael Marra's song about Hamish McAlpine and Grace Kelly! The Lochee baths - aye freezing, Victorian splendour and full of characters. St. Mary's Lochee Catholic Church - absolutely beautiful - and funded by Irish immigrants that helped build the population of Dundee from the 1840s. Juteopolis - a brilliant book about Dundee and its people. The Cleppie Road - and the imaginary 'secret tunnel' that goes from Aunty Isabel's bin store on the Cleppie, underground to Tannadice. (Ok - so its not real but its in my imagination). Lawside Academy - my young days of joy roaming the streets of Downfield and Ardler with my pals - days out up the "Seedlees" (Sidlaws) with picnics, swinging over the Dighty Burn on a rope swing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant literary community- we have the Dundee Literary Festival, the International Book Prize and lots of author events, poetry readings and live literature going on all year round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you open the door into libraries, you will find creative writing sessions for children, adults and young people, manga sessions, video games workshops for young creatives to develop their own games, as well as regular author events.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite thing is doing the penguin puppet show at the boat (Discovery). Katherine 4 and a half
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a city with a creative spirit, and a many promising, developing creative industry. But I think that the most important 'hidden secret'of this city is the V&amp;A museum and the configuration of the waterftont
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> what surprises me is how often I'm surprised. A pub I went into for a bar lunch had a poster up about live music sessions. My wife and I went back out of curiosity and were amazed at the quality of the performances, and surprised to find that we were not the only middle aged people there and surrounded by young things! the crowd was really mixed and enthusiastic, and the programme for the next few weeks looked really eclectic covering a wide range of music tastes. We live outside Dundee but still rely on Dundee for music and drama - and it never lets us down.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The brilliant variety of live theatre, music, venues, quaint independent shops, cafes, restaurants....the list is endless. A university town, vibrant and colourful that cares about itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I work as a community health worker for dundee healthy living initiative and cover Whitfield Fintry and mill o mains the local people who get involved helping to make their community a wealthier healthier and greener environment are amazing Cx
<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> The way the people welcome you into their lives, their dreams, their failures, their success.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We moved here 18 months ago and it already feels like "home". I love the mix of the old and new, the ups and downs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its approachability; -the folks that inhabit it have warm, open &amp; unaffected persona's -its the perfect size...big enough to have everything, small enough to be touchable -its architecture spans the great &amp; noble, the honest &amp; solid, the shiny &amp; new, all softened by an accessible layer of lush green -accessible yet edgy design &amp; art scene -beauty and serene calm of its water is enjoyed by us all; its not exclusive nor for the priveledged...it reflects the persona of our city. I am proud to witness Dundee begin to realise its full potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tea ann cake Jessie's Kitchen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an incredible richness in the arts and science, and a thriving live music scene. Many fantastic musicians reside in Dundee and perform regularly. Dundee hails one of the best all female bands in Scotland and the UK over the past 2 decades - the very talented "adam812", who were asked by Henny King to represent Dundee City and perform at the Octcentenery Awards in the city square and in London at the St James Palace Hotel. Adam812 - one of Dundee's hidden secrets!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Scouringburn- it can come up from culverts to surprise people when the tide is high. A phalanx of jute mills, bristling with chimney stalks, between Dudhope Park and Hawkhill used that tiny stream again and again for steam engines. Many of the mills are successfully re-used by artists, businesses, students and residents. Industriekultur is alive here like nowhere else in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My first time in Dundee was on late november last year, when Christmas lights turned ON for the first night and there were this fantastic atmosphere in downtown!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The transformation at the waterfront area. Long may this continue!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Discovery, McManus Galleries, Caird Hall, Law Hill, The Waterfront and so many more things is what makes Dundee such a wonderful place!

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