We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Having recently moved to England it’s lovely to hear people I meet speak about the Beano, as many members of my family worked at DC Thomson.
I think it’s amazing that the Beano and other comics are still so popular and loved on such a wide scale.

<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> Have you ever stood atop the law on a clear day and looked 360 degree's around you? If "no" then you have missed one of the most majestic views in Britain!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views are superb from everywhere especially from the top of Ninewells Avenue !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer welcoming atmosphere from the people who live there. I'm not a resident - in fact I live on the other side of the globe. But I visit frequently to see family. Every time I visit everybody I meet in the city is extremely friendly and welcoming and eager to chat it up. The people are amazing and I have yet to be received the same elsewhere in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Hidden Secrets- Doghouse, Legends, the scientific collections a Dundee Uni.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprises me that there are so many Graphic Designers who study at Duncan of Jordanstone and leave Dundee every year because of a lack of Graphic Design work. But there are so many other creative individuals doing great work within a variety of disciplines throughout the City and managing to sustain this successfully, without compromising on quality. With places like DCA, The Rep and with the V&amp;A on the horizon there should be an abundance of design work to go along with that. Which could potentially lead to the creation of more jobs in Dundee and strengthen the industry and culture within the City even further.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Doesn't surprise me as such, as I've know it all my life, but it still holds me in awe...
The cityscape that presents itself in front of you as you drive across the Tay Road Bridge is truly beautiful and unrivalled sight.
When I was a student in Edinburgh in the late 1980s, returning to Dundee for weekends and holidays in my white Ford Capri, I would purposely take the drive through Fife, rather than the motorway route via Perth, just so I could take in that view. As I emerged from the bend of the dual carriageway as it passes through the cutting behind Newport, I would reach over and set the cassette tape playing at a point I'd pre-cued, and for the final 1.4 miles of my journey home, I would blast out The Tourists' So Good to Be Back Home Again.
And then to see things from the opposite perspective, making your way to the top of the Law (pleeeease! not the Law Hill, if you don't mind!) you can look back over that sight to Fife, the two bridges linking it to the city beneath you, as well as the full 360 view, taking in Broughty Ferry, the Sidlaws, Lochee, Cox's Stack and Balgay, and Invergowrie Bay...
Need I say more? I could, but I won't... Come and see for yourself.
<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> The people, through adversity they keep on going.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has often been classed as a subculture. I feel that it is a dynamic city which is thriving and growing. This is evidenced in the city centre where empty shops are at a minority and in out of town shopping centres which are fully populated. Dundee is fast becoming an important centre for science and the arts with the v&amp; a coming to Dundee. I love Dundee and am proud to be a citizen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is always trying to make things happen with visions and plans that will take years to complete but the passion is clear to see. It is full of innovative and creative businesses and individuals that are putting the City on the map on an international level.

That coupled with an ideal location with access to amazing scenery right on our doorstep just makes Dundee ideal.
<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> 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> 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> 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> For a city of its size, Dundee punches well above its weight - for good and the bad. While there are many problems to solve, thankfully the great cultural and social movements underway in the city are driving change on a scale that could have real positive impact.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Many things to see and do in Dundee but for me nothing beats a Sunday afternoon stroll in Camperdown park with my family and the dog.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a student, I love the variety of bars and restaurants. The social aspect of the city is buzzing.

The sea front on a sun soaked day is outstanding.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What has struck me is the entrepreneurial culture - from life sciences to art, it can be seen all over the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the way they are re-developing the City's waterfront - traffic a serious pain however it will all be worth it in the end. Majority of Dundee citizens are kind and considerate people and are very generous with local charities as well as national ones, particularly Charlie Kean. The culture within the city is growing all the time which makes me proud to be a Dundonian!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amasing river and extremely friendly people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> ...the huge pot of creative talent and the wealth of optimism in the city generally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunny weather.
The SPECTACULAR setting on the River Tay.
The world class Universities.
The rich history. Even Glasgow doesn't have its own stone circle.
The mince roll.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views, the wealth of culture, and the warmth of its people. Dundee truly is a Historic City and the V &amp; A is coming to a prestigious location in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the largest small village in the world. It really is a friendly city and it's that atmosphere that strikes people when they first visit. Dundonian's themselves might not realise it but they really are warm and friendly. There's a feeling like everyone knows one another. The locals are relaxed and unpretentious and that's refreshing in this day and age. So it's the social fabric, the affable, approachable nature of the people that needs to be put forward as one of the Dundee's main assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is given a bad name. Really the city is vibrant, bouncing and full of lots of little surprises. From the quaint coffee shops and boutiques to the busy night life of the city centre. The grandeur of the Caird Hall to the spectacular views from the top of the Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> D'arcy Thompson museum within the University of Dundee. Packed full of beautifully presented gems of the natural world (including Shackelton's Penguin!) and a lovely collection of art inspired by nature. And it's free!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are a lot of hard-working and great people in the city. By supporting our community we can all thrive. The Tay is also quite special.
Let's get funky!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its student friendliness and sunshine. I enjoy how many simple activities there are as well including walks and sites to see. The university is filled with nationalities and is a centre for culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> People care. Culture Reflects that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The atmosphere, the friendliness. That I can be at the beach, up an inactive volcano or shopping from big name retailers all within 10 mins of my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is transforming itself in to a modern bright city for future generations to enjoy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since a young age, the Rep theatre has always been a place of awe for me growing up. There's something about it that just feels magical &amp; buzzing with creativity &amp; energy. Dundee Uni campus itself is a brilliant place to be - unlike any of the 3 other universities I studied at after graduating from DofJ. Not only its huge size &amp; location, with amazing views that any student would value, but its ability to not exclude the public from its joys. Magdalen Green will forever hold special memories for me &amp; my student days. I defie anyone to have had a better student flat in a better place with views like I did, of the Tay &amp; the bridge. Stephen Fry said it perfectly regarding Dundee's unique, stunning location for a city. Aside from these factors, Dundee has a power over people who visit - they don't want to leave!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of the local bands and the enthusiasm of the local gig-going community. I've been going to gigs for over 15 years and the banter, humour and passion never ceases to amaze me
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of higher education on offer in Dundee is exceptional, as attested by warm and enthusiastic student reports. World class research in a range of academic fields is recognised in the wider academic community and places Dundee University (including of course Duncan of Jordanstone College) among the very best available.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an Australian who has lived in Dundee for 17 years I have always been impressed by the multi culteral atmosphere that the Universities , Colleges and Ninewells Hospital. Dundonians don't brag about their city, its not their style. But that is not to say that they don't have something to shout about, the arts are alive in Dundee, inspired perhaps by the beautiful sunsets up the Tay, of the diamonds that shine on the Tay on a summer's day.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The breathtaking views from the law, from Newport across the river, when driving along Riverside Drive, the constant surprise of small planes coming in to land or taking off, the DCA, buzzing with life and Magdalen Green with its backdrop of the tay and the rail bridge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The "couthy-ness" of people here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The warmth of the city when I return to see my family, great memories of growing up in Dundee that will stay forever. Dundee has that pull that brings you back time and time again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visiting distance learning student, I thought the Dundee Backpackers Hostel was a hidden gem of the city's heritage. It is an unusual converted 16th-19th century building with layers of character and some interesting preserved objects on display. The city's rich culture is also represented by a vibrant and diverse art scene which adds to the enjoyment of being there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That so many Scots have never been here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City with community/village feel. Very friendly people.
Many lovely parks and open spaces for everyone. Integrated multi national community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that Dundee's law hill is actually a dormant volcano! And that it's got a secret tunnel through it! And that you can walk to the top for breathtaking views :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich history of Soul music. Back in the 1970's Dundee's Average White Band were the 1st non black act to play the legendary Apollo Theatre in NYC. This has caused creative ripples through the heart of Dundee's music scene ever since. There's a whole range of acoustic nights, pop up music events in barbers, opticians, artists studios, galleries and other unlikely venues - so keep your ear to the pavey!
<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> Dundee is Fundee....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The law,a place you can see all dundee. The Bonney bits and the not so Bonney bits
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The inspiring places that brought me to this city, Vanilla Ink Studios.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee offers a richness in cultural activities next to none. And all so close and accessible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the beautiful circles
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a rich history. An hour or two in Verdant Works, a stroll through the High Street, a tour through Discovery Museum and McManus Museum, and a glimpse of the Tay from the Law are all proof of that.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visitor to the city over the last two years I have been delighted by how friendly and helpful everyone is and how vibrant the city is in it's atmosphere. I love it so much I am trying to move my family near to Dundee from the south coast. You have so much to offer!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a fantastic location. Within no time you are either at the sea or in the hills. The law, parks and museums are great places to visit and with the waterfront development well under way Dundee will be a great city of culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> .
<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> Its History
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Growing up rather poor and with some nasty experiences I came to the point in 6th year of highschool where I was ready to leave my hometown and pursue my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. I had some outstanding achievements- sporting and otherwise- but I feared that my studying had been very much inhibited by my circumstances. The University of Dundee uniquely offered me the opportunity of summer school as a condition, having sent out an email asking of any outstanding circumstances. This holistic view and kindheartedness shone out above the other universities and I excitedly accepted.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The bars and pubs are ace! My two favourites are The Art Bar and The Speedwell Bar (AKA Mennie's) - quite different from one another but both very friendly, unique and wonderful.
The fact that 20 minutes drive in any direction takes you into fantastic countryside. Dundee is surrounded by beautiful hills, glens, lochs..... Great for outdoor activities. Hill walking in summer and snowboarding / skiing in winter (or spring this year!).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Pulling off yet another Dundee Womens festival, most probably the largest and most varied women's festival in the UK, by harnessing the strengths, talents, enthusiasm, creativity and generosity of the community, that is Dundee. Celebrating women's culture, women's stories, women's wisdom, women's identities and women's lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a group, event or club for just about anything you can imagine.
<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> Apart from the obvious attractions, etc available in and around Dundee you just have to ask people who are not from Dundee, students , medical trainees, art students, what they think and why they want to stay, it is the warmth,humour and friendliness of dundonians which make this city inviting and a home, there is something for all ages in Dundee.
From Invergowrie to Monifieth, from across the Tay from Fife there is easy access to all amenities and attractions, people want to come back to Dundee.
With future plans e.g. the new train terminal, the museum ,waterfront redelopment Dundee moves on to the future and makes it even more attractive for locals and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> art bar, speedwells, parlour, djcad, dca, pheonic, frasers, grouchos.. thats dundee city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How friendly the people are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The famous Dundee FC.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A wealth of characters who can get along with anyone.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> People come to the city after often having heard negative comments about it, only to discover a warm welcoming people friendly city with a "small town feeling". It's not just a destination it's the ideal location to base yourself in, being less than two hours public transport from Scotland's three largest city's. As well as other highlights such as Stirling, St Andrews and Glen shee and Braemar. Why not have a homely base instead of packing and unpacking every day, and enjoy a plentiful selection of affordable accommodation.
<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> Situation
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of people from outside our city who knock us! I was born and brought up here and yes, we have our problems-what city doesn't, but the strength and inherent decency of the majority of Dundonians makes me proud. Oh yeah, the pubs and restaurants, Discovery Point, Verdant Works, Botanic Gardens, McManus Galleries, the new V&amp;A, I could go on and on. The best thing? The feeling of homecoming when you come over the Rail Bridge - now that's special!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness of the locals has got to be listed as one of Dundee's best assets. Anytime I come home from Australia the welcome mat is rolled out. Good luck with your bid!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived abroad on several occasions but always return home. I love the fact that I can walk everywhere, that it is a safe city especially for females and that with the new impetus of the V&amp;A and investment Dundonians of all ages are supporting this bid.
I believe we have medico-science facilities second to none. An innovative Games industry.
As I am now a senior Dundee looks after me very well with marvellous fitness facilities.
The Dundee Rep Theatre is one of Scotland's best and the DCA offers a wide range of films, displays, workshops etc. Dundee to win.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The pride of being home to 'the world's worst poet' William McGonagall. Taking a walk by the riverside you get to see the immortal words of the sage like McGonagall carved in stone next to his beloved 'silvery Tay.'
A city with a sense of humour.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a child my granny, who is 93, still healthy and living in Dundee, took me to all of the local "great spots." My favourites were always The Unicorn and The Discovery, so much so that when civil wedding ceremonies became available on The Discovery, my husband and I were married on the decks of the boat. I think The Discovery has been well preserved and would wish the same for The Unicorn - its another amazing ship with a rich history; it should be less of a secret and used as an attraction to bring more tourists to Dundee. One city, two ships.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The river, let's make more of our fantastic waterside location...fishing competitions for kids, more access to the water for the people of Dundee. Seal watching, bird watching, picnics by the river. Develop commercial opportunities to get more people on the water.  Riverside dining...get some funky lights on the two bridges
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As an "immigrant" to Dundee I am continually boosted by its determination to develop and improve what it offers to the community. So small a city but with amazing museums, science centre, galleries, parks, forests, beaches ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant city. A city with an array of cultural assets where people learn, visit, play and invest. The McManus Gallery, DCA, Universities, art &amp; design stores, public art, Caird Hall, City Square, the waterfront, the forthcoming V&amp;A and much more all provide a richness to this city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful play to stay a beautiful place to visit and has a fantastic group of citizens , we have lovely hotels, nice eating places good bars and great night life, 2 football teams an ice hockey team, lovely places to visit in the city and surrounding areas, a great setting on the banks of the river Tay which is currently being developed with attractions to match including the new V&amp;A museum to learn more get yourself here you won't be disappointed
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that Dundee is built on a human scale. I can jump on my bike in the north of the town and within 10 minutes I can be sitting drinking a coffee in a coffee shop, wandering round an art exhibition, doing my grocery shopping, walking along a sandy beach or a forest trail, watching a film, dancing the night away or just getting out into the countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live. It has a wonderful collection of moods as the seasons and activities changes. Love the dolphins, sailing, students, schools and youth activities. So many clubs and societies with engaging activities at every corner. The University Library will love to create an even wider set of activities for the City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the hidden vaults below the city. I wish more people knew about them
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here at the start of my degree almost 10 years ago and I'm still here, despite now studying in Aberdeen. Dundee is the best place to live. With its ideal location I can get to anywhere else in Scotland easily, and the links to the rest of the UK are fab too. The people in Dundee make it what it is, and it has its own individual character. You don't have to go far to find lovely areas like Magdalene Green or Baxter Park, and there's always some great architecture (old and new) lurking round the corner.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In terms of a walk from edge to edge of town, there is an amazing variety of specificities.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the commitment of Dundee's volunteers.....most hours of the day and night there are a band of volunteers helping out those who need support. I am involved with the Dundee branch of Samaritans which has been on the go for over 50 years. There are many of us out there doing all sorts of things in our own time to lend a hand or an ear to another human being....so don't forget about them!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A quite lovely nice city, warm studying atmosphere. close facilities to students, universities of good worldwide reputation. Dundonians are so kind and lovely, they welcome internationals and give them the real feel of home. love you Dundee.
<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> I grew up here and went to University here. I then left and lived in several cities around the world. As Oor Wullie said though 'East, West, hame's best'. This is my city of choice now and it is so lovely to watch Dundee continually evolving and flourishing whilst still retaining the essence of what is has always been.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The resilience of the city and the people - we keep geting knocked down and we still show a unity to keep going until we succeed.
<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> Sometimes you have to look a little closer or a look at a city from a different angle to discover the hidden gems of arcitecture or urban archeology that may be there but never seen. Dundee is a facinating plave for this. The grand gateway to the Howfe that has never been opened for decades, The 1/4 mile long aquaduct over the Dichty burn at Fintry ....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking across from Fife as the winter sun sets, the silhouette is unmistakable and the bridges dark against the pastel flow of the river. There not many other cities in Britain that create such an instantly recognisable horizon. Then the sun sets and Dundee sparkles into life as the myriad of lights paint the river with trails that stretch gently towards the fife coastline. Beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to The Scottish Dance Theatre, The Rep. Theatre, The Gardyne Theatre, The Whitehall Theatre, The McManus Art Gallery and will soon be home to The V&amp;A museum. We have staggeringly beautiful views and incidentally, the only city in Britain where you can still see Red Squirrels. Dundee has nurtured world class medical research, top notch software companies and two universities whose reputations are second to none. We have The Sensation Science Centre, Captain Scott's ship RRS Discovery and The only full-time public observatory in the UK. For a population of 140,000 that's surprising.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is best viewed from the top of a bus. The rooftops are amazing. Then climb to the top of the Law for wonderful views and aching legs. Approaching Dundee from any side makes you feel as though you are coming home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is: spring walks in Camperdown park, summer trips to Broughty Ferry, a malt whisky in an old pub on an autumn evening, in winter a frosty night walk up Balgay Hill to look at the stars.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunny weather
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is packed with culture. You only need to spend 10 minutes in the back of a taxi to hear about its rich history. Despite the destruction that the 60s/70s brought to Dundee, the whole city is buzzing with excitement about the new waterfront. And with gems like Broughty Ferry beach and the Perth Road, and music hitting you from every direction (dundee blues bonanza, westfest, clarks bar, henry's coffee house and the fisherman's on a thursday night, to name a few), it's someties hard to leave the place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing resilience of Dundee folk, after all the changes the city has seen over the last century - and the way they continue to adjust and adapt, with characteristic good Scots humour in the process!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My strongest memories from growing up in Dundee are tangled in the city's wildlife, and the spaces that allow it to thrive.

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

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

I think all Dundonians share a strong connection to the Tay, the Law, Camperdown and the parklands across the city. These places are woven into our group identity. While they aren't always stumbled upon by outsiders, they are an important part of our cultural heritage and yet another reason why Dundee is a brilliant place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 imagination and determination of our young people. Take the recent "Dundee Roundhouse" initiative, where a group of young people have transformed a derelict factory site into a hidden organic garden.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the university campus to the city, Dundee is an amazing place to experience. You have places like the Discovery, the DCA, the tiny university museums hidden around campus, and even an extinct volcano.

But theres also roller derby, american football, ice hockey...it's not a run-of-the-norm kind of place...

And then there's the V&amp;A - a true mark of a city of culture if I ever saw one.
<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> The rich amount of history. Walk off any Main Street and find something. Eg. Cemetery in centre of town, law hill, verdant works, unicorn, Tay bridge. Wherever you go there is history shaping the city,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All dundee's public artwork. My favourites are desperate dan and the dragon. Also some of the buildings in dundee are beautiful like the McManus, the maggies centre and St. Paul's cathedral
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee University campus holds an incredible vibe about it. I remember first starting university and being completely awed by the atmosphere always surrounding the campus and the community spirit of the university. Whether it's your freshers week, a random night out, or even cramming at the library, the fact that all the uni's institutions are contained in this one campus means the place has a constant buzz about it. I doubt there's many other universities that hold the same exciting atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love how nearly everyone I meet, from cabbies to people in the queue at the bank, has a story about their Dundee. Some are reminiscing about old Dundee but a lot are talking about what's going on in the city now and how vibrant it's becoming. The one thing they all are is proud of Bonnie 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

:)

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