“YES City” residents were united in their love of Dundee when The National visited yesterday.
The city, which earned its nickname through its high support for independence, is the sunniest in Scotland and the public mood is just as upbeat. Locals praised their area’s diversity, sense of community and creativity. However, nowhere is perfect and they also told us how Dundee could be made even better.
Musician Marcus Balfour, 20, said the best thing about his home town is the music scene. The solo artist, who would love a slot at the Carnival 56 festival in August, said: “We need a new venue to attract more bands. All we really have is Caird Hall, which is tiny.”
Rebecca Steel, 30, said the city’s diversity sets it apart, adding: “If you look around you can see people from all walks of life and they’re all getting along just fine. But Dundee gets overlooked a lot compared to Glasgow or Edinburgh. If you actually look at Dundee, it’s a rising star.”
College exchange student Liina Kinnaslampi, who arrived from Finland just a week ago, said: “This is such a great city – not too big, not too small. The people are so friendly. Finland’s people are so closed – they try not to sit together on the bus.”
James Fitzpatrick, 84, described Dundee in two words – “really great”. However, he said: “There are too many people here who are not working. They can’t get work. The problems in Dundee must be answered.”
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