Dundee

ALL SIX successful art works in Dundee City Council’s Dundee Windows project have been unveiled to the public for the first time Friday 4th.

The covers are off work by Tracey Stewart, Suzanne Scott from Whimsical Lush, Sarah Chacko, Agency of None, Pamela Scott and Macario De Los Rios in vacant windows in the city centre.

Cityscapes, a sound activated display, an augmented reality pattern and a celebration of nine maidens and the dragon are among the commissions to grace the formerly empty spaces.

Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “This is the kind of imaginative and creative project that we are starting to see brighten up otherwise unused or unloved bits of the city, and they are becoming more and more popular and sought out.

“These bold and colourful designs that celebrate local people and places are part of our recovery plan and I am sure that they will draw in visitors and locals alike to the city centre.

“Almost 90 high quality entries were received when we called for submissions, showing that despite the obvious challenges it is facing our cultural sector is as creative and vibrant as ever.”

The windows project is one of a number of schemes to brighten up the city’s main shopping areas and supporting the city’s recovery with posters, window displays, street painting and shop trails.

Dundee City Council has joined forces with retailers and artists on a number of initiatives and in the coming weeks as well as Dundee Windows, Castle Street will be temporarily transformed by a colourful design painted onto the cobbles, leading people up a playful route from Shore Terrace to the High Street  -  download MAP HERE.

After the long months of lockdown, and amid the ongoing foreign travel restrictions, people from across Scotland are flocking to discover the beauty and delights on their own doorsteps.

And, whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation or a base for burning off some cooped-up energy, where better to spend a few days than in the place officially named the best Staycation city of the Year in 2019?

Dundee has everything you would want in a cosmopolitan city break – attractions, bars and restaurants, High Street shopping and more – but thanks to its location you can combine the urban experience with easy exploration of Scotland’s beautiful countryside.

There are lots of beauty spots in the city itself, such as the stunning waterfront with its miles of spectacular views and easy to walk, run or cycle paths. The green spaces in the city also include Camperdown Park (with its wildlife centre), Baxter Park, Slessor Gardens, the Law and Magdalen Green to name but a few.

 

 

 

 

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If you’re staying a while - and with lots of great hotels and B&Bs in the city, why wouldn’t you? – then the hills and lochs which surround Dundee are well worth exploring.

Less than half an hour’s drive from the city centre, Ballo Wood, which begins with the stunning Laird’s Loch, is a beautiful walking spot through a fairytale forest. Then there are a few access points to the wooded hill known as Ballo, popular with hikers and downhill cyclists. Bikers and hikers scale the hills often to take advantage of the well-laid trails and walking tracks.

 

 

 

 

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Not far from Ballo in the Sidlaws is Lundie Craigs. Another perfect spot for hiking and biking, it’s worth the short trip for the loch nestled in the hills alone. The place is so photogenic, Disney movies are jealous! The views are endless and your Instagram feed will be too after posting all your #LundieFunDay photos.

If all that hiking and biking hasn’t tired you out, why not check out the Wild Shore Dundee water sports park in the heart of the city centre harbour area?  It has an inflatable obstacle course (popular with kids of all ages) and even a zip wire that allows for wakeboarding!  Alternatively, check out Outdoor Explore, who give guided kayak tours on the Tay - and you might get to meet a few dolphins!

 

 

 

 

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Where to stay

After all that fresh air and exercise, you’ll need to unwind and maybe even treat yourself to a spa treatment or two. The spa hotels dotted around the city can take care of that! Have a look at the Landmark, Apex Hotel and Spa Dundee (overlooking Wild Shore Dundee) and Hampton by Hilton. 

 

 

 

 

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If your Instagram feed isn’t full yet, city centre hotels with the views to write home about include Sleeperz Hotel, Hotel Indigo, Premier Inn and the Malmaison, to mention only four. These luxurious finds are sure to please everyone but if you’re looking for something more quaint and cosy the list of B&Bs with spectacular views of the Tay stretching all the way to Broughty Ferry. 

If it’s an apartment you’re after, Dream Luxury Serviced Apartments or Urban Quarters will make you feel right at home when you need to slow down and have your own space after a day of water excursions!

Mary Quant celebrated in V&A Dundee’s first fashion photoshoot

An iconic photograph of fashion designer Mary Quant taken in 1966 has been recreated by V&A Dundee, ahead of the opening of its first major fashion exhibition celebrating the influential designer (Thursday 27 August).

Mary Quant changed the fashion system, overturning the dominance of Paris couturiers, and transformed young women like her into the new leaders of style.

The new images shot on location inside and outside Scotland’s first design museum before it temporarily closed feature new textiles created by five emerging designers inspired by the work of Mary Quant.

Lucy Carrie, Emer Dobson, Sandra Junele, Humaira Khan and Jane Neave, all 3^rd year Textile Design students at the University of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, were presented with an opportunity to work with V&A Dundee earlier this year as part of a project titled 21^st Century Quant, examining Mary Quant’s design legacy.

The new designers were asked to create textiles inspired by Quant’s 1960s rebellion, but also that responded to the big issues facing today’s fashion world. Detailed research and experimentation led them to explore urgent themes such as climate change, consumerism, and racism.

The textiles were then transformed into four dresses made to the exact specification of an original Mary Quant Butterick dressmaking pattern. The knitted cape designed by textile design student Sandra Junele was inspired by Quant’s famous Alligator cape, and references the importance of repurposing clothing waste as a way to tackle problems caused by fast fashion and over-consumption.

Emer Dobson created a repeat pattern using the outline of non-recyclable packaging to highlight the problem of sustainability and the issue of hidden waste.

Emer Dobson said:  “I tried to think about how the last 60 years would have changed Mary Quant’s design process, her aesthetic and her ethos. The main thing I took from my research was that she wanted to design for everyone, was forward-thinking and quite a revolutionary.

“I looked at mass production and used the supermarket as my visual source, and the onslaught of advertising and bright colours. I used that as a starting place to critique mass production. I think Mary Quant probably would have had a similar take on things.

“Every time I had an idea I thought, ‘What would Mary do?’ I think she’d be annoyed by all of this. I think she would want sustainability.”

Lucy Carrie created a design inspired by graffiti text protesting against racism, while Jane Neave’s acid-bright design is inspired by Quant’s fashion statements which challenged gender stereotypes. 

Jane Neave said:  “I really considered how Mary Quant looked, how she wore suits even though it wasn’t really done then. She designed with women, and what women wanted, in mind. Then I thought about this in relation to designing my textile and dress.”

Pharmacist turned textile designer Humaira Khan leveraged her scientific knowledge to create her dyes from scratch.

Humaira Khan said:  “Measuring dyes in the lab was exactly like my work as a production pharmacist in which I handled all the raw materials in point zero one to thousands of litres. This experience formed an excellent basis for dyes I created for this project. Though it’s a complex process, I didn’t experience any difficulties.”

After the exhibition this year and graduation next, Humaira plans to establish her own textile design business.

“I want to do something with innovation and sustainability,” she said. “I want to make items that avoid landfill, I want to make longer-lasting products.”

Sophie McKinlay, Director of Programme at V&A Dundee said:  “Mary Quant started out as a young art student, going on to become one of Britain’s best-known designers with a unique vision to use fashion as a way to communicate new attitudes and ideas. All of us at V&A Dundee have enjoyed taking a fresh look at Mary Quant’s legacy through the lens of these five young designers as they embark on their own design careers. We are delighted to celebrate Mary Quant opening at V&A Dundee with this inspiring and unique collaboration.”

Professor Anita Taylor, Dean at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design said :  “21^st Century Quant has been such an exciting project for our Textile Design students – their final designs boldly reimagine the spirit of Quant and present a fresh and feisty take on her transformational legacy and reflect and respond to current issues of climate change, social justice, and sustainability in the fashion industry. Congratulations to our emerging leaders of style!”

The 21^st Century Quant shoot was the first time V&A Dundee has been used as a fashion shoot location. The new designers worked with fashion industry professionals, photographer Aleksandra Modrzjewska and stylist Kristen Neillie.  A 2014 textile design graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Kristen Neillie has gone on to work with Vogue, Dazed and Net-a-Porter.

The 21^st Century Quant garments will be on display at V&A Dundee for the opening week of Mary Quant, on show outside the exhibition entrance.

The exhibition which focuses on the years between 1955 and 1975 will also feature the stories of women who made outfits from Mary Quant’s dressmaking patterns, gathered through V&A Dundee’s #SewQuant campaign, as well as a new film looking at contemporary female designers who, like Mary Quant, are forging their own way through today’s rapidly shifting fashion industry.

Dresses with printed textiles designed by Lucy Carrie, Emer Dobson, Sandra Junele, Humaira Khan and Jane Neave. Dress production by Min Atelier.

Cape with knitted textile designed by Sandra Junele, produced by JAG Knitwear, 2020

Mary Quant was curated by Jenny Lister and Stephanie Wood of the V&A and shown at V&A South Kensington from 6 April 2019 to 16 February 2020. 

The Mary Quant exhibition at V&A Dundee opens Thursday 27 August to 17 January 2021.

Mary Quant at V&A Dundee is supported by Barclays Private Bank.

#QuantDundee #SewDundee

vam.ac.uk/dundee/maryquant

Photo credits :

1966 photograph:  Mary Quant and her Ginger Group of girls in Market Street Manchester. February 1966. Photo by Howard Walker, Mirrorpix, Getty Images
21^st Century Quant photograph:  Photographed by Aleksandra Modrzjewska on location at V&A Dundee, styled by Kristen Neillie, Hair by Kay McIntyre, Make up by Jill Syme.

Designers: Lucy Carrie, Emer Dobson, Sandra Junele, Humaira Khan and Jane Neave.

Models: Catriona Merchant, Joy Gansh, Jolene Guthrie, Lindsey Gordon, Maisie Farrer.

SHOPPERS and visitors returning to Dundee city centre after lockdown will find a brighter livelier scene than the one they might remember.

Dundee City Council has joined forces with retailers and artists to brighten up the main shopping streets with posters, window displays, street painting and shop trails.

Mark Flynn, deputy convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee visited a number of city centre locations and shops to see preparations for himself today (WEDNESDAY).

He said: “Dundee is a city full of creative, innovative and interesting artists and makers whose talents we are keen to showcase and harness as a win-win way of creating a vibrant and attractive shopping and visitor experience.

“This programme of activities will inject a dose of colour and life into the main shopping areas in a number of different ways from using empty shop windows to brightening up our streets.

"We want to do all we can as a council to help create a city centre that is an enjoyable place to be and that attracts people back into our shops, cafes and other retailers.”

First up is the poster takeover using artworks created by the public on WeDundee.com, which is offering people the chance to comment on the future of the city in a fun and creative way at www.wedundee.com

The Dundee Windows project will match artists with vacant openings dotted around the city centre to create bold and colourful selfie friendly designs that celebrate local people and places.

Application/information for Dundee Windows can be found at: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/dundeewindows

In the coming weeks Castle Street will be transformed by a colourful design painted onto the cobbles, leading people up a playful route from Shore Terrace to the High Street.

Cllr Flynn added: “This element of the project will bring a sense of fun to the city centre and as with the other parts of the initiative we hope it will increase footfall and support the many other measures the council has and continues to put to in place to support the city’s economic recovery.”

The latest initiatives follow the launch of the MonsterHeroes safari trail in which participants use their smart phone to find 10 of the cute and colourful creatures dotted around the city centre.

Using contactless NFC technology and QR codes, without the need for players to download or sign up to anything the Safari allows players to learn each of the MonsterHero’s names, stories, and superpowers and when all 10 have been found, a free e-book, that tells the story of their first team-up is unlocked.

Eating out has changed, but Britain’s Coolest Little City knows how to roll with the times.

Especially when it comes to brunch.

Eateries across the city are adapting not only to the measures needed to keep customers safe from Coronavirus (Covid-19), but also to our changing habits.

So, whether you’re a local keeping up with the morning walks or a Staycationer emerging from the months of lockdown, where better to while away a relaxing morning than in one of the city’s fantastic cafes?

With such a wide variety of brunch spots to choose from, all in walking distance, you’re never far from a cosy spot to enjoy a sweet or savoury morning pick-me-up.

Dundee caters to all tastes when it comes to brunch. The Herald said that Pacamara’s “poached eggs are a particular standout” having the café place second on their list of top 15 brunch places in Scotland! Situated on the Perth Road, it’s just the perfect distance from the centre of town to walk off anything that took your fancy. They offer artisanal dishes in a relaxed café atmosphere but it’s their show-stopping coffees that will have you going back for more. 

Edinburgh based Social Bitches reviewed The Bach, a ‘Kiwiana’ café. The review references their former residence but due to popularity and reputation, The Bach moved to a bigger location (which has just as much character as its predecessor) This blog said they “were utterly in love” and enjoyed the “greatest hits collection of New Zealand confectionary.” So why not transport yourself across the world right here in the heart of the city?

The Birchwood Emporium offers great breakfasts, brunches and lunches. One Tripadvisor review said, “The menu has a great selection of goodies for vegetarian or vegan visitors - which can obviously be enjoyed by all.” A selection of grain dispensers, artisanal bread and dairy alternatives are also on offer, which lends to a more sustainable style of shopping. 

Not far from the Birchwood is the oh-so photogenic Bird and Bear, situated on the waterfront and styled beautifully. They serve their own style (in every sense of the word). A review in The Courier said their menu was “interesting and different and varied” and that their choice of brunch was “cooked to perfection.” Bird and Bear also blend food and atmosphere, serving up a ‘hip-hop brunch’ every weekend, like a midday party, what’s not to love?

Much like her sister venue, Gracie’s of Broughty Ferry offers up some delightful brunch options. With style tips from Bird and Bear, Gracie’s offers a unique dining experience, giving you interesting surroundings you can soak up along with your coffee. Your Instagram feed has never looked so good! 

If you are venturing out to enjoy the city’s brunch spots and other retail premises, please follow the latest hygiene and health advice to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

An ambitious plan to boost Dundee’s growing tourism sector has been unveiled.

Leading tourism experts in the city, through the Tourism Leadership Group, will oversee the Dundee Tourism Recovery Plan- Covid 19 to ensure the city is ready to progress and strengthen its tourism offer as quickly as possible as Coronavirus restrictions begin to lift.

In 2019 alone Dundee’s economy received a record breaking £214 million tourism boost and received accolades including being named among the coolest places in the world to visit this year by National Geographic Traveller UK, and featuring in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 10 Best UK City Breaks for 2019.

This plan sets out key objectives to ensure the city maximises its reputation as a must-see destination despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. 

The key priorities of this ambitious plan will see the creation of a city narrative to tell the authentic story of Dundee, considering the changing markets for tourism and new priorities for prospective visitors.

In addition, the plan seeks to anticipate and respond to seasonal demand, grow visitor numbers, and ensure environmental sustainability remains a key focus of the city’s tourism activity.

With restrictions easing, A ‘Dundee Welcomes You’ guide has been pulled together in order to help visitors enjoy their visit. The webpage details what is open including hotels, attractions and retail.

This recovery plan builds on the Dundee Tourism Strategy 2020- 2025, the publication of which has been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Going forward, the overarching aim of this plan is to return the city to a position where it is ready to adopt and implement the full tourism strategy.

Chair of the Dundee Partnership, Councillor John Alexander said: “Prior to the coronavirus outbreak Dundee’s tourism sector was booming and I hope as restrictions ease more and more people will once again come and visit Scotland’s sunniest city
“We exceeded our 2020 target for economic impact, overnight stays and day visits in 2019 to the city, this plan will build upon the innovative and creative record Dundee has and will work to attract more visitors and increase the spend in the city.

“We all have the responsibility to enjoy the city safely and I’m delighted this group will work closely with the sector to provide advice on safety measures, new initiatives and promote funding streams that are available to this sector.”
Deirdre Robertson, Chief Executive of the Dundee Heritage Trust, has been appointed the Chair of the Tourism Leadership Group and Tara Wainwright, Acting Director of Audiences & Media at V&A Dundee, and Jessica Reid, Deputy Director and Head of External Relations at Dundee Contemporary Arts, have been appointed Vice Chairs of the group.

Deirdre Robertson, newly appointed Chair of the Tourism Leadership Group, said: "It has been really encouraging in the first few days since restrictions have been eased to see how many visitors are coming from out with the city to visit Dundee's heritage and cultural venues and how responsible and respectful they are being.

“It is clear Dundee is increasingly being recognised within Scotland and beyond, not just for its much-loved visitor attractions and the range and quality of its restaurants and accommodation options, but also as a fantastic tourist base.

“There are very few cities with such richness on its doorstep, where visitors can base themselves and so easily reach an incredible variety of things to do - stunning castles and stately homes, historic abbeys, spectacular waterfalls, watersports, mountains, beautiful beaches, gorgeous river walks and picturesque, authentic unspoilt villages - all within easy travelling distance of our fabulous wee city.

“Dundonians know we are blessed to live here and increasingly others are wakening up to how amazing it is too."

This plan is designed to work in partnership with Dundee’s Cultural Recovery and Resilience Plan and with the city’s economic recovery plan.

Scotland’s ‘Best Visitor Attraction’, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum will be reopening on Thursday 20th August.

Visitors and Dundonians alike will once again be able to experience Dundee's museum collection in eight beautiful open gallery spaces. The galleries act as the City's civic memory, housing fascinating individual items of art, which provide an engaging insight into the history of Dundee. 

Earlier this year, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum struck gold at the 2019/20 Scottish Thistle Awards National Final in Edinburgh where they won Best Visitor Attraction. Now they are ready to celebrate and begin their journey out of lockdown with the opening two new major exhibitions to visitors. ‘A Love Letter to Dundee: Joseph McKenzie Photographs 1964-1987’ and ‘Time and Tide: The Transformation of The Tay’ will both focus on change in the city.

The Joseph McKenzie exhibition returns to Dundee of the 1960s-1980s. Stunning black and white photographs evidence the changing fortunes of the City and its people. McKenzie is considered by many to be the father of modern Scottish photography and his Dundee works are just the balm that we need coming out of lockdown. They remind us of Dundee's strength through changing times, the value of community and the knowledge that we can look forward to better times ahead.

Throughout the lockdown period, the River Tay has provided a calm backdrop to the anxiety around us. Time and Tide looks at the influence of the Tay without which, Dundee would not exist nor have transformed from a small medieval settlement to Scotland’s fourth largest city. This exhibition looks at how the growth of the city, particularly along the waterfront, has affected the Tay, its wildlife and the people who live here. From early settlement to industrial giant, to post-industrial leisure destination, the waterfront continues to recycle and reinvent itself.

Sinclair Aitken, Chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee said

“This is more positive news for cultural tourism in the city, as the reopening of The McManus will encourage even more people to spend time in the city centre. Leisure & Culture Dundee has an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone in Dundee and continues to contribute positively to recovery and renewal in the city.” 

Billy Gartley, Head of Cultural Services at Leisure & Culture Dundee said

"The McManus has long been a Dundonian favourite. We’ve missed our visitors - and with the prestigious accolade of Visitor Attraction of the Year - we hope many more will be tempted in. Our collections comprise Dundee's civic memory, reminding us of both good and challenging times from the past, highlighting the enduring spirit of our citizens. With two outstanding new exhibitions we can't wait to welcome you back."

Careful planning will ensure all appropriate measures are in place to protect the safety of staff and customers. The attraction will be part of the “We’re Good To Go” scheme, the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

 As ever, admission is free, but donations to support the work of The McManus in caring for the City's collections are welcome.

Both exhibitions open on Thursday 20th August.  A Love Letter to Dundee: Joseph McKenzie Photographs 1964-87 runs for over a year, until Sunday 24th October 2021. Time and Tide: The Transformation of the Tay runs until Sunday 18th April 2021.

Keep up to date with developments through The McManus website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  Full details on upcoming exhibitions will follow.

#WelcomeBackDundee

V&A Dundee will reopen on Thursday 27 August with its first major fashion exhibition, Mary Quant, and an exciting new programme extending throughout the whole museum. 

Mary Quant is the first international retrospective on the iconic British designer who disrupted the fashion establishment, captured the spirit of London in the 1960s, and started a fashion revolution that a whole generation wanted to take part in – and still continues today. 

The exhibition will run from 27 August to 17 January 2021, with tickets on sale from today at www.vam.ac.uk/dundee This will be followed by Night Fever: Designing Club Culture from 27 March to 5 September 2021. 

Turner Prize-winning architecture collective Assemble will begin work in V&A Dundee on Making Room from 27 August, a project with Dundee Central Library, local school pupils and the museum’s Young People’s Collective.  

Making Room is taking inspiration from historic buildings in Dundee to produce a new interior room that will be built in V&A Dundee before being moved to Dundee Central Library, where it will function as an area for digital learning and making for the city. 

Scotland’s first design museum has also curated a new exhibition in response to the coronavirus pandemic, looking at how designers responded to the crisis. Now Accepting Contactless: Design in a Global Pandemic will be shown in the Michelin Design Gallery, in spaces throughout the museum and, for the first time, outside the museum as well. 

Other design projects will be shown across the museum, including Sewing Box for the Future and films from the Schools Design Challenge, as well as the reopening of the Scottish Design Galleries including Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s iconic Oak Room. 

A number of measures will be in place across the museum to ensure a safe, welcoming and inspiring experience for visitors and staff alike. All visitors will need to book free tickets to enter the museum, as part of the essential steps to keep visitors safe and to ensure physical distancing. Those free tickets can also be booked from today at www.vam.ac.uk/dundee 

Mary Quant at V&A Dundee is supported by Barclays Private Bank. Making Room and the Schools Design Challenge are both supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Leonie Bell, incoming Director of V&A Dundee, said: “I am hugely excited to be preparing to join the team at V&A Dundee, particularly at a time when Scotland’s first design museum will be reopening and welcoming visitors back with Mary Quant, its first major fashion exhibition, and its most ambitious programme to date.  

“That programme also includes the brilliant architecture collective Assemble working with young people in Dundee and an exploration of how designers responded to the pandemic, underlining the importance of design to everyone’s lives.” 

Sophie McKinlay, Director of Programme at V&A Dundee, said: “Everyone at V&A Dundee is delighted to be preparing our remarkable museum to reopen once again, and we have all been working hard to welcome visitors back for a safe, enjoyable experience. 

“Mary Quant is a remarkable designer who did so much to revolutionise the fashion industry and to empower women to wear clothes that looked great and felt great, and it’s the perfect choice for our first major fashion exhibition. 

“Across the rest of the museum visitors will see more than they’ve ever seen before, with displays inside and outside the museum that explore creative responses to how the world has changed and how we hope it may change in the future.” 

Dundee City Council leader John Alexander said: “The reopening of V&A Dundee will be yet another important milestone in the city’s journey out of lockdown. 

“I am pleased that the Assemble partnership with Central Library will see local young people given the opportunity to get involved in an exciting design project that reaches out into the community. 

“I also hope that our local economy and businesses will be given a boost by visitors who come to the city because of the tremendous attractions of V&A Dundee and its Mary Quant exhibition.” 

Mary Quant designed clothes that made people feel good. She made quality designer fashion affordable through licensing her youthful and playful brand, creating dressmaking patterns, make-up and accessories that all showcased her iconic daisy logo. 

Mary Quant encouraged a new age of feminism, inspiring young women to rebel against the traditional clothing worn by their mothers and grandmothers. Her shop Bazaar opened in 1955, the year after World War Two food rationing ended, and her colourful designs were a reaction against the austerity and drabness of post-war London. 

Mary Quant is famous for popularising the miniskirt, but her designs offered many different versions of femininity and challenged the conventional gender stereotypes of post-war Britain. 

Key objects featured within the exhibition include the pioneering ‘Wet Collection’ PVC rainwear, a jute miniskirt, and designs that playfully subverted menswear at a time when women were still banned from wearing trousers in formal settings such as restaurants. 

The exhibition in Dundee will also feature the stories of women who made outfits from Mary Quant’s dressmaking patterns, gathered through V&A Dundee’s #SewQuant campaign, as well as a new film looking at contemporary female designers who, like Mary Quant, are forging their own way through today’s rapidly shifting fashion industry. 

Mary Quant was curated by Jenny Lister and Stephanie Wood of the V&A and shown at V&A South Kensington from 6 April 2019 to 16 February 2020.  

#QuantDundee  

#welcomeback

Image:  © PA Prints 2008

A new walking trail celebrating Dundee’s connection with the sea is being launched today (Friday, July 3).

As the city centre starts to reopen and lockdown restrictions ease, local people are being encouraged to explore the two-kilometre long Maritime Trail in the Waterfront.

The trail – and its accompanying website www.dundeemaritime.co.uk - highlights the rich history of the waterfront area, and hopes to inspire Dundonians to increase their knowledge of the city’s important maritime heritage. 

Starting at the Waterfront, the circular trail takes users on an exploration of key areas that link Dundee to the water.

It includes celebrated historic vessels such as RRS Discovery and HMS Unicorn, and some less well-known architectural and artistic gems that people may not have spotted.

Created as a collaboration between Dundee City Council, Leisure & Culture Dundee and community partners, the project will develop to include further contributions from the Dundee community.

City development convener Councillor Alan Ross said: “This new trail is a fantastic way to explore the Waterfront area and our city’s historic connection with the sea.

“It allows us to enjoy the transformed, modern Waterfront and at the same time celebrates an important part of our city’s heritage.

“Many of us have been connecting with outdoor spaces and the history of our communities in recent weeks, and this is another enjoyable way to do that.

“I look forward to local people safely enjoying the trail, and visitors from further afield joining them in the future as restrictions are further eased.”

Bill Newcombe, chair of Dundee City Centre and Harbour Community Council, said: “We were very pleased to learn that the Maritime Trail is being launched.

“The Harbour area has a rich and important maritime history. The trail will help to highlight this hidden history, and we hope it attracts local people and, in the longer term, tourists to visit the area.

“Earlier this year the Community Council managed to secure funds to paint a mural on the Tay riverside. 

“The chosen subject was the Dundee Whale in recognition of the City’s past whaling history.  The mural is located on the trail and we hope many people will be able to enjoy it.”

Pictures show Councillor Alan Ross, convener of City Development, in City Quay with one of the signs that help make up the trail.