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The University of Dundee has been placed in the top 50 in the world in the 2020 edition of the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.

The rankings recognise that the role of universities extends beyond research and teaching to a third mission revolving around engagement, knowledge exchange and innovation for societal good. These rankings measure the global higher education sector’s success in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The rankings include more than 800 universities worldwide. Dundee is ranked 44^th overall and 9^th in the world against the Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health & Wellbeing.

On the latter, Times Higher Education said universities need to demonstrate actions to improve local and global health and well-being, and measured performance across a range of factors from publication and impact of research to outreach into local communities and provision of services for staff and students.

Dundee was also ranked inside the top 50 against the SDGs of Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and Partnership for the Goals.

Professor David Maguire, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, “These results show the outstanding impact of Dundee’s work and the success in meeting our aim of transforming lives locally and globally.

“This high level of impact is remarkable and testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students over many years.

“This is an extraordinary university, doing world-changing research, providing students with an experience that is consistently rated among the very best, and making a real difference to people’s lives.”

Times Higher Education say that inclusion in the University Impact Rankings marks out institutions as global pioneers that can demonstrate commitment not just to supporting SDGs through teaching, research and knowledge exchange activities, but also to embodying the goals in internal practices and policies.

The full THE University Impact Rankings can be seen at https://www.timeshighereducation.com/rankings/impact/2020

The food and drink scene in Dundee has an eclectic vibe, with many choices to dine out any day or night of the week. Between cultural and quirky cafes, wholefood shops and exquisite restaurants of varying themes and cuisines, there is an abundance of choice for all.

This list of the top ten restaurants, chosen by customers, is dominated by independent outlets, which shows the local affinity for food and service. Heart, soul, quality and imagination are poured into the food served here every day.

 1. Gidi Grill

The food and atmosphere here is Caribbean, African, Barbecue, and Jamaican.

Tripadvisor describes it as “a grill restaurant fusing the most delicious sauces from all over the world cooked over a Josper charcoal grill with a great selection of sides in a warm and beautiful setting.” A recent review states that it is “a great fusion of West African and Caribbean food in the heart of Dundee Quay.” The City Quay area is a picturesque waterscape, home to great restaurants and other businesses - well worth a walk to take in the sights!

 2. Sol y Sombra

It may not be situated in the Costa del Sol but this little taste of Spain is located just yards from the shore in Broughty Ferry. Its food and atmosphere are described as Mediterranean, European and Spanish.

One reviewer calls this place the “best restaurant in Scotland” and another describes an “amazing dinner” and “such a great experience.” With these reviews it sounds like reservations should be made rápido!

Broughty Ferry is just a few miles from the city centre and has many quaint and charming cafes and restaurants. Many like to take a bike down the scenic cycle path that runs the whole way along the waterfront. 

 3. Collinson’s Restaurant

Another Broughty Ferry favourite, Collinson's offers European, British, Scottish and contemporary cuisines. 

The photos of the food are works of art, with a distinct feel of fine dining. Their reviewers like that it’s family friendly and were unsurprised at how busy it was as they “had great food and excellent service.” Another was bowled over by the “excellent service coupled with outstanding food” and continue to say it’s “a must visit for any foodies.”

The food scene is ever-changing in and around the city. Now more than ever local produce is at the heart of menus, showcasing wonderful delicacies we have right on our doorstep.

 . Tahini

This lovely tapas restaurant is right in the heart of Dundee and its menu features Lebanese, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine. 

The reviews of very recent visits brim with love for the place. ‘Fantastic Food” says one, which goes on to say the food “left you full.” Nothing better than good food and abundance of it! Another review says that it’s “easy to find and that everything was also “totally yummy.”

Off one of the main pedestrian area in the city, Tahini is a fine example of some of the exciting eateries you can find around town. 

 5 The Palais Tea Room

 The first of three cafes to make Dundee’s top ten, the Palais Tea Room serves Scottish cuisine.

Reviewers loved the Afternoon Tea and “had a lovely time” there. Many speak of the “friendly staff” which is perfect for when you need a happy face to brighten your day on a visit to a new city

The street The Palais Tea Room is on showcases a gorgeous view of the V&A, RRS Discovery and the river Tay.

6. Piccolo

Italian, Mediterranean and local cuisine make Perth Road’s Piccolo a must visit, just minutes from the very centre of town. This little place also offers “after-hours” perfect for night owls. 

Described as ”a fantastic little gem” and "consistently good” by one diner and a “small friendly establishment with great customer service and great food” by another, Piccolo is a favourite for everyone it seems.

The Perth Road is a foodie route of delight. Many independent, quirky cafes, restaurants and bakeries can be found there, as well as organic greengrocers.

 7. The Flame Tree Café

This little Australian café also offers British and Scottish food. The pictures alone are like the country itself; vibrant, enticing and colourful. (There is a rainbow bagel so Instagram-worthy it should be ordered on every visit.)

People rave about these bagels throughout the reviews - “fantastic coffee and rainbow bagels” - and that they “look fantastic and taste better.” One reviewer also stated that “my boyfriend said it’s the best bacon roll he’s ever had (and he has a lot of them).” Who better to take advice from than a bacon roll connoisseur?

The Flame Tree is just one example of the multi-cultural cuisine scene the city has. 

 8. Rancho Pancho

Their cuisine simply says “Mexican,” - no messing there. From the reviews and photos, it looks like they’re getting that right too!

The reviews gush with adoration for this small Mexican restaurant: “extremely happy with the food, service and ambience” said one, “favourite restaurant to visit” said another, while someone else mentions their “amazing cocktails.” It seems Dundee has its own piece of Mexico just a few minutes walk from the train station and waterfront!

The waterfront also provides a perfect stroll for after dinner bloating!

 9. Brasserie Ecosse

It’s veggie, vegan and gluten-free friendly. Judging by the reviewers' pictures though, they are doing every cuisine right.

Visitors love their brunch, saying it’s a “great price for what you get.” Another review said that it is “5-star service” and they “can’t wait to return to Dundee and try them for dinner!” It is described as a “Dundee delight.”

Did you know Dundee has a thriving brunch scene? Sundays are particularly busy with brunchers munching all over the city, from the Westport to The Cowgate. 

 10. Simpsons

Simpsons is a Scottish, British and international café. 

The reviews comment on its “nice vibe” and "cosiness." Someone even called it the “best place ever.” Just minutes from the waterfront and V&A as well as the city centre, this small café has good reason to make the top ten eateries in Dundee.

 For more information and reviews on Dundee’s food, visit https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g186518-Dundee_Scotland.html

Huge congratulations as Golden Globes were awarded to the media dynasty drama, ‘Succession’ and lead actor Brian Cox, who hails from Dundee. The series filmed at the iconic V&A Dundee for Season 2 with Scotland-based episodes first appearing on screen in September 2019 on HBO, Sky Atlantic and Now TV.

The 77th Golden Globes took place on Sunday, 5th January 2020.

Emmy Award-Winning Scottish actor Brian Cox (Medici, War & Peace, Churchill) returned to his roots, like his character Logan Roy. 

Created by Academy Award nominee Jesse Armstong (Fresh Meat, In The Loop, Peep Show), Succession tracks the lives of the Roy family as they contemplate their future once their aging father (Brian Cox) begins to step back from the media and entertainment conglomerate they control. Beginning where season one dramatically left off, season two follows the Roy family as they struggle to retain control of their empire, and while the future looks increasingly uncertain, it is the past that threatens to ultimately destroy them.

The series also stars Matthew MacFadyen (Ripper Street, Howard's End, Pride & Prejudice) and Sarah Snook (The Glass Castle, Winchester, Black Mirror).

The production was supported by Screen Scotland’s Production Growth Fund and was also a brilliant opportunity for work experience for students of Screen Academy Scotland’s Screen NETs Programme.

Succession brought Production Manager, Donald MacKinnon and Location Manager, Martin Henderson to the region. TayScreen, the screen office for the Councils of Dundee City and Perth & Kinross Council were delighted to welcome the team and provide support.

V&A Dundee is an iconic new museum of design on the city’s Tay River Waterfront. It’s the first V&A outside London and its unique ship-shaped architecture reflects the city’s links with sea. It’s right next to the Polar exploration sailing ship of Captain Scott, Discovery.

Subscribers can watch Succession on HBO or Sky Atlantic.

Fife Tay based photographer Moira Lavigillante caught a few impressions of production behind the scenes at V&A Dundee.

Dundee has won in the UK’s first national Staycation Awards and is now officially the best city in Britain to enjoy a holiday, weekend away or short break without leaving the country!

“We’re thrilled to have won the City Staycation of the Year in the i Staycation Awards,” said Councillor Mark Flynn, on behalf of Dundee, One City Many Discoveries. “We were up against very stiff competition, with the holiday hotspots of York, Brighton & Hove and Bath also being shortlisted for this award.

“In the last few years, Dundee has emerged as one of the most vibrant cities in the country for a staycation. Widely known as Scotland’s coolest – and sunniest – city, Dundee combines the best of contemporary culture, inspiring architecture and a rich historical heritage with fabulous food and drink, good transport links, a great choice of places to stay and a fantastic selection of things to do.”

The i Staycation Awards are a nationwide search for the country’s best loved holiday spots, and the winners were announced on November 21 at a glittering awards ceremony in London by The One Show and Countryfile presenter Matt Baker. Launched by i Newspaper and holidaycottages.co.uk, the awards have 17 categories, ensuring all types of UK staycation are covered, including city breaks, country escapes, family seaside holidays and dog-friendly getaways.

Councillor Flynn, Depute Convener City Development, Dundee City Council revealed that winning the city category of the Staycation Awards is recognition of the success of the city’s vision to make Dundee one of the best small cites in the UK for a cultural short break. “We’ve focused on collectively telling the story of our city’s transformation from industrial centre to cultural capital – an approach which appears to be working.

“Well over one million people visited our city in 2018, with a 19% increase in visitors to Dundee in the first six months of 2019.

“Our spectacular waterfront setting is now home to V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, which has already given our city a £187 million tourism boost, as well as a green public space hosting everything from outdoor music gigs to free exercise classes.

“Many exciting new activities have been developed by local businesses and individuals, such as walking tours, wakeboarding in the docks, scenic trips around the area on a vintage bus and dolphin-spotting boat trips on the Tay. These visitor attractions perfectly complement our existing, well-known attractions such as The McManus Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee Rep, Dundee Science Centre, RRS Discover, HMS Unicorn and Verdant Works.”

To further enhance Dundee’s reputation as a city staycation destination, a number of new hotels, bars and restaurants have opened, Dundee train station has had a £38 million upgrade and transport links to and from the city have been improved. “We are also installing a fleet of electric bikes, so once they get here, visitors can easily explore Dundee and the surrounding area,” continued Councillor Flynn.

“Dundee is a dynamic Scottish city which looks to the future, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional tartan, shortbread and bagpipes image. We believe, as do many of our million-plus visitors that Dundee is the best place in the UK for a city staycation - and its great news for the city that the judges of the i Staycation Awards, agree.”

Hanna Tavner, i news said :  “Congratulations to all the winners at the inaugural Staycation Awards. The destinations, attractions and accommodation on offer in the UK are truly exceptional and deserve to be celebrated.”

Caroline warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director said : “I would like to offer my congratulations to Dundee for winning City Staycation of the Year, although it comes as no surprise!

“The city’s remarkable rise within Scotland’s travel scene continues as its thriving hub for design, innovation and culture is revealed. Visitors know they can thoroughly enjoy a staycation here, with countless great places to eat and drink, shops galore, easy transport access and a plethora of diverse things to see and do.

“The growing number of visitors all helps the tourism sector’s contribution to the local economy by creating jobs and sustaining communities. The arrival of the iconic V&A has propelled Dundee into the global spotlight and, together with the McManus Gallery, RRS Discovery and Verdant Works, help shine a light on all this incredible city has to offer. This accolade has cemented Dundee’s reputation as a must-see city and we look forward to this continuing in 2020 and beyond.”

Dundee’s status as one of Scotland’s most exciting foodie destinations has been confirmed with the launch of Dundee Eats – a beautifully illustrated, fold-out guide celebrating the city’s delicacies, food districts, favourite tipples and even its eating habits!

The guide was produced in conjunction with a group of food and drink experts from the city’s thriving independent food and drink sector and is packed full of locals’ tips and advice about what to try and where to go, along with an insider’s guide to three of Dundee’s best-loved food districts.

 “Our city has a fabulous reputation for its food and drink and we hope Dundee Eats encourages visitors and locals alike to experience the food and drink scene we have here to the full.” said Cllr Alan Ross of Dundee One City, Many Discoveries, the campaign who developed the guide.

As well as showcasing the excellence of Dundee’s food and drink, Dundee Eats shines a spotlight on the gastronomic delights to be found throughout Tay Country, the stretch of coast and countryside radiating out from the centre of Dundee.

“Dundee’s a great place to eat and drink because of our proximity to field, farm and coastline, so we’ve included a map of the wider area showing how close Dundee is to these world-class food producing areas” said Chef Rory Lovie of Bridgeview Station restaurant.

“We’ve also included a Food Bucket List,” added Rory Lovie. “These are ten food experiences unique to Dundee which everyone should taste at least once. We’re hoping people will tell share their own suggestions too, using the hashtag #DundeeEats!” 

In addition, Dundee Eats shines a light on the city’s Good Food Heroes – people who are really making a difference to how Dundonians eat, drink and cook, including a pioneering café owner, multi award-winning chefs, a café owner who uses vegetables grown in her grandad’s allotment and Dundee’s Godfather of Pizzas, Luigi Esposito.

“Scotland’s food and drink has changed beyond all recognition in the last 30 years to become one of the country’s most successful sectors. This corner of Scotland is a prime example of how to make the most of Scotland’s top quality, locally-produced vegetables, fruit, meat, game, fish, seafood and more” said Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food, Food & Drink Scotland. “Dundee is fast becoming one of the top places to eat in the UK, and Dundee Eats will help spread the word further about the fabulous food and drink on offer in Dundee and across Tay Country, contributing to the national food tourism ambition at the same time”

Dundee Eats is beautifully illustrated by local artist Laura Darling, whose eye-catching maps and illustrations bring Dundee’s unique food story to life.

“My illustrations were inspired by the playfulness of Dundee's food and drink scene - people are doing delightfully innovative and creative things yet at the same time not taking themselves too seriously.

“The guide is packed with fascinating facts and I loved working on it, although I did get very hungry drawing fish suppers and fudge doughnuts.” said Laura Darling.

Printed versions of Dundee Eats are now available to pick up from many independent food shops, eating places and bars throughout the city.

To download Dundee Eats, visit  https://www.dundee.com/DundeeEats

Special thanks to all who contributed their thoughts and suggestions particularly those representing Dundee’s indy food and drink sector, Mhairi Wild, Tayble; Danny Cullen, Law Brewery; Claire Simpson, Simpsons; Rory Lovie, Bridgeview Station; Ian Alexander, Birchwood Emporium.

Ends

Media enquiries please contact Dundee One City, Many Discoveries Jennie Patterson jennie@patterpr.com Tel: 07773 849586

Dundee has a wealth of vibrant and interesting historical landmarks and locations for history fans to visit, ranging from our massive involvement in the jute industry, shipbuilding industry, journalism and our history of pioneering and exploration.

Dundee is home to one of the world’s oldest surviving ships, the sixth oldest in fact, HMS Unicorn, which was a Royal Navy frigate built and launched in 1824. In 1873 she was moved to Dundee, remaining a training vessel for the navy and also serving as a command/ headquarters vessel for senior Royal Navy officers during both the first and second world wars.

Visitors can explore the 46 cannon gun deck, the crew’s sleeping quarters, the grand and plush officer’s mess at the stern of the ship as well as the gallery and gift shop on the vessel's upper decks.

Following the nautical theme, Dundee is also home to RRS Discovery, an Antarctic exploration vessel built and launched in the city in 1901. The Discovery is the last traditional wooden, three mast vessel to be constructed by the UK and following a successful expedition to the Antarctic, the Discovery was put into service as a merchant ship, before becoming the first Royal Research Ship put into service by the United Kingdom. Discovery is one of two surviving Antarctic exploration ships, the other being the Norwegian ship, “Fram”.

Upon boarding the ship, guests have the opportunity to see how Captain Scott and his crew lived, how they survived and what the hardships and the triumphs of their voyage were. There is a café and gift shop at Discovery Point, onshore, for visitors to enjoy.

For many years, Dundee was the world hub for jute, a cheap yet tough material ideal for packing produce, such as sugar, wool, coffee and other imported goods. This material had a worldwide reach, being necessary for trade, for the production of sandbags and other military requirements as well as protective coverings for lorries etc.

Verdant Works is a surviving jute mill which now serves as a museum. Visitors can explore what a mill was like in the late 19th and early 20th Century, and see the way in which almost half Dundee’s population lived and worked. Many of the workers were female, which was unusual for the time. The unemployed men who stayed at home gained the name “kettle bilers” (kettle boilers).

Broughty Castle and its grounds date back to the 15th Century, and was a fortified location during the War of the Rough Wooing, following the 1547 battle if Pinkie in which it saw military action. The castle has seen many battles and sieges and was rebuilt and used as a defensive positon as late as the 19th century.

Today, Broughty Castle museum houses displays on the life of Broughty Ferry and its citizens, the wildlife, nature and environment of Broughty Ferry and the surrounding area and the Orchar Gallery, which hosts a number of paintings and other art pieces. There is also a gift shop to browse and refreshments to enjoy.

Claypotts Castle was the fortified residence of the Strachan family, between the years of 1569 and 1588. The castle has been very well maintained, and is one of the few Scottish castles to be in no state of degradation at all. The castle grounds are free to explore all year round, however, access to the castle’s interior has to be pre-arranged.

For an overall view of Dundee’s history, The McManus is Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, and is home to eight galleries, which hold a diverse selection of exhibits and artefacts, ranging from objects from the time of early man in the area, to objects from industries past and present.

The McManus offers visitors a comprehensive and fascinating journey through 400 million years of Dundee’s history, transforming from a tiny settlement to the heavily industrialised world capital of jute and now the trailblazing, innovative city it is today.

Like Dundee, its surrounding area is rich with history, both ancient and recent. The fascinating ruins of a fortified ditch and towers at Gask Ridge, Killiecrankie predates the iconic Hadrian and Antonine Walls which were constructed by the mighty Roman Empire.

Visitors to Montrose can visit the Air Station which is the first military air station to be established within the United Kingdom, being home to the Royal Flying Corps in 1913. The Air Station has an assortment of artefacts and photographs which help tell the story of the RCF and RAF and the servicemen and women who served at the station during both WW1 and WW2.

In Crail you can visit Scotland’s (not so) Secret Bunker, which was built during the crisis and paranoia of the Cold War to protect Scotland’s leaders and continue their governance in the event of a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union, which provides a grim, yet intriguing insight into nuclear war, but also how close to home this threat was and how “imminent” it was perceived to be during the four-decade long conflict.

City Breaks UK: The 10 Best for 2019 - #Dundee is on the list, as selected by Condé Nast Traveller UK

https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/city-breaks-uk-2019

#DundeeIsNow #SunnyDundee #LoveDundee

#ScotlandIsNow  #VisitDundee

The proposal could see the Mecca Bingo in the Nethergate turned into a 6,000 capacity hall, making it Scotland’s fourth largest concert venue.

It comes just a week after V&A Dundee opened its doors as part of the £1billion redevelopment of Dundee Waterfront.

The designs were created by Glasgow architects Wilson+Gunn, as part of a feasibility study commissioned by the property developers who own the building.

The renovations would see the existing roof raised, with the Nethergate entrance restructured to include a restaurant or café.

The rear of the building on Yeaman’s shore would also be remodelled to create an entrance.

Internally, the building would have 102 underground car parking spaces.

The ground floor would contain the auditorium, a bar, toilets and ticket office.

There would be further bars and balcony spectator seating on the first floor while the second floor would have a corporate dining area and upper deck seating.

Architect Kenny Stephen, who worked on the redevelopment of Malmaison Dundee, said it would be cheaper to redevelop the Mecca Bingo building than building a new concert hall from the ground up.

He also added “It is purely a feasibility study because of the interest and discussion around creating a facility of this nature in Dundee.”

Original Article - https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/dundee/729618/exclusive-dundees-mecca-bingo-could-be-transformed-into-one-of-scotlands-biggest-concert-halls/