The Dundonian

By Nick Whelan

Ach its a sair fecht.

I’ll start by telling you something that may raise a brow or two. Dundee is one of the greatest cities on earth. With a history to rival the often over-idolised, winding, cobbly streets of Edinburgh and a plethora of musical, poetic and cultural icons to rival the charismatic squares and pubs of Mother Glasgow.

Scotland’s sunniest city is often referred to as the “village city.” Not for its size, but for its people’s character. The interconnectivity of the locals put the corridors of the Vatican to shame. So much so, our rival football teams share the same street. You’d be hard pressed to find this anywhere else bar Aberdeen, though this is for reasons I shouldn’t go into.

Dundee is an often-understated contributor to our identity as Scots. Home to internationally recognised comic book characters found in the Dandy and Beano, songwriters and bands who have sold millions of records, such as Deacon Blues Ricky Ross, and the band Danny Wilson. It’s also home to a newspaper which holds the record for the most paper copies sold in a year. It has produced international Hollywood actors such as Succession’s Brian Cox.

Under national crisis, the story is similar. Dundee provided among the highest proportion of men to the first world war effort, along with a disproportionately high contribution from women, who worked in some of the most important jute mills and factories.

But do not be fooled by my light-hearted Dundonian grandstanding. This city, despite its radical, progressive and tumultuous history of fighting against injustice, has been sidelined throughout recent history. Thatcher’s de-industrialisation, financial wastage and backhanding of previous local governments and successive public health scandals currently plaguing NHS Tayside are but a few.

The electric lightbulb? Dundee. The once drug death capital of Europe? Dundee. Grand Theft Auto? Dundee. A near one in three rate of children living in poverty? Dundee. Scotland’s ‘Yes’ City? Dundee. The first meetings of the suffragists? Dundee. Groundbreaking medical innovations and scientific discoveries? Dundee. The UKs first UNESCO city of Design? Dundee. The world’s longest railway bridge (at the time of completion)? Dundee.

I mean not to reduce nor burden this city with a judgement of dichotomy and contradictions. I mean to display the rich diversity of innovation, discovery and deprivation which has built this city’s undeniably unique character. I was once told “you always know where you are with a Dundonian.” So, take it from me: do not let anyone tell you this city is anything less than a home for anyone who wants it.

‘Scumdee’? Ach, don’t talk a load of shite.