The Changing Face of Dundee
- Date: 2007-07-01 - Word Count: 556
Share This!
Dundee, as most of us know, contains a very rich industrial heritage with industries ranging through the obvious such as jute, jam and journalism. However most people forget the other industries Dundee contained such as shipbuilding, whaling (being a thing of its time) and heavy industry.
These industries, except journalism are all but extinct from Dundee now, and one may view this as gloomy but a lot of industry has been replaced by modern day successes.
For example, having grown up in the seventies in Dundee I caught the very tail end of the jute and shipping industries and can remember the docks as being very populated.
Additionally, because we lived relatively near to the jam production, in this case, marmalade, we used to watch the trains coming in to the Keillor's factory loaded with oranges for production.
Additionally, in our previous business in the packaging we were involved in supplying the last two or three surviving jute mills; indeed I remember six or seven years ago the last ever shipment of flax coming into Dundee for conversion to jute -- end of an era.
While Dundee had a very rich demeanour about it, the wealth as usual was not evenly distributed and I can remember as a young child all the streets of tenements, many derelict, prior to the upgrading projects of the mid 1970's.
Moving into the town, I am too young to remember the development of the old Overgate but I do remember the new Wellgate opening; I believe that Dundee has now got the balance of both ends of the town right and while it may have lost most of the old industry, this has been replaced by different types of business.
Dundee's teaching hospital, Ninewells, is, I believe, the largest in Europe and attracts a variety of researchers and medical staff from all over the world, bringing with them a wide variety of cultures and resulting in Dundee becoming ever---- more cosmopolitan.
Ninewells, in conjunction with Dundee University, is at the forefront of pioneering treatments for a wide variety of ailments, not least cancer.
The University of Dundee has expanded incredibly and together with the University of Abertay, has swollen the student population incredibly throughout the last twenty years.
Socially Dundee has become a cultural oasis in that it has a very progressive theatre and contemporary arts centre, which regularly has showings of films from all over the world.
On the industrial front, while the traditional industries have all but vanished, there has been a huge increase in bio sciences and computer games manufacturing in the city, creating employment of a different kind.
With the reintroduction of the Discovery ship to Dundee, and the planned waterfront development, Dundee has inarguably become one of the most attractive cities around;
I can say this with a certain amount of authority and knowledge as my role in our last business was largely to drive all over the UK doing presentations to procurement departments to win contracts and I can tell you Dundee is a breath of fresh air compared to many cities I have been to.
Lastly, with our new business, I am constantly told by people I meet coming here for business how beautiful it is whilst driving along the riverfront.
Why don't you visit and find out for yourself the delights Dundee has to offer?
Chris Fawcett is the manager of CityLocal Dundee
Dundee News
Dundee Business Directory
These industries, except journalism are all but extinct from Dundee now, and one may view this as gloomy but a lot of industry has been replaced by modern day successes.
For example, having grown up in the seventies in Dundee I caught the very tail end of the jute and shipping industries and can remember the docks as being very populated.
Additionally, because we lived relatively near to the jam production, in this case, marmalade, we used to watch the trains coming in to the Keillor's factory loaded with oranges for production.
Additionally, in our previous business in the packaging we were involved in supplying the last two or three surviving jute mills; indeed I remember six or seven years ago the last ever shipment of flax coming into Dundee for conversion to jute -- end of an era.
While Dundee had a very rich demeanour about it, the wealth as usual was not evenly distributed and I can remember as a young child all the streets of tenements, many derelict, prior to the upgrading projects of the mid 1970's.
Moving into the town, I am too young to remember the development of the old Overgate but I do remember the new Wellgate opening; I believe that Dundee has now got the balance of both ends of the town right and while it may have lost most of the old industry, this has been replaced by different types of business.
Dundee's teaching hospital, Ninewells, is, I believe, the largest in Europe and attracts a variety of researchers and medical staff from all over the world, bringing with them a wide variety of cultures and resulting in Dundee becoming ever---- more cosmopolitan.
Ninewells, in conjunction with Dundee University, is at the forefront of pioneering treatments for a wide variety of ailments, not least cancer.
The University of Dundee has expanded incredibly and together with the University of Abertay, has swollen the student population incredibly throughout the last twenty years.
Socially Dundee has become a cultural oasis in that it has a very progressive theatre and contemporary arts centre, which regularly has showings of films from all over the world.
On the industrial front, while the traditional industries have all but vanished, there has been a huge increase in bio sciences and computer games manufacturing in the city, creating employment of a different kind.
With the reintroduction of the Discovery ship to Dundee, and the planned waterfront development, Dundee has inarguably become one of the most attractive cities around;
I can say this with a certain amount of authority and knowledge as my role in our last business was largely to drive all over the UK doing presentations to procurement departments to win contracts and I can tell you Dundee is a breath of fresh air compared to many cities I have been to.
Lastly, with our new business, I am constantly told by people I meet coming here for business how beautiful it is whilst driving along the riverfront.
Why don't you visit and find out for yourself the delights Dundee has to offer?
Chris Fawcett is the manager of CityLocal Dundee
Dundee News
Dundee Business Directory
Related Tags: dundee, dundee industry, dundee jute, dundee heritage, dundee ninewells
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Things to do in Rabat, Malta
There are plenty of things to do in and around Rabat when you travel to Malta. 5 star luxury in your - 4 Sightseeing Highlights of Malta
Malta is a country with many things to see and do, as you will realise when you go on your Malta 5 s - Vacation Rentals - Something For Everyone!
There is no shortage of information on the vacation rental. I've written several articles on the top - Vacation Rentals - a Few Facts
Most everyone has some knowledge of the vacation rental. What I'd like to do here, in the confines o - Exotic Vacation Rentals
Travel is an adventure. In fact, that is why some us travel. Not for the relaxation, not for the cha - Vacation Rental Vs. Hotel
And the winner is….Well, read this, then decide!First, the ubiquitous hotel. Swathed in branded name - Tropical Vacation Homes - Investment or Destination?
Buying a vacation home for investment may be a great idea in these troubled economic times. Be certa - How to Choose a West Rim or South Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
If you want to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you must choose between the West Rim and the Sou - Albuquerque Downtown Hotels Discounts, Deals and Reservations
Providing their guests with the best possible service available, Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Al - Hotel Suites Albuquerque - Online Reservations and Specials
Located in the center of the beautiful and historic town of Albuquerque New Mexico, Clubhouse Inn &
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Brazil's Tourist Attractions
Despite its popularity, Brazil is largely unknown to a lot of people. Other spots around the world h - Visit Ancient Persia, Greece, and North Cyprus with Clearchus of Soli
Tour the Hellenistic remains of Soli in North Cyprus with Clearchus, a student of Aristotle. As he - Exotic Trips - Vacation In Venezuela
Venezuela is a favorite vacation destination. No wonder! For instance, Venezuela is home to the worl - Some Advice When Buying A Travel Cot
A cot is a piece of furniture that is used for babies, infants, campers and travelers. Baby cots are - Marriott Hotels Varied History and An Overview of Properties
Marriott International was established in 1993 when the Marriot Corporation split into two different - Holiday In Cape Town
If you are interested in one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Cape Town may be right f - Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages: Why You Should Purchase One
Are you about to be married within the next year or two? If so, have you started planning your honey - Cancun Weather
Cancun is one of the most well known tropical destinations in the world. Because Cancun is located j - Golf Lovers: Save Money With Hawaii Vacation Golf Packages
Are you one of the millions of Americans who enjoys playing the game of golf? If so, there is a good - Old Town San Diego
The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Me