top of page

Search Results

41 results found with an empty search

  • Connecting Communities | The Dundee Tapestry

    Dundee is better connected than most, serving as a gateway to many other parts of Scotland. Within the city itself, generations of communities have stayed connected to each other in different ways: by road, rail and water; by the places where people regularly meet; and by long-standing customs and traditions. DUNDEE COMMUNITIES Up Up Connecting Communities Transport and traditions that keep communities connected Dundee is better connected than most, serving as a gateway to many other parts of Scotland. Within the city itself, generations of communities have stayed connected to each other in different ways: by road, rail and water; by the places where people regularly meet; and by long-standing customs and traditions. 1. The Dressed Herring When ‘first-footing’ at Hogmanay, 19th century Dundonians brought a good luck herring ‘dressed’ in a fancy outfit and bonnet, usually made from brightly-coloured paper. 2. Finlathen Viaduct Built between 1845 and 1848, this 152m-long structure (now Category ‘B’-listed) carried a water pipeline from Monikie Reservoir to Stobsmuir Water Works in Dundee. 3. The ‘Washie’ When visiting public wash-houses, the women of Dundee often transported their washing in a baby’s pram. 4. Tay Rail Bridge disaster When completed in February 1878, the original Tay Rail Bridge was the world’s longest bridge, with 85 spans and 13 high girders in the centre. When these high girders collapsed in gale-force winds on 28 December 1879, six carriages fell into the water and more than 70 lives were lost. The wrought iron girders which remained standing were transferred onto the present bridge where they are still in use. Today, a memorial can be seen on the Riverside embankment, alongside William McGonagall’s 1880 poem ’ The Tay Bridge Disaster’. 5. Champion the Wonder Horse Remembered by generations who visited the City Arcade in Shore Terrace before its closure in 1981. 6. Mill Lorry Bales of raw jute were transported, by lorry, from the port of Dundee to the city’s mills. 7. Dundee to Newtyle railway In operation from 1831 to 1863, this 11-mile long railway line was built to bring produce from local farms in the Vale of Strathmore to the mills and docks in Dundee. The hills in between (the Sidlaws) were dealt with by using stationary steam-powered engines to pull the coaches uphill by rope. Part of the disused railway line now forms a nature reserve called ‘The Miley’. 8 & 9. Ice cream treats Knickerbocker glories and ice cream wafers were popular treats at Dundee’s Italian cafés and ice-cream shops. 10. H Samuel clock at Duffer’s Corner The meeting place for generations of friends and lovers in Dundee. 11. Bluebird In the 1960s, an outing on a ‘Bluebird Bus’ to Angus, Fife and beyond, was an exciting adventure. 12. The Fifies Once the only way of crossing the River Tay, steam-powered ‘Fifies’ would carry passengers between Dundee, Broughty Ferry and Fife, six days a week and up to 11 crossings a day. The first regular scheduled vessel was ‘ Union’ in 1821, and the last of the Tay Ferries was ‘Scotscraig’. Her final crossing took place on 18 August 1966 – the same day the Tay Road Bridge opened. 13. Dundee Corporation Bus The first corporation ‘omnibuses’ ran from Dundee High Street to Broughty Ferry in 1920, with tickets for the whole journey costing 4d. The original city centre bus station was on Shore Terrace, near Caird Hall, but the bus stances were closed in March 1973 when go-ahead was given for the construction of Tayside House. 14. Dundee Trams The first horse-drawn tram in Dundee appeared in 1877, followed by steam-powered versions ten years later. The final tram ran between Maryfield and Lochee in October 1956. 15. RNLI, Broughty Ferry The RNLI station at Broughty Ferry was the first inshore station in Scotland, and its first lifeboat was placed here in 1859. Seven medals have been awarded to RNLI crew stationed here over the last two centuries, and the lifeboat station remains an important part of this coastal community. Today, two boats are in operation: the “Elizabeth of Glamis’ and ‘Oor Lifesaver’. 16. Fluke fish Nethergait used to be called ‘Flukergait’ after the flounders that were caught in the Tay. 17. Maryfield Tram Depot Proposed as the Dundee Museum of Transport’s new home, the red-bricked tramshed was built in 1901 and extended in 1920 to its current length of 120m. In service, this Category B-listed building could house up to 70 double-decker trams and when buses took over from trams, it served as a bus depot until the 1970s. 18. The Tay Road and Rail Bridges Dundee is synonymous with the River Tay, and is approached by two bridges that connect the city with the Kingdom of Fife. The Tay Road Bridge measures 2.25km long and was built between 1963 and 1966. The ‘new’ Tay Rail Bridge was completed in 1887. Up Up This panel was stitched by June Anderson Aileen Scoular

  • Dundee Communities | The Dundee Tapestry

    Dundee is Scotland’s fourth largest city, with a population close to 150,000. Standing proud in the centre is the Dundee Law. Beyond that lie parks, gardens and close-knit communities – bound by Broughty Ferry in the east, Invergowrie to the west and the River Tay to the south. This panel celebrates many well-known places in Dundee, including residential areas, city centre parks and, of course, the beautiful silvery Tay. Up Up Dundee Communities People, pride and favourite places Dundee is Scotland’s fourth largest city, with a population close to 150,000. Standing proud in the centre is the Dundee Law. Beyond that lie parks, gardens and close-knit communities – bound by Broughty Ferry in the east, Invergowrie to the west and the River Tay to the south. This panel celebrates many well-known places in Dundee, including residential areas, city centre parks and, of course, the beautiful silvery Tay. 1. The Law This well-known landmark is actually a volcanic sill formed 400 million years ago. At 174m high, the summit of the Dundee Law is the highest point in the city. The surrounding ‘petals’ contain symbols of communities who have settled in Dundee. Alongside the thistle there is a shamrock, poppy, sunflower, plum blossom, lotus, jasmine and lily. 2. Mill of Mains Historically named after the working grain mill that once stood in this area. 3. Metal tree The result of a community project to create a fun sculpture for kids to play on. Designed by Theresa Lynn and Pamie Bennett, and commissioned by Dundee City Council. 4. Linlathen East Bridge Potentially the oldest iron bridge in Scotland, Linlathen East Bridge was built in the late 1790s to carry horse-drawn carriages over the Dighty Burn and into the Linlathen estate. The Category A-listed bridge re-opened in 2012 after extensive conservation work. 5. Dolphin & swimmer Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association (YEABBA) is based at Broughty Ferry harbour, and its members have been taking regular ‘dooks’ in the River Tay since 1884. The fund-raising New Year Dook also takes place here. 6. RNLI welly dog Standing guard outside the RNLI station in Broughty Ferry is a yellow ‘welly dog’. The RNLI’s first lifeboat was placed here in 1859. 7. Broughty Ferry Castle Standing proud at the mouth of the harbour, Broughty Castle was built in 1490 to defend Scotland against the English Navy. In 1860, the Castle was converted from a ruin to a modern artillery defence when France threatened to invade Britain. It was updated again during the two World Wars, but now it’s a popular local museum. 8. Hilltown tenement This tenement block in North Ellen Street is known as ‘Faces Land’, thanks to the human and animal faces carved onto the window frames. Designed by John Bruce in 1871. 9. Wellgate Library Gates The distinctive gates of Wellgate Library which opened in December 1978. 10. Slessor Gardens Named after Mary Slessor, a Scottish missionary, this green space is part of Dundee’s Waterfront development. The pocket gardens have been designed to reflect different aspects of Dundee’s geography and heritage, and are managed and maintained by local community gardening groups. The site currently holds a Green Flag Award. 11. Dundee Central Mosque Home of the Dundee Islamic Society, the Central Mosque is located in Hawkhill. It was the first purpose-built mosque in north-east Scotland (completed in 2000) and it often participates in the city’s Doors Open Day event. 12. Bandstand at Magdalen Green A Dundee icon, the much-loved bandstand was built in 1890 and it often appeared in paintings by Dundee artist James McIntosh Patrick. You’ll also find a perfect replica located at Seabraes Viewpoint on Perth Road. 13. Lynch Sports Centre This former sports centre on South Road has now become a community hub called Change Centre, home of Street Soccer Scotland. 14. Tumbler Falls David Annand’s arresting sculpture is located at Kingsway West Retail Park, where three acrobats can be seen vaulting over the water below. 15. Dryburgh land settlement scheme In 1935, Mr James Mathew created a trust fund and gifted 188 acres of land in Dryburgh – at that time, on the outskirts of Dundee – to help tackle the problem of mass unemployment. 16. The Legend of Nine Maidens Well This mosaic on Laird Street was designed by schoolchildren of Brackens Primary School in the 1990s, after the design won an environmental competition. 17. Strathmartine Castle Stone This Pictish symbol stone, made from red sandstone, was discovered in a field close to Dundee in the mid-19th century. It has been in The McManus collection since 1969. 18. Camperdown Park Four hundred acres makes this the largest of Dundee’s parks. Camperdown House was built by the family of Admiral Adam Duncan in 1828, following his triumph in 1797’s Battle of Camperdown. Today, the Camperdown tree trail celebrates the park’s 190 specimen trees – including the Camperdown Elm, Douglas Fir and Monkey Puzzle trees. Up Up This panel was stitched by Alister Rutherford

  • Theatre and Writers | The Dundee Tapestry

    From community theatre to national premieres to seasonal pantomimes, Dundee’s theatres present an eclectic and diverse list of productions. Many Scottish actors began their careers on a Dundee stage, and many writers penned their first poems and plays within the city’s boundaries. This panel celebrates Witch’s Blood, a piece of community theatre from 1987, and acknowledges actors and writers with close links to the city. CREATIVE DUNDEE Up Up Theatre and Writers Taking to the stage, by way of Dundee From community theatre to national premieres to seasonal pantomimes, Dundee’s theatres present an eclectic and diverse list of productions. Many Scottish actors began their careers on a Dundee stage, and many writers penned their first poems and plays within the city’s boundaries. This panel celebrates Witch’s Blood, a piece of community theatre from 1987, and acknowledges actors and writers with close links to the city. 1. Witch’s Blood In 1987, a unique piece of community theatre called ‘Witch’s Blood’ was performed at multiple locations across Dundee, inspired by the 1947 novel of the same name by William Blain. The performance involved local children and adults, and practising artists and musicians, and it culminated in a seated finale at Dudhope Castle. 2. Dundee Rep Built in 1982, the Dundee Rep (also home of Scottish Dance Theatre) was granted Category ‘A’-list status in 2022. The theatre was designed by local architects, Nicoll Russell Studios, and it continues to present a variety of contemporary productions. Many Scottish actors – including Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, David Tennant and Ncuti Gatwa – have acted on this stage. 3. Whitehall Theatre Originally the Alhambra Theatre, the building was transformed in the late 1920s into a venue that could show both films and live theatre productions. In 1969, it was renamed the Whitehall Theatre, and its first performance was a Gala Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan. It now presents musicals, pantomime, comedy and dance. 4. William McGonagall Living in Dundee for most of his life, William McGonagall (1825-1902) wrote and performed badly rhyming poems about serious subjects. Lines from his most famous poem, about the Tay Rail Bridge disaster, can be seen on the Waterfront’s ‘McGonagall’s Walk’, close to the existing railway bridge. 5. Mary Shelley The creator of ‘Frankenstein’ visited the Baxter family in South Baffin Street as a teenager, and a plaque still marks where she stayed between 1812 and 1814. In a later edition of her famous novel, Mary acknowledged that Dundee had played a unique role in shaping “the airy flights of [her] imagination”. 6. Sam Robertson Born in Dundee in 1985, one of Sam’s favourite memories of the city was playing football on Magdalen Green. His acting roles include ‘Coronation Street’, ‘Beaver Falls’, ‘The Legend of Barney Thomson’ and ‘Stonemouth’ 7. Katie Leung as ‘Cho Chang’ Katie was born in Dundee and is best known for playing Cho Chang in several ‘Harry Potter’ films. She has also appeared in ‘T2: Trainspotting’, ‘Poirot’ and BBC’s ‘Annika’. 8. Brian Cox CBE in ‘Bob Servant’ The ‘Succession’ star is proud of his Dundee roots, and episode 8 of Season 2 was filmed in the city. Two series of Brian’s BBC comedy ‘Bob Servant’ were also filmed in Broughty Ferry. 9. Jimmy Macdonald Born in Dundee, Jimmy Macdonald (1906-1991) moved to the US when he was only a month old. In 1934, he got a job in the newly formed Disney Sound Effects Department and in 1946, Walt Disney handpicked Jimmy to be the official voice of Mickey Mouse. He voiced the Disney character on film and television until the late 1970s. 10. Will Fyffe The actor and comedian Will Fyffe (1885-1947) was born in Dundee and appeared on stage, radio and television, and in films like ‘To the Victor’ and ‘The Missing People’. When he wrote and recorded the song ‘I Belong to Glasgow’, he became a world-wide star. 11. William Duncan – ‘The Lochee Cowboy’ After growing up in Dundee, William Duncan (1879-1961) became a huge name in Hollywood during the era of silent films. He started out as a bodybuilder and wrestler, before becoming an actor and director and, at one point, he was reputed to earn a million dollars a year. 12. Henrietta Watson Actress Henrietta Watson (1873-1964) was born into a theatrical family, and she first acted on stage at the age of seven. She toured Australia several times, and appeared in some fifteen films between 1916 and 1939. 13. Neil Forsyth Award-winning author and screenwriter Neil Forsyth grew up in West Ferry, studied in Edinburgh, and wrote a number of fiction novels before he started writing for TV. His first novel was ‘Other People’s Money’ (2007), and his TV writing credits include ‘Bob Servant’, ‘Guilt’, ‘The Gold’ and ‘Eric, Ernie and Me’. 14. Eddie Small A well-known figure within the University, Dundee-born Eddie Small (1951-2020) was a historian and playwright, Creative Writing tutor and Public Engagement Officer for the School of Humanities. One of his plays was ‘The Four Marys’ which examined the impact of Mary Slessor, Mary Brooksbank, Mary Walker and Mary Ann Baxter on the city of Dundee. Eddie was also a passionate advocate for disability awareness. Up Up This panel was stitched by Sandra Allstaff Cath Calder Rhona Duncan Mally Gower Annie Hickson Jacklyn Koh Jill Muchall

  • Gaming | The Dundee Tapestry

    Games companies like DMA Design (now Rockstar North) and 4J Studios paved the way for a new breed of start-ups in Dundee in the early 1990s, and games like Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft and Lemmings soon emerged. In 1997, Abertay University began offering degrees in computer games design, and Dundee now has one of the biggest clusters of computer games companies in the UK. CREATIVE DUNDEE Up Up Gaming Paying tribute to Dundee’s gaming success Games companies like DMA Design (now Rockstar North) and 4J Studios paved the way for a new breed of start-ups in Dundee in the early 1990s, and games like Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft and Lemmings soon emerged. In 1997, Abertay University began offering degrees in computer games design, and Dundee now has one of the biggest clusters of computer games companies in the UK. 1. Sinclair ZX Spectrum The Timex watch factories in Milton and Camperdown were a huge employer in Dundee in the 1960s and 1970s. And as digital watches became popular, Timex diversified and developed the ZX Spectrum alongside entrepreneur Sir Clive Sinclair in the early 1980s. 2. Minecraft Minecraft was created as a PC game by a Swedish programmer called Markus Persson. However, the game really took off when Dundee company 4J Studios adapted it for consoles and handheld platforms from 2012 onwards. 4J Studios was established in 2005 by Chris van der Kuyl, Paddy Burns and Frank Arnot. 3. Minecraft weapons Minecraft weapons include swords and tridents made from materials such as netherite (the strongest), diamond, and iron. Tools like axes and shovels can also be used as weapons. 4. Grand Theft Auto Grand Theft Auto was originally conceived by Dundee company, DMA Design, and the first edition of this driving action-adventure game was released in 1997. DMA Design was founded in 1987 by David Jones who then hired fellow students Mike Dailly, Russell Kay and Steve Hammond. The latest edition of the game, Grand Theft Auto VI, will be released in 2025. 5. Lemmings Another game developed by DMA Design, Lemmings was created in 1991. It was designed as a puzzle-strategy game for the Amiga gaming platform and was later ported onto other platforms, including Commodore 64, Nintendo and Sega Mega Drive. Modern versions were also developed for Sony Playstation. 6. Lemmings entrance Each level in Lemmings typically starts when the trapdoors open at the Entrance portal and, one by one, the lemmings start to fall through. 7. Lemmings exit Reaching the Exit portal is the end goal for all lemmings in every level. Up Up This panel was stitched by Maggie Ballantyne Aileen Scoular Jeanette Smeaton

  • Artists and Art Education | The Dundee Tapestry

    Art education continues to be a fundamental part of Dundee, with art and design-focused programmes offered by three future-facing educational institutions: Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Abertay University, and Dundee & Angus College. This panel honours internationally renowned artists with links to Dundee and the city’s arts education – including jewellery-makers, photographers, film-makers, computer graphic designers, painters and printers, sculptors and fashion designers. DUNDEE EDUCATION Up Up Artists and Art Education Inspiring generations of creators Art education continues to be a fundamental part of Dundee, with art and design-focused programmes offered by three future-facing educational institutions: Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD), Abertay University, and Dundee & Angus College. This panel honours internationally renowned artists with links to Dundee and the city’s arts education – including jewellery-makers, photographers and film-makers, computer graphic designers, cartoonists, graffiti artists, painters and printers, sculptors, fashion designers, and stained glass artists. 1. The rug makers This image is inspired by a photo of local rug-makers that appeared in ‘The Courier’ in 1932. 2. Angela Hunter – ‘March of the Penguins’ Dundee’s much-loved bronze penguins can be found walking along the wall near St Mary’s Church, where they are often dressed for the season by locals. The sculpture was created by Angela Hunter in 2005, and commissioned by Dundee City Council. 3. Francis Boag – ‘White Anemones and Kumquats’ Born in Dundee in 1948, Francis Boag studied at DJCAD in the late sixties where his tutors included Alberto Morrocco and David McClure. Francis has been a full-time artist since 2001, painting vibrant still life studies, portraits and landscapes. 4. David Mach – ‘Out of Order’ David Mach’s iconic tumbling telephone box sculpture can be seen in Kingston upon Thames in Surrey, where it was installed in 1989. David was born in Fife in 1956 and studied sculpture at DJCAD. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Dundee in 2002, and appointed Professor of Inspiration and Discovery there in 2004. 5. David McClure Artist David McClure (1926-1998) taught painting at DJCAD between 1957 and 1985. His own paintings included carefully observed, boldly coloured still life and landscape studies, including locations in Fife and Angus. 6. James McIntosh Patrick RSA – ‘The Tay Bridge from my Studio Window’ Born in Dundee, James McIntosh Patrick (1907-1998) was a successful painter and printmaker, and a part-time lecturer at Dundee College of Art (the forerunner to DJCAD). His work includes meticulous landscape etchings and dramatic landscapes painted in oil, and he became an elected member of RSA (Royal Scottish Academy) in 1957. 7. Alastair Smart ARSA – ‘The Dragon’ Alastair Smart (1937-1992) taught sculpture at DJCAD for 28 years, and several of his sculptures can be seen in or near Dundee – including ‘Peter Pan’ in Kirriemuir and the ‘Whale’s Teeth’ at Polepark Road junction. ‘The Dragon’ is located in the city centre and was completed by Anthony Morrow, a former student, after Alastair’s death. 8. Life drawing Drawing from life is a regular exercise for art students at DJCAD. 9. Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art DJCAD is named after James A. L. Duncan of Jordanstone and Drumfork, who bequeathed a large sum of money from his estate in 1909 to build an independent school of industrial art. In 1911, the existing Dundee Technical Institute moved to Bell Street and re-opened as Dundee Technical College & School of Art. In the 1930s, it was agreed that the School of Art would have its own site but, due to the war, construction did not begin until 1953 and classes eventually began in 1955. The college was officially renamed Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in 1975 and remained independent until 1994, when it became part of the University of Dundee. 10. Linda Brownlee After a 38-year career in nursing, trained textile designer Linda Brownlee returned to her love of drawing. She now creates beautiful ink-pen and collage drawings of her home town of Dundee which she describes as ‘Dundee Rearranged Slightly’. 11. Michael McVeigh Born in Lochee in 1957, Michael McVeigh left school with no formal qualifications but, after attending DJCAD without consent, he was later accepted as a full-time student. He became a street artist in Edinburgh in the 1980s, and is now a modern day folk artist. 12. Alberto Morrocco RSA, RSW – ‘Sleeping Melon Vendor’ Alberto Morrocco (1917-1998) became a key name in 20th century Scottish art, and his bold and distinctive painting style reflects his Italian heritage. He was Head of Painting at DJCAD from 1950, and he was elected RSA in 1962. 13. Sydney Jordan – ‘Jeff Hawke’ Sydney Jordan was born in Dundee in 1928, and after training in aviation technology, he worked as an illustrator and cartoonist. Sydney’s best-known creation was Jeff Hawke, an intrepid RAF pilot who took part in extraordinary sci-fi adventures. It ran in the ‘Daily Express’ from 1954-1975. 14. Charles Monteith Walker – ‘Sunflowers’ Scottish painter Charles Monteith Walker attended DJCAD from 1978-1982. Following visits to Mediterranean Europe in the 1990s, he produced warm, colourful oil paintings of still lifes and landscapes. 15. David Foggie – ‘The Little Dancer’ Dundee-born artist David Foggie (1878-1948) took art lessons from an early age, and joined the Dundee Graphic Arts Association in 1896. He studied in Antwerp and by 1920, he was a teacher of Life Drawing at Edinburgh College of Art. He painted tender, empathetic portraits that celebrated everyday life. Up Up This panel was stitched by June Anderson Jackie Berg John Berg Jean Davidson Christine Don June Fraser Sharman Frost Lynne Potts Ervin Mackie Angela Mehlert

  • The Nine Wells | The Dundee Tapestry

    Water, sun, soil and location are celebrated in this panel by looking at how local people are working with nature around the city to cultivate, grow and develop systems that nurture the whole community. At the centre of the panel sits Ninewells Hospital which was named after the natural water springs that once flowed through this part of Dundee. DUNDEE NATURE Up Up The Nine Wells Bringing people and nature together Water, sun, soil and location are celebrated in this panel by looking at how local people are working with nature around the city to cultivate, grow and develop systems that nurture the whole community. At the centre of the panel sits Ninewells Hospital which was named after the natural water springs that once flowed through this part of Dundee. 1. Ninewells Hospital When it opened in 1974, Ninewells Hospital was the first new teaching hospital to be built in the UK since Victorian times. Since then, thousands of healthcare practitioners have trained at Ninewells, and many groundbreaking treatments have been introduced – including keyhole surgery and robotic surgery. The hospital is set in beautiful grounds which contain the award-winning Maggie’s Centre, designed by Frank Gehry, and the Carseview Centre, providing mental health treatment and support. 2. Heron in flight Herons are regular visitors to the River Tay, the Dighty Burn and other water sources around the city, a positive sign that these waterways continue to support nature. 3. Victoria Gardens This urban community garden enables schoolchildren and volunteers from different cultures to grow food together. In 2023, Victoria Gardens received a Certificate of Recognition in the NatureScot It’s Your Neighbourhood ‘Pollinator Friendly Award’, and the garden is part of the Grow Dundee network. 4. Wildflowers Eden Project’s wildflower habitat project began in spring 2022 – sites included Seabraes, Dawson Park, Camperdown Park and Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc. Wildflower mini-meadows can also be enjoyed throughout Dundee every summer. 5. Lady Well The Lady Well originally stood at the corner of Hilltown and Ladywell Lane. It was an important source of water for Dundee residents and it remained in use until the construction of Victoria Road in 1872. 6. River Tay dolphins Bottlenose dolphins are often spotted in the River Tay. Good times to spot them are early evenings in summer, and when the tide is coming in because dolphins often follow shoals of fish upstream. 7. Ninewells Community Garden This popular community garden sits within the arboretum at Ninewells Hospital, near the Maggie’s Centre, and its mission is to provide an environment where gardening supports physical and mental wellbeing, therapy and rehabilitation. Garden highlights include wheelchair-accessible paths, flower borders, veg beds, a small orchard and a sensory garden, all managed by volunteers. 8. Soft fruits For many Dundonians – including youngsters – summer meant heading to the fields of nearby farms in Angus, Fife and Perthshire for berry-picking. Strawberries and raspberries are traditional soft fruit crops but, in recent years, local farmers have also been growing blackcurrants, blackberries and cherries. The ‘Tayberry’ – a raspberry/blackberry hybrid – was developed in Dundee, along with several raspberry and blackcurrant varieties. 9. Tay View Community Garden Another community garden in the Grow Dundee network – a group of gardens, orchards, foraging areas and allotments in and around Dundee. 10. Rock, sand, soil All life depends on soil, and this is just one of the topics of research at The James Hutton Institute which has a centre at Invergowrie, in Dundee. 11. Duntrune Community Garden With a series of colourful pocket gardens and a community growing space, Duntrune Community Garden is managed by SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health. Regular workshops involve volunteers and participants of all ages. 12. The James Hutton Institute A globally recognised research organisation whose work looks at how science can help to drive more sustainable use of land, crops and natural resources and, ultimately, deliver better food and environmental security. 13. Dundee Therapy Garden Located at Dudhope Park, this special garden supports serving, ex-forces and ex-uniformed emergency personnel who are facing mental health challenges. Here, tailored therapies are provided in a calming green space environment. 14. Loch Tay Although it’s more than 60 miles (96km) from Dundee, this is where the River Tay begins. Loch Tay stretches for around 14 miles (23km) and it’s the sixth largest loch in Scotland. 15. Wellgate The Wellgate can be traced back to the early 15th century, and it formed a link between Murraygate and Hilltown. The suffix ‘gate’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘gata’, which means ‘road’ or ‘street’ and, in this case, Wellgate led to the Lady Well – an important source of water for the city. 16. Cultivated plants Plenty of keen home gardeners mean that Dundee’s residential gardens are also providing seasonal food and shelter for birds, insects and small mammals. 17. Carse of Gowrie Many years ago, the flat, fertile strip of land between Perth and Dundee was drained to create the rich, sheltered farmland that exists today. Historically, the soil has supported orchards, soft fruit and arable crops, like wheat, barley and potatoes. Up Up This panel was stitched by Amina Group Shanaz Ahmad Yasmin Ahmad Arati Ahmed June Anderson Hanifa Ahmed Kulsum Hussein Shazia Hussain Latifa Javeid Musarat Khan Angela Mehlert Asmau Mohammed Mabruka Mohamed Nasreen Mohammed Assma Rehan Nasreen Shabbir Shahnaz Ulhaque Khadija Yakub Mst Bakul Akter Maqsoodan Arshid Jean Davidson Zubeda Dawud Christine Don Sharman Frost

  • Michael Marra | The Dundee Tapestry

    Singer-songwriter Michael Marra (1952-2012) was born in Lochee and his colourful song lyrics reflected the highs and lows of daily life in Dundee. He formed his first band, Hen’s Teeth, in 1971 and, later, he played in Skeets Boliver, alongside his brother Christopher. But he was best known as a solo artist. His first solo album was ‘The Midas Touch’, released in 1980, and on his final recording, ‘Houseroom’, he played alongside his children Alice and Matthew with their band, The Hazey Janes. DUNDEE CULTURE Up Up Michael Marra Remembering one of Dundee’s best-loved musicians Singer-songwriter Michael Marra (1952-2012) was born in Lochee and his colourful song lyrics reflected the highs and lows of daily life in Dundee. He formed his first band, Hen’s Teeth, in 1971 and, later, he played in Skeets Boliver, alongside his brother Christopher. But he was best known as a solo artist. His first solo album was ‘The Midas Touch’, released in 1980, and on his final recording, ‘Houseroom’, he played alongside his children Alice and Matthew with their band, The Hazey Janes. This panel celebrates Michael’s song lyrics, his sense of humour, his paintings, and some of the people he loved or admired. 1. If Dundee was Africa In Chris Rattray’s play, ‘The Mill Lavvies’, a character called Archie has heard about Africa but doesn’t know where or what it is. Michael Marra’s song, ‘If Dundee was Africa’, describes this mighty continent by comparing areas and landmarks in Dundee with Africa’s geography. This song appeared in the play, and it also inspired the layout of this panel. 2. Baffies & ironing board Michael used to support his keyboard on an ironing board at gigs when he didn’t have access to a piano, and he often performed in ‘baffies’ (slippers). 3. Fiddle tree bench Niel Gow’s Oak is located in Dunkeld, a Perthshire village on the River Tay, and it’s reputed to be where this much-loved fiddler (violin-player) composed his popular strathspeys and reels. Known locally as the ‘fiddle tree’, the bench below is dedicated to Niel Gow and bears a line from Michael Marra’s song, ‘Niel Gow’s Apprentice’ which reads: “I’ll sit beneath the fiddle tree, With the ghost of Niel Gow next to me.” 4.Tenement building A wee home from home for a man born in Dundee. 5. On Stolen Stationery Michael’s album, ‘On Stolen Stationery’, was released in 1991 and this image appeared on the cover – it portrays actor Clayton Moore, who played the Lone Ranger, and was illustrated by Michael himself. 6. Gaels Blue Michael’s album ‘Gaels Blue’ was released in 1992. 7. Frida Kahlo Michael Marra’s songs were mostly written from personal experience, but he was also inspired by stories people told him or things he read about. ‘Frida Kahlo’s Visit to the Taybridge Bar’ was a classic example where Michael imagined the artist’s ghost waiting in a popular Dundee pub until she could enter heaven. 8. Radio tower This radio mast represents a song called ‘Schenectady calling Peerie Willie Johnson’ – a reminder of how some Scottish folk musicians in the 1920s learned how to build radios, then managed to tune in to early jazz broadcasts beamed live the USA. 9. General Grant Michael wrote ‘General Grant’s Visit to Dundee’ to celebrate the former US President’s trip to the city in 1877. 10. Dog in shoes An Alsatia n wearing pointed shoes was a line from Michael’s song, ‘Baps & Paste’. 11. The Violin Lesson The Dundee Tapestry’s designer, Andrew Crummy MBE, grew up in Craigmillar, in Edinburgh – a disadvantaged area at that time. When Andrew’s brother was denied violin lessons at school, his mother, Helen Crummy MBE, set up the Craigmillar Festival Society to enable all local children to enjoy art, music and drama tuition. Michael Marra wrote a song about that experience called ‘The Violin Lesson’. 12. Flax plant Michael’s song, ‘The Lass Wi’ the Flax in her Hair’, mentions Balgay Hill and Magdalen Green. 13. Hamish McAlpine [goalkeeper] Michael Marra was a big football fan and he supported Dundee FC from childhood. But he put aside local rivalry to write a song about Dundee United FC’s legendary goalkeeper, Hamish McAlpine, for the keeper’s testimonial match against Tottenham Hotspur on 17 August 1983. 14. Baps and paste The song ‘Baps & Paste’ featured on Michael’s album, ‘High Sobriety’, which was recorded live at the Bonar Hall in Dundee, in 2000. 15. Gordon McLean Michael painted a portrait of Gordon McLean, the former director of the An Tobar arts centre in Mull and a close friend of Michael. In 2008, the painting was exhibited at a gallery in Kirriemuir, alongside other portraits by Michael of people he admired. 16. The Sidlaws ‘Big Wide World Beyond the Seedlies’ also appeared on Michael’s album, ‘High Sobriety’, and refers to the Sidlaw Hills behind Dundee. Up Up This panel was stitched by Meg Bartram Louise Laing Valeen Lyons Karolina Palugova Ann Ross Sheena Sigsworth

  • Osnaburg Linen | The Dundee Tapestry

    As Dundee’s linen industry grew, the proceeds were inextricably linked to the enslavement of people from Africa and the Indies. A coarse cloth called Osnaburg was bought in huge quantities by slave-owners in the West Indies and the US, and evidence shows that Frederick Douglass, a former slave turned abolitionist, was invited to speak in Dundee. This panel explores the links between Dundee, colonialisation, and the business of enslavement. INTERNATIONAL DUNDEE Up Up Osnaburg Linen Acknowledging Dundee’s links with enslavement and the Commonwealth As Dundee’s linen industry grew, the proceeds were inextricably linked to the enslavement of people from Africa and the Indies. A coarse cloth called Osnaburg was bought in huge quantities by slave-owners in the West Indies and the US, and evidence shows that Frederick Douglass, a former slave turned abolitionist, was invited to speak in Dundee. This panel explores the links between Dundee, colonialisation, and the business of enslavement, and how these links exist today through the city’s statues, buildings and street names. 1. Osnaburg Linen production Osnaburg was a coarse linen cloth, purchased by slave-owners in the West Indies and the USA to make clothes for enslaved people on their estates. William Baxter of Balgavies belonged to a family that had been connected with the weaver trade in Dundee from the beginning of the eighteenth century and, in 1836, Messrs W. Baxter & Sons became the first mill in Dundee to weave large quantities of linen by power loom, in a large new factory at the company’s Dens Road works. 2. Trading commodities Products that were imported into Dundee from the British Colonies included raw sugar from plantations in Jamaica, and dark rum from the newly formed colony of British Guyana, formalised in 1831. The Dundee Sugar House was located on the Seagate, where it operated from 1767 to 1841. 3. Joseph Knight Joseph Knight was taken to Jamaica from West Africa as a young teenager, where he was bought by a Scottish plantation-owner called John Wedderburn. Joseph was brought to Ballindean, near Dundee, in 1768 – one of the few Black people in Scotland at that time. Although he was well-fed, dressed and educated, he had no prospect of freedom or independence; he was also at risk of being sent back to Jamaica, where conditions were very dangerous. After a four-year legal battle, Joseph Knight’s final appeal for freedom was granted in 1778, at the Supreme Court in Edinburgh – a decision that also led to the abolition of personal slavery in Scotland. In 1807, the slave trade in British Colonies became illegal and British ships were no longer allowed to carry enslaved people, although it took until 1838 for all enslaved people in the colonies to be freed. 4. Jute harvesting Dundee’s jute industry was closely associated with colonialisation. From 1757, Britain’s control of India increased and from 1858 onwards, the British government directly ruled India. Jute was grown and harvested in India, by local people, then shipped to Dundee on behalf of the increasingly wealthy mill-owners. By the early 20th century, India had developed its own jute industry and production in Dundee tailed off. 5. Seal Wax seals were often used on documents relating to the purchase of enslaved people. 6. Wearing Osnaburg Linen The experience of wearing a coarse cloth like Osnaburg was extremely unpleasant. The prominent Black author Booker T. Washington, who was born into slavery in 1856, compared it to, “A hundred pinpoints in contact with the flesh”. 7. Frederick Douglass Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was one of the former enslaved people invited to speak in Dundee. Having escaped slavery in the USA in his early 20s, Frederick became a well-known orator and social reformer and he spoke at several venues in Dundee in 1846 and 1860, including hotels and churches. 8. Enslavement ships British ships that are known to have transported enslaved people include ‘Dolphin’, ‘Minerva’ and ‘Mercury’. 9. Dundee’s leading abolitionists Despite the efforts of local abolitionists, the first Anti-Slavery Society was only formed in Dundee in 1832 – a year before the enslavement trade was finally abolished. The Reverend George Gilfillan, and his wife Margaret, were Dundee’s most active abolitionists. Rev Gilfillan invited many formerly enslaved people to speak in Dundee, while his wife Margaret was President of the Dundee Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Association, a popular organisation in the 1850s. Lasting reminders The panel also contains Dundee street names associated with global trading at this time; the names of local mills which were producing linen; and two quotes stitched around the edge: “Where is there a shred of ground to believe that ever a Scotsman considered himself as the property as chattell as the slave of his brother” Joseph Knight “Slavery is the common enemy of mankind” Frederick Douglass Up Up This panel was stitched by June Anderson Janie Brooks Ishbel Duncan Mairi Fraser Polly Golliher Gillian Leiper Jenni Liandu Maliwa Liandu Womba Liandu Abigail Ocansey Morag McQueen Yingying (Leona) Ren

  • Sporting Dundee | The Dundee Tapestry

    When Dundonians are not working, dancing or listening to music, their focus shifts to sport. The city’s two football teams – Dundee in blue and white, and Dundee United in tangerine and black – have both tasted domestic success, and their home-grounds are a stone’s throw from each other. This panel highlights popular local sports, like boxing, golf and ice hockey, and some of the talented people who have excelled in them. DUNDEE CULTURE Up Up Sporting Dundee Aiming high in the world of sport When Dundonians are not working, dancing or listening to music, their focus shifts to sport. The city’s two football teams – Dundee in blue and white, and Dundee United in tangerine and black – have both tasted domestic success, and their home-grounds are a stone’s throw from each other. This panel highlights popular local sports, like boxing, golf and ice hockey, and some of the talented people who have excelled in them. 1. Marshall Key Born in Dundee in 1932, Marshall Key made his debut for the senior Dundee Tigers, aged just 16, during the 1948-49 season. He later played in Paisley, Harringay and Edinburgh, and as player-coach for Swiss team Crans-sur-Sierre – it was in Switzerland that he would find himself giving skating lessons to actor Charlie Chaplin’s son, Michael. 2. Bowling In September 1892, 122 clubs formed the Scottish Bowling Association. Dundee still has many outdoor bowling clubs, some of which date back to the mid-1800s. 3. David Leslie Born in Dundee in 1952, David Leslie is a former international rugby union player who represented Scotland 32 times between 1975 and 1985. He also trained as an architect, graduating with first-class honours from DJCAD. 4. Willie Smith Champion golfer Willie Smith (1876-1916) was born in Dundee and initially played at Carnoustie. He and his brothers emigrated to the US, where he turned pro in 1894 and won the US Open five years later, winning by a margin of eleven shots. This record remained in place until 2000 when it was broken by Tiger Woods. 5. Shirley Robertson OBE Born in Dundee in 1968, champion sailor Shirley first sailed as a child, in a homemade dinghy. She went on to make history as the first British woman to win Olympic Gold medals at two consecutive Olympic Games, in 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens). 6. Jenny Wood Allen Jenny Wood Allen (1911-2010) became the world’s oldest female marathon runner in 2002, when she ran the London marathon aged 90. She had previously been the unofficial Scottish women’s cycling champion, ran her first marathon aged 73, and completed over 50 marathons in her lifetime. 7. Neil Paterson The multi-talented Neil Paterson (1915-1995) captained Dundee United FC in the 1936-37 season, as an amateur player, and went on to win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, for ‘Room at the Top’ in 1959. 8. Dick McTaggart MBE One of five boxing brothers from Dundee, Dick McTaggart competed for the Lightweight title in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics, winning Gold and Bronze medals respectively. More recent success in the same sport was achieved by Dundee’s Sam Hickey who won Gold in the Middleweight event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 9. Tennis Dundee has three LTA-affiliated tennis clubs – Broughty Ferry TC, Forthill Community TC and West End LTC – and eight park-based courts. 10. Natasha McKay Born in Dundee in 1995, Natasha is a six-time British Figure Skating Champion, and she also competed with Team GB at the Beijing Olympics in 2022. Natasha announced her retirement from competitive skating in May 2023, to focus on coaching in her home city. 11. Snooker Dundee’s longest-established snooker hall is Tivoli Snooker Club on Bonnybank Road. It is often used as a venue for Scottish Snooker’s national tournaments. 12. Dundee FC & Dundee United FC Located just 200 yards (183 metres) from each other, Dens Park (Dundee FC) and Tannadice (Dundee Utd FC) are the two closest senior football clubs in the UK. Both clubs have tasted domestic success, and many heroes have emerged – these include former player and longest-serving manager Jim McLean, goalkeeper Hamish McAlpine and Maurice Malpas for Dundee United; and, for Dundee FC, players Billy Steel and Bobby Cox, and manager Bob Shankly who led the club to its one and only League Championship win in 1962. Up Up This panel was stitched by Lesley Arthur Alison French Sheila G Gorrie Amanda Hastings Eleanor Mitchell Mariachiara Tiboni Anna Rooney Kirsten Mae Wallace

  • The Four Marys | The Dundee Tapestry

    The four Dundee women on this panel helped to improve people’s lives in diverse ways  – from healthcare, housing and access to green space, to education and working rights. DUNDEE WOMEN Up Up The Four Marys Women who made a difference The four Dundee women on this panel helped to improve people’s lives in diverse ways – from healthcare, housing and access to green space, to education and working rights. 1. Mary Ann Baxter Philanthropist Mary Ann Baxter (1801-1884) lived and died in Ferry Road, Dundee, and she made it her mission to improve life for Dundee people in quite different ways. Her father was William Baxter, a flax and jute baron who owned Lower Dens Works, and Mary Ann benefited from the family’s fortune. She and her siblings donated Baxter Park to the city in 1863, and she also gave money to several local charities, including the Congregational Mission in Hilltown, the YMCA and the Sailors’ Hall. But perhaps her greatest achievement was the generous funding of what is now the University of Dundee. The university opened in 1883, providing ‘the education for persons of both sexes and the study of science, literature and fine arts’. 2. Mary Slessor Mary Slessor (1848-1915) was born into a poor family in Aberdeen and arrived in Dundee when she was a child. After becoming a skilled jute worker at Baxter’s and attending the old Wishart Church regularly, Mary volunteered to work at the United Presbytery Mission in Calabar, Nigeria and sailed there in 1876. By tending the sick, setting up mission hospitals, fighting for women’s rights and reforming local belief in superstition and human sacrifice, Mary made a huge difference in the communities she served. Unusually, she made the decision to work deep inside the jungle, became fluent in the Efik language and earned the respect of a local chieftain. Recurring illnesses took their toll and Mary died of a fever in 1915, aged just 67. 3. Mary Brooksbank Another mill-worker, Mary Brooksbank (1897-1978) is remembered today as a socialist songwriter and a prominent member of Dundee’s labour movement. She began working when she was just 12, and marched for a pay rise at the age of 14. At 21, Mary decided to join the Communist Party to fight for women’s rights and contribute to the demise of capitalism. Her objective was always to improve workers’ right and she raised awareness of their plight through her contributions to politics, literature and folk music. Indeed, she is celebrated in Dundee as a poet and musican, and many of her songs are still sung – including the most famous: ‘Oh Dear Me (The Jute Mill Song)’ about the life of a young female jute worker. 4. Mary Lily Walker After her mother’s death in 1883, Mary Lily Walker (1863-1913) became one of the University of Dundee’s first female students, studying Latin, Maths, Biology and Chemistry. However, she could not ignore the shocking living conditions around her and when a group of university professors founded the Dundee Social Union, Mary became an early member. Thereafter, she campaigned hard for social change in health and housing, and fought to improve the life chances of women and children in Dundee. A new Women’s Hospital, baby clinics and health visitors, school dinners, children’s convalescent holidays and clubs for all age groups were just some of her achievements. Mary’s memory lives on in the Lily Walker Centre, a 24-hour centre which supports people in Dundee who become homeless. Up Up This panel was stitched by Avis Moore Susan Fraser Yvonne Tweedie

  • Jute | The Dundee Tapestry

    In the mid-19th century, Dundee’s fortunes revolved around jute. The first bales of jute fibre arrived by ship from Bengal in 1820, and by the 1890s, more than 120 jute mills were in operation, employing around 50,000 people. The majority of jute workers were women and children because they cost less, and serious accidents were common. By 1914, the industry was in decline. The last ship to bring bales of raw jute from India was the ‘Banglar Urmi’ in 1998. DUNDEE INDUSTRY Up Up Jute The story of Dundee’s jute industry In the mid-19th century, Dundee’s fortunes revolved around jute. The first bales of jute fibre arrived by ship from Bengal in 1820, and by the 1890s, more than 120 jute mills were in operation, employing around 50,000 people. The majority of jute workers were women and children because they cost less, and serious accidents were common. By 1914, the industry was in decline. The last ship to bring bales of raw jute from India was the ‘Banglar Urmi’ in 1998, and Dundee’s last jute mill, Taybank Works, closed in 1999. 1. Jute workers Working in a jute mill was exhausting, poorly paid and very dangerous – many workers lost their hearing from the noise of the machinery or developed breathing difficulties. From 1876 onwards, children under 13 combined mill-work with school and became known as ‘half-timers’ – either attending school every other day, or in the afternoons. Some mills even had their own schools. 2. Verdant Works Verdant Works is one of Dundee’s best-known mills and it was built in 1833 for flax merchant David Lindsay. In the mid-1800s, the mill switched from flax to jute, but all production ceased by the late 19th century. Verdant Works opened to the public as a museum in 1996, and is now owned by Dundee Heritage Trust. As a rare surviving example of a courtyard-type mill, it carries a Category ‘A’ listing. 3. Jute production Dundee’s jute mills used water from Scouring Burn, Dens Burn and Dighty Burn to power the steam engines, and to process the jute. 4. ‘Heckling’ the jute The ‘heckling’ process involved splitting and straightening the jute fibres, before they were spun into coarse yarn for weaving. 5. Jute bales These came from Bengal, an area now divided between India and Bangladesh. Each jute bale weighed almost 200kg, and was known as a ‘pukka bale’. 6. ‘Oh dear me, the mill’s gaein fast’ A lyric from a song called ‘ Oh Dear Me/Jute Mill Song’ by socialist songwriter Mary Brooksbank. 7. Jute plant The jute plant (Corchorus olitorius) takes around three months to grow from seed to harvest. 8. Reels of jute During the spinning process, jute fibres were twisted together to create a continuous thread and the resulting yarn was wound onto bobbins or reels. 9. Rope-making Jute is fully biodegradable and recyclable, and is still widely used today in carpet-making, agriculture and packaging. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the long jute fibres were also used for rope-making at Tay Rope Works in Dundee’s West End. 10. Dundee mill names Today, former jute mills in Dundee have new identities: Verdant Works is a popular museum, Baxter Brothers Works has become Hotel Indigo, and other mills have been turned into apartments and workshops. Up Up This panel was stitched by Leigh Kane Gail Foulis Aileen Scoular Susan Watson

  • Cinemas and Dancehalls | The Dundee Tapestry

    The city’s first-ever ’moving picture show’ was unveiled by cinema pioneer Peter Feathers in Castle Street in 1896 and, at one point, Dundee had 75 cinemas. The city was big on bars and nightclubs, too. Bob and Betty Barty ran the Star Ballroom in Lochee for many years, and taught disco and ballroom to generations of dance-loving Dundonians. Meanwhile, Northern Soul fans would take to the floor at Marryat Hall and The Nine Maidens, or catch the bus to the legendary Wigan Casino. DUNDEE CULTURE Up Up Cinemas and Dancehalls Places to dance and dream Favourite entertainment venues are honoured on this panel. The city’s first-ever ’moving picture show’ was unveiled by cinema pioneer Peter Feathers in Castle Street in 1896 and, at one point, Dundee had 75 cinemas. The city was big on bars and nightclubs, too. Bob and Betty Barty ran the Star Ballroom in Lochee for many years, and taught disco and ballroom to generations of dance-loving Dundonians. Meanwhile, Northern Soul fans would take to the floor at Marryat Hall and The Nine Maidens, or catch the bus from Lindsay Street to the legendary Wigan Casino. Here, we celebrate current and long-gone venues that are still loved and remembered by the people of Dundee. Up Up This panel was stitched by Meg Bartram Susan Falconer Louise Laing Valeen Lyons Ann Ross Susan Scott Sheena Sigsworth

bottom of page