Dundee is a famous old city, now the fourth largest in
Scotland, that is renowned for many things including being the former home of
Britain’s worst-ever poet (the Victorian William McGonagall) and the three “Js”
of jute, jam and journalism. It is ideal
as a holiday location, a short trip or as part of a tour.
The city lies on the north bank of the Firth of Tay, which
opens into the North Sea. There has been a settlement here since before Roman
times. Dundee’s current population is close to 150,000.
There is plenty for the visitor to see, beginning with some
magnificent views across the River Tay and the sweep of the rail and road
bridges (more than a mile long) that
connect the city to Fife and the South.
Dundee’s industrial past can be appreciated by visits to the
docks and former factories, especially the Verdant Works which is a preserved
jute mill with some of the old machines still in working order. Jute is a fibre
that was imported from India during the 19th century and processed
into yarns that were used to make hessian cloth.
Shipbuilding was another important industry in Dundee’s past
and one of the most famous ships built here can be seen on the waterfront. This
is “Discovery”, on which Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton sailed
to the Antarctic in 1901. Visitors can “go below” and see where the explorers
and crew lived, ate and slept.
Another preserved ship that must be seen in Dundee is HM
Frigate Unicorn, moored in Victoria Dock. This ship was launched in 1824 and is
the oldest British warship still afloat.
Dundee is the home of D C Thomson, publishers of newspapers
and magazines including the Beano and Dandy childrens’ comics. Statues of
Minnie the Minx and Desperate Dan can be seen in the city centre.
If you are touring Scotland, Dundee is not to be missed!
© John Welford
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