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'Out and About'
'DUNDEE'

City of Dundee

Brief history - Dundee started off as a small port in the 11th and 12th centuries. Its name may be derived from the words Dun Diagh (Dun's fort). In 1191 King William gave Dundee a charter which granted the townspeople certain rights including their own local government and court. Its population increased sharply in the 16th and early 17th centuries to around approximately 7,000 people. In the 1870s a network of sewers was created in Dundee. The council also created public parks. From 1876 horse drawn trams ran in the streets of Dundee. Like all of Scotland, Dundee suffered severely in the depression of the 1930s. Jute and shipbuilding both suffered. But the marmalade industry still prospered and in 1920 D C Thompson began printing comics. Prosperity returned to Dundee during World War II when the shipyards worked incessantly. However after 1945 they declined. Shipbuilding in Dundee ended altogether in 1982.

The Discovery

The Discovery - is found at the quayside of the city docks, this famous ship was the first vessel to be constructed specifically for a scientific research expedition which took it to the Antarctica. The expedition was led by Sir Clements Markham and the ship's captain was Captain Robert Scott RN. After five months at sea, Antarctica was eventually sighted on 8th January 1902. Pulling sledges through blizzards in temperatures around minus 45º they risked frostbite and snow blindness to take measurements and collect specimens.

McManus Collections Unit

The McManus Collections Unit - is the new permanent home for Dundee’s History, Archaeology and Natural History Collections. The relocation of these Collections to this facility frees up more space in the McManus Galleries and Museum in Albert Square allowing for improved exhibition and visitor facilities. Join one of the tours for a fascinating ‘behind-the-scenes’ glimpse of these Collections with an entertaining tour guide.

Jute Museum Verdant Works - A fantastic family day out, 'If it wasnae for the weavers where would we be?' A visit to this award-winning attraction Verdant Works in Dundee is a great day out for everyone. Experience a unique journey which brings the past alive. Verdant Works tells the tale of jute with the life and work of old Dundee from the incredible rise of the industry to its subsequent decline. It's a story that transports you back over 100 years when jute was King and Dundee was its realm.
Camperdown House

Camperdown Country Park - is the largest public park in Dundee and took its name and fame from the victory of Admiral Adam Duncan over the Dutch fleet in 1797 at the Battle of Camperdown off the Dutch coast. The park which is home to no fewer than 190 species of trees, was opened to the public in 1949. Within the Adventure Play Area is the Sensory garden which was designed to stimulate visitors with particular attention to the sight, smell and feel of the plants. There is also an area of specially adapted play equipment.

Broughty Castle

Broughty Castle - sits at the mouth of the River Tay. Built in 1496 it has faced many sieges and battles. Today it houses interesting displays on the life and times of Broughty Ferry, its people, the environment and the wildlife that live close by. The Castle has beautiful views over the river, and is only minutes away from Broughty Ferry Beach and Esplanade. It is a must-see attraction if you're visiting Broughty Ferry and offers something for everyone with a changing programme of events activities and displays.

 

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