dundee: city of discovery & rediscovery

Cities, just like people, are subject to changes of fortune over the years and Dundee is no exception. Once known for jam, jute and journalism, it was a flourishing place, but it seemed to get left behind by its neighbour, Aberdeen, during the north sea oil boom during the 1970s and 80s. This was a period of quiet contemplation for Dundee, but never underestimate this city’s ability for reinvention. This is a city with a tradition of being a leader and not a follower.

World’s First Marmalade Factory

Dundee opened the world’s first marmalade factory back in 1797. James and Janet Keiller had a small confectionary shop in Seagate, Dundee and they are credited with using bitter Seville oranges and thick peel to make marmalade for the first time. They must have been a very entrepreneurial, not to mention enterprising couple, because Janet Keiller invented the famous Dundee cake when she had an excess of oranges and created a cake which is known the world over today. This rich sultana cake flavoured with oranges and almonds has a layer of almonds on top, giving it a distinctive look which sets it apart from other fruit cakes.

The Royal Research Ship Discovery

In 1901 Captain Scott and a team of forty-eight men sailed from New Zealand to explore Antartica. This difficult and dangerous trip resulted in the discovery of over five hundred new species and important scientific discoveries. In 1905 she was bought

by the Hudson Bay Company and sailed the world until she was refitted in Portsmouth in 1923 so she could resume more scientific research and was a designated Royal research Ship for the first time. Her last Antarctic expedition was from 1929 -1931. She then went to London as a training ship for Sea Scouts and Royal Naval Reserve. In 1979 she was bought by the Maritime Trust. She arrived in Dundee in 1993 and took pride of place at Discovery Point. There are few finer sights than the majestic Discovery’s masts perfectly aligned in front of the V&A Museum, which gives the impression that the award winning V&A building has masts.

Ninewells Hospital

Ninewells was the first teaching hospital to be built in the UK since the 19th Century when it opened in 1974. The hospital is known for having introduced laparoscopic surgery (also known as keyhole surgery) to the UK. It is also known as a leading centre for cancer management and robotic surgery. The opening of Ninewells resulted in some other hospitals in the city having to close. Dundee Royal Infirmary had been the city’s main hospital for over 100 years. It closed in 1998 when most of its services relocated to Ninewells. The city’s Maryfield hospital, which was originally built as a poorhouse hospital in 1893, also closed after Ninewells opened.

If you haven’t visited Dundee for a while, it is well worth a trip. It is Scotland’s sunniest and driest city, so you are almost guaranteed good weather - well almost, but pack an umbrella just in case.