Welcome to Dundee Next to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, Dundee (Dùn Dèagh in Gaelic) is the fourth largest city in Scotland and has been consistently voted as one of the top ten cities in Britain for quality of life. Built on the basalt plug of an extinct volcano now called "Dundee Law" Dundee's industrial heritage comes from shipbuilding, textiles and Jute. Though the city is just over 800 years old, Dundee has become a hectic, commercial and industrial city. Geography Dundee is located on the banks of the River Tay, which flows out into the North Sea, on the East Coast. Sidlaw Hills lays to the North and to the west the Carse of Gowrie. The residential suburbs of Broughty Ferry and Monifieth lie to the East. Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city with an average of 1400 hours of sunshine per year. Climate is mild and the warmest months are July and August, where temperatures have been known to reach 25°C. January and February are the coldest months, averaging at around 5 to 7°C. With a population of 154,674, ethnic minority population is 4000. The Council wards containing the largest ethnic minority populations are Tay Bridges (9.96%); Hilltown (8.55%); Law (8.05%); Riverside (7.93%); Stobswell (6.91%); Logie (6.61%); East Port (6.00%); and West Ferry (5.56%). History A fort was constructed by the Picts on Dundee Law which acquired the name Dun Deagh, 'fortress of Daigh'. The town achieved the status of a royal burgh by the 12th century. The town subsequently developed as an importing, exporting and distributing centre and by the 16th century, Dundee had developed textile industries in addition to its trade, becoming one of the earliest urban industrial areas in Scotland. In 1913 the City of Dundee incorporated Broughty Ferry to the east. From 1975, the city was the administrative centre of Tayside Region and was itself administered as one of the districts of that region. the City of Dundee has been a self-contained Unitary Authority since the abolition of two-tier local government in Scotland in 1996. Thus, Dundee is also Scotland's smallest local government subdivision. The city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 1991 and on 5 March 2004, Dundee was granted Fairtrade City status. Transportation Dundee has it's own airport with flights direct to Manchester and London City Airport run by ScotAirways. Dundee train station is located in the City Centre, with frequent services, almost every hour to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Dundee Bus Station, also located in the city centre serves National Express coaches and Scottish Citylink with frequent services, almost every hour to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Attractions Broughty Castle and Museum - A 15th Century coastal fort, it is now used as a museum of local history and wildlife. It also has an armoury and an observation post and displays the history of whaling in the Dundee area. Dudhope Castle - The Castle was used as a barracks from 1796 to 1879, till 1881. Now this magnificent castle is one of the main attractions in Dundee. University of Dundee Botanic Gardens - a wide collection of plants, trees and shrubs, housed in glasshouses, a water garden and herb garden. The garden was established in 1971 and is located in the west of the city. Discovery Point - An award-winning attraction, Discovery Point features spectacular exhibits and special effects. You can get on board the RRS (Royal Research Ship) and feel its history. Tay Railway Bridge - Designed and constructed by Sir Thomas Bouch, it was the world's longest single span bridge when in 1878 when it was opened. Camperdown Wildlife Centre - A small zoo run by Dundee City Council Parks Department, features exotic species such as a two European brown bears, wolves, Arctic foxes, monkeys, a lynx, ring-tailed lemur enclosure and water-feature for a European otter. St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral - Built in 1853 by the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, it is located on the old Castle Hill in the centre of Dundee. With traces of neo-Gothic style, the cathedral is dominated by a 64m (210-foot) high spire. The Mills Observatory - Was built in 1935 on Balgay Hill within Balgay Park. Features planetary observations and provides panoramic views over the Firth of Tay to Fife. Festivals and Events Dundee Flower and Food Festival - Held in september, excellent entertainment for all with 'gardening live' demonstrations, talks, music, fashion shows, floral art and cookery demonstrations plus a variety of children's activities. Dundee Festival of Scottish Music - Held in September, this is a festival celebrating the many different facets of historical and traditional music in Scotland. Dundee Jazz Festival - Internationally acclaimed jazz stars play the Dundee Jazz Festival alongside a host of local talent. Dundee Mountain Film Festival - an all weekend extravaganza, the festival shows only the best of the current mountain and action films, presenting top international speakers. Dundee Guitar Festival - A guitar competition where all the best players in Scotland come together to compete for the grand prize. Features classical at all levels, a contemporary style, master-classes, public lectures and a concert series. 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