Only a few weeks have passed since The Times newspaper named Dundee as one of the coolest cities in the UK, calling it one of the most-improved in the country.
I couldn’t agree more.
There are many people who laugh at and mock Dundee, especially when they see it in the news because of the major issues it faces, from poverty and drugs to homelessness and crime.
Those who know me totally understand I’m very defensive about my native city.
It’s something I talked about in my interview for Autistic Pride Day.
I never shy away from being asked: “Do you think Dundee is perfect?”
The honest answer is, no, I don’t.
Dundee is far from perfect. But go to any city in the world and they all have issues.
No city in the world is perfect and never will be.
But the positives for Dundee always outweigh the negatives.
Look at the incredible rejuvenation the city is going through – and not just at the Waterfront, which is always considered the main reason for Dundee’s changing image.
‘I love their enthusiasm’
There are many projects, opportunities and redevelopments throughout the city that prove my home is changing for the better.
Amazing examples include the redevelopment in Stobswell.
It’s aiming to change its image, with projects such as ‘Pocket Place’ rolled out to redevelop Albert Street and Craigie Street.
Community campaigners believe this will have a positive impact on the area.
I know Stobswell Community Forum is passionate about the project and I love their enthusiasm.
There are many new businesses opening up which are bringing jobs to the city, resulting in Dundee’s unemployment rate at its lowest level for 20 years.
Many of these firms are small and independent, leading to Dundee being featured as one of the best cities in the country to start a small business.
Who wouldn’t want to start a company in what I described in last week’s column as the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley?
‘Remarkable change’
It’s also heartening to see neighbourhoods undergoing immense regeneration.
The nearest to me is Mill O’ Mains, which has completely reinvented itself as a community for families with young children.
There are now accessible areas to play and have fun.
When I was younger, it was always an area that was a target of crime and didn’t look its best.
Nowadays, though, it’s a different story. The change is remarkable and I always enjoy walking there.
And, as cool as it looks, it’s another reminder that Dundee’s improvements don’t come from just the Waterfront.
The feedback I received last week on my view that Dundee is the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley column was interesting.
There were both positive and negative comments.
But there definitely seems to be a buzz among Dundonians at the moment, an excitement for the future and the growing potential the city really has.
Yes, there are others who are yet to see it but I hope they do one day and realise that Dundee is a city which is showing others it means business.
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