regions uk & ireland


The Angus Glens are ideal for walking and fly-fishing


Marmalade was invented in Dundee in the 18th century by


Janet Keiller


Then you cross the Tay Bridge and that really whets the appetite for the city.” Dundee has an attractive position on the waterfront and, from summer 2018, an attractive new railway station to boot. The Caledonian Sleeper train service, which runs overnight up the east coast from London, is also getting a revamp and the new carriages should be in place well before the V&A opens its doors in September. Arriving into Dundee by train has never been so enticing.


And that waterfront makes an excellent first impression. As well as the ultra-modern design of the V&A building, there is also Slessor Gardens, an open space that hosts large events and concerts, and the world-famous ship Discovery, which Scott and Shackleton travelled on to Antarctica.


Overseas visitors Discovery has always brought in a


significant international audience, Jennings says, with about 25% of visitors coming from overseas. It is of particular interest to the Australia and New Zealand markets and has excellent brand recognition globally. The museum here is also currently being updated, with more interactive displays and a redevelopment of many of the main galleries. Then there is the DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts) centre with its cutting-edge exhibitions, the Dundee Repertory Theatre and the historic Verdant Works, an ex-jute mill that now tells the story of when Dundee was the powerhouse of the world’s jute industry.


The city has long been an innovator: marmalade was invented here, the Grand Theft Auto video game series was developed here, and anyone familiar with British comics will also recognise Desperate Dan, another Dundonian


52 wtm insights summer 2018


creation, striding along the main shopping street.


“Dundee is a collaborative city, rather than a competitive one,” says Jennings. “The people here have the right attitude and intent. Having that appetite helped us to secure the V&A. Dundee’s attitude has evolved. We have moved out of the shadow of our industrial past.” The main challenge for Dundee now is to encourage people to stay a little longer. With Edinburgh just 90 minutes away by road, day trips are all too easy. “Our goal is to convert day trippers into overnight stays,” says Jennings. “We are taking product and bringing it together in a package to encourage short breaks.”


Hotel renaissance As part of this push, the city is


undergoing a renaissance in its hotel stock. Hundreds of beds are being added throughout this year, with Sleeperz opening at the newly revamped train station, Indigo opening just to the east of the city centre and a Marriott in the works for the waterfront. There is also a Malmaison in the heart of the city and recent new openings have also included a Premier Inn and a Hampton by Hilton. With the opening of the V&A, Dundee aims to bring in a million visitors during the first two years. With so much going on in the city, they can certainly expect to be surprised.


Venture firth Scottish news


Watch the birdie The oldest, and arguably most


prestigious, of the world’s four major golf championships will be played at Carnoustie from July 15-22. Tickets for the 147th Open start from £10 for the practice days (theopen.com).


Whisky galore The Scotch whisky industry is


booming, and Glasgow has a brand- new distillery. The Clydeside Distillery has tours and tastings from £15 and an enviably gorgeous position on the banks of the River Clyde (theclydeside.com).


Beds express


New trains with en suite Club Rooms featuring the first double beds on UK rolling stock launch on the London- Scotland Caledonian Sleeper in October (newtrains.sleeper.scot).


Home to jute


barons, Broughty Ferry was once called the “richest square mile in Europe”


Kengo Kuma at the new V&A Dundee


wtm.com


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