Dundee: Scotland's Sunniest City by the River Tay

• HelloHallo
  [haa-loh]
• GoodbyeCheerio
  [chee-ree-oh]
• YesAye
  [aye]
• NoNaw
  [naw]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/Ye're welcome
  [pleez/yir welcome]
• Thank youCheers
  [cheers]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [sor-ee]
• How are you?Hoo are ye?
  [hoo ar yee]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And yersel?
  [fine. and yer-sel]
• Do you speak English?Dae ye speak Scots?
  [da yee speak scots]
• I don't understandAh dinnae ken
  [ah din-aye ken]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAh'd like tae see the menu, please
  [ahd like tay see the meh-noo, pleez]
• I don't eat meatAh dinnae eat meat
  [ah din-aye eat meat]
• Cheers!Slainte!
  [slan-cha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAh wid like tae pay, please
  [ah wid like tay pay, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Gie's peace!
  [giez peace]
• Call the Police!Caw the Polis!
  [caw the pol-iss]
• Call a doctor!Caw a doctor!
  [caw a doc-tor]
• I'm lostAh'm tint
  [ahm tindt]
• I'm illAh'm no weel
  [ahm no weel]

• I'd like to buy...Ah'd like tae buy...
  [ahd like tay buy]
• I'm just lookingAh'm just haein a keek
  [ahm just hae-in a keek]
• How much is it?Hoo much is it?
  [hoo much is it]
• That's too expensiveThon's ower dear
  [thonz oh-wer deer]
• Can you lower the price?C'n ye gie's a better deal?
  [ken yee geez a bet-ter deel]

• What time is it?Fit time is it?
  [fit time is it]
• It's one o'clockIt's yin o'clock
  [its yin oh-clock]
• Half past (10)Hoff past ten
  [hoff past ten]
• MorningMornin
  [mor-nin]
• AfternoonEftirnuin
  [ef-ter-nuin]
• EveningEenin
  [ee-nin]
• YesterdayYestreen
  [yes-treen]
• TodayThe-day
  [the-day]
• TomorrowThe-morn
  [the-morn]
• 1Yin
  [yin]
• 2Twa
  [twa]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Fower
  [fo-wer]
• 5Fae
  [fae]
• 6Sax
  [sax]
• 7Seiven
  [se-ven]
• 8Echt
  [echt]
• 9Nin
  [nin]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Whaur's the...?
  [whaurz the]
• What's the address?Fit's the address?
  [fits the address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?C'n ye shaw me (on the map)?
  [ken yee shaw me (on the map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Whit time's the next (bus)?
  [whit timez the next (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (tae ....)
  [a ticket (tay)]

Dundee's origins date back to the late 12th century when it was granted a royal charter by King William the Lion. The city's strategic location on the north bank of the Firth of Tay made it an important hub for trade and commerce from the very beginning.

In 1651, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Dundee was besieged by General Monck's forces under the command of Oliver Cromwell. The city was heavily fortified, but eventually it fell to the Parliamentarian forces after intense fighting, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.

Dundee became known as the 'Jute Capital of the World' in the 19th century. The city's jute mills thrived due to the import of raw jute from the Indian subcontinent and the production of jute products. The industry played a crucial role in Dundee's economic growth, employing thousands and shaping its urban landscape.

Built in Dundee in 1901, the RRS Discovery is a symbol of the city's shipbuilding prowess. The ship is most famous for its Antarctic expedition led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Today, the RRS Discovery is preserved as a museum ship at Discovery Point, providing a glimpse into the era of polar exploration.

On December 28, 1879, the original Tay Rail Bridge collapsed during a violent storm while a train was crossing, resulting in the tragic loss of 75 lives. The disaster was a pivotal event in engineering history, leading to significant changes in bridge design and safety standards. A new Tay Rail Bridge was completed in 1887.

In recent decades, Dundee has become known for its vibrant digital and gaming sector. Companies like DMA Design (now Rockstar North) and 4J Studios have their roots in the city, contributing to the global success of games such as 'Grand Theft Auto' and 'Minecraft'. This shift has rejuvenated Dundee's economy and cultural landscape.

The V&A Dundee, opened in 2018, is Scotland's first design museum and a landmark of contemporary architecture designed by Kengo Kuma. The museum showcases the best of Scottish and global design, highlighting Dundee's role as a city of innovation and creativity.

Dundee is well-connected by various means of transportation. The nearest airport is Dundee Airport, which offers flights to and from London and other major UK cities. Alternatively, Edinburgh Airport is about an hour's drive away and offers a wider range of international flights. Dundee is also accessible by train, with regular services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. If you prefer to drive, the city is well-connected by major roads, including the A90 and A92.

Getting around Dundee is convenient with its comprehensive public transport system. The city has an extensive bus network operated by Xplore Dundee and Stagecoach, covering most areas. Taxis are also readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in the city. For those who prefer to cycle, Dundee has several bike rental options and dedicated cycling paths. Walking is also a great way to explore the compact city center.

The official currency in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Dundee, including contactless payments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and many establishments also accept mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in markets or smaller shops.

Dundee is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is essential to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas such as parks or alleyways. Areas like Hilltown and parts of Lochee can have higher crime rates, so exercise caution if visiting these neighborhoods. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid displaying expensive items openly.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, and medical services. Dundee has several hospitals, including Ninewells Hospital, which offers comprehensive emergency services. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues, and many operate late into the night. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency health advice, you can call NHS 24 at 111.

Fashion: Do dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable. Don't wear overly casual clothes when dining at high-end restaurants. Religion: Do show respect when visiting religious sites. Don't take photos without permission. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't talk loudly on your phone. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Dundee cake and Arbroath smokies. Don't leave a significant amount of food on your plate as it can be considered wasteful.

To experience Dundee like a local, visit the Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) center, which hosts a variety of exhibitions and independent films. Explore the Waterfront, home to the V&A Dundee museum and Slessor Gardens. Enjoy a walk along the Tay Rail Bridge or take a trip to Broughty Ferry, a charming suburb with beautiful beaches and a historic castle. Engage with locals in traditional pubs like The Trades House Bar, where you can enjoy local brews and live music.