What are the main social issues/concerns in Dundee (Scotland)?

Question

I was looking for oppinions with specifically Dundee (Scotland)in mind. I'm going to an interview for a course, and I've worked out what I think they are, but I would be really interested to hear other peoples oppinions.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I lived in Dundee for about 5 years as a student.

First thing is a beautifully musical accent. Especially the woman.

Second is the highest density of bar's per head of population in the UK.

Third is that this town was actually planned and the centre is indeed the centre. i.e. greatest walk from outskirts is 3 miles.

Fourth - egotists exist in Dundee to a much lesser extent. Nobody say my life’s ambition is to come here. Usually the reverse. ( except the locals in the white socks)

If you like the above - go for it. Student and local's lives are very separate. Unless your like me and won’t stay in your box.

At least that was what it was like 20 years ago ...

Answer 2

Drug/alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, high crime statistics, poverty, poor housing, unemployment..................yeah Dundee has a lot going for it.

Sorry to be so negative but that's the bottom line.

Answer 3

Poverty, lack of social housing, the education system is awful (i`ve met many 16+ year olds from Dundee who have NO qualifications and/or are illiterate). Lack of motivation, huge Heroine / methadone problems, loss of around 800 manufacturing jobs in the last year.Teenage pregnancy capital of Europe. Poor mental health care.

Check out http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk or

http://www.thecourier.co.uk ; two Dundee based newspapers which should give you quite a bit of info.

Answer 4

Youth crime and unemployment spring to mind.

Answer 5

Drunk kids, ASBO youth, low income families, families living off social welfare system. drugs.

Answer 6

they have a big bridge, that concerns me

Answer 7

Unemployment is the biggie - I left 7 years ago because of that.  Drugs and crime are worse than many similar towns, as are teenage pregnancies.  

A major problem for me was the narrow minded attitudes, many people have little experience of life outside Dundee and are consequently suspicious and condescending of anything they don't know (defence mechanism?)and gossip spreads incredibly fast - no need for the internet.  It's not called the biggest village in Scotland for nothing!  

Local buses are frequent and reliable but the train service is slow and trains outdated (may have changed recently with GNER being taken over by National Express) - I still can't believe how long it takes on a train to Edinburgh, the line badly needs upgraded.  The nearest decent airport is Edinburgh with no direct train link even though the line passes at the end of the runway.

On the plus side, housing is relatively cheap, most people know their neighbours (even if they don't like them), the universities are both good and the location is stunning - set along the river with mountains, sea, beaches all close by.  There are also lots of pubs, some very good but very few beer gardens due to the weather.  The local hospital is also excellent.

Answer 8

Teenage pregnancies.  Dundee is the world capital.

Answer 9

walking round the corner without fearing you may be stabbed by a group of 14year old neds