Living And Working In Dundee

Dundee is situated on the Firth of Tay estuary, which flows into the North Sea and is in eastern Scotland. It is Scotland's fourth largest city following on from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. It is approximately a sixty mile drive to Scotland's capital Edinburgh and there are regular direct train journeys to and from London which is around 470 miles from Dundee.

Evidence of early settlements in Dundee date back to prehistoric times! However, it was during the Industrial Revolution that the city was dramatically transformed Often remembered for its extremely important and significant role in ship building, jute mills were also especially common in the latter part of the nineteenth century and Dundee was soon known as the Jute Capital of the World. Jute is a vegetable fibre material, obtained from the jute plant and is known for its strength and durability. In fact, the three R’s are often referred to in Dundee regarding key aspects of the city’s historical and cultural identity, jute, jam and journalism! The jam reference refers to the idea of marmalade being introduced with Keiller’s marmalade, which was then exported on a large scale. The journalism part is because the city has a rich history in journalism, being home to notable newspapers and publications, which have contributed to the city’s vibrant media landscape.

Dundee’s economy continues to reflect its transformation into a dynamic hub, blending traditional industries with emerging sectors. The city is driven by significant projects and investments, notably the £1 billion waterfront redevelopment and the £300 million Tay Cities Deal. Both business and residents are being attracted to the area, enhancing Dundee’s appeal as a modern city.

The life sciences sector remains a significant part of Dundee’s economy, anchored by the University of Dundee and research institutions. The Life Sciences Innovation District and collaborations with industry leaders like NHS Tayside, support advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical research.

Dundee is renowned for its contributions to video game development. The city’s creative sector also includes design, media and digital arts. Institutions like Abertay University play a key role in fostering talent in this area.

While traditional manufacturing has declined, sectors such as engineering and energy are still strong. The Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, a leading initiative, focuses on sustainable manufacturing and clean energy. High tech manufacturing companies contribute to energy technology with a focus on oilfield products and digital solutions that support the global energy sector while the Dundee Waterfront Development has attracted investment in modern manufacturing facilities, including high tech and precision engineering firms, contributing to the sector's growth.

The development of the Eden Project Dundee signals a growing emphasis on eco tourism and sustainable industries.  This sector is expected to grow significantly with the rise of green tourism and environmentally focused businesses.

Tourism thrives here and there is much to see and do in Dundee that reflects its rich cultural heritage, innovative spirit and incorporates the beautiful scenery. The arrival of the highly acclaimed and much anticipated design attraction, the Victoria and Albert Museum, has roused significant interest and has been extremely popular since it opened in 2018. The McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum houses collections of fine art, archaeology and local history and is a great way to learn about the area's heritage. Discovery Point tells the story of the RRS Discovery, the ship used by Captain Scott for Antarctic exploration and visitors can tour the ship while learning about the fascinating expeditions.

Over 1.5 million visitors come to Dundee each year due to the rich tapestries of castles, abbeys, waterfalls, forests, mountainous regions, unspoilt beaches and some amazing opportunities to watch wildlife. For panoramic views of the city and beyond, hike or drive up Dundee Law, an extinct volcano, as from the summit you can see stunning views!

The city has an exceptional selection of shops from well known high street stores in the centre to quirky and unique shops which can be found in the quiet little back streets and lanes. Dundee also offers a fantastic range of options for eating and drinking with a huge selection of restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, pubs and street food outlets.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on October 18th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is Malmaison Dundee, DD1 4AY. This spacious 4 star hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, on the banks of the River Tay and close to many attractions. This beautiful listed building has an interesting history, having originally been constructed around 1889 and has retained many original features which add to its unique charm.