Famous names promote city image

The campaign aims to promote Dundee as a modern, ambitious city

Famous Dundonians are aiming to promote a new image of the city.

Actor Brian Cox and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly are among the Dundee Ambassadors who have revealed what they believe makes the city special.

As part of the rebranding, the "City of Discovery" logo is being changed to "One City, Many Discoveries".

The new campaign highlights Dundee's place as a pioneer in the life sciences and computer games industries, along with the city's two universities.

A new website has been set up to promote the city and features the stories of the famous Dundonians.

Emmy award-winning Mr Cox was born in the city in 1947 and has starred in films such as The Bourne Supremacy and X-Men 2.

He spoke of his "idyllic" memories of growing up in the city - including those from his first confession, confirmation and communion.

The city has experienced tough times but what I really admire about people here is their strength of character and resilience Lorraine Kelly

He said: "Dundee is a city that's had to rediscover itself time and time again in order to survive. In fact, it's constantly had to 'reinvent' itself.

"Dundonians have had some tough times - the huge loss of life after the First World War and the death of the mills in the late 1950s, for example.

"The city did become bleak but the thing that's always been powerful about the city is the people. They have amazing resilience and have always bounced back."

Ms Kelly describes herself as an "adopted Dundonian" having come from Glasgow originally.

She said: "I think there's a strong will and a feeling of optimism in the city. In the past Dundee has missed out in business and commercial opportunities, but there's definitely a desire for success in the city.

"There are still opportunities for many more improvements, we just need to make sure that we grab them.

"The city has experienced tough times but what I really admire about people here is their strength of character and resilience.

"I think it's remarkable and you see those qualities in all kinds of things; in the writers, artists and talented creative people."