City of Dundee on the east coast of Scotland seems to me to be changing fast. Only a year ago and I hardly recognize the place, such is the speed of change what with the old wharf and docks being modernized with apartments and shopping malls, it’s hard to keep up.
South Victoria Dock- north end in Dundee
The new apartments here and a promenade walkway along the shore with only the remnants of the quayside cranes on the lower right in the background to remind you that this was once a thriving seaport. Since I rendered this picture it’s all changed again with rows of apartments now lining the route. I understand even the cranes have possibly moved again too, so I’ll have to take a look soon before I forget the way!
At the other end of town is the old Mercat Cross at Nethergate, beside St. Mary’s Church, still there fortunately, though since it’s inception way back in 1586 it’s been moved a few times too! The present location is the latest since 1993, though it wasn’t moved far, just a little to the west. Of course what was around it has changed, hotels gone and buildings changed and even a complete set of railings separating it from the road at one time too.
Old Mercat Cross at Nethergate, Dundee
Originally way back in the 16th Century it was actually located in the High Street at the junction of the Overgate, nearer the true center of the town, moved in 1777 near this location, then moved again 1874 when the little steps and the octagonal base were added. The column has a Unicorn on top if you were wondering what that was and made of resin bronze I understand.
It would be interesting to see an overview of Dundee monuments as an animation as I’m sure many of these would be jumping all over town as each council or town planning decisions were passed over the years.
Maybe a project worth doing just for the fun of it!
Anyway – just two aspects of Dundee where there are many, many interesting places of historical interest and if I remember correctly was one of these “City of Culture” nominations – maybe it should really be “City of Change”…..!
wonderful