Amazing skies!

Grateful thanks to Jim Glover who recently sent me these photos of amazing skies at the waterfront!

As Jim says, "That's why we're Scotland's sunniest city even when it's raining."

Fabulous launch of #DiscoveryWalk

I was delighted to attend yesterday's unveiling of Discovery Walk at Slessor Gardens in the Waterfront and the evening reception for the families of those honoured in the walk.  

Having served on the Discovery Walk Committee, it was tremendous to see just how fabulous the walk is - a great addition to the waterfront - and thanks go to all my colleagues on the committee, all others who have supported the project but in particular to Kelly Marr, who has been the driving force in moving the project to such a successful fruition, and to Suzanne Scott, whose design skills have made the high quality plaques a reality.

The Courier has posted a good video of the unveiling - you can see this by clicking 'play' below - and also below are a few of my photos from what was a fabulous day for Dundee :

The unveiling event

Mary Slessor (Lynne Binnie) and Mary Lily Walker (Hollie Whitfield) attended the unveiling

One of the plaques

The Lord Provost addresses the evening reception at Discovery Point

Busy Monday ...

It has been a busy Monday - including :

+ A meeting of the Tay Road Bridge Board.    In addition to the usual business about board administration and finances, there was an update on the proposed 50th anniversary celebrations that will take place on Sunday 21st August.   Events will take place on the bridge and in the new Slessor Gardens and there will be a photography competition, vintage buses and other vehicles taking part, a pipe band, a memorabilia roadshow and public art on display.

+ A meeting of the Rail Station Concourse Project Board.   It was good to hear the progress with the construction which is well on programme.

+ Two ward surgeries - at the Mitchell Street Centre and the West Park Centre.

+ A meeting of the Discovery Walk Committee.   The Discovery Walk will comprise of plaques set into the paved area of the green space at the heart of the waterfront development - to celebrate the contributions of Dundee people who have contributed to science and society in a highly visible and permanent way.    The walk will be officially opened on 6th April and tonight's meeting discussed the details of the opening, which will be a great day for Dundee.

Great progress with Discovery Walk

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the latest meeting of the committee to progress the excellent Discovery Walk proposal.       As I have previously mentioned, Discovery Walk will comprise of bronze plaques set into the paved area of Slessor Square, in the heart of the city's waterfront development and it will celebrate the contributions of Dundee people who have contributed to science and society in a highly visible and permanent way.  

At the latest meeting, we ‘proofed’ several of the plaques that tell the fascinating stories behind these individuals and their discoveries and inventions.

The plaques look superb – a draft example can be seen (above right) – with the walk to be officially opened in this coming April.

Central Waterfront site visit - and Starter Packs Official Opening

Yesterday, I had a highly informative tour of the Central Waterfront kindly provided by the City Engineer and one of his Senior Engineers.    

It is only when you walk round the main civic space (to be known as Slessor Gardens) that the sheer size of the new civic area becomes apparent, as does the high quality of the work undertaken and finished result - something the city will be really proud of.

Here's a couple of photographs :

I also had the pleasure yesterday of attending the Official Opening of the new Starter Packs premises in Forest Park Road, and saying a few words at the opening about the great work the charity undertakes in providing vital home ‘starter packs’ for resettling homeless and needy individuals and families in the Dundee area.

You can read more about Starter Packs here and here's a photo from yesterday's opening :

Discovery Walk - latest update

I have previously mentioned that I am taking part in the informal committee to progress the excellent Discovery Walk proposal.

The Discovery Walk will comprise of plaques set into the paved area of the Green Space at the heart of the city's huge new waterfront development - to celebrate the contributions of Dundee people who have contributed to science and society in a highly visible and permanent way.  Bronze plaques in the pavement will tell the fascinating stories behind these individuals and their discoveries and inventions.

The committee met yesterday to review progress and finalise the plaques.   The plaques look superb and the walk is on course to be officially opened in April 2016.    

I have no doubt that Discovery Walk will enhance the new Waterfront and be another asset for our city.

Safety outside schools, Discovery Walk and Dinner for Jim Thewliss

Yesterday, I participated in the latest meeting of the School Parking and Pupil Safety Working Group at which a group of senior council officers, councillors, head teachers and parent council representatives discuss and tackle safety and parking issues at our schools across the city.    

We had a good discussion about a number of issues including risk assessments, safer routes to schools, issues at various schools and the safety planning for new schools projects including Harris Academy.

Thereafter, I attended the latest meeting of the Discovery Walk committee that took place at the University of Dundee.   

I have previously mentioned the proposal for "Discovery Walk" in the new Waterfront area that will initially comprise nine plaques set into the paved area of the Green Space that depict some of the great Dundonians who have made a real contribution to the city in the field of discovery.

Yesterday, following public consultation, the nine initial winning nominees were chosen and will be announced imminently this morning on Wave 102 and in the local press today (so mum's the word meantime!)    

Last night, after my ward surgery at Blackness Primary School, I had the great pleasure of attending the retiral dinner for Jim Thewliss, Head Teacher of Harris Academy, at the Invercarse Hotel.     

There were great speeches by Jim's colleagues, former colleagues, the Parent Council Chair and Jim himself and it was a memorable night and a fitting tribute to Jim and his superb work at Harris Academy over 18 years.

Central Waterfront overnight road closures for surfacing work

From Dundee City Council :

You will be aware that Dundee City Council is currently re-developing the Central Waterfront of Dundee. Another important stage of the project, involves the resurfacing work at the junction between Union Street and Yeaman Shore and also the resurfacing of the junction between South Union Street and South Marketgait westbound to Greenmarket car park. 

To ensure the safety of the public and workforce and minimise disruption to the road network while work will be undertaken using two overnight road closures. On street parking will be suspended on both sides of Whitehall Crescent during this period.

The second closure will be at the junction between South Union Street and South Marketgait westbound to Greenmarket car park and all westbound traffic will be diverted via the ring road.

Both of these closures will be in place over two nights between 7pm and 6am on Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday (June 25).

Access to the Railway Station Lay-by at Riverside Drive will be maintained via Riverside Drive during the closure and the taxi rank will remain operational.

To minimise the noise generated by the works, our contractor Sir Robert McAlpine will be undertaking the majority of the noisiest activities at the start of the night closure.   During the closures, the noisiest works to the west of the Malmaison Hotel, will be curtailed by 11pm.   The contractor will be doing everything possible to ensure that noise is kept to a minimum during the night time hours. 

It is hoped that the long term benefits will outweigh the inconvenience during construction.  Further information and updates regarding the work will be available via our website www.dundeewaterfront.com.  

You have any queries or require to discuss the project further please call 433063 or via email - info@dundeewaterfront.com.

Discovery Walk update

Last August, I mentioned the excellent Discovery Walk proposal, which has now moved forward a long way.   I've been pleased to take part in the committee progressing this and very grateful to the other members of the committee who have put a lot of effort into progressing this excellent proposal.

The Discovery Walk will comprise of nine plaques set into the paved area of the Green Space at the heart of the city's huge new waterfront development to celebrate these contributions in a highly visible and permanent way.  Bronze plaques in the pavement will tell the fascinating stories behind these individuals and their discoveries and inventions.

You have until 24th June to be involved by helping to select the first nine plaques to be placed in Discovery Walk.  On the shortlist are 14 people whose contributions deserve celebration and from the following criteria you can let us know by completing the short survey your top three or whether there are others that should be considered instead.

The Nominees for the walk are Mary Ann Baxter, James Chalmers, Geofrey Dutton, Alfred Ewing, Margaret Fairlie, James Bowan Lindsay, R D Low, George Lowdon, Thomas McLagan, George A Pirie, James F Riley, Walter Spear, D'Arcy Thompson and Mary Lily Walker.  You can check out their stories on the Discovery Walk Facebook page 

The criteria :

1.  The person or people being commemorated must be deceased.

2.  The person or people must either have been born and/or educated in Dundee, or have spent a considerable part of their life in Dundee.  

3.  The person or people nominated must have either a notable/influential discovery of some kind or be noted for some form of exploration - scientific, geographic or cultural.  

4.  Their achievement has happened in Dundee or be rooted or industry specific to the city.  

5.  The discovery can be a group of people.  

6.  Where there are two equally valid subjects, Discovery Walk should favour the one that is less well-celebrated elsewhere.   

Please complete the survey by 24th June by clicking here.

Monday meetings @WEndChristmas

Yesterday, I participated in a very useful meeting with Dundee Museum of Transport, who are kindly undertaking a vintage car cavalcade in the West End as part of the opening events of West End Christmas Fortnight on Saturday 22nd November.   The photo - right - was taken at the museum yesterday - it is well worth a visit!

Last night, I also participated a productive meeting at Dundee Contemporary Arts at which the excellent Discovery Walk proposal was discussed in detail.     The project is making good progress and will be an excellent addition to the city's waterfront.

Recognition of the Royal Arch planned

The Royal Arch in 1935

I have welcomed an assurance that Dundee’s former Royal Arch will gain proper recognition as part of the Dundee Waterfront project.

Constituents have asked me if there would be proper recognition of the historic arch, that was erected in Dundee between 1849 and 1853 to commemorate a visit to the city by Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, in 1844.  It was demolished on 16 March 1964, as part of the land reclamation scheme, and to make way for the construction of the Tay Road Bridge.

Many constituents regret the demolition of the Royal Arch.   It seems inconceivable that nowadays such a demolition would take place of a historic structure that was an iconic part of the City of Dundee and it is important that the new waterfront recognises its place in Dundee’s history.

In response, Dundee Waterfront Project Co-ordinator has advised me,

I can confirm that we propose to mark the location of the Royal Arch by planting four substantial trees on its site.

By sheer coincidence the line of the proposed trees along the southern section of the Northern Boulevard, opposite the Caird Hall, line up with the location of the Royal Arch foundations that were recently uncovered. The tree spacing will also fall remarkably close to the footings of the arch. 

The present concept we are working on is to plant four very distinctive trees on the actual placements of the four footings. The trees suggested are to have a reddish leaf and different form to the standard trees being placed around them.

At the foot of each of the trees, the thought is to place a large granite slab with an image engraved into its surface. These slabs will be joined by a line of slabs with the name 'Royal Arch' probably in the middle with some historical notes. The four images will show the stages of the life of the arch from the wooden arch to the demolition of the stone arch,

The drawings for the above concept are presently being prepared. However the detailed images needed for the slabs still require to be properly researched.

I am pleased that the Royal Arch’s important role in the city’s history will be recognised in the new waterfront and feedback from constituents to what is being proposed is positive.

Discovery Walk proposal - an update

Further to my recent article about the excellent Discovery Walk proposal, it was good to see the article in Friday's Evening Telegraph - you can read this here.

And ... the project now has a logo :

Progress with the 'Discovery Walk' proposal

Last year, I highlighted the excellent proposal by local resident Kelly Marr for "Discovery Walk" in the new Waterfront area, a series of manhole covers that would depict some of the great Dundonians who have made a real contribution to the city in the field of discovery.    The concept is based around the Sydney Writers' Walk – here’s me (below) at the Writers' Walk in Sydney :

There has been progress with regard to the project with aims and objectives having been produced (to quote) :

• To publicly acknowledge the numerous contributions that the city of Dundee has made in a range areas (not simply literary figures like the “Writer’s Walk” in Circular Quay Sydney).

• To educate the public on perhaps the lesser known but extremely valuable discoveries that can be traced to Dundee.   This is a concerted effort to step away from the “Jute, Jam and Journalism” that Dundee is already famous for and celebrate the more recent developments in the areas of medicine and academia that are often overlooked. 

• To have the facility to download an app that can provide a greater context on the individual being acknowledge in each manhole cover, that in the longer term can be linked with other projects and attractions in other parts of Dundee, (for instance, Admiral Duncan could be linked with Camperdown House).

There are several advantages to the installation of personalised manhole covers as opposed to other forms public tributes :

• As demonstrated by the examples in this proposal, the ground plaques can tastefully work with a variety of pavement designs and therefore successfully link the new developments on Dundee’s waterfront with pavements that have already been established.

• From a future planning point of view it simply requires the installation of the plaques in place of manhole covers which from an historical point of view acknowledge the history of the waterfront. 

• When there is an addition made to Discovery Walk it can be an excellent PR opportunity and help sustain a greater awareness of contributions and developments that are taking place in the city. 

Do please contact me if you wish further details of this excellent initiative.

Discovery Walk proposal - an update

Last month, I mentioned the excellent proposal by local resident Kelly Marr for "Discovery Walk" in the new Waterfront area, for a series of manhole covers that depict some of the great Dundonians who have made a real contribution to the city in the field of discovery.    The concept is based around the Sydney Writers' Walk - an example of a cover from Sydney is shown (right).

Yesterday, a group of us met with Kelly at the University of Dundee to move the idea forward.   Apart from university and City Council representatives, other organisations were represented including Dundee Contemporary Arts and the Abertay Historical Society.     We are now aiming to form a steering committee and are keen to involve local people in deciding who should be honoured in Discovery Walk.

If any resident is interested in this really worthwhile project, please contact me at discoverywalk@frasermacpherson.org.uk.

'Discovery Walk' Proposal

I was recently contacted by local resident Kelly Marr who has made what is, in my view, an excellent proposal for Dundee Waterfront.

To quote Kelly:

"My suggestion for the development of Dundee’s Waterfront is a sequence of manhole covers that can be referred to as “Discovery Walk”, similar to the “Writers' Walk” in Sydney’s Circular Quay.

The main difference with Discovery Walk is that rather than focusing on writers, it would be acknowledging famous Dundonians and Dundee’s contributions in the Arts, Sciences, Literature, Politics, and so forth. Obvious suggestions could be Brian Cox, Admiral Duncan, and Mary Slessor.

While I am by no means technically minded, my understanding is that it is also possible to have microchips in or near the manhole covers that allow for one to download an App, giving them more detailed information on the person as they walk over the manhole cover. 

From a planning point of view, it is simply a case of having a lengthy series of standard manhole covers that one by one will be replaced with personalised dedications, which means that it does not require that costly process of digging up pavements when an addition is made.

As an Australian who has lived in Dundee for 17 years, I often find the Dundee sometimes fails to publicly acknowledge the vast contributions that the city has made, and feel that Discovery Walk would go a long way to remedying this."

Having visited Sydney's 'Writers' Walk", I am very impressed with this idea for our city along the lines Kelly suggests - a photo of a plaque from Sydney is pictured (above right).   Kelly and I have met with the City Council's Public Art Officer, who is supportive of the idea.

Kelly has now arranged a meeting at the University of Dundee with a number of stakeholders.   This will take place next month and if any resident is interested in attending, or has any views about this proposal, please contact me at discoverywalk@frasermacpherson.org.uk.

Waterfront roads issue

I have had complaints from several West End residents about the operation of the temporary traffic lights just south of Tayside House where Riverside Drive currently meets South Marketgait - see right.

Drivers coming from the West End from the Riverside Drive side (coming east and joining South Marketgait at this junction to continue east) are complaining that it is almost impossible in busy traffic to get turned right at the lights because of the tail back of traffic from South Marketgait users who have come down from the Nethergate junction and are continuing east.   Even when the “Riverside” part of the traffic lights is at green, there is traffic already across the junction on South Marketgait so traffic from Riverside Drive goes no-place.  

I appreciate the challenges at this temporary location at present but contacted the City Council wondering if anything can be done to improve the situation.    Constituents have mentioned a clear and large “yellow box” exclusion zone and/or enforcement measures as some vehicles on South Marketgait are pushing their luck in terms of going through as/after the lights change.

The Head of Transportation has responded to me as follows:

"I have investigated your query and I think that the main problem was that the temporary works (temporary lane closures) associated with the ongoing central waterfront project are causing the queuing and delay at the junction that you and your constituents are finding. 

A yellow box marking may help to keep the junction clear of vehicles however I think that the main problem is, temporary during lane closures), the lack of road capacity on South Marketgait.  Were  a yellow box marking installed I would consider that there would be still no progression from Riverside Drive as there would still be queuing traffic ahead.  The priority is to keep the inner ring road moving  to avoid  grid locking this road.   The removal of the pedestrian phase at this junction next week will also allow further efficiency for all legs.

I will get the staff in UTC to monitor the situation to keep an eye on what is going on at this junction and I will pass your comments onto the Central Waterfront Team."

Monthly Update - Dundee City Waterfront Works

From the Tay Road Bridge Manager:

Here is the monthly update on the Dundee City Waterfront Development works and how this has impacted on traffic on the bridge:

Contract 3 – Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM)

Progress May 2013

There have been no issues affecting traffic accessing and exiting the bridge. 

As a result of a minor delay to the bridgeworks the current traffic management will now be in place until mid to late June 2013 to allow the first phase of the new ramps to be completed and commissioned

Waterproofing and strengthening of the existing deck on the southbound plaza has been completed along with street lighting installation, paving and surfacing works ongoing.

Planned Works – June 2013

Finishing works to the west section of the Marketgait Bridge will be completed and paving works to central reserve and verge areas carried out.

Construction of new north approach to the bridge will be completed sufficiently to allow traffic to start using .

There will be two night time closures of the bridge (01:00 to 04:00) required towards the middle of June to carry out works to move barriers and traffic signals to accommodate the new traffic layout but precise dates are not available. Off peak restrictions will be applied to Customs House (Southbound) on ramp in the run up to the closures for preparatory works associated with the new barriers and signals.

As with all closures they will be notified via the Planned Restrictions section of the Road Bridge web site.

Also information on the works is available on the Board web site www.tayroadbridge.co.uk.

Latest Waterfront Update

Below is the latest update on the Dundee City Waterfront Development works from the Tay Road Bridge Manager and how this has impacted on traffic on the bridge:

Contract 3 – Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM)

Progress April 2013

There have been no issues affecting traffic accessing and exiting the bridge.

As a result of a minor delay to the bridgeworks the current traffic management will now be in place until early June 2013 to allow the first phase of the new ramps to be completed and commissioned

Construction of the deck of the west half of the structure has been completed and the North approach ramp surfacing is ongoing. Preparation for waterproofing and strengthening of the existing deck on the southbound plaza area is underway.

Planned Works – May 2013

Waterproofing and finishing works to the west section of the Marketgait Bridge will be completed

Construction of new north approach to the bridge will be completed sufficiently to allow traffic to start using .

There will be one or two night time closures of the bridge (01:00 to 04:00) required towards the end of May to carry out works to move barriers and traffic signals to accommodate the new traffic layout but precise dates are not available.

As with all closures they will be notified via the Planned Restrictions section of the web site.

If there are any substantial changes to the above I will send an update.

Also information on the works is available on the Board web site www.tayroadbridge.co.uk.

Waterfront Development - Update

Update from the Bridge Manager, Tay Road Bridge Joint Board :

Below is the monthly update on the Dundee City Waterfront Development works and how this has impacted on traffic on the bridge.

Contract 3 – Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) -

Progress March 2013

There have been minor delays for north bound traffic leaving the bridge during off peak periods due to lane restrictions on the new North Boulevard section. Other than this there have been no issues affecting traffic accessing and exiting the bridge.

The current traffic management will be in place until mid May 2013 to allow the first phase of the new ramps to be completed and commissioned.

Construction of the deck of the west half of the structure  and the North approach ramp is ongoing.

Planned Works – April 2013

Construction of the west portion of Marketgait Bridge will continue to completion.

Construction of new north approach to the bridge will be completed sufficiently to allow traffic to start using.

SRM have no planned works that will directly affect the bridge traffic at present for April 2013.

If there are any substantial changes to the above I will send an update.

Also information on the works is available on the Board web site www.tayroadbridge.co.uk.

Dundee Central Waterfront - Roads and Ramps Update - Autumn 2011

Update from the City Council :

"The latest phase of work in the multi-million pound transformation of Dundee’s Waterfront will see the opening of the new Tay Road Bridge off-ramp and long term temporary traffic routes. Traffic will be transferred onto the new routes in three carefully planned stages over a four week period.


The city will remain open for business as usual during this important and high profile stage of work that is fundamental to delivering the waterfront vision. Dundee City Council and the contractor Farrans, have carefully planned the work to minimise disruption, but the crucial work will also need the co-operation and patience of drivers and bridge users.

A telephone line, available 24 hours a day seven days a week on 0800 330 8583 has been set up by Farrans to deal with questions and issues arising from the work."

You can also download a leaflet that explains in detail the next stages of the project by clicking on the headline above or by going to http://tinyurl.com/waterfrontroads.