7 reasons to be positive about Lochee – by the people who live and work there.

In recent weeks, the Dundee community has received a lot of negative attention. Lochee has recently gained international attention for all the wrong reasons.

Following an alleged knife incident involving a 12-year-old girl, a man, and a woman, the Dundee community and its residents have faced criticism and a slew of unverified reports on social media.

Police issued two warnings for “misinformation” in response to posts shared online.

Following the event on August 23, one national journalist visited Lochee and dubbed it “Britain’s Bronx,” a reference to the once-infamous New York neighbourhood.

Locals have since disputed that assertion, with Courier columnist Martel Maxwell among those arguing Lochee does not merit that name.

The Courier has compiled a list of seven reasons to be optimistic about Lochee, with the assistance of local residents and businesses.

1. Murals and artwork

Lochee High Street is lined with shuttered shops, as are many others around the country.

However, locals have taken it upon themselves to keep the region lively and colourful, thanks to the many murals and artworks painted in recent years.

This contains a painting of the legendary late singer-songwriter Michael Marra, as well as a recent homage to Dr Fortune Gomo, who died in an alleged stabbing in July, by artist Douglas Roulston on Bank Street.

Douglas stated, “Lochee is a proud place rich of history and character, and I am pleased to have been chosen to design this mural.

“The Lochee community deserves something good to look at.”

Michael Corr, who produced the mural to the “bard of Lochee” Marra and other artworks in the neighbourhood, stated that “the experience of creating the murals was overwhelmingly positive.”

“Every day I painted, I met people from all walks of life who would stop and talk, sharing their own stories. “I made friends, learnt about the area, and felt quite welcome.

“When the murals were completed, there was both joy and a wee bit of sadness that my time working there was coming to an end.”

2. Finding joy through song

Marra’s impact is felt across Lochee, particularly by his daughter, Alice, who runs a community choir that frequently performs locally.

Alice founded Lochee Linties, headquartered in Mulligan Court sheltered housing, 11 years ago. She stated, “We have sang at countless events throughout the years, bringing joy and delight to not just our own singers, but to the entire community who listens to us.

“We’ve sung on the high street, in the community garden, at the library, and under Michael’s mural.

“Lochee has challenges just like any other area, yet there is clearly a sense of something special here.

“Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but I have only ever had happy, positive and fulfilling experiences working here and long may it continue.”

3. Business investment

Lochee High Street, like any other town or retail hub, continues to confront challenges, and just last month, some of its long-standing companies appealed for change to help them succeed.

However, only a stone’s throw away, huge corporations continue to invest and create jobs.

The Stack, which originally housed a theatre, a nightclub, and a bowling alley, has recently been revitalised as a retail park.

The most recent addition was a new Next store in July, while Home Bargains opened one of its largest stores in Scotland at The Stack in December 2023, just after Greggs launched a new drive-thru location nearby.

Aldi, Smyths Toys Superstores, Buzz Bingo, The Range, and The Gym Group all have long-standing locations at The Stack. Other major retailers that continue to have a presence in Lochee include Lidl and Farmfoods.

Heather Henry, chairperson of the Love Lochee organisation, stated, “The Stack is now full for the first time.” “everything’s great to see everything so crowded. “Investment in the area is always necessary.”

4. Community spirit

Lochee’s community spirit is evident in the way locals rallied around Dr Gomo’s family following her death.

Dr Gomo died in an incident on South Road, in the shadow of Lochee’s multis.

Sandy’s Bar staff and regulars raised £11,000 to support her husband Richard and their daughter.

Richard told The Courier last week that the family was “attempting to rebuild”. He also released a statement thanking the community for its support in the weeks following Dr.

passing. Heather from Love Lochee says it reflects the people who live in the area. She stated: “In recent months, Lochee’s heart has been broken by occurrences. “It has been quite traumatic for many families, neighbours, and residents.

“However, it’s also so heartwarming to see how local ordinary people and businesses stepped up and contributed and helped in any way they could, from fundraisers and collections to prayer and quiet reflection.”

Other projects, such as Lochee Community Larder, have been established in recent years in response to the hardships that people suffer as a result of poverty, as has the Lochee Community Hub, which was founded in 2016 to assist vulnerable individuals. For numerous decades, the inhabitants of Lochee have congregated for their own Christmas lights display.

5. Urban trail

High Street already has a memorial commemorating Lochee’s importance in the jute industry, and Cox’s Stack rises towering as another reminder of its industrial heritage.

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