Broughty Ferry is one of Dundee's most loveliest areas. Conveniently located four miles from the city centre, it is regarded as the 'jewel in Dundee's crown'.

This seaside suburb is adored by so many! Dundee Culture looks at ten cool facts that you might not know about Broughty Ferry:

Broughty Ferry was not always part of Dundee

Broughty Ferry was an independent burgh until 1913, renowned for its prosperity due to the wealth of jute barons and shipbuilders who resided there. In 1913, a boundary change incorporated it into Dundee. The incorporation facilitated better infrastructure and services, further cementing its role as a charming and historically significant suburb of Dundee.

It was once the richest square mile in Europe

Broughty Ferry was once known as the "richest square mile in Europe" due to its wealth accumulated during the 19th century. This was largely because of the prosperous jute barons and shipbuilders who built lavish mansions and villas in the area.

It is home to the oldest operating lifeboat station in Scotland

Broughty Ferry has one of the oldest continuously operational lifeboat stations in Scotland, operated by the RNLI. Established in 1830, it has a long history of brave rescues and is an important part of the local community. On 8 December 1959, the suburb's lifeboat, the RNLB Mona, was lost with all crew aboard, whilst attempting to rescue the North Carr Lightship (moored at Victoria Dock)

It is also home to the UK's smallest species of dolphin

Broughty Ferry is home to the UK's smallest species of dolphin, the Harbour Porpoise. These shy creatures can sometimes be spotted in the waters off Broughty Ferry, along with larger bottlenose dolphins.

It hosts a Gala Week every July

Each July, the Broughty Ferry Gala Week is held, a festival filled with family-friendly activities and events, aimed at marking the beginning of the holiday season and making the most of Broughty Ferry's picturesque waterfront location.

Broughty Castle played a prominent role in the Rough Wooing

During the Rough Wooing from 1547 to 1550, Broughty Castle had a significant role. Following the English victory over the Scots army at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, Sir Andrew Dudley was dispatched to seize Broughty Castle. The owner of the castle, Lord Gray, backed the English side as he preferred Mary Queen of Scots to wed a Protestant Englishman rather than a Catholic Frenchman. The capture of the castle was achieved peacefully, without any gunfire.

You can travel to Tayport and back from Broughty Ferry

SaltDog Marine, a local company specialising in boat trips recently introduced an exciting new service that has been met with great enthusiasm from the public. These boat trips provide a unique opportunity for individuals to traverse the picturesque waters of the Tay, offering a scenic and convenient mode of transportation between Broughty Ferry and Tayport.

There are legends of secret tunnels in Broughty Ferry

There are legends of secret tunnels beneath Broughty Ferry, possibly used for smuggling during the 18th and 19th centuries. These tunnels are said to connect various historic buildings, including the castle and some of the grand old houses in the area.

It actually has suburbs of its own

Broughty Ferry is a suburb of Dundee, but did you know that it also has suburbs of its own, such as Barnhill and Forthill?

It was home to Winkie the Pigeon

The new public art piece in Broughty Ferry, depicting Winkie the Pigeon has a heartwarming story. Winkie, a native pigeon from Broughty Ferry, was honoured with the Dickin Medal on 2 December 1943 for bravely delivering a message in challenging circumstances, which played a vital role in rescuing an Air Crew while serving with the RAF in February 1942.