A new self-guided tour celebrating Dundee’s design heritage has just launched
- Andrew Batchelor
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Free maps and audio tours exploring Dundee’s rich design legacy have officially launched as part of the 7th annual Dundee Month of Design.
Now available to collect at Central Library, V&A Dundee and The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, the Dundee Design Trails shine a spotlight on the city’s past and present as the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design.
Available both in print and online via cityofdesigndundee.com/design-trails, the four new trails guide residents and visitors through different areas of Dundee, each celebrating the city’s design achievements—from post-war architecture and textile mills to technology, innovation, and iconic city centre landmarks.
Created by Dundee-based designer Luke Cassidy Greer with illustrations by Rhianne Connelly, the maps feature bold, colourful artwork designed to engage all ages.
Each trail is accompanied by an audio guide produced by local creative Becca Clark of Dundee Radio Club, giving participants the option to explore the city through immersive storytelling.
The four themed trails include:
Design in Dundee’s City Centre: Starting at V&A Dundee and Discovery Point, this route uncovers key landmarks including the King’s Theatre’s Charles Rennie Mackintosh-inspired windows and the city’s “cathedral of science”.
Dundee’s Post-war Architecture: Taking in sites across Lochee and the West End, the trail highlights modernist gems such as the Tower Building and buildings along Lochee High Street.
The Architecture of Dundee’s Textile Mills: Focused on Stobswell and Hawkhill, this route explores the city’s industrial heritage with stops like Verdant Works and Eagle Jute Mills.
Dundee’s Innovation and Technology: Featuring the West End and City Centre, this trail celebrates innovation hubs like DC Thomson and 134 Nethergate, the original office of DMA Design, creators of Grand Theft Auto.
The trails have been developed with the support of local designers, historians, and researchers.
Luke Cassidy Greer also contributed graphic design and photography through his sustainable design studio Yalla Riso, while research support came from Dundee City Archives and the Local History department at Central Library.
Alison Carrie’s work If These Wa’s Cuid Talk - A History of Dundee’s Surviving Jute & Flax Mills also played a key role in shaping the content.
Annie Marrs, Lead Officer at UNESCO City of Design Dundee, said:
“Dundee Design Trails are a great way to share our design stories with visitors to the city, communicating the many reasons why Dundee is the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design. These trails are full of well-loved design facts as well as highlighting some hidden gems. We’re really excited that these trails feature places across the city including Bonar Hall, Lochee High Street, King’s Theatre, and Baxter Park amongst many other amazing locations.”
The free printed maps and digital guides aim to inspire both locals and tourists to explore Dundee’s design culture in a new light, reinforcing its place on the world stage as a city of creativity and innovation.
