Balgay

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Mills Observatory, located on the summit of Balgay Hill
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Mills Observatory, located on the summit of Balgay Hill

Balgay is a suburb in the west end of Dundee, Scotland. The name could be derived from Scottish Gaelic Balg (swelling) and gáeth (marshland). During the 17th century, Balgay House was built and now this has become incorporated into Royal Victoria Hospital. Balgay Hill and Victoria Park were acquired by Dundee City Corporation in 1870 as public parks. The Mills Observatory designed by James MacLellan Brown was added in 1935 at the summit of the 143m hill. It is the only full-time public observatory in UK.

Lochee Park is situated east of Balgay and has a perimeter of 1½ miles (approx). The park annually hosts firework displays to celebrate Bonfire Night in conjunction with Radio Tay roadshow. Primary schools in Balgay include Hillside Primary School and Ancrum Primary School. Menzieshill High School is also nearby.

The city councillor for the area is SNP's Bob Duncan. In the forthcoming council election on May 3, 2007, Balgay will become part of the West End ward.

Many bus routes in Dundee pass through Balgay including Travel Dundee bus services 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 22/22c and Strathtay Scottish services 72, 73 and 75. Services 17, 22/22c, 72, 73 and 75 usually terminates at the Ninewells Hospital terminus.

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Areas of Dundee
Ardler | Balfield | Balgay | Balgillo | Balgowan | Barnhill | Blackness | Bowbridge | Broughty Ferry | Camperdown | Charleston | City Centre | Claverhouse | Craigiebank | Douglas | Fairmuir | Fintry | Hilltown | Kirkton | Law | Lochee | Logie | Menzieshill | Ninewells | Pitkerro | St Marys | Stobswell | Strathmartine | West End | West Ferry | Whitfield