Girtin depicted the village from a high viewpoint, the site of Jedburgh's former castle. He omitted the famous ruined Abbey, which lies to the right, drawing attention instead to the curved broad street, which leads the eye to the distant river valley. Girtin recorded the gentle afternoon light illuminating the modest thatched cottages and the plumes of smoke from their chimneys in the still air. The restrained hues enhance the tranquil atmosphere of the scene. This watercolour was based on a pencil drawing Girtin made during a brief visit to the Scottish Borders in 1796.