Melrose is situated in the Tweed Valley in the Scottish Borders, at the foot of the Eildon Hills. Sir Walter Scott’s home, Abbotsford, lies three miles to the west. Turner shows a view from above the River Tweed, with the evening sun low in the sky. Melrose Abbey and the town’s new chain bridge are visible in the distance. Turner visited this spot twice and painted this watercolour as a gift for Scott. He seems to have included himself among the picnic party in the foreground, as the figure on the right drawing beside an overturned parasol.