Scott’s Poetical Works: Melrose

In 1831, Turner toured Scotland for the fifth time. His trip was prompted by a commission from the publisher Robert Cadell to illustrate a lavish new edition of Scott’s 'Poetical Works' (1834). He spent his first few days in Scotland at Scott’s home, Abbotsford, going on daily sketching excursions and planning his itinerary with the writer. In this view of Melrose, one of the settings of Scott’s 'Lay of the Last Minstrel' (1805), the artist, author and publisher can be spotted relaxing on the banks of the Tweed with the abbey off in the distance.