The skull and crossbones are probably the oldest mortality symbols found on Scottish graveyards. The old cemerety in Peebles has a large collection of old stones decorated with a skull or a skull and crossbones. Often an hour glass is combined to signify time running out, or a winged death’s head also indicating that life is nothing solid but fleeting. You cannot hold on to it.
Walking in sunshine among the gravestones of Peebles old cemetery, death seems near and yet so far: Don’t forget you have to die so go and seize the day!
I have spotted the skull & crossbones in a cemetery at Loch Leven, I did wonder if they held any significance. It’s something I associate with pirates, although I’m not sure if that just comes from fiction!
The symbol is much older but the pirates used its meaning – death is approaching, there is no escape. Rather suitable for a pirate.