The local pub is often at the heart of many communities around Scotland - and some for longer than most.

A vital place for gossip, merry making and meetups, it's no surprise that many of these pubs and inns have survived throughout the centuries.

Tangible links to our past - in more ways than one - many pubs now claim to be some of "Scotland's oldest" - we've taken a look at some of the strongest contenders.

With more spirits than just those that come in bottles, here are some of the oldest and spookiest pubs you'll find around Scotland.

The Drovers Inn, Argyll

(Opened 1705)

One of Scotland's most famous pubs, The Drovers Inn lies on the northern shore of Loch Lomond.

Over 300 years old, the former stop-off for weary farmers leading their cattle on the way to market is said to be haunted by various spirits.

The most enduring story is that of Angus the vengeful Cattle Driver, who was robbed at the Inn before returning to his clan empty-handed.

Banished for his mistake, the young herdsman was killed by the thieves in the act of trying to get revenge, and is said to now said to haunt the Inn, with his pained cries heard sometimes at night.

Coylet Inn, Dunoon

(Opened 1650)

Located on the shores of Loch Eck, this popular inn dates back to 1650s when it was used as a coaching inn.

The inn is haunted by the ghost of a young child, known as the Blue Boy, who is said to have drowned in the loch with his spirit supposedly haunting Bedroom 4 at the inn.

People with an interest in the paranormal travel from all over the world to stay there, and in 1994 Emma Thompson even starred in a BBC show about the hauntings.

The Scotia Bar, Glasgow

(Opened 1792)

Considered to be one of the oldest pubs in Glasgow, the Scotia has been around in some form since the 1790s.

With such a long history, the pub has more than its fair share of ghosts that have been spotted by staff and customers over the years including a former manager who hanged himself in the cellar and a sex worker called 'Annie' who was contacted by a local ghosthunter group in 2007.

However, the most famous is the Green Lady; said to be an ex-bar maid she's regularly spotted around the pub in a green dress.

Ma Cameron's, Aberdeen

(The snug bar is said to date back 300 years)

Ma Cameron's in Aberdeen is considered to be the oldest bar in Aberdeen.

The former coaching inn in Aberdeen, and in particular the snug bar at the front of the building, is said to be over 300 years old.

Named for its now-famous matron, the eponymous Ma Cameron, the pub is also said to be one of the most haunted in Scotland.

The White Hart, Edinburgh

(Said to date back to 1516)

Claiming to be the oldest pub in Edinburgh, the White Hart has parts of its building that are said to date back to 1516, with the modern pub said to have been built in 1740.

Also one of the most haunted in the capital, you'll find plenty of spirits in this bar.

The White Hart's name dates all the back to an incident in 1128 when King David I is said to have encountered a white stag while hunting in what is now Holyrood Park.

The Clachan Inn, Drymen

(Dates back to 1734)

Located close to Loch Lomond at Drymen, The Clachan Inn claims to have the longest-running license in the UK, dating back to 1734.

A favourite with walkers on the West Highland Way, it even has links to Rob Roy MacGregor - with one of his sisters said to be the inn's first licensee.

Former owners spoke of a "friendly ghost" that would often help their child out of her cot.

Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.