18 August 2011 Last updated at 05:33 ET

Aberdeen stadium a step closer with preferred bidder

The stadium could be ready for the 2013/14 season

Work on Aberdeen FC's new £38m stadium could begin early next year after the preferred contractor was named.

Councillors earlier approved the stadium, capable of holding about 21,000 fans, at Loirston Loch in the south of Aberdeen.

Barr Construction - which has built many stadiums - has been named as the preferred contractor.

It is hoped the stadium - which is planned to be an iconic landmark - could be ready for the 2013/14 season.

In March, Scottish ministers decided against calling in the proposals.

Aberdeen FC intends to sell its current home at Pittodrie for housing.

The new stadium project was subject to 140 objections from local communities and groups concerned about the environmental impact of the stadium.