Paul Mitchell is BBC Scotland's principal television football commentator.

In addition to this, Paul is part of the commentary team for both BBC Radio Scotland's 'Sportsound' and the commentary pool for BBC's 'Match of the Day'. Paul has also covered a number of other sports and has been BBC Scotland's Indoor Bowls Commentator since 2006. He is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Scotland's 'Thought For The Day'.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, it was never his intention to be a broadcaster. After attending Trinity Academy, Paul left to join the Clydesdale Bank at age 16. After three years of scowling at customers, he retreated to the safer non-customer facing environment of Standard Life. He continued to take his bank exams and is a qualified banker, something he is sure that many football fans often point out to him.

His professional broadcasting career began with the BBC in 1991 as a football reporter. His first Radio Commentary was in Iceland in 1998 and his first television appearance followed in 2001

Paul's 16 years at Standard Life, as both a people and project manager, came to end in 2005 when he was made redundant. After quickly getting over his disbelief that they felt they could function without him, and soothed by the redundancy package that came with it, Paul made the decision to concentrate on his broadcasting career.

He is noted for his wry and sharp observations, unafraid to bring humour to the often-serious business of football when appropriate. Paul has covered each Scottish Cup Final and CIS Insurance Cup Final since 2005 and has travelled widely to cover European and International matches, managing to safely return from such glamour spots as Moldova, Belarus and Ukraine.

Shorter than he sounds, Paul is married to Frances whom he met at school and has two sons.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT PAUL MITCHELL

''Paul gave The Immortal Memory address at the Trinity Academicals Rugby Club Burns' Supper in January 2009. His speech was an excellent balance, both informative and humorous, and Paul delivered it in the laid back style that we were familiar with from his work on radio and television''.
Allan Spencer, Trinity Rugby Club

''Paul recently spoke at our football supporters Burns Supper. Paul struck a good balance between football anecdotes and Burns-related tales and his style is very relaxed and inclusive and of course, he has the voice that many of us are familiar with. Refreshingly, his material is also suitable for all ages and tastes. Paul went down very well with our members and guests and we do not hesitate to recommend him highly''.
David Ellis,Capital Dark Blues