1 Jul 2025

Former war surgeon finds solace in wild trout fishing

From Nine To Noon, 10:05 am on 1 July 2025

Robin Coupland worked as a frontline field surgeon between 1989 and 1996 in Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Angola, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan - where he witnessed horrific injuries resulting from conflict.

Once his working stints in surgical wards, often under bombardment, were over, he would migrate to either New Zealand or Scotland - depending on the time of year - and embark on fly fishing adventures.

His story is now captured in Dry Flies & Wet Socks, which is a story of how this time honoured past-time provides a sense of peace and happiness. Author Robin Coupland speaks to Kathryn from North Berwick in Scotland.