Gollan was born in Edinburgh, where he grew up and took his first job as a painter's apprentice. His first introduction to political activity was during the 1926 general strike when he helped distribute the papers of the strike committee. On International Workers' Day, 1 May, the following year, he joined the  and its youth wing the Young Communist League (YCL).
Gollan was born in Edinburgh and grew up there before starting his career as a painter's apprentice. His first political engagement occurred during the 1926 general strike when he helped distribute strike committee papers. On May Day, the following year, he joined the movement and its youth wing, the Young Communist League (YCL).