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, where he grew up and started his career as a painter's apprentice. His initial exposure to political activism occurred during the 1926 general strike when he assisted in distributing strike committee papers. On International Workers' Day, May 1st, the following year, he joined the movement and its youth wing, the Young Communist League (YCL).