Though born in Scotland, Rollin was raised in Leeds and stated in an interview that he "always considered [himself] a Yorkshireman".
Rollin credits his father for pushing him to study the field of medicine.
[1] In an interview, Rollin said the prevalence of antisemitism at the medical school was one of the reasons he did not enjoy his time there.
[1] After graduating, Rollin's first job was as a house surgeon at Oldham Royal Infirmary.
[2][3][4] Later in life, he declared that he despised the demolition of psychiatric asylums under Enoch Powell, that the community did not care, and that much had been lost by closing them.