Five women have formed a team to compete in Irvine's annual greasy pole challenge, a tradition that involves scaling a 25-foot wooden pole slicked with grease to claim a prize ham at the top. The team includes members from the local radio station Now Ayrshire: Bex, Ali Wright, and Amanda Jean, along with firefighter Lauren Kerr-McGregor and powerlifter and professional wrestler Kara Weir.
The idea to participate originated at the radio station, with one suggestion leading the women to form a team. While initially a spontaneous decision, the reality of the challenge has begun to set in, with one team member admitting to feeling "a lot of panic" after viewing a replica pole.
The team has strategically selected members for their physical capabilities, with jokes made about recruiting individuals with significant muscle mass to aid in the ascent. The participants also rejected a suggestion to be miked up during the attempt, citing concerns about potential expletives being broadcast.
The competition is a well-known local event, with past attempts often involving teams working together to help individuals climb the pole. The nature of the challenge requires a combination of strength, agility, and strategy to overcome the greased surface and reach the summit.