Funeral held for 'devoted mother' Vikki Soloman allegedly murdered by ex-partner

A funeral has been held for a “beloved mother” who was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner in Edinburgh.

Vikki Soloman was pronounced dead after being found with serious injuries at her home on Craigievar Square on July 20.

The 44-year-old aesthetician’s ex-partner, Lee Greenan, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court days later, charged with her murder.

He made no plea and was remanded in custody pending a further court appearance.

The 46-year-old was later found dead at HMP Edinburgh. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Funeral held for ‘devoted mother’

On Friday, a funeral was held for Vikki in Mortonhall before an interment at a cemetery in the city.

A funeral notice read: “Today, we remember a woman who loved deeply, gave selflessly, and touched every life around her. Her light will continue in those she loved most.”

Mourners were encouraged to wear black and gold “reflecting her elegance and spirit”, and asked to donate to a fundraiser to support her two sons in lieu of flowers.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton attended the funeral, after working with Vikki as new laws governing the beauty and aesthetics sector were passed through the Scottish Parliament in March.

In a post on social media, he said: “I don’t think I’ve attended a bigger funeral, and despite everything it was joyful and uplifting, thanks to deeply moving tributes from her sons Reece and Jude and her sister Kerry.”

‘Irreplaceable loss’

Tributes were paid to the devoted mum following her death, with family friend Karen Lennen saying Vikki’s two sons Reece and Jude had been left with an “unimaginable void” in their lives.

“Our hearts were shattered by the sudden and devastating loss of Vikki Soloman,” a fundraiser for her sons read. “She was a devoted and wonderful mother, the rock of her family, and a fabulous friend to so many.

“Vikki dedicated her life to providing for her sons, Reece and Jude. Watching them grow into the wonderful young men they are today brought her immense joy and pride.

“Her tragic passing has left an unimaginable void in their lives and placed an overwhelming burden on the boys as they try to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss.”

Following Vikki’s death, her family described her death as an “irreplaceable loss” and vowed to continue to pursue justice.

“Following the heartbreaking loss of Vikki Soloman, her family is deeply moved and overwhelmed by the wave of love and supportive messages which brings great comfort at this devastating time”, a statement read.

“The community’s solidarity provides the family great strength as they feel the profound loss and grief of losing Vikki, taken so young and in such tragic circumstances. The loss of a devoted mother has left an irreplaceable loss.”

‘Eradicating male violence is a priority’

Ms Soloman’s funeral took place one day after Fife woman Stacy Hunter was laid to rest near her home town of Falkland.

The 35-year-old was found dead by emergency services in the Corsliehill Road area of Houston, Renfrewshire, on July 27.

The body of her husband, 43-year-old Jim Mair, was also discovered at the scene.

Police have treated the death of Ms Hunter as murder.

Edinburgh & East

Funeral held for beloved mum murdered near family home

Stacy Hunter was described as ‘the glue of the family’ by her brother, who said she ‘would do anything for her kids’

Following the deaths of both women, the First Minister said he will give his “strongest personal leadership” to tackling male violence against women.

John Swinney said the scale of the issue had been “laid bare” by prominent cases, including Ms Hunter and Ms Soloman’s murders.

In an article in the Sunday Post, Swinney said: “This is not a women’s issue to be solved by women.

“It is a men’s issue, and it demands that men take responsibility for changing the culture and the behaviours that allow this violence to persist and, far too often, to escalate to fatal violence.”

Cole-Hamilton added: “[Vikki] won’t be defined by the way she died or by the person who took her from us, but [she] was one of at least three Scottish women killed by current or former partners last month.

“We have got to address the eradication of male violence in this country as a priority. When Parliament resumes next month I intend to do that.”