Emergency sirens echoed through Craigievar Square in Craigmount on Monday night. By the time paramedics reached the quiet Edinburgh street around 8.45 pm, 44-year-old Vikki Soloman had died from severe injuries inside a residential property.
Police Scotland arrested a 46-year-old man shortly after arriving on the scene. Prosecutors have officially charged him in connection with her death, and he's slated to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
This isn't just another crime statistic in a police log. Vikki Soloman was a well-known local business owner, a dedicated mother, and a prominent advocate who recently stood before parliament to push for safer standards in the Scottish aesthetics industry. Her killing leaves a family shattered and raises urgent questions about justice and public safety in quiet suburban neighborhoods.
What Happened on Craigievar Square
The disturbance began late Monday evening, July 20, 2026. Neighbors reported loud commotions coming from inside the Craigmount residence, prompting immediate calls to emergency services.
First responders found Soloman with grave injuries inside the home. Despite quick medical efforts, emergency crews pronounced her dead at the scene.
Timeline of Events
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Monday, July 20, 8:45 PM - Emergency services called to Craigievar Square
Monday, July 20, Late PM - Vikki Soloman pronounced dead; 46-year-old suspect arrested
Tuesday, July 21 - Police Scotland name the victim and reassure local residents
Wednesday, July 22 - Crown Office confirms murder charges against the suspect
Thursday, July 23 - Scheduled court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court
Police quickly cordoned off the area, setting up white forensic tents outside the property while forensics teams spent hours gathering evidence. Officers maintained a heavy presence in Craigmount throughout the week. Detective Inspector Mark McGraw publicly reassured residents that there's no ongoing threat to the wider public, though patrols remain active to comfort shaken neighbors.
Who Was Vikki Soloman
Vikki Soloman built her life around helping others look and feel better. As the owner of an independent aesthetics clinic in Edinburgh, she established herself as a skilled practitioner with a loyal clientele.
Clients knew her as someone who cared deeply about high professional standards. She didn't just run a business; she campaigned for systemic change.
A Voice for Regulation in Parliament
Soloman recently brought her expertise directly to the Scottish Parliament. She gave evidence regarding the regulation of the independent aesthetics industry, urging lawmakers to enforce stricter safety guidelines for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. She spoke passionately about protecting vulnerable clients from untrained practitioners.
Personal Perseverance Against All Odds
Behind her professional success lay incredible personal resilience. Soloman openly shared that she lived with a physical disability while raising a disabled child as a single mother. Friends and colleagues described her as a fierce protector of her family who balanced heavy caregiving duties with building a respected business.
Floral tributes now line the pavement outside her Craigievar Square property. Bouquets of lilies and handwritten notes from neighbors, clients, and friends sit beside police tape.
The Legal Process at Edinburgh Sheriff Court
The 46-year-old suspect faces his initial petition hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.
Scottish criminal procedure follows strict statutory timelines once formal charges are laid. Knowing how this process works helps clarify what happens next in court.
The First Appearance on Petition
In Scotland, an initial court appearance following a murder charge happens behind closed doors in a procedure known as appearing "on petition."
During this hearing:
- The accused hears the specific charges brought against him by the Crown.
- He makes no formal plea of guilty or not guilty at this early stage.
- He receives representation from a defense solicitor.
- The Procurator Fiscal requests that the suspect be remanded in custody for further examination.
Remand and Committal Decisions
The Sheriff typically remands the accused in custody for up to eight days. Within those eight days, a second hearing—known as a full committal—takes place. At that point, the court decides whether to grant bail or remand the suspect until trial. Given the severity of a murder charge, bail is rarely granted.
The Route to the High Court of Justiciary
Because murder is an solemn offense carrying a potential life sentence, the case will eventually move from the Sheriff Court to the High Court of Justiciary, Scotland's supreme criminal court. That's where a formal trial by jury will take place if the accused maintains a plea of not guilty.
Community Impact and Domestic Safety Measures
Tragedies like this leave local communities grieving and anxious. Residents in Craigmount, a quiet suburb near Edinburgh Airport, express shock that such violence happened on their doorsteps.
Communities hit by sudden violent crime face real psychological fallout. Local support services emphasize the importance of seeking help if you or someone you know feels unsafe or traumatized by recent events.
How to Access Emergency and Crisis Support
If you're facing domestic abuse, feel unsafe at home, or need urgent assistance, these verified resources offer confidential, round-the-clock help across Scotland:
- Police Scotland: Call 999 in an emergency. For non-urgent crime reporting or community concerns, call 101.
- Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: Call 0800 027 1234 for 24/7 confidential support, guidance, and emergency shelter arrangements.
- Victim Support Scotland: Call 0800 160 1985 for free emotional and practical support if you've been affected by crime or violent incidents.
- Rape Crisis Scotland: Call 08088 01 03 02 for confidential support available daily from 5:00 PM to midnight.
What Happens Next in the Investigation
Police Scotland's major investigation team continues gathering evidence around Craigievar Square. Officers are actively reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding streets and interviewing neighbors who heard or saw anything suspicious around 8:45 PM on Monday night.
Anyone with relevant doorbell camera footage, dashcam recordings from Craigmount between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM on July 20, or direct information about the incident should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting the Craigievar Square enquiry.
Justice now rests with the Scottish legal system as prosecutors prepare their case for Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
