The Scottish Government is obliged to balance the books each year unlike Westminster and, so far, have managed this.
Savings and cuts obviously do have to be made elsewhere and there has been under investment in health generally, other areas of education, and local authorities have also been strapped for cash especially with the council tax freeze. As I say, there is quite a lot I disagree with but it doesn't mean that they are inefficient.

Also, I agree that the referendum has been a distraction and many Government policies have not been scrutinised by the electorate as their attentions have been elsewhere.

I should point out too that The SNP have only been in power for the last seven years and can't be held to account for everything which has occurred in the last fifteen years. The first term(2007), they were actually elected as a minority Government.

In my opinion, this is why further tax powers are important and SHOULD be used so as the Gov are responsible for raising the bulk of their own income. Then the electorate can choose(via the ballot box)and determine how this is spent. It may well be that they will still see free prescriptions(They don't actually cost an awful really as the majority of those on long term treatments, low income, over 60s never needed to pay anyway) and other of your so called "give aways" etc as a priority but, on the other hand, they might just prefer lower taxation.