Thanks to Dottie again for this one:

From What can Scotland teach Andy Burnham about devolution? Scotland’s economy has outperformed its neighbours in Future Economy Scotland yesterday, the above and:

and:

and my favourite:

and:

Taken together, the evidence is difficult to dismiss. Whether measured by GDP, productivity, earnings, disposable income or the prevalence of low pay, Scotland has generally outperformed the UK since devolution. Across most of these measures, it sits at or near the top of the UK’s league table.

None of this proves that devolution itself caused these stronger outcomes. Scotland’s economy differs from England’s in important ways, and many factors influence economic performance. But it does discredit the claim that devolution has actively undermined performance. If devolving power inevitably weakened growth, Scotland would not consistently appear near the top of the UK’s economic rankings.

‘None of this proves that devolution itself caused these stronger outcomes?’

So, what could it be then. Here’s a thought – ‘SNP manages economy better than other parties do’

No media outlet is ever going to admit to that but making the case for it:

If Scotland had grown slower than other parts would the Scottish Government not have been blamed for that?

Yes, almost certainly. In politics, governing parties are routinely blamed (or credited) for economic outcomes regardless of the extent of their actual control. This is true across the UK, devolved nations, and most democracies. If Scotland had underperformed the UK or peer regions more clearly, the SNP would face heavy criticism from Unionist parties, media outlets, and commentators.

So, Scotland’s relative outperformance in post-2008 productivity and some long-term per head metrics, plus other success and better social indicators (e.g., child poverty), suggests devolved powers have been used competently in areas under control. Progressive policies have not destroyed growth and may have helped in equity/productivity channels. This counters the strongest anti-devolution claims.

Source: https://www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/554-what-can-scotland-teach-andy-burnham-about-devolution