One solution would have been to
save North Sea oil revenue instead of spunking it up the wall.
I'm also struggling to see what long term legacy has been left behind. I can't think of much as far as huge infrastructure goes. When you look at the enduring investments in the past the boomer generation's legacy is pretty weak.
Nothing to do with most individuals of course. Down to fatally flawed government policy using the future earnings of those who can't vote yet to buy the votes of those who can.