The previous chapter considered some of the relevant literature in relation to the ageing population, alongside other contributory factors that challenge the delivery of public services in Scotland today as well as identifying a gap. This chapter explains the research design that has been used to investigate the demographic context within which social care services are being delivered today and what factors are effecting their ability to deliver services designed to prevent increased demand from the ageing population with a Scottish local authority. The remainder of this chapter is structured as follows: (i) an explanation of the research design; (ii) a discussion of case study methodology; (iii) consideration of the philosophical assumptions that underpin this research; and (iv) the methods used to collect data.