At 7.47am on Friday, some hours after the Yes campaign for an independent Scotland conceded defeat, furniture company, Made.com, sent out a marketing email, declaring it had launched in a new country – Scotland.

The email, decorated with the Scottish Saltire, stated, “Made.com has launched in a new country. Hot on the heels of our launch in the Netherlands just days ago, we’re pleased to announce that we’re now delivering to yet another new territory. Welcome to Made.com Scotland.” The ad included a special code to get a £10 discount off its blue Scottish-inspired products.

It then listed a number of items, including a blue and white Ryker rug, at £159, and a “Sports Luxe Stripe Cushion” – in blue and white – for £15.

The company had pressed send on an email that had been prepared for the Yes vote outcome and less than one hour later, it sent a second email titled, “Oops. Please ignore our last email”. This included a special code for a £10 discount off its British-inspired products.

Its message, decorated with a Union Flag, stated, “We accidentally hit send on an email we’d prepared in case of a ‘YES’ vote for Scottish independence. Scotland, it’s great to have you back!”

Tweeters then began to speculate that the ’mistake’ was an attention seeking device and an “epic marketing fail”.

But one Twitter quipped, “Oh dear what a terrible “mistake” by made.com – what will they do with all these extra visitors and exposure?!”

That one tweeter either worked it out or worked a way out for Made.com.

A little later, Made.com announced that the emails were “deliberate” in a statement: “It’s been a long week for us and we were gripped by last night’s referendum meaning a late night and some bleary eyes, but you guessed it; our emails this morning were deliberate. Scotland, we love you and hope no offence was caused.”