Having struggled to hold down a regular place during Queens Park Rangers' chaotic spell in the Premier League, despite his popularity with R's fans, Mackie was keen to get away from Loftus Road over the summer and relished the chance to link up with Billy Davies and the Reds.
With a positive start to the season has also come the chance to re-establish himself at international level where the retirement of Kenny Miller opens up a space for a lone striker in Gordon Strachan's formation.
"Football goes round in circles and now it’s turned all the way back for me," Mackie told the Daily Record ahead of a double-header of World Cup qualifiers.