It's possible that the instrument you saw and heard was a Hardanger fiddle. This is Norwegian and is also sometimes used in the Shetlands. It really sounds, looks, and plays quite different from a "true" fiddle. It has a second set of strings which resonate with the ones you finger. They are tuned to a traditional Norwegian tune that was used by Grieg in Anitra's Dance from the Peer Gynt Suite. The bridge is flatter than that of a "true" fiddle to facilitate playing double stops and to make clean bowing more difficult. It is often decorated with markings that make it look tattooed. I have played one but, as you may guess, I do not especially like it.

I agree with the earlier comment that most of the unpleasant sounds that come from a fiddle are due to problems with bowing. My advice is to practice the violin, with visible markers (not frets) if necessary, and learn to get the intonation right. Also, concentrate on the bowing to get a good quality of sound and expression. Some lessons might help.

Good luck!