EXHIBIT 23(a)





                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP








  We consent to the  reference  to our firm under the caption  "Experts"  in the
  Registration  Statement (Form S-4) and the related Proxy  Statement-Prospectus
  of First Virginia Banks,  Inc. for the registration of 3,624,295 shares of its
  common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
  January 21, 1997,  with respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements of
  First Virginia Banks, Inc.  inccluded in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
  year  ended  December  31,  1996,  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange
  Commission.


                                   /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP


  Washington, D.C.

  March 26, 1997

                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)






                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



         We  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  Registration
  Statement  on Form S-4 of our report dated  January 15, 1997,  with respect to
  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Premier  Bankshares  Corporation
  incorporated by reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
  December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                Persinger & Company, L.L.C.



  Beckley, West Virginia

  March 26, 1997



                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(e)






                         CONSENT OF SCOTT & STRINGFELLOW



         We consent to the use,  quotation and summarization in the Registration
  Statement on Form S-4 of our fairness opinion dated  _________________,  1997,
  rendered  to the Board of  Directors  of  Premier  Bankshares  Corporation  in
  connection  with the merger of Premier  Bankshares  Corporation  with and into
  First Virginia Banks, Inc. and to the use of our name, and the statements with
  respect to us, appearing in the Registration Statement.


                                              Scott & Stringfellow, Inc.


                                              Gary S. Penrose
                                              Managing Director
                                              Financial Institutions Group

  Richmond, Virginia
  March 26, 1997