EXHIBIT 23(a)





                          CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP








We  consent to the  reference  to our firm under the  caption  "Experts"  in the
Pre-effective  Amendment to the Registration  Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-24003)
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. included 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.

  April 10, 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

  April 10, 1997



                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(e)

                                                                   April 2, 1997

Christopher M. Cole, Esq.
First Virginia Banks, Inc.
6400 Arlington Boulevard
Falls Church, Virginia 22042-2336



                         CONSENT OF INVESTMENT BANKERS
                         -----------------------------

Gentlemen:



           We  consent  to  the  use,   quotation  and   summarization   in  the
  Registration  Statement  on Form S-4 of our  fairness  opinion  dated April 2,
  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.



                                              Sincerely,


                                              Scott & Stringfellow, Inc.

                                              /s/Gary S. Penrose
                                               
                                              Gary S. Penrose
                                              Managing Director
                                              Financial Institutions Group