<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.5
------------
CONSENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
October 26, 2000
LeClair Ryan
707 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
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 rendered to the Board of Directors
of Community Bankshares of Maryland, Inc. in connection with its merger with F&M
National Corporation and the use of our name, and the statements with respect to
us, appearing in the Registration Statement.
Sincerely,
SCOTT & STRINGFELLOW, INC.
Gary S. Penrose
Managing Director
Financial Institutions Group